The capital of Portugal, Lisbon, has become increasingly popular over the last few years, and it’s easy to see why. Not only does it boast vibrant colonial architecture, but it also has a thriving nightlife. What’s more, the presence of a stunning sandy coastline means that it certainly gives other European favorite cities a run for their money! While there’s nothing like digging into Lisbon’s cuisine, soaking up the sun, or walking its cobbled streets, you might also want to explore the surrounding region. The best day trips from Lisbon, Portugal, take you to a wide range of destinations ranging from heritage sites with castles and palaces and artsy destinations to romantic ones and even surfing hubs. Our list of the 13 best day trips from Lisbon, Portugal, will certainly inspire you to explore beyond this wonderful capital city.
Table of contents
Sintra, Cabo da Roca and Cascais
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This Sintra, Cabo da Roca and Cascais Full-Day Tour is one of the best day trips from Lisbon, Portugal. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sintra is one of the must-visit small towns in Europe. Walk along the medieval streets and drive through the national park to see Pena Palace, chalets, Monserrate Palace, Moorish castle, and unique and rare fauna. The mystical Quinta da Regaleira is next and is enveloped by luxuriant caves, lakes, and gardens. Finally, continue to continental Europe’s westernmost point, Cape Roca. As you travel along the Atlantic coast, your final stops are in the towns of Estoril and Cascais, which were once retreats for European aristocracy and the royal family.
- Tour duration: 8-8.5 hours
- Distance from nearest city/town: 1 hour from Lisbon
- Transportation: Minivan/Bus
Fátima
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If you want to take a short day tour out of Lisbon, we’d suggest this amazing Fátima Half-Day Tour. It’s famously home to the magnificent Our Lady of Fatima Basilica, built in 1953. The basilica is said to contain the tombs of the three children who’re said to have seen the Virgin Mary. You’ll fall in love with the ornate and stunning white marble interior, and you can even attend mass here. Later on, the tour takes you to the many sites related to the religious apparitions that Fatima is famous for throughout the town. If you want to experience this unique spiritual town, this half-day tour is perfect.
- Tour duration: 5 hours
- Distance from nearest city/town: 1.5 hours from Lisbon
- Transportation: Minivan/bus
Tomar, Christ Convent & Almourol Castle
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The Tomar, Christ Convent & Almourol Castle Tour is one of the best day trips from Lisbon, Portugal. Helmed by a local guide, this tour first heads to the Templar Castle and the Convento de Cristo Monastery in Tomar. Walk the town’s streets next, admiring the synagogue, which is Portugal’s oldest. After walking around the town on your own, it’s a delicious local Portuguese lunch next. The next stop is Constância, where the famous Portuguese poet Luís de Camões is said to have lived. Soak in the magnificent views of the confluence of the Tejo and Zêzere rivers. Finally, take a short boat ride on the serene Tagus to the unique Almourol Castle, which you can explore on your own.
- Tour duration: 9 hours
- Distance from nearest city/town: 1.5 hours from Lisbon
- Transportation: A/C van with Wi-Fi
Nazaré Waves and Village
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Water and surfer babies, this Nazaré Waves and Village Private Full-Day Tour is one for you. After an early start, the tour heads straight to the traditional fishing village before going to the wave-watching site. Here, you can plop down on the sand and watch the magnificent waves, which are seen best between October and March. Next, explore the adjacent Forte S. Miguel Arcanjo before stopping for a delicious seafood lunch at one of the local restaurants. If there’s still time after lunch, you can continue watching the waves until it’s time to head back to Lisbon.
- Tour duration: 9 hours
- Distance from nearest city/town: 1.5 hours from Lisbon
- Transportation: A/C vehicle
Évora
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This Full-Day Évora Wine Tour is one of the best day trips from Lisbon, Portugal. It takes you to the capital of the Alentejo province and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The first stop is the charming whitewashed Old Town, where you’ll visit the Roman Temple, Evora’s most famous landmark. You’ll also see one of Portugal’s most important gothic monuments, the Cathedral of Évora. After exploring sights such as the Saint Francis Church, Capela dos Ossos, University of Évora, and the Évora market, the final stop is Herdade do Esporão. It’s home to one of Portugal’s most important wine cellars, where you’ll get to taste fine wines.
- Tour duration: 10 hours
- Distance from nearest city/town: 1.5-2 hours from Lisbon
- Transportation: Minivan/Bus
Berlenga Grande
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Since 1465, the natural reserve, including the island of Berlenga Grande, has been protected by the Portuguese government. In fact, it’s also a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and this is the place you’ll see on the Berlenga Grande Sightseeing Tour. Your friendly guide picks you up, after which you head to Berlenga Grande by bus and then via a comfy boat. First, you’ll explore some amazing trails before heading to the gorgeous and dramatic sea caves. Your final stop is the magnificent fortifications at Fort of S. João Baptista, which was the first line of defense for the citizens of this archipelago for centuries.
- Tour duration: 9 hours
- Distance from nearest city/town: 1.5 hours from Lisbon
- Transportation: Minivan and boat
Belém
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This Belém and City Highlights Full Day Tour with Guide is one of the best day trips from Lisbon, Portugal. This tour first takes you to Belém and its amazing sights, such as Padrão dos Descobrimentos, the Belém Tower, Jerónimos Monastery, and the Pastel de Belém, one of the country’s most famous pastries. The second part of the tour takes you to Mercado da Ribeira, continuing towards the city’s largest viewpoint in Parque Eduardo VII. Not only does it offer breathtaking views of the city and the ocean, but it’s also the perfect place to take mesmerizing photographs.
- Tour duration: 8 hours
- Distance from nearest city/town: 20 minutes from Lisbon
- Transportation: Rental car
Cristo Rei, Arrabida, and Setubal
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This Cristo Rei, Arrabida, and Setubal Day Trip is one of the best day trips from Lisbon, Portugal. The tour is a treat for the five senses, where you get to try regional sweets, cheese, and wine and feast your eyes on the magnificent landscape. Your tour begins with crossing the Tagus River over the iconic 25 Abril bridge, Europe’s longest bridge, and the world’s 27th-largest suspension bridge. You’ll see Cristo Rei, a giant Christ statue drawing inspiration from Rio de Janeiro’s Christ the Redeemer, complete with fabulous views of Lisbon. The next stop is Vila Nogueira de Azeitão, famous for regional sweets, cheese, and its wine cellar. Finally, it’s time to explore Arrabida National Park, driving along Portugal’s highest mountain road. Before wrapping up the tour with a Palmela Castle visit, enjoy delicious lunch in Setubal, the center of Portugal’s aquaculture.
- Tour duration: 8 hours
- Distance from nearest city/town: 1/2 an hour from Lisbon
- Transportation: A/C vehicle with Wi-Fi
Mafra, Ericeira & Queluz
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This Mafra, Ericeira & Queluz Day Tour is one of the best day trips from Lisbon, Portugal. The tour is a history-rich one and first takes you to the heritage convent-palace in Mafra, a.k.a. the National Palace of Mafra. The awe-inspiring complex comprises a convent, a basilica, and the royal palace and was the former residence of the royal family. It’s also home to the Mafra Palace Library, one of the world’s most spectacular libraries. Your next stop is the pretty fishing village of Ericeira, complete with a historic center, narrow streets, cliffs, and the stunning Ericeira beach. Finally, travel inwards to Queluz and its 18th-century national palace, often called the “Portuguese Versailles.” It sits on what are the most important historical and interesting gardens in the country.
- Tour duration: 8 hours
- Distance from nearest city/town: 45 minutes from Lisbon
- Transportation: A/C vehicle with Wi-Fi
Porto
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Porto is perhaps one of the most famous cities in the country, as you’ll learn on this Discover Porto Tour from Lisbon. Porto is the place that gave Portugal its name and boasts a UNESCO World Heritage Site of a historical center. Spend an entire day exploring the top things to do and see in Porto, such as the 18th-century Igreja e Clérigos Tower, Porto Cathedral, and the Lello bookstore. However, the highlight is the beautiful Sao Bento Railway Station with 20,000 azulejo tiles, which is considered one of the world’s most unique train stations. Enjoy lunch in the historical center before visiting a wine cellar and enjoying a boat trip to see the seven spectacular bridges that Porto is famous for.
- Tour duration: 10 hours
- Distance from nearest city/town: 3.5 hours from Lisbon
- Transportation: A/C vehicle with Wi-Fi
Tagus River Cruise
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There’s nothing like seeing a city from the water, as you’ll discover on this Tagus River Yellow Boat Tour. On this boat trip, you’ll enjoy unique views of Lisbon and its surrounding region. The tour begins in downtown Lisbon, or Terreiro do Paço, where you’ll pass under the iconic and historic 25 de Abril bridge. Then, it’s on to Belém, one of Lisbon’s most interesting quarters, where you’ll see some of the most famous monuments. These include the Padrão dos Descobrimentos and Torre de Belém, but from the water! After the long tour, the boat heads back to Terreiro do Paço, where you can admire the stunning Lisbon landscape. It’s no wonder that this is one of the best day trips from Lisbon, Portugal.
- Tour duration: 1 day
- Distance from nearest city/town: N/A; this tour is in Lisbon itself.
- Transportation: None; you meet at the Terreiro do Paço Boat Station.
Obidos Medieval Village
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If you’re a lover of everything historical and medieval, you should head on this Obidos Medieval Village and Monasteries Tour. The charming town of Óbidos is one of the most impressive walled cities in the world. Nazaré on a day trip from Lisbon. You get to explore the Baroque monastery of Alcobaça and the Gothic monastery of Batalha, both excellent examples of medieval architecture. After stopping at the picturesque seaside village of Nazaré, this tour heads to the 12th-century catholic monastery complex of Alcobaça, which was once the place where Portuguese royalty was laid to rest. Finally, the tour ends at the Batalha monastery with its imposing Manueline Gothic architecture.
- Tour duration: 8 hours
- Distance from nearest city/town: 1 hour from Lisbon
- Transportation: A/C car
Sesimbra Kayaking
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Are you fond of kayaking? Then this Full-Day Sesimbra Kayak Tour with Picnic is one of the best day trips you can take from Lisbon, Portugal. The tour begins in Lisbon and takes you via a vehicle to the small fishing village of Sesimbra. Start off paddling from its port, after which you cross the turquoise green waters to cross beautiful cliffs and caves to reach the wild and inaccessible beach of Ribeiro do Cavalo. Spend an entire day on the beach with an included picnic lunch of juices, sandwiches, water, and fruits. The tour also offers snorkeling masks to explore the exotic marine life and corals underneath the water. Plus, you can also enjoy beach games.
- Tour duration: 8 hours
- Distance from nearest city/town: 40 minutes from Lisbon
- Transportation: Vehicle, kayak
Just So You Know
- Lisbon’s picturesque and iconic yellow trams draw inspiration from USA’s trams. In fact, they were called “Carros Americanos” for a very long time! Elevador Da Glória, part of this unique transportation system, is one of the world’s most exciting funicular rides.
- The pretty Alfama district in the city hosts the bi-weekly market of Feira Da Ladra every Tuesday and Saturday. It’s famed as one of the best flea markets in the world. Incidentally, both Alfama and the market rank amongst the top things to do in Lisbon.
- Lisbon is a very gay-friendly city and home to one of the world’s best gay beaches. Gay travelers might also want to check out the top gay-friendly Lisbon hotels.
