Lisbon is an amazing place to start exploring on your first visit to Portugal. You get to see and taste all the amazing ingredients that make this country amazing. But if you’ve got more than a few days in Portugal, and room to spare in your itinerary, then you should absolutely take the time to venture outside the country’s capital to take in a few of its other towns. The good news is, the best day trips from Lisbon are very easy to get to, and are no more than two hours drive outside the city, so you can make it there and back just in time for a late Portuguese dinner. From beaches and medieval villages, to pilgrimage sites and castles, the area around Lisbon has a little something for everyone. So, now for the hard part… choosing which places to go first!
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Step into Obidos Portugal: historic home of bookshops and ginja
If you drive about an hour and a half north of Lisbon, you’ll find the town of Obidos Portugal. It looks so untouched by time that you’d never know this medieval town had come into the 21st century if it weren’t for the credit card terminals in the restaurants and shops, and the occasional car that makes its way slowly through the tiny, winding streets. This sweet fairytale town is well-known for a number of things. In 2015, UNESCO named Obidos among its Literary Cities, a distinction given to cities who show an uncommonly deep dedication to supporting literary education and the production, distribution, and/or preservation of literature. In that vein, you’ll find an incredible number of unorthodox bookstores scattered throughout the city – like a greengrocer-bookshop hybrid, or Portugal’s largest bookshop in a church.
Obidos is also fairly famous for producing ginja de Obidos, the region-specific name for a traditional sour cherry liqueur that you can find and enjoy all over Portugal. But it definitely tastes better here! Finally, Obidos is famous for its Medieval Market, a city-wide event that takes place over three 4-day weekends in July and August, when the people of Obidos and the surrounding area dig deep into their traditions to put on the most authentic Renaissance faire you’ve ever experienced. No matter what you’re into, Obidos has something for almost everyone, and is well-worth a visit on your next trip to Portugal.
Visit Fatima from Lisbon to follow the footsteps of pilgrims
Fátima is a tiny town in central Portugal, about an hour’s drive north of Lisbon. Fátima is an excellent day trip location since there is so much to see and do, but a day or two should suffice to visit the highlights. The town is a popular pilgrimage destination for Christians from all over the globe, and it is one of Portugal’s most visited holy locations. The Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to three shepherd children and performed a sequence of miracles, including the miracle of the sun, which was seen by almost 70,000 people.
This is a great day trip location from Lisbon, even if you are not a Christian. The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima is a breathtaking site that should not be missed. The general public is invited to visit this pilgrimage complex for free, but please remember to dress modestly because this is a sacred site. Make a point of visiting the Museu Interativo, a one-of-a-kind museum dedicated to the history and significance of Fátima. Make a day of it by taking a road trip to Fátima from Lisbon.
– Victoria, Guide your Travel
Peruse the museums and gardens of Santarem Portugal
If you’re staying in Lisbon for a while, don’t miss the chance to visit the historic city of Santarém Portugal. This beautiful city, set on a plateau with incredible views over the river Tagus, was once the capital of Portugal and home to the Royal Family.
It’s really easy to reach Santarém from Lisbon – it’s only about 80km away and takes just over an hour. If you have your own vehicle, it’s just up the E1. If you’re using public transport, there are plenty of regular buses which visit (be careful on Sundays or public holidays- the timetable is much more limited).
The Roman name for Santarém was Scalabis, and they made it one of the most important cities in Lusitania- their influence can still be seen today all over the city. Don’t be put off by the suburbs- they can look a bit rundown- it’s the pretty city centre you want to head for. There’s plenty of parking nearby, including motorcycle parking if you’re motorcycling in Portugal.
Spend some time exploring the quaint streets and marvelling at the number of churches. Don’t miss the Museu Diocesano, built on the site of a former Royal Palace, which holds hundreds of paintings, sculptures and other religious and historic works of art.
You can also enjoy great views from Jardim das Portas do Sol – where the castle used to stand (you can still see some of the old walls).
The best time to visit Santarém is in October, when the National Gastronomy Festival is held, the largest food festival in Portugal. Plenty of stalls, handcrafts and folklore will be there, as well as traditional dancing and other live events.
– Kat, Biker Girl Life
Explore fairytale castles in Sintra
Who needs Disneyworld when you can visit a town filled with real-life castles and palaces? Meet the Portuguese town of Sintra.
A Sintra day trip takes you just a few miles outside of Lisbon but it feels like a different planet. Unlike the bustling capital city with its labyrinthine alleyways and clanging trolley cars, Sintra is an oasis of lush, forest-covered mountains, exotic gardens, and grandiose palaces and mansions perched on hillsides.
The most well-known of the castles in Sintra is the colorful Pena Palace, famous for its yellow exterior and Moorish architecture. It’s a must-visit, but beware – show up early or else you’ll spend all day in line because of the crowds.
Another Sintra highlight is the Castle of the Moors. It’s Sintra’s only true castle, and is the oldest building there, dating back to the 8th century. The castle walls are perched high on a ridge overlooking the sea and out towards Lisbon.
Quinta da Regaleira is less popular but arguably the most interesting of Sintra’s estates. While the home itself is impressive, the star here is the gardens. The four acres of land were meticulously planned and cultivated by the estate’s owner. There are several special sites located throughout, such as the Initiation Wells. There are also underground tunnels that connect the garden’s various sites.
The easiest way to get to Sintra from Lisbon is by train – it’s a 40-minute trip one way. But because Sintra is so popular, the key is to leave Lisbon early to beat the crowds. Trains leave Lisbon starting at 7AM.
– Maggie, Pink Caddy Travelogue
Cabo da Roca and Estoril
If you have a full day to spend outside of Lisbon, linking Sintra together with Cabo da Roca and Estoril is the best idea. While of course, Sintra has plenty of attractions to tick off your bucket list, with its stunning and colorful palaces, the dramatic natural views one gets at Cabo da Roca are worth the extra drive.
Rent a car, book a private tour, or go there by public transportation – there are plenty of options to get around from Lisbon, Sintra, or Cascais to the westernmost part of Europe. The ocean view you get is simply breathtaking, while the red and white lighthouse dating back to 1772 offers the perfect background for an Instagram-perfect picture.
Because Cabo da Roca is set in the middle of the Parque Natural de Sintra-Cascais, you can also visit plenty of remote beaches and traditional villages, hike on trails along the ocean, or eat fresh seafood at one of the many restaurants on the seafront.
On your way back to Lisbon, stop and explore Estoril – one of the most sophisticated resort towns close to Portugal’s capital city. From the lush beaches, perfect waves for surf lovers, spa resorts, or golf courses, you can choose to spend here even more than just a few hours, without getting bored.
– Ingrid, IngridZenMoments.com
Enjoy a history, scenery, and a sea breeze in Porto Covo Portugal
There are plenty of beach options in Portugal, but as you head south those beautiful stretches of sand soon include amazing cliffs that add an entirely new element to your coastal wanderings. And wonderful, whitewashed Porto Covo Portugal has some of the best.
This gorgeous little fishing village marks the start of the famous Fishermen’s Trail, one of the best coastal hikes in all of Europe. Not only is the village itself located high up on some spectacular cliffs but you can also walk for hours in either direction exploring more dramatic drop-offs and rocky coves.
Beautiful Praia Grande is a huge Blue Flag beach (recommended for being scenic, clean and environmentally responsible) right next to town while Praia dos Buizinhos is nearby in the opposite direction and is a favourite destination of photographers for its wild cove of jumbled rocks. Praia do Salto is a little further out with a quiet, remote feel that attracts a nudist crowd.
Of course, there are other things to see besides great beaches. The historic centre of Porto Covo is neatly photogenic and, if you have time, it is worth heading south to the 17th century Pessegueiro Fort for a dose of history and some fantastic views out over Pessegueiro Island.
A great choice for trekkers, beach lovers, and day trippers alike, Porto Covo has mild weather in every season, making it a wonderful place to visit all year-round.
– Dean and Laynni, Routinely Nomadic
Take in the Serra da Arrabida and Parque Natural da Arrabida – and don’t forget your camera!
Aerial view to the beach of Portinho da Arrabida, Setubal. Portugal.
If you want to get away from the crowds of Lisbon for a while, there’s only one place to head – the Parque Natural da Arrábida.
This stunning piece of the world has beautiful blue waters, dramatic coastline and plenty of outdoor activities for you to enjoy. Even better, it’s just a 40 minute drive from Lisbon and is easily reached with public transport as well if you prefer. However, parking in the park is notoriously difficult, especially near any of the beaches.
If you want to visit a beach for the day, go extra early (Figueirinha, Galapos, or Galapinhos beaches are probably best to try first) but by late morning everywhere will be full on a sunny day between June and September. If you’re campervanning in Portugal, it can be even tougher as some of the spaces are tiny!
Also, be aware that some of the roads become one way during the summer – pay close attention to the signs so you don’t get it wrong. You learn these things quickly when campervanning through Portugal.
Just to make things more complicated, inside the Arrabida Natural Park, you’ll find Portinho da Arrábida (a very pretty port) and Serra da Arrabida (the mountains of Arrabida). There are also several other beaches, mountains and coves to explore – you can get a sea taxi to take you between ports if you wish.
You can also enjoy diving, canoeing, coasteering (with a guide), climbing, hiking or just lying on one of the incredible beaches with a good book.
Don’t miss lunch in Portinho da Arrábida – restaurant “O Farol” is a good choice.
– Kat, Wandering Bird
Ride some of those famous Peniche surf vibes
Peniche is, for surf lovers, one of the neural points in Portugal. Full of surf schools, cool hostels, and retreats that include other disciplines such as yoga scheduled all year long, this town has carved a name for itself on the world surf scene for reasons of its own.
Not only do I say it, but the world surf league has also included Supertubos beach (one of the most famous beaches of Peniche) in its circuit. Thus, the MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal is held every autumn in this sandy area and is a must-attend event for surf aficionados and professionals.
In addition to good waves for surfing, this town offers much more to the visitor than just that Peniche surf life. Highlights include wonderful natural and man-made attractions such as Cabo Carvoeiro, the Berlengas archipelago (ferries depart daily, take 45 min and cost 20€ return), the historic Peniche fortress, the beaches of Baleal Sul, Baleal Norte, and Praia da Consolação, its picturesque and lively fishing port and the cuisine that has made the country famous throughout the world. Ensure an entertaining day just 1h 35min from Lisbon Sete Rios station (approximate cost of the ticket: € 9) – or just over a 1 hour drive through Portugal – by putting Peniche on your itinerary. You will not be disappointed.
– Inma, A World to Travel
Step into history and the chapel of bones in Evora Portugal
Évora is an atmospheric and traditional Portuguese walled town in the heart of the rich and fertile wine producing region of Alentejo. Around one hour and 30 minutes from Lisbon, Évora makes a great day trip when you visit or road trip through Portugal.
So well-preserved are Évora’s historic centre and medieval walls, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Even so, this well-loved, but slightly off the beaten path tourist destination does not have pretensions of grandeur. Strolling the cobbled streets and squares gives a glimpse of what life may have been like here 50 years ago.
Sure, there are a few cute boutiques selling exquisite local handicrafts, and of course, the obligatory bodegas and cafes in which you can while away a few hours, but Évora remains firmly in and of itself, proud of its heritage but not bowed by it.
After the cidade histórica and ancient walls, the Chapel of Bones is probably Évora’s best known attraction. The 16th century chapel, part of the Royal Church of St. Francis, is adorned with bones, skulls, and entire bodies hanging from the walls – at least 5,000 of them! You will most certainly feel a shiver as you pass under the doorway into the chapel, where the carving above reads “Nós ossos que aqui estamos, pelos vossos esperamos” (We bones are here, waiting for yours).
– Izzy, The Gap Decaders
Head from Lisbon to Nazare for the beaches and the seafood
Located 124 kilometres north of Lisbon, the picturesque coastal town of Nazaré is a perfect day-trip destination from Lisbon. Its old-world charm and laid-back atmosphere offer a relaxing contrast to the hectic pace of the city.
The town is comprised of three distinct areas, all accessible on foot. Wander along the promenade bordering the sweeping sandy beach. Take the funicular up to the medieval hilltop village of Pederneira and admire the stunning view of the beach and adjacent collection of whitewashed, red-roofed houses as it unfolds below. Take a stroll out to the lighthouse overlooking the Praia do Norte, site of the monster waves that attract world-class surfers when the conditions are right.
With its rich traditions linked to fishing and the sea, traveling from Lisbon to Nazaré is a tantalizing destination for seafood lovers. Depending on the season, drying racks displaying a previous day’s catch can be observed along the beach. Or admire the brightly painted boats with their upturned prows, reminiscent of the traditional fishing boats launched from the beach before the harbour was built.
Nazaré is served by a direct bus service from Lisbon. It’s also within easy reach of the fascinating towns of Óbidos, Alcobaça, Fátima, and Peniche. With its reasonably priced accommodation options, Nazaré could be considered a handy base for exploring the area.
– Anne, Packing Light Travel
Tomar
Set roughly 1.5 hours by car from Lisbon on the A1 motorway is the small town of Tomar. Far away from the throngs of tourist that visit the Portuguese capital each year, this unassuming town is a pure hidden gem and a joy to visit!
Most notable is the fact that Tomar was once the seat for the Order of the Knights Templar and is also today known for the incredible Convento Cristo monastery perched up top a hill overlooking the city. This imposing 12th century monastery makes for a truly fascinating visit, thanks especially to its intricate and detailed Manueline style architecture.
Of course, the town itself is equally picturesque to explore and wander through. As you enter onto the main square known as the Praça da República that’s flanked by the São João Baptista church, be sure to head over to the nearby Taverna Antiqua for an awesome medieval-style lunch too.
Also be sure to check out whether your travels will coincide with the vibrant Festa dos Tabuleiros (the Festival of Trays) that takes place every 4 years and with the next one set for 2023. During this period, the entire town is adorned with colorfully bright decorations and flowers that line just about every street you walk through. Definitely a highlight of any visit to Tomar!
Walk through the history of Portugal: Obidos
