12 Best Day Trips from Lisbon: The Ultimate 2025 Guide

The best day trips from Lisbon include fairytale Sintra (40 minutes by train), coastal Cascais (33 minutes by train), medieval Obidos (1 hour by bus), and world-famous Nazare with its giant waves (90 minutes by bus). Each destination offers something unique, from UNESCO World Heritage palaces to pristine beaches and traditional fishing villages that showcase the best of Portugal beyond the capital.

Lisbon sits at the center of some of Europe’s most diverse landscapes. Within a two-hour radius, you can explore ancient castles, surf world-class waves, taste award-winning wines, or simply relax on golden beaches. The hardest part? Deciding where to go first.

This guide covers 12 incredible day trips from Lisbon, organized by interest and including everything you need to plan your perfect escape.

Day Trips from Lisbon: Quick Comparison

Before diving into details, here is an overview of every destination to help you plan.

Destination	Distance	Travel Time	Best For	Transport
Sintra	30km	40 min	Palaces, history, gardens	Train from Rossio
Cascais	33km	33 min	Beaches, seafood, relaxation	Train from Cais do Sodre
Obidos	85km	60 min	Medieval charm, photography	Bus from Campo Grande
Nazare	120km	90 min	Giant waves, surfing, seafood	Bus from Sete Rios
Evora	130km	90 min	Roman ruins, wine, history	Train or bus
Fatima	130km	90 min	Religious pilgrimage	Bus from Sete Rios
Costa da Caparica	20km	30 min	Surfing, local beaches	Bus or ferry + bus
Ericeira	50km	60 min	Surfing, village charm	Bus from Campo Grande
Setubal	50km	45 min	Dolphins, beaches, wine	Train or bus
Sesimbra	40km	45 min	Fishing village, wine tours	Bus from Praca de Espanha
Mafra	40km	45 min	Baroque palace, library	Bus from Campo Grande
Cabo da Roca	40km	90 min	Dramatic cliffs, sunsets	Bus from Cascais or Sintra

Essential Day Trips from Lisbon

These two destinations should top every visitor’s list. Both connect directly to Lisbon by frequent, affordable trains.

Sintra: Portugal’s Fairytale Town

Sintra consistently ranks as the number one day trip from Lisbon, and rightfully so. This UNESCO World Heritage Site packs more architectural wonders into its misty hills than most countries offer in their entirety.

The town feels like stepping into a fairytale. Colorful Pena Palace crowns the highest peak, its red and yellow towers visible from Lisbon on clear days. Below, the mystical Quinta da Regaleira hides underground tunnels, secret grottos, and the famous Initiation Well. The ancient Moorish Castle offers panoramic views across the entire region.

What makes Sintra special: The concentrated density of world-class attractions sets Sintra apart. Within a few kilometers, you can explore a Romanticist palace, a mystical estate, a Moorish fortress, and a charming historic center filled with traditional pastry shops.

Practical information: Trains depart Rossio Station every 20-30 minutes. The journey takes 40 minutes and costs 2.45 euros each way. Once in Sintra, the 434 tourist bus connects the station to hilltop attractions (13.55 euros for unlimited rides).

For complete planning details, see our Sintra day trip itinerary guide. We also compare options in our guide to Sintra tours from Lisbon.

Pro tip: Arrive before 9am to avoid crushing crowds. Book palace tickets online in advance, especially for Pena Palace which requires timed entry.

Cascais: The Elegant Coastal Escape

Cascais offers everything Sintra does not: flat terrain, ocean breezes, and a relaxed atmosphere. This former royal summer retreat transformed from a fishing village into one of Portugal’s most charming coastal towns.

The historic center rewards casual exploration with cobblestone streets, traditional tile-fronted buildings, and excellent seafood restaurants. Just 2km west, Boca do Inferno (Hell’s Mouth) showcases dramatic cliffs where Atlantic waves crash through a collapsed sea cave.

What makes Cascais special: The combination of beach culture, elegant architecture, and easy accessibility creates the perfect low-key day trip. You can swim at Praia da Rainha, explore world-class art at Casa das Historias Paula Rego, and enjoy fresh fish by the marina, all without needing transport beyond your feet.

Practical information: Trains depart Cais do Sodre Station every 15-20 minutes. The scenic coastal journey takes 33 minutes and costs 2.45 euros each way. Everything in town is walkable.

For surf enthusiasts, our Cascais surfing guide covers the best breaks and conditions.

Pro tip: The 2.3km promenade to Estoril makes a perfect afternoon stroll. Rent bikes near the station to explore the coast toward Guincho Beach.

History and Culture Day Trips from Lisbon

Portugal’s rich history extends far beyond the capital. These destinations transport you through centuries of kings, queens, and sacred traditions.

Obidos: The Medieval Walled Town

Obidos looks like a movie set come to life. Complete medieval walls encircle a perfectly preserved town of whitewashed houses, cobblestone streets, and a castle now converted into a luxury hotel. For over 600 years, Portuguese kings gifted this town to their queens on their wedding day.

Walk the ancient walls for panoramic countryside views. Sample ginjinha, a sweet cherry liqueur served in chocolate cups, invented right here. Browse the bookshops that earned Obidos UNESCO Creative City status.

Practical information: Express buses depart Campo Grande station hourly and take 60 minutes (approximately 9 euros). The bus drops you directly outside the town walls.

Obidos combines perfectly with Nazare for a full day trip. Our Nazare and Obidos day trip guide details how to see both. For winter visitors, do not miss our Obidos Christmas Village guide.

Pro tip: Visit before 11am or after 3pm to avoid tour bus crowds. The magical atmosphere returns once day-trippers leave.

Evora: The Roman Heart of Portugal

Evora brings 2,000 years of history to life within its ancient walls. A remarkably intact Roman temple stands in the town center, while the haunting Chapel of Bones displays thousands of human skulls arranged by Franciscan monks. The UNESCO-listed historic center offers excellent restaurants serving Alentejo cuisine.

Beyond history, Evora anchors Portugal’s largest wine region. The surrounding countryside produces full-bodied reds and crisp whites that pair perfectly with regional dishes.

Practical information: Direct trains from Lisbon Oriente take 90 minutes (approximately 12 euros). Buses offer similar journey times from Sete Rios station.

For wine lovers, consider combining Evora with a wine tasting experience. Our wine tours guide covers the best options.

Fatima: Portugal’s Sacred Pilgrimage Site

Every year, millions of pilgrims visit Fatima, where three shepherd children reported visions of the Virgin Mary in 1917. The vast sanctuary complex includes two basilicas, the Chapel of Apparitions marking the exact vision site, and extensive pilgrimage grounds.

Whether you visit for faith or cultural interest, the scale and devotion visible here leave a lasting impression.

Practical information: Buses from Sete Rios take approximately 90 minutes (12-15 euros). Many visitors combine Fatima with Obidos and Nazare on a full-day tour.

Coastal and Surf Day Trips from Lisbon

Portugal’s Atlantic coastline delivers some of Europe’s best surf and most dramatic scenery. These destinations showcase the wild beauty that draws wave riders from around the world.

Nazare: Home of the Giant Waves

Nazare changed the surfing world forever. The underwater Nazare Canyon, extending 230 kilometers into the Atlantic and plunging 5,000 meters deep, creates waves that defy belief. In winter, swells regularly exceed 20 meters, with world records approaching 30 meters.

Even without monster waves, Nazare charms visitors with its traditional fishing village atmosphere. Women still sell dried fish on the beach in seven-layered skirts. Excellent seafood restaurants line the waterfront. A funicular connects the beach to Sitio, the clifftop neighborhood offering commanding views.

Practical information: Buses from Sete Rios take approximately 90 minutes (8-12 euros). By car, Nazare sits about 90 minutes north of Lisbon.

For surf enthusiasts and wave watchers, our comprehensive Nazare big waves guide covers everything from the science behind the waves to the best viewing spots. See also our biggest waves in Portugal article for the complete picture.

Our Obidos and Nazare Full Day Tour combines both destinations with expert local guides and comfortable transportation.

Pro tip: For giant waves, visit November through February. Check NazareWaves.com for forecasts before planning your trip.

Costa da Caparica: Lisbon’s Local Beach

While tourists crowd the Cascais line, Lisboetas head south to Costa da Caparica. This 24km stretch of Atlantic-facing beach offers something for everyone: family-friendly sections near town, surf breaks along the coast, and even clothing-optional areas at the southern end.

A small beach train runs along the coast during summer, connecting different beach sections. The northern beaches feel livelier with beach bars and restaurants, while southern sections offer peaceful stretches of sand.

Practical information: Take the ferry from Cais do Sodre to Cacilhas (10 minutes, 1.30 euros), then bus 161 to Costa da Caparica (30 minutes). Alternatively, buses run directly from Lisbon.

Our complete Costa da Caparica surf guide covers every beach, break, and practical detail you need.

Ericeira: Europe’s First World Surfing Reserve

Ericeira earned distinction as Europe’s first (and only) World Surfing Reserve in 2011. Seven world-class waves break along its 8km coastline, attracting serious surfers while maintaining authentic Portuguese fishing village charm.

Beyond surf culture, whitewashed buildings, narrow streets, and excellent seafood restaurants make Ericeira appealing even for non-surfers. The town maintains a more local atmosphere than tourist-heavy Cascais.

Practical information: Buses from Campo Grande take approximately 60 minutes (around 8 euros). Having a car opens up access to multiple beaches along the coast.

For beginners interested in learning, see our surfing in Lisbon guide.

Setubal and Arrabida Natural Park

South of Lisbon, the Arrabida Natural Park protects a stunning stretch of coastline featuring limestone cliffs, hidden coves, and crystal-clear water that looks Mediterranean rather than Atlantic. The port city of Setubal provides the gateway, offering its own attractions including a fish market, traditional seafood restaurants, and boat tours to spot resident dolphins.

Practical information: Trains from Lisbon take 45 minutes to Setubal. From there, reaching Arrabida’s beaches requires a car or taxi, as public transport is limited.

Consider our wine tasting tour at Sesimbra which combines wine country exploration with this stunning coastal region.

Wine Country Day Trips from Lisbon

Portugal produces exceptional wines at friendly prices. These destinations let you taste directly from the source.

Azeitao and the Setubal Peninsula

Just 40 minutes south of Lisbon, the Azeitao region produces Moscatel de Setubal, a sweet fortified wine unlike anything else in Portugal. Several historic quintas (wine estates) open for tours and tastings. The town itself charms visitors with traditional architecture and excellent local cheeses.

Practical information: Buses run from Lisbon to Azeitao, but a car provides flexibility to visit multiple wineries. Many visitors combine Azeitao with Sesimbra or Arrabida.

Our wine tasting tours guide compares the best options in the region.

Sesimbra: Fishing Village Meets Wine Country

Sesimbra sits where the Serra da Arrabida meets the Atlantic. This working fishing village maintains authentic character, with boats landing fresh catches daily that appear on restaurant menus hours later. Above town, a Moorish castle offers sweeping coastal views.

The surrounding hills produce excellent wines, making Sesimbra ideal for combining beach time with tastings.

Practical information: Buses from Praca de Espanha take approximately 45 minutes. Our Sesimbra wine tasting tour handles all logistics while showcasing the best the region offers.

How to Choose Your Lisbon Day Trip

With so many options, deciding where to go can feel overwhelming. Here is a simple framework based on your interests.

For first-time visitors: Start with Sintra. The palaces represent quintessentially Portuguese experiences you cannot replicate elsewhere.

For beach lovers: Choose Cascais in summer for easy access, or Costa da Caparica for a more local experience.

For surfers: Ericeira offers world-class waves, while Nazare provides spectacle even for non-surfers.

For history enthusiasts: Evora delivers Roman ruins and UNESCO heritage. Obidos offers medieval charm.

For photographers: Sintra and Obidos provide the most Instagram-worthy shots.

For wine lovers: Head south to Azeitao or Sesimbra for tastings straight from the source.

For families with children: Cascais offers flat terrain and calm beaches. Avoid Sintra’s steep hills with strollers.

Limited time? Combine Sintra with Cascais, or Obidos with Nazare, for a full day experiencing two destinations.

Our Sintra and Cascais Full Day Tour handles logistics while maximizing your time at both destinations.

Getting Around: Transport Options

By Train: Comboios de Portugal (CP) operates affordable, frequent trains to Sintra (from Rossio), Cascais (from Cais do Sodre), Setubal, and Evora. Purchase a Viva Viagem card (0.50 euros) at any station, then load fares as needed.

By Bus: Rede Expressos and other operators connect Lisbon to destinations trains do not reach, including Obidos, Nazare, Fatima, and Ericeira. Most buses depart from Sete Rios or Campo Grande stations.

By Car: Renting a car opens up flexibility, especially for wine country and Arrabida beaches. Driving in Sintra is not recommended due to narrow roads and limited parking.

By Tour: Guided tours eliminate logistics stress and often access places difficult to reach independently. They work particularly well for combining multiple destinations like Obidos and Nazare or adding wine tastings to your itinerary.

Best Time for Day Trips from Lisbon

Spring (April-May): Ideal conditions. Warm but not hot, fewer crowds, wildflowers blooming.

Summer (June-August): Hot and crowded, especially in Sintra. Best for beach destinations like Cascais and Costa da Caparica.

Fall (September-October): Excellent weather, thinner crowds, wine harvest season.

Winter (November-February): Best for Nazare’s giant waves. Sintra often foggy. Obidos hosts its famous Christmas Village (see our Obidos Christmas guide).

Frequently Asked Questions

Plan Your Perfect Day Trip from Lisbon

The Lisbon region offers something for every type of traveler. Whether you seek fairytale palaces, giant waves, medieval streets, or world-class wine, the perfect day trip awaits within easy reach.

For the ultimate experience, our expert-guided tours handle all logistics while providing local insights you would never discover independently. Explore our Sintra and Cascais tour, discover giant waves on our Obidos and Nazare tour, or combine coast and wine country on our Sesimbra wine tasting tour.

The hardest part is choosing where to go first.