5 Best Day Trips from Lisbon

The country’s signature panache is woven through the steep hills, sprawling shores and historical cities of this European gem. If fabulous food, fairy tale castles and unspoiled beaches are your idea of heaven, you’ll be in nirvana with a day trip from Lisbon.

A wealth of unique treasures lie beyond the Portuguese capital, ready for exploration. Make the most of your time in Portugal by trying out our favorite day trips from Lisbon
 

Lisbon to Sintra

Sintra has a storybook feel to it. Travel to the town nestled among the lush, forested Serra Mountains and experience the magic of this breathtaking destination. Where else in the world can you peer down an enormous Gothic well, wander through mist-soaked forests and walk the ramparts of extraordinary castles?

Make a beeline for Palácio Nacional de Sintra. Swathed in Moorish, Gothic and Manueline elements, this royal palace has sights aplenty. Discover vibrant frescoes inside the Swan Room, peep at the wooden Sala dos Brasões showcasing the shields of more than 70 leading 16th-century families and take snaps of 15th-century geometric azulejos (tiles) which are believed to be among the oldest in the country.

Even more spectacular, Palácio Nacional da Pena towers over the town and draws the eye with its vivid yellow and pink onion domes and towers. This epic 19th-century masterpiece takes inspiration from German Romantic architecture in its whirl of colorful statues, battlements and terraces. Take the guided tour and discover the flamboyant features that adorn the interior and exterior, including the tile-clad old monastery and striking Triton arch.
 

Your eyes will widen further at Quinta da Regaleira. A neo-Manueline dream, this extraordinary villa and gardens was the brainchild of Portuguese businessman Carvalho Monteiro. While this grand Gothic house boasts ornate carved fireplaces and intricate frescoes, its fantasy-style grounds are where the real magic lies.

Peer into the 27-meter-deep Initiation Well, spiraling deep into the earth, admire the beauty of The Portal of the Guardians pavilion and trek along the network of underground tunnels and walkways.

Getting there:  Leave the city via the A5 then take the A9 north. Take the A16 exit and follow the road until exit 8. The journey from Lisbon to Sintra should take around 30 minutes by car.
 

Lisbon to Porto

Uncover the unique rhythm of life in Porto– a perfect example of a city blending the old with the new.

Fall in love with Riberia, the city’s charming medieval center that slopes from the hillside down to the Douro River. Lope through the characterful streets, awash with colorful houses, Baroque churches, and grand beaux arts buildings, basking in its beauty. Along the way, stop off at the city’s 12th-century Romanesque cathedral for incredible views across the medieval center and glittering river.

Juxtapose this with a trip to Casa da Música, the pulse of Porto’s contemporary cultural scene. Head inside the minimalist concert hall and take a tour of the auditorium, revered for its outstanding acoustics. If you’ve got time, pick up tickets for a live concert and witness a triumphant evening of music.

Porto is a playground for foodies. Retro cafés, family taverns and Michelin-starred restaurants all share a portion of the city’s culinary scene. Eat like a local at Flor dos Congregados , a family-run eatery tucked away down an alley in downtown Porto. It’s been dazzling diners for more than 160 years with its show-stopping Terylene sandwich. Order this monstrous dish for lunch and enjoy its succulent slow-roasted pork loin and smoked ham.

Staying in the city for dinner? Atmospheric Cantinho do Avillez has a site in both Porto and Lisbon for you to try. The menu takes pride in its Portuguese roots, whipping up classics with an imaginative twist, such as breaded flaked cod, veal risotto and octopus tartare.

Getting there: Porto is three hours north of Lisbon by car. Drive north along the E1, take the A1 and then exit towards C.po Alegre.
 

Lisbon to Évora

Enchanting Évora, located in the middle of the sun-baked Alentejo region, merits a day trip from Lisbon. Wander the city’s 14th-century walls and experience a slice of medieval Portugal.

Stroll along cobblestone lanes, past flower-filled squares, lavish tiled homes and pretty fountains, to Évora’s cathedral. Preserved in all its splendor, this fortress-like church is a showcase of Romanesque and Gothic influences. Wander through the entrance past ornate 14th-century sculpted Apostles and visit the beautiful cloisters. Back outside, round the corner to see the remains of a Roman temple. This landmark showcases Évora’s historic credentials, with the 2nd century Corinthian columns.

Sample some of the region’s finest foodie specialties at the plethora of restaurants on offer. Jump at the chance to dine on rich, local dishes. Think baked cheese, juicy lamb chops and grilled sea bass, all expertly paired with regional wine.

Getting there: Venture further into Portugal’s mainland with a trip to Évora, only 1 hour and 30 minutes away. Take the A2 out of the city and follow it all the way along. Merge onto the A6, before coming off at exit 5 and heading along the N114 towards Évora.
 

Lisbon to Praia da Marinha, Lagoa

It’s hard to resist the allure of the Algarve on Portugal’s south coast. Travel to the bewitching region and chase the sun along one of the country’s finest stretches of beach. Mother Nature was particularly kind to Praia da Marinha, gracing the beautiful bay with dramatic cliffs, white sandy beaches and deep blue waters.

Pack your swimming gear, picnic and a camera – the backdrop is every photographer’s dream. After soaking up the sunshine on the shore, head into the beautiful waters for a snorkeling expedition and get up close to local marine life.

Getting there: Follow the A2 south, then take the E1 towards the Algarve. At exit 15, merge onto the A22 and head along the road until you come to exit 7. From here, take the N125 towards Alcantarilha.

Lisbon to Cascais

Seaside towns don’t get more beautiful than this. Once a sleepy fishing village, the pretty port of Cascais is now a hive of activity, with boats bobbing in the harbor and tourists exploring the 15th-century fort. Breathe in the salty sea air as you stroll the fort’s perimeter and steal glances of the sparkling waters.

Leave the bustling marina behind and plunge deeper into the old town, steeped in history. Meander along artful patterned pavements and past rows of pastel-hued shops to one of the family-run taverns in the main square. Here you can dine alfresco under the shade of an umbrella and tuck into freshly grilled seafood.

After lunch, descend the cobbled streets to the golden bays that have established Cascais as one of the best beach destinations to visit while in Lisbon. Explore the Atlantic’s raw wild beauty at Praia do Guincho or stay close to Cascais at Praia da Conceição, a long sandy stretch on the resort’s doorstep.

Getting there: Head west out of the city and drive along the A5. At exit 12, continue on the N9-1 towards Cascais. Just 40 minutes away from the Portuguese capital by car, it’s an easy day trip to make from Lisbon.

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