5 Best Day Trips from Lisbon

Lisbon is a must-visit destination in Portugal and an ideal spot for further country exploration. Explore the most convenient options to organize your perfect day trip from Lisbon.

To organize day trips from Lisbon, you must first decide on the most comfortable type of transport for you. Below, I list the most popular ways to explore Portugal.

How to Get Around on the Day Trips from Lisbon

Depending on your budget, you can choose public transport, rent a car, or buy an organized trip with a guide to arrange day trips from Lisbon, Portugal. A mind map is a great tool to plan and structure these options clearly. There are options for moving around the country. Below, I have considered the most popular ways to explore the surrounding area, among which you can choose the one that will give you an unforgettable experience.

Public Transport

Public transport is the most affordable option for organizing a day trip from Lisbon. The city has excellent intercity communication, making it ideal for budget travelers. However, public transport takes quite a lot of time, which may be a challenge, especially when connecting different transport options. When organizing such a trip, always use Google Maps and check the current schedule, especially if you have or are on time.

Travel Tip: Always verify the bus and train schedules in advance on the official websites, particularly on weekends and holidays, as there may be restrictions.

Renting a Car

Those who value the flexibility of movement should rent a car to make the best day trips from Lisbon. This is the best way to explore any location and make historical or beach day trips from Lisbon at your own pace. However, this method will cost a decent amount of money. Car rental suits those who want to visit several places within one day while driving along remote routes. The car will allow you to get to remote places with a few tourists. This option can be dangerous in another country if you don't drive well enough. Also, in Portugal, parking problems are common and will cost extra money.

Travel Tip: Use a GPS or a reliable map app, as rural areas may have poor network coverage.

Purchasing Guided Tours

The best option for a troubleless journey is to buy day trips from Lisbon with a guide. This is ideal for those who prefer thoughtful routes where they can see all the major attractions. An organized tour is planned from start to finish, from the transport selection to the guide, who will tell you everything you need to know about each location. The experience guide will tell you many facts about Portugal’s culture and history, guaranteeing you will get the most out of your visit.

Travel Tip: For a more profound and personalized and personalized experience, choose a small group tour.

Best Day Trips from Lisbon

There are options for day trips from Lisbon for any request. The destinations below should be at the top of your list.

Sintra

Day trips from Lisbon to Sintra are ideal because it is close to the Portuguese capital and lies east of the Sierra de Sintra mountains, which divide it from the Bay of Biscay. Sintra is renowned for its many castles, lush gardens, parks, green vineyards, and stunning views of the mountains and sea.

A stroll through the city center can be the first activity on the Sintra sightseeing tour. Pena Palace is one of the city’s most well-known landmarks and must-visit spots. The 19th-century palace is one of Portugal’s Seven Wonders and a Sintra UNESCO World Heritage Site. The building looks like a toy because of its elaborate romantic architecture, many turrets, courtyards, and vibrant paintings.

Fatima

The Portuguese city of Fatima is a symbol of a religious miracle. In 1917, three children claimed to have seen the Virgin Mary here. The Catholic Church officially acknowledged the Fatima apparitions as a genuine miracle and the Mother of God. The visitors may see the three children’s relics, Lucia, Jacinta, and Francisco, who witnessed the Virgin Mary.

Hundreds of believers and nonreligious people feel inspired after visiting the Fatima Sanctuary. This massive structure has undeniable architectural significance. Don’t miss the Chapel of the Apparitions, where the shepherds saw the Virgin Mary appear. 

Cascais

Cascais is a seaside town that was a small fishing village in the middle of the 14th century. It became a city surrounded by the ocean, and fishing remains a significant industry in this area.

Cascais is among the top destinations for day trips from Lisbon for locals and foreign tourists. Its history is closely connected with the royal family, which moved here in the late 19th century. Reminiscences of past prosperity are safely kept until our times. For those who enjoy water sports, Cascais is the ideal location. There are excellent sandy beaches and luxury hotels along the coast of Estoril, which is famous for its casino. 

Evora

Evora, founded in 1166, is one of Portugal’s most beautiful cities, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Strolling through its historic center on day trips to Evora from Lisbon, shaped by the Moors and Romans, gives you a sense of eternity. These days, Evora is an outdoor museum where you can spend an engaging day taking in breathtaking views.

The old town of Evora is a maze of winding streets filled with traditionally painted homes and cultural and historical landmarks that blend perfectly with the surrounding area. 

Giraldo Square, in the center, looks like a typical Portuguese square. Today, there is a fountain in the square, from which eight major streets go. The fountain is where water from the Silver Water Aqueduct was first received. 

Nazare

Nazare is a well-known worldwide spot with 30-meter waves that break against the red lighthouse and observation deck. The wave is formed by an enormous underwater canyon that stretches for nearly 170 km with 5,000 meters depth. Nazare is split into two sections that are connected by a funicular. It is a great place to stroll and enjoy the scenery and the local architecture.

The upper part is the old city, and the main sights are here. The beach, gift shops, cafes, eateries, shops, and all the tourist amenities are in the lower part.

Travel Tip: For these day trips, don’t forget about comfortable clothing and shoes, as the sightseeing tours include long walks and the weather in Portugal is changeable.

If you are looking for more things to explore in Lisbon, make sure to check out my 'Lisbon Travel Guide'