While there is a seemingly endless list of things to do in Lisbon, exploring beyond the city limits will allow any traveller to dive even deeper into Portugal’s rich culture. In this article we will outline some of our absolute favourite cities and towns in Portugal, all conveniently accessible from Lisbon. Whether you’re seeking a taste of Portugal’s rich history or simply craving a breath of fresh air by the sea, these excursions are sure to leave a lasting impression!
Do you want to explore even more of Portugal? Make sure to check out all of our Portugal city guides, our delicious guide to Portugal’s best food and our guide to the best time of year to visit Portugal! We’ve got everything you need to prepare for your next visit to Portugal!
1. Estoril
25km West of Lisbon
Estoril is a stylish seaside resort town famed for its grand casino, sandy beaches, and the Estoril Circuit, which has hosted numerous Formula One Portugal Grand Prix. You can reach Estoril with a quick 30 minute train ride from Lisbon’s Cais do Sodré station, making it the perfect place for a quick day trip from Lisbon.
2. Sintra
30km West of Lisbon
Sintra is a UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its 19th-century Romanticist architecture, historic castles, villas, and the picturesque Sintra Mountains. Everyone who goes to Sintra must visit Pena Palace and the Moorish Castle for breathtaking views. The train from Rosio station in Lisbon will take you to Sintra in about 40 minutes.
3. Cascais
30km West of Lisbon
Once a small fishing village, Cascais is now a popular coastal resort town known for its beautiful beaches, bustling marina, and charming old town. It’s a perfect place to escape the bustle of the city and soak up the ocean air, the sandy beaches and the historic town center. Cascais is just a 40 minute train ride from Lisbon’s Cais do Sodré station.
4. Azeitão
35km South of Lisbon
Azeitão is a picturesque village known for its vineyards, olive groves, and beautiful country estates, as well as its traditional cheese and pastries. A perfect day trip from Lisbon would include a delicious wine tour paired with a delicious lunch of cheese and tortas, followed by an afternoon exploring the Natural parks. There are buses that travel to Azeitão in roughly 40 minutes.
5. Mafra
40km Northwest of Lisbon
A day trip to Mafra is actually a day trip to the Palácio Nacional de Mafra. This palace monastery is a monument in itself, with its Baroque and Italianized Neoclassical architecture and is one of Portugal’s most important architectural works from the 18th century. There are buses from Lisbon’s Campo Grande station that will get you to Mafra in around 45 minutes.
6. Sesimbra
40km South of Lisbon
Sesimbra is a charming fishing village known for its pristine beaches, excellent seafood restaurants, and picturesque harbor. Visitors can relax on the golden sands of Praia do Ouro or hike to the medieval castle overlooking the town. You can travel to Sesimbra by bus from Lisbon’s Sete Rios bus station or by car. Both options will take between 40 minutes to an hour.
7. Setúbal
50km South of Lisbon
Setúbal is a bustling port town with a lovely historic center, renowned for its seafood restaurants and proximity to the Arrábida Natural Park. The direct train from the Roma-Areeiro Station will get you to Setúbal in about an hour, making it perfect for a day trip from Lisbon.
8. Ericeira
50km Northwest of Lisbon
Ericeira is a coastal town recognized as a World Surfing Reserve, with a series of beaches that offer some of Europe’s best surfing conditions. It’s also known for its whitewashed houses and vibrant fishing community. It’s a perfect day trip from Lisbon for those who love surfing, but also onlookers and seafood lovers! There is a train leaving from Lisbon’s Campo Grande station to Ericeira taking about an hour.
9. Óbidos
85km North of Lisbon
Óbidos is a postcard-worthy town known for its narrow cobblestone streets, whitewashed houses, and colorful flowerpots. Visitors can stroll along the town’s ramparts, visit the imposing Castle of Óbidos, and drink the famous Ginja liqueur in chocolate cups. There is a bus taking a little over 1 hour that leaves from Lisbon’s Campo Grande station.
10. Nazaré
120 km North of Lisbon
Famous for its record breaking waves and traditional fishing culture, Nazaré is a coastal town with a unique charm. Visitors can watch surfers take on the legendary waves at Praia do Norte, explore the colorful fishing village, and sample fresh seafood at one of the local restaurants. In 1.5 hours you can enjoy a truly unique day trip from Lisbon by taking the train from Sete Rios station.
11. Batalha
120 km North of Lisbon
Batalha is renowned for its late Gothic UNESCO World Heritage monastery (Mosteiro da Batalha), built to commemorate the Battle of Aljubarrota. Visitors should plan their day trip from Lisbon around this site, complimented by a nice lunch in the small medieval town. Batalha can be reached in 2 hours by bus leaving from Lisbon’s Sete Rios Station.
12. Évora
130 km East of Lisbon
The entire town of Évora has been honoured with a UNESCO World Heritage status. Thanks to its well-preserved Old Town, medieval cathedral, Ancient Roman temple, and its incredibly eerie, but fascinating Chapel of Bones. Visitors can take a very easy 1.5 hour train ride from Lisbon’s Entrecampos Station.
13. Fátima
130 km North of Lisbon
the town of Fátima is home to one of the most important Catholic shrines in the world. The Shrine of Fátima is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and attracts millions of pilgrims every year. It is also home to a grand Basilica and the Chapel of the Apparitions. You can take a bus to Fátima from Lisbon’s Sete Rios Station in around 2 hours.
14. Tomar
140 km North East of Lisbon
Home to the incredible Convent of Christ, Tomar is a historic city with deep ties to the Knights Templar. A truly unique option for a day trip from Lisbon, visitors can explore the intricate architecture of the convent, stroll through the charming old town, and learn about the city’s rich Templar heritage. Travellers can take a 2 hour train from the Santa Apolónia Station in Lisbon
15. Peniche + Berlengas Islands
160 km Northwest of Lisbon
Located along Portugal’s Silver Coast, Peniche is a coastal town known for its stunning beaches and excellent surfing conditions. Visitors can relax on the golden sands of Praia do Baleal, explore the historic center and take a boat trip to the Berlengas Islands, a nature reserve teeming with marine life. Peniche is also famous for its fresh seafood. There are regular bus services from Lisbon that take about an hour, but you plan to visit the islands you will need plan for an 45 minute boat ride.
16. Coimbra
200 km North of Lisbon
Home to one of the oldest universities in the world, Coimbra is a historic city with a rich cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the university’s impressive campus, wander through the charming historic center and visit local taverns. With its blend of history, academia, and cultural significance, Coimbra offers a perfect day trip from Lisbon. There are direct trains leaving from both Lisbon’s Santa Apolónia or Oriente Station that take roughly 2 hours.
17. Aveiro
250 km North of Lisbon
Dubbed the “Venice of Portugal,” Aveiro is a charming city known for its network of canals, quaint bridges, and vibrant Art Nouveau architecture. Visitors can take a leisurely boat ride along the canals in traditional Moliceiro boats, explore the historic center with its colorful buildings and lively markets, and sample the local specialty, ovos moles (sweet egg pastries). There is a direct train from Lisbon’s Santa Apolónia or Oriente Station to Aveiro that takes about 2.5 hours.
More Articles About Travelling to Portugal:
17 Amazing Day Trips from Lisbon. Portugal
Top 13 Things to do in Porto – A Definitive Guide
Top 18 Things to do in Lisbon – A Definitive Guide
Portuguese Food – 17 Must-Try Foods in Portugal
The Top 11 Beaches in Portugal – From Algarve, Madeira & Beyond
Visit Portugal: Exploring the Best Things to See & Do in Portugal
Leah Warner
Leah has been living in and exploring Madrid since 2013 when she moved to the city for a simple summer abroad. She started the Citylife Blog in 2014 with the goal to share everything there is to know about her favourite place on earth!
