Discover seven cities to visit on a day trip from Lisbon
Portugal is a land of rich history, stunning landscapes and vibrant culture. It offers a multitude of fascinating destinations for travellers to explore. The most visited destination of all is the capital, Lisbon, which besides its attractions and monuments, constantly has events going on and plenty to explore.
But if you’re in Lisbon and want to explore new places, did you know that there are many nearby towns that you can visit in a day trip? In this article, we’ll give you our seven suggestions for cities to visit on a day trip from Lisbon. Check them out and come with us!
Visit Sintra
Just 30 kilometers north-west of Lisbon lies the stunning town of Sintra, a real holiday fairytale. Surrounded by forested mountains, Sintra is famous for its majestic palaces, such as the National Palace of Pena, a 19th century masterpiece with a mix of architectural styles and vibrant colors. The lush gardens and panoramic views provide a truly memorable experience.
The city is also known for its pastries. Don’t miss out on the famous “Travesseiros” or “Queijadas de Sintra”, typical sweets of the town.
Visit Cascais
Portugal’s west coast is graced with beautiful seaside towns and Cascais is a jewel among them. Just 30 kilometres west of Lisbon, this charming seaside town features golden beaches, a picturesque marina and a historic centre full of charm. Visitors can stroll along the cobbled streets, enjoy fresh seafood in seafront restaurants and take in the relaxed atmosphere of an authentic Portuguese seaside town.
For those who want to visit Cascais and Sintra in the same day, there are plenty of itineraries already in place. Be sure to check out our tour, which also includes Estoril, another charming city.
Visit Setúbal
Setúbal is perfect for history lovers as it is full of old squares, Gothic churches, ruins and castles. Besides its stunning beaches and panoramic views of the “Serra da Arrábida”, Setúbal is known for its delicious seafood cuisine. One of the city’s best-known dishes is the famous “Choco Frito”, a fried shellfish served with lemon.
Visit Óbidos
Just 85 kilometres north of Lisbon you will find the enchanting town of Óbidos, a real voyage back in time. With its narrow streets and whitewashed houses, Óbidos is an attractive destination for lovers of history and culture. Visitors can walk along the medieval walls, visit Óbidos Castle and explore the local craft shops, where they can find ceramics, fabrics and other unique souvenirs.
You can try the “Ginjinha” of Óbidos, a traditional and famous delicacy from this charming town. It is made from sour cherries, macerated in cane brandy, sweetened with sugar and flavoured with spices such as cinnamon and cloves. The result is a sweet and aromatic drink with a unique and comforting flavour.
Visit Nazaré
Nazaré is known for having the biggest waves in the world, which draw surfers from all over the world during the winter months. The best time to spot them is between October and March. It’s the perfect visit for those who love nature and surfing. The Atlantic Ocean displays its full force with waves up to 30 metres high.
The city also has a rich cultural heritage, reflected in its narrow streets, white houses and lively fish market. Visitors can explore the local sights, such as the Santuário de Nossa Senhora da Nazaré (Sanctuary of Nazaré), and savour the delicious regional cuisine in seaside restaurants.
Visit Évora
Évora is a place of great culture and Lisbon’s location makes it an ideal starting point for visiting the Alentejo region. Some important places to visit are:
- The Roman Temple is one of the largest of the enormous legacies of the Roman Empire that have survived to the present day. Despite being destroyed over the centuries, the Temple still shows the classic lines of Greek and Roman art.
- Chapel of Bones: the second most visited tourist attraction in Évora. A little gloomy – the walls and ceiling are lined with bones – but it has many symbolic elements.
Discover all of Évora’s historical heritage with our 1-day tour “Alentejo”, including a wine tasting.
Visit Fatima
Fatima is the perfect city for a day trip from Lisbon, as it is located about an hour north of the capital. The journey is made by many Catholics, mainly because it is one of the largest centres of the Christian religion in the world.
The Shrine of Fatima is one of the main Catholic shrines in the world and includes the Chapel of Apparitions, the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, the Prayer Area and the Basilica of the Holy Trinity.
Travel with us on these day trips from Lisbon
As you can see, there are several charming cities that can easily be visited on a day trip from Lisbon, offering a real experience for those who seek to discover new places within a short space of time.
These are just seven of the options, but there are many other interesting places to explore on a day trip from Lisbon, depending on your interests and time available. If you’re not sure which one to choose, we’ve got you covered! Send us a message about your preferences and availability and we’ll help you. Do not miss out on visiting Portugal and its beautiful secrets. Visit now!
