6 Day Trips from Lisbon
Not your first time in Lisbon? Staying for a few extra days? Simply not a city person? Then you might be considering exploring what lies outside the city.
Get ready to swap the hustle and bustle of Lisbon city centre for the peace of natural heavens and to be transported to different time in History in beautiful Unesco World Heritage sites.
1. Sintra — Where you’ll feel like royalty
Sintra is a picturesque town filled with extravagant places, ancient castles and stunning scenery.
It’s only 25km from Lisboa and is connected by a regular train service (40min from Rossio railway station). The fairytale-like Pena Palace is the highlight of any day-trip to Sintra. The historic centre, the Moorish Castle, the National Palace, Quinta da Regaleira and Monserrate Palace are also on the must visit list.
💡 Pro tip: Sintra is often crowded with tourists so we advise you to start the trip early in the morning and purchase entry tickets beforehand to avoid standing in long queues.
2. Cascais — A charming beach town
Cascais is the finest resort town of the Lisbon coastline and makes a perfect hassle-free day trip.
The town is set along a beautiful coastline of sandy beaches and rocky headlands. Guincho beach, Cabo da Roca (the westernmost point of mainland Europe) and Rainha beach are some of the places not to be missed. Cascais is connected to Lisbon by a direct train from Cais do Sodré train station, which ends in the centre of the town. A single train ticket costs 2.30€.
3. Óbidos — Lose yourself in a medieval town
Óbidos is one of the most charming and picturesque towns of central Portugal.
It’s a walled town filled with traditionally painted houses, narrow cobbled streets and a castle. You can’t leave town without tasting the famous liquor Ginjinha (often served in a chocolate cup). It’s just 80km from Lisbon. The best way to get to Óbidos is by bus, which you can take at Campo Grande metro station. It will take you less than an hour to get there and it runs everyday, several times a day.
4. Mafra National Palace— Can you spot a bat in the 18th-century library?
Mafra is small town only 30km to the northwest of Lisbon renowned for its Royal Palace, Basilica and Convent, considered to be the most important Baroque building in Portugal. It spreads along 38.000m, comprising 1.200 rooms, 4.700 doors and windows and 156 stairs.
In the vast complex we can find six historic organs, an important 18th-century library with around 38.000 volumes (and its own colony of protecting bats), and an 18th-century hospital.
5. Arrábida — Dive into the turquoise clear waters
You’ll find some of the most beautiful beaches of Portugal with golden sands, crystal-clear sea waters and surrounded by the steep hills of Serra da Arrábida Natural Park.
Praia dos Galapinhos, Portinho da Arrábida or Ribeira do Cavalo — a secluded beach you can only access either by boat or through a small winding trail — are just some of the gorgeous beaches you can discover.
You’ll need to drive to get to Arrábida and it will take you around 40 minutes.
6. Cristo Rei Statue — Get to the top for some great views
The 110-meter statue of Christ spreading its arms toward Lisbon stands on the southern bank of the Tagus River. From the viewing platform you’ll get wonderful views of over the river, the 25 de Abril bridge and the entire city.
You won’t need a whole day for this visit, a morning or afternoon are enough. The best way to travel to the statue is to catch the ferry from Cais do Sodré to Cacilhas, and then take the 101 bus from there to the statue.
