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Lisbon is a city that exudes charm, history, and vibrant culture, but if you have the time, venturing beyond its borders can reward you with some of the best day trips in Europe. From romantic hilltop villages to dramatic coastal escapes, Lisbon’s surrounding areas are brimming with must-visit destinations. Here's your expert guide to the best day trips from Lisbon in 2025, complete with transport options and guided tours that include pick-up from Lisbon.
Sintra: A Fairytale Journey
Just a 40-minute train ride from Lisbon, Sintra feels like a magical kingdom with its lush forests and whimsical palaces.
Highlights:
Pena Palace: A colorful, dream-like castle perched atop the Sintra mountains.
Quinta da Regaleira: Famous for its mysterious Initiation Well and labyrinthine gardens.
Sintra National Palace: One of the oldest palaces in Portugal, featuring stunning azulejos (Portuguese tiles).
Sintra beaches: The most Western point of Europe is in Cabo da Roca located in Sintra.
Transport from Lisbon:
By Train: Take the Sintra Line train from Rossio Station in central Lisbon. Trains run every 15-30 minutes, and the journey takes about 40 minutes.
By Car: Drive via the IC19 motorway; it takes around 30-40 minutes, but parking in Sintra can be limited.
Guided Tour: Opt for a Sintra & Cascais Full-Day Tour with hotel pick-up in Lisbon. These tours often include visits to Pena Palace, Cabo da Roca, and Cascais, with all transport and guides provided. Prices range from €60-€90 per person.
Pro Tips:
Arrive early to beat the crowds.
Book your palace tickets online and beforehand to avoid the lines.
Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the steep, cobbled streets.
Cascais: Sun, Surf, and Elegance
Head west for a 30-minute train ride from Cais do Sodré station and discover the coastal elegance of Cascais.
Highlights:
Guincho Beach: Known for its strong winds, perfect for surfers.
Boca do Inferno (Hell’s Mouth): Dramatic cliffs with stunning views of the crashing Atlantic waves.
Cascais Marina and Old Town: Wander through the narrow streets lined with boutiques and cafés.
Transport from Lisbon:
By Train: Take the Linha de Cascais train from Cais do Sodré Station. The journey takes about 30 minutes, with scenic coastal views along the way.
By Car: Drive via the A5 motorway for about 30 minutes, though parking can be a challenge near the town center.
Guided Tour: Combine a visit to Cascais and Sintra in a full-day small-group tour that includes hotel pick-up. It usually covers Cabo da Roca, Sintra's palaces, and Cascais, with prices from €70-€100 per person.
Pro Tips:
Bring a jacket, as it can get breezy by the sea.
Rent a bike and ride the scenic coastal path between Cascais and Guincho.
Évora: A Journey Back in Time
For history lovers, Évora is a must-see. Located 1.5 hours by train or car from Lisbon, this UNESCO-listed town in the Alentejo region is like walking through a living museum.
Highlights:
Roman Temple of Évora: A well-preserved 1st-century Roman temple.
Capela dos Ossos (Chapel of Bones): Adorned with human bones and skulls, reflecting the transient nature of life.
Évora Cathedral: An impressive Gothic cathedral with views of the countryside.
Transport from Lisbon:
By Train: Trains depart from Lisbon's Oriente Station to Évora. The journey takes about 1.5 hours, with several trains running daily.
By Car: Drive via the A6 motorway; it takes around 1.5 hours.
Guided Tour: Join an Évora Full-Day Tour from Lisbon, which often includes hotel pick-up, a guided visit to the Roman Temple, Cathedral, and wine tastings at a local vineyard. Prices range from €70-€100 per person.
Pro Tips:
Take a guided walking tour to learn about Évora's rich history.
Don’t leave without sampling Alentejo’s famous wines.
Arrábida Natural Park: Nature’s Hidden Gem
Escape to the wilderness with a trip to Arrábida Natural Park, about 40 minutes south of Lisbon by car. This protected area boasts stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and dense forests.
Highlights:
Praia da Figueirinha: A tranquil beach with calm, shallow waters.
Portinho da Arrábida: A small bay known for its beautiful marine life—great for snorkeling.
Convent of Arrábida: A 16th-century monastery offering magnificent views of the park and coastline.
Transport from Lisbon:
By Car: The easiest way to reach Arrábida is by car via the A2 motorway, which takes about 40 minutes. Public transportation options are limited, and driving gives you flexibility to explore different beaches and trails.
By Bus: Buses run from Lisbon to Setúbal, the closest major town to Arrábida. From Setúbal, take a taxi or local bus to reach the park.
Guided Tour: Take a Day Tour to Arrábida and Sesimbra with pick-up from Lisbon, which typically includes stops at Arrábida’s beaches, Sesimbra’s castle, and wine tasting. Prices range from €70-€90 per person.
Pro Tips:
If you love hiking, explore one of the park’s trails for incredible views.
Try the local seafood, especially the caldeirada (fish stew).
Óbidos: A Medieval Wonderland
A one-hour drive or bus ride from Lisbon, Óbidos is a picture-perfect medieval town enclosed by fortified walls.
Highlights:
Óbidos Castle: Walk along the medieval walls for views of the town and surrounding countryside.
Ginja de Óbidos: Try the local cherry liqueur served in edible chocolate cups.
Literary Town: As a UNESCO City of Literature, Óbidos hosts many literary events and festivals throughout the year.
Obidos Medieval Fair
Transport from Lisbon:
By Bus: Take a Rede Expressos bus from Sete Rios Bus Terminal in Lisbon. The trip takes about 1 hour, and buses run regularly throughout the day.
By Car: Drive via the A8 motorway; it takes around 1 hour.
Guided Tour: Book an Óbidos Half-Day or Full-Day Tour with hotel pick-up from Lisbon, which often includes stops at nearby towns like Nazaré or Fátima. Prices range from €50-€80 per person.
Pro Tips:
Visit in July for the Medieval Fair, or in spring for the Chocolate Festival.
Explore the narrow cobbled streets and soak in the medieval atmosphere.
Nazaré: Portugal’s Surfing Mecca
Known for its gigantic waves, Nazaré has become a world-famous surfing destination. But beyond the surf culture, Nazaré offers stunning coastal views, a quaint old town, and incredible seafood.
Highlights:
Praia do Norte: The iconic beach where world-record-breaking waves are surfed.
Nossa Senhora da Nazaré Sanctuary: A revered pilgrimage site.
Miradouro do Suberco: A viewpoint offering breathtaking views of Nazaré's beaches and cliffs.
Transport from Lisbon:
By Bus: Buses run from Lisbon's Sete Rios Bus Station to Nazaré and take about 1.5 hours.
By Car: Drive via the A8 motorway for around 1.5 hours.
Guided Tour: Book a Nazaré and Óbidos Day Tour, including hotel pick-up in Lisbon. These tours often visit both Nazaré’s giant waves and Óbidos’ charming medieval streets. Prices range from €60-€90 per person.
Pro Tips:
Visit between October and March to witness Nazaré's legendary big-wave surfing.
Try fresh seafood at one of the beachfront restaurants.
Fátima: A Spiritual Pilgrimage
Fátima, one of the most important Catholic pilgrimage sites in the world, attracts millions of visitors annually. Located just over an hour from Lisbon, it's known for the 1917 apparitions of the Virgin Mary.
Highlights:
Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima: The spiritual heart of Fátima, featuring a basilica, chapel, and expansive es
Practical Tips for Day Tripping from Lisbon
Transportation: Many of these destinations are easily accessible by train or bus, but guided tours with pick-up from Lisbon offer hassle-free options if you prefer not to navigate on your own.
Best Time to Go: Spring and early autumn are ideal for day trips, offering pleasant weather without the summer crowds.
Local Delicacies: Each region has its own culinary specialties, from Sintra’s almond pastries to Cascais' fresh seafood.
Conclusion
Lisbon in 2025 is a perfect launchpad for exploring some of Portugal’s most fascinating day-trip destinations. Whether you're drawn to medieval history, scenic coastlines, or the tranquility of nature, these easy escapes offer a taste of Portugal beyond the capital. With a variety of transport options, including guided tours with pick-up from Lisbon, your adventure is sure to be stress-free and unforgettable!
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