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Best Day Trips from Lisbon: Discover the Most Beautiful Towns Near the City

Lisbon is a fantastic city, but its surroundings offer incredible day trips filled with history, nature, beaches, and cultural experiences. Whether you’re looking for a fairytale palace, a medieval town, stunning coastal landscapes, or world-class surfing spots, there are plenty of must-visit destinations just a short trip from Lisbon. Here’s a guide to the best towns to explore near Lisbon, easily accessible by train, bus, or car.

Sintra – Portugal’s Fairytale Town with Castles & Palaces

📍 40 min by train from Rossio Station

Sintra is one of the best day trips from Lisbon, famous for its storybook palaces, lush gardens, and breathtaking landscapes. The Pena Palace, with its vibrant colors and stunning hilltop location, looks straight out of a fantasy novel. The Quinta da Regaleira, an enigmatic estate filled with secret tunnels and the mystical Initiation Well, is a must-visit for curious travelers. And don’t miss the Moorish Castle, a medieval fortress offering panoramic views over the Sintra mountains.

What to Do in Sintra

  • Visit the Pena Palace, Portugal’s most colorful and iconic palace
  • Explore the mysterious Quinta da Regaleira and its underground tunnels
  • Hike up to the Moorish Castle for breathtaking views

Cascais & Estoril – Lisbon’s Coastal Escape

📍 35-40 min by train from Cais do Sodré

If you’re looking for beaches near Lisbon, Cascais is a top choice. Once a summer retreat for Portuguese royalty, this charming coastal town offers golden beaches, a lively marina, and scenic ocean views. Just next door, Estoril is home to the legendary Casino Estoril, the inspiration behind James Bond’s Casino Royale.

What to Do in Cascais & Estoril

  • Relax on the beaches of Cascais and Estoril
  • Visit Boca do Inferno, a dramatic coastal rock formation
  • Try your luck at Casino Estoril, Europe’s largest casino

Óbidos – A Medieval Walled Town Straight Out of a Fairytale

📍 1h by car or bus

Óbidos is a perfect day trip from Lisbon for history lovers, known for its cobbled streets, medieval walls, and a stunning hilltop castle. Walking through this charming town feels like stepping back in time.

What to Do in Óbidos

  • Walk along the castle walls for stunning countryside views
  • Stroll through the narrow medieval streets lined with whitewashed houses
  • Try the local Ginjinha, a cherry liqueur served in a chocolate cup

Setúbal – Dolphins, Seafood, and Hidden Beaches

📍 50 min by train or car

Setúbal is a hidden gem near Lisbon, known for its delicious seafood, vibrant port, and the chance to see wild dolphins. It’s also the gateway to the Arrábida Natural Park, where you’ll find some of Portugal’s most beautiful beaches with crystal-clear waters and dramatic cliffs.

What to Do in Setúbal

  • Take a boat tour to spot wild dolphins in the Sado Estuary
  • Relax on the secluded beaches of Arrábida
  • Enjoy fresh seafood and Azeitão cheese, two local specialties

Évora – Ancient Roman Ruins & Wine Tasting in the Alentejo

📍 1h30 by train or car

Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of Portugal’s most historic towns, offering a mix of Roman ruins, Gothic architecture, and incredible food and wine.

What to Do in Évora

  • Visit the Temple of Diana, one of Portugal’s best-preserved Roman monuments
  • Explore the eerie Chapel of Bones, where human skulls line the walls
  • Enjoy a wine tasting in the Alentejo region, famous for its bold red wines

Nazaré – The World’s Biggest Waves & Surfing Paradise

📍 1h30 by car

Nazaré is a must-visit destination for surf lovers, home to the biggest waves ever surfed, some reaching over 30 meters (100 feet) high. Even if you’re not into surfing, the town’s authentic fishing village charm, golden beaches, and delicious seafood make it worth a visit.

What to Do in Nazaré

  • Watch surfers take on the world’s biggest waves at Praia do Norte
  • Visit the Fort of São Miguel Arcanjo for a spectacular ocean view
  • Try fresh seafood, especially the local grilled sardines

Tomar – The Mysterious City of the Templars

📍 1h30 by train

Tomar is one of Portugal’s most fascinating historical towns, once the headquarters of the Knights Templar. Its Convento de Cristo, a UNESCO-listed fortress-monastery, is one of the most important monuments in Portugal.

What to Do in Tomar

  • Explore the Convento de Cristo, a stunning mix of Gothic, Manueline, and Renaissance styles
  • Wander through Tomar’s medieval town center and discover Templar symbols
  • Learn about the mysteries of the Knights Templar

All these places are easy to reach from Lisbon by train, bus, or car, making them perfect for a day trip or weekend getaway.

Tag us on Instagram @Colive and share your favorite moments from your trip. Whether it’s a stunning castle in Sintra, a breathtaking view in Nazaré, or a hidden beach in Setúbal, let’s explore together!

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