22 ideas for the best day trips from Lisbon

Not only is the city of Lisbon a fun place to explore, full of history great food and beautiful architecture, but it’s also a great place to base yourself if you’re looking to explore more of Portugal since there are some awesome day trips from Lisbon.

Portugal, and Lisbon in particular, has great public transport which means you can get around the country with ease.

If you love history, you can do a Lisbon day trip to visit ancient castles and palaces in towns like Sintra and Évora. Or, if you’re more outdoorsy, check out the landscapes of places like Arrábida Natural Park, with its beautiful beaches and hiking trails.

I’ve personally been on many of these day trips from Lisbon and loved every one of them. Many take you to Portugal’s Silver Coast which is stunning!

I’ve explored historic streets, admired breathtaking views, and tasted delicious local cuisine. Each trip has been unique and unforgettable, and it has given me a deeper appreciation for the diversity of Portugal.

If you’re staying in Lisbon for longer than 2 days, I highly recommend looking at doing one of these day trips. and using Lisbon as a starting point to discover the wonders of Portugal. Below, I’ve included everything you need to know about it.

How to travel to these Lisbon day trip destinations

To travel to these Lisbon day trip destinations you can choose to rent a car or take public transport (trains and buses). If you’re a solo traveller or don’t want to drive or deal with public transport, you can also take a guided tour on many of these Lisbon day trips.

Day trips from Lisbon by public transport

Portugal has great public transit and since Lisbon is the capital, there are many train stations and bus stations with vehicles regularly leaving the city and heading out to the destinations on this list.

If you’re planning on doing a lot of day trips during your stay in Lisbon, you may want to book a Lisbon hotel near a major station to minimise your travel across the city.

Portugal car rental

For some of the day trips on this list, renting a car is the best way to go since they’re a bit harder to get to by public transport.

You don’t need a car in Lisbon itself, so I would recommend only booking a rental car for the day(s) you head out of the city.

I use comparison sites like DiscoverCars and RentalCars to book my car rentals as it’s easy to check prices and compare the best deals!

Best Lisbon day trips

Lisbon to Sintra day trip

One of the best day trips from Lisbon (and one of the most popular!) is to plan a Sintra day trip from Lisbon.

Just under an hour away by train, the magical Cascais-Sintra National Park and beautiful buildings including the Pena Palace. Pena Palace’s romantic architecture, vibrant azulejo tiles, and beautiful gardens filled with diverse plant species from around the world are just magical.

Sintra does get crowded, so be sure to read these top tips for visiting Sintra.

Beyond Pena Palace, Sintra has many other sites worth exploring.

The Castle of the Moors, the Moorish Monserrate Palace, and the enchanting Quinta de la Regaleira, a UNESCO World Heritage status site are all worthy of visiting.

At Quinta de la Regaleira, don’t miss the opportunity to descend into one of the mysterious Masonic initiation wells which is well worth seeing on Sintra day trips from Lisbon.

When in Sintra, the must-visit places include Pena Palace, the Moorish Castle, Sintra town itself and the Sintra National Palace, and Quinta da Regaleira. The Moorish Castle, perched on a hilltop, offers unparalleled coastal views on clear days.

How to get from Lisbon to Sintra

The easiest way to get to Sintra from Lisbon is by train and in fact, it’s one of the best day trips from Lisbon by train.

The roads in Sintra itself have lots of traffic and restrictions, and it’s a bit of a pain driving there. Instead, I’d recommend getting the train and then hiring an e-bike to explore Sintra which is what I did.

Check out this complete guide for more details on how to get to Sintra from Lisbon.

Alternatively, you can book this Lisbon to Sintra guided tour which includes your return transport and skip-the-line tickets to Pena Palace with a guide. This Sintra tour from Lisbon also takes you to visit Cascais and Cabo da Roca which are some other great day trips from Lisbon.

Cabo da Roca

Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of the European continent is a popular place to visit near Sintra and Cascais and is another great idea for a day trip from Lisbon.

There’s a lighthouse marking the point, a gift shop, a restaurant and plenty of hiking trails along this stunning stretch of coastline.

One of the best hikes is to follow the trail out to Praia da Ursa which is a beautiful beach!

AllTrails is my go-to hiking app for finding, planning, and navigating while I’m out on the trails. With offline maps on AllTrails+ you can be confident you’re still on the right track, even without mobile signal.

How to get to Cabo da Roca

Cabo da Roca is often combined with a trip to Sintra or Cascais and there are guided tours (like this one) which take you to all three places.

If you rented an e-bike in Sintra, you should have time during the day to bike out here like I did.

Alternatively, you can drive, or catch the 1253 bus from Sintra for this Lisbon day tours idea.

Day trips from Lisbon to Cascais

As the most upscale resort town along Portugal’s coastline, Cascais boasts grand mansions and beautiful parks and is a great idea for day trips from Lisbon by train.

Fun fact: The Cascais train station is Europe’s most Western train station!

Some of the best things to do in Cascais are to explore the old town, and then walk along the coastline to Boca do Inferno, enjoying the views and perhaps grabbing a drink before heading back to town.

There are several museums too which are worthy of checking out during your day trip to Cascais.

Or, if you want something more relaxing, grab a great lunch and a drink then chill out on one of the town’s beaches.

How to get to Cascais from Lisbon

The easiest way to get to Cascais is to catch the train there from Lisbon. The Lisbon-Cascais train goes regularly (roughly every 20 minutes) from Cais do Sodre in downtown Lisbon and you can pay using your VivaViagem card.

Alternatively, it’s about a 30-40 minute drive from Lisbon to Cascais.

Cascais is included in this great guided tour to Sintra and Cabo da Roca too if you don’t want to worry about arranging transport.

Praia da Guincho

Situated approximately five kilometres from Cascais, Praia da Guincho is a stunning beach.

With an 800-meter stretch of golden sand and sand dunes as its backdrop and impressive cliffs, this beach is especially pretty at sunset.

Praia da Guincho was even chosen as a location for the opening scene of the 1969 James Bond movie, “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service!”

If you’re a surfer, you’ll want to check out Praia da Guincho since it’s renowned for its large waves.

The beach has surfboards, kiteboards, and bodyboards to rent. You might want to rent a wetsuit too though since the Atlantic Ocean stays pretty cool all year round.

There are a couple of great beach bars just up from the beach where you can grab a drink with a view. Be sure to take cash though as lots of bars across Portugal don’t take cards!

How to get to Guincho from Lisbon

You can catch the train from Lisbon to Cascais and then rent a scooter or bike in Cascais (there are pay-per-minute bikes and scooters available) and cycle along the bike lane all the way to Guincho.

Alternatively, catch a bus from Cascais to Guincho, or rent a car and drive there from Lisbon yourself.

I use comparison sites like DiscoverCars and RentalCars to book my car rentals as it’s easy to check prices and compare the best deals!

Azenhas do Mar

Azenhas do Mar is a beautiful beach town that sits on top of the cliffs and rolls down towards the Atlantic Ocean.

Not only will you find beautiful beaches at Azenhas do Mar, but there is a super cool tidal swimming pool you can take a dip in (or just watch others in it).

There are several great restaurants in the town too, many with amazing views. One such restaurant is Restaurante Azenhas do Mar which has amazing views!

Azenhas do Mar is small in size so it’s more of a half-day trip unless you want to while away a few hours on the beach.

How to get from Lisbon to Azenhas do Mar

While public transportation is available between Lisbon to Azenhas do Mar, renting a car or joining a tour can make things much easier.

Renting a car provides flexibility and allows you to explore at your own pace, while this tour offers a convenient way to visit Azenhas do Mar along with other attractions like Sintra and Cascais.

Oeiras & Carcavelos beach

When it comes to choosing a day trip destination from Lisbon, Oeiras should be at the top of your list, even though many people often recommend nearby Estoril (you can easily do both if you wish).

I stayed in Oeiras for two weeks during my trip to Lisbon, and let me tell you, it’s absolutely fantastic.

While many people go to Cascais for a beach day from Lisbon, I actually think these two are way better (and they’re closer!)

Oeiras has an incredible beach just a few minutes walk from the train station. There’s a beach bar and a great pizza restaurant (Focus Italiano) nearby.

There is also a great pedestrian and bike-friendly path that stretches all the way to Carcavelos Beach, which is about 2.5 kilometres away from Oeiras Beach.

I honestly think it’s one of the best beach day trips from Lisbon.

Carcavelos Beach is a bit busier than Oeiras and it has loads of great restaurants and bars.

If you’re into surfing, you’re in for a treat!

Carcavelos Beach is known for its awesome waves, making it a perfect place to catch some surf. I actually took a surf lesson there, and it was an absolute blast!

How to get to Oeiras and Carcavelos from Lisbon

These two beaches are about 20-25 minutes away from Lisbon by train on the Cais do Sodre-Cascais train line. You can use your VivaViagem card to pay for the train.

Almada

A short ferry ride across from downtown Lisbon is the district of Almada which is well worth visiting for an afternoon or evening. It’s a great idea for day trips near Lisbon.

An evening trip here was one of the most memorable things we did during our trip to Lisbon and is one of the best Lisbon sunset spots.

Once you step off the ferry, explore the picturesque streets of Cacilhas, a lively neighbourhood known for its delightful seafood restaurants, or take a walk along the waterfront and up the free Panoramic Elevator of Boca do Vento before heading to the Cristo Rei statue on the hilltop.

This hue statue is much like Rio de Janeiro’s Christ the Redeemer and from up by the statue you get amazing views of Lisbon across the water from you and the 25 de Abril bridge.

There are also some museums in Almada that are worth visiting such as Musée Medieval and the Casa da Cerca art gallery.

For food be sure to check out Petisco da Lata Bistrô for dinner of canned fish and great bread and wine.

How to get to Almada from Lisbon

Catch the ferry from Cais do Sodre ferry station to Cacilhas and then walk around from there. You can use your VivaViagem card to pay for the ferry.

Belém

Belem is super close to Lisbon but since it’s not part of downtown Lisbon and since there are so many things to do there, I think it’s worthy of being included as a day trip from Lisbon.

When you visit Belem, there are some must-see places: Belem Tower, the Jeronimos Monastery and Pasteis de Belem. The impressive sites remind us of Portugal’s amazing maritime history and are protected as UNESCO World Heritage sites and the pasteis are just too tasty to miss!

Jeronimos Monastery is famous for its stunning late Gothic art. The monastery’s beautiful architecture makes it one of the most incredible places I’ve ever seen.

Make sure to buy your tickets for Jeronimos Monastery online in advance. The lines at the ticket entrance can be really long, so it’s better to be prepared.

The same goes for the Belem Tower if you decide to go up the tower itself. Though personally, I think you can get a good enough view of it without going inside and, if you want more, book one of the best sailing boat tours in Lisbon.

There is so much to do in Belem that you could easily spend a day there, but if you’re short on time, you can cram the highlights into half a day.

How to get to Belem from Lisbon

You can catch the train from Cais do Sodre to Belem and pay using your VivaViagem ticket (costs €0.50). Alternatively, you can catch the tram from near the station into Belem too. Or, take a walk along the waterfront.

Lisbon to Obidos

For something a bit different, head on a day trip from Lisbon to Obidos; a beautiful small medieval town.

Óbidos has a history that spans over 700 years, and it hasn’t lost its medieval charm.

When you arrive, you’ll be greeted by the old castle walls that encircle the entire city and some amazing views of the surrounding Portuguese countryside. Then, as you pass through the city gates, you’ll go under an arch with stunning white and blue Portuguese tiles.

Obidos also has an interesting literary interest and the town holds the UNESCO title of ‘city of literature’. The Literary Man Hotel, which opened in late 2015, proudly holds the distinction of being the largest literary hotel in the world, boasting a staggering collection of over 36,000 books!

You’ll find over 13 bookshops scattered throughout this tiny town, in unexpected spaces such as converted markets, churches, convents, and even a wine cellar. It’s a bookworm’s paradise!

And don’t forget to try a shot of Ginja de Obidos, a famous cherry liqueur that is served in a small chocolate cup.

How to get to Obidos from Lisbon

Obidos takes between 1 and 1.5 hours to get to from Lisbon depending on traffic.

You can take a direct bus from Lisbon’s Campo Grande bus station to Óbidos. Or rent a car and drive.

I use comparison sites like DiscoverCars and RentalCars to book my car rentals as it’s easy to check prices and compare the best deals!

Alternatively, you can take a guided tour to Obidos that also includes places like Fatima, Batalha and Nazare all in one day. It’s a great way to see some of these Portuguese towns if you’re short on time.

Lisbon Trip to Ericeira

If you’re seeking a laid-back fishing village with fantastic surfing opportunities for a relaxing day trip from Lisbon, Ericeira should be at the top of your list for a Lisbon day trip!

Ericeira features a cute downtown centre that can easily be explored on foot, and some great restaurants and cafes as well as surf shops and laid-back bars. The cobblestone streets and whitewashed buildings make it so photogenic.

However, the main attraction of Ericeira is undeniably its stunning beaches.

From Praia dos Pescadores to Praia do Sul and beyond, Ericeira is surrounded by beautiful sandy shores, with several beaches located within walking distance of the town.

You might not be surprised to learn that Ericeira is part of the World Surf Reserve and super popular with surfers from beginners to experts.

Every October there’s a surf competition and you can watch the surfers compete from the viewing deck at Ribeira D’ilhas; I highly recommend it!

How to get to Ericeira from Lisbon

Driving from Lisbon to Ericeira takes about 45 minutes.

I use comparison sites like DiscoverCars and RentalCars to book my car rentals as it’s easy to check prices and compare the best deals!

Alternatively, you can take a direct bus from Campo Grande bus station, which takes approximately 1-1.5 hours. Another option is to take the metro to Campo Grande or Sete Rios station and transfer to a bus heading to Ericeira

Nazare to Lisbon in a Day

The beautiful beach town of Nazaré is a great day trip from Lisbon and it’s well known by surfers and outdoor enthusiasts for being the destination of the mega wave!

During the summer, Nazaré is a picturesque beach town with winding streets, a long stretch of sandy beach, and stunning views. It’s the perfect place to soak up the sun and enjoy a leisurely day by the sea.

But, during the winter months, Nazaré truly stands out as a great place to visit. You can admire the colourful fishing boats before exploring the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazaré which is a shrine, efor the Virgin Mary.

From November to February, Nazaré becomes the stage where expert surfers tackle some of the world’s biggest waves. The “big wave” season attracts visitors from all over, eager to witness these incredible surfers in action.

While the giant waves don’t occur every day, you can keep track of the odds of seeing them on this site.

You can see the waves best from the Sitio headland. Here, you’ll find Forte de Sao Miguel where there’s a lighthouse and a museum showcasing the history of big wave surfing in Nazaré.

How to get from Lisbon to Nazaré

Nazaré is about an hour and a half north of Lisbon by car or a little under 2 hours (on average) by bus from Lisbon Sete Rios.

Omio is a great platform for booking European and UK travel on. You can check train and bus prices and schedules and book super easily!

If your time is limited or you prefer a guided experience, consider joining a tour that often combines Nazaré with other iconic sights such as Obidos, Fatima, or the monasteries.

These guided tours offer a convenient way to maximize your day trip from Lisbon, allowing you to avoid driving back and forth along the same roads.

Fátima

Fátima holds immense significance for Catholics and is considered one of the most important day trips from Lisbon for them but, even if you’re not a practising Catholic, it’s worth considering a visit to Fátima.

Why?

Fátima gained worldwide fame due to a Vatican-recognized miracle that occurred in 1917.

According to the accounts, the Virgin Mary appeared to have three children in the town!

Since then, Fátima has become a major Catholic pilgrimage site, attracting numerous visitors and even hosting visits from multiple popes.

Whether you seek a spiritual experience or are simply intrigued by the historical and cultural significance, Fátima offers a unique atmosphere worth exploring.

How to get from Lisbon to Fátima

To visit Fátima from Lisbon, you’ll need to either rent a car or take a bus which takes about 1.5 hours for both, each way.

I use comparison sites like DiscoverCars and RentalCars to book my car rentals as it’s easy to check prices and compare the best deals!

You can also book a guided tour if you don’t want to deal with booking transit tickets or renting a car.

You can combine a trip to Fatima with other day trips from Lisbon such as Obidos or Nazare since it doesn’t take long to visit.

Sesimbra

Sesimbra is a nice coastal town just a short distance from Lisbon and there are plenty of things to do there.

Start by checking out the castle which sits 230 m above the village and then head into downtown Sesimbra where you can take a kayaking tour, go dolphin watching or just enjoy a beach day.

When hunger strikes, you’ll find great restaurants along the Sesimbra boardwalk.

If you’ve driven to Sesimbra, take a longer route back to cross the impressive Vasco da Gama Bridge, Europe’s longest bridge, and enjoy the scenic drive.

How to travel to Sesimbra from Lisbon

To get from Lisbon to Sesimbra, you can take a bus from Lisbon’s Sete Rios bus station, which offers direct routes to Sesimbra. This journey takes approximately one hour.

Alternatively, you can drive from Lisbon to Sesimbra in a rental car by taking the A2 highway and following the signs. Driving usually takes about 45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

Arrábida Natural Park

Less than an hour’s drive south of Lisbon lies a hidden gem in Portugal: Arrábida Natural Park.

This pristine park is a paradise for outdoor lovers and active travellers. It’s the perfect place to go hiking, kayaking or just soaking up nature.

There’s also the town of Azeitão which is great if you love cheese and wine which is the home of Azeitão cheese. Also make sure you visit Sesimbra’s castle, which adds a touch of history and beauty to the area.

One of the best things to do here is to go on a kayaking trip to Arrábida Natural Park during which you can admire the views from the water as you paddle through the tranquil river systems.

Discover hidden caves and water inlets along the way, and if you desire, pack a picnic to enjoy on one of the secluded beaches.

How to get from Lisbon to Arrábida Natural Park

While you can technically reach Arrábida Natural Park by bus, it’s much easier to visit on a tour.

You can take a kayaking trip with transport from Lisbon, this full-day guided tour of the park, or this one that includes wine tasting.

You can also rent a car but it’s much easier to get around on a guided tour with an expert from the area.

Batalha Monastery

Step back in time to the 14th century with a visit to Batalha Monastery, a magnificent architectural marvel and one of Portugal’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The monastery is in the town of Batalha and showcases super impressive Gothic and Manueline styles.

Don’t miss the Unfinished Chapels, which, true to their name, are ornate chapels that were never completed with a roof! The effect is breathtaking, but you can only access them from outside the monastery.

How to get to Batalha Monastery from Lisbon

Batalha Monastery is just a 25-minute drive north of Lisbon so it’s perfect for a day trip. It’s best visited in combination with some of the other Lisbon day trips on this list including Obidos and Fatima.

You can also book a guided tour like this one that also visits Óbidos, Nazaré, and Fátima!

Alcobaça Monastery

The gorgeous Alcobaça Monastery was Portugal’s first-ever Gothic religious building and unlike, the Quinta da Regalera in Sintra, this monastery is usually pretty quiet and crowd-free.

Consecrated in 1252, the Alcobaça Monastery is famous for its connection to Portugal’s star-crossed lovers, King Pedro I and Inês de Castro (a bit like the Portuguese Romeo and Juliet!).

The monastery is about a 1.5-hour drive from Lisbon and makes a fun day trip in combination with the Batalha Monastery.

How to get from Lisbon to Alcobaça Monastery

You can either book a bus from Lisbon to the Alcobaça, drive yourself in a rental car, or book a guided tour like this one which goes to Obidos, Batalha and Fátima too.

It’s also included on a handful of multi-stop tours through central Portugal, like this one that also visits Óbidos, Batalha, and Fátim

Tomar and the Knights Templar

Discover the legendary home of the Knights Templar in the town of Tomar, Portugal.

Stepping into Tomar feels like entering a world of beauty, mystery, and history. The Convent of Christ complex is incredible, with beautiful architecture. It gives you just a little glimpse into the fascinating legacy of the Knights Templar.

If you choose to drive to Tomar make sure you check out the city’s aqueduct which you can walk along the top off. It’s pretty cool and a little bit scary!

There’s also the nearby Almourol Castle which is worth checking out and also has connections to the Knights Templar.

A day trip to Tomar is an extraordinary experience that immerses you in the rich history and legends of the Knights Templar. Discover their legacy, explore the architectural wonders they left behind, and unravel the mysteries of this captivating era.

How to get from Lisbon to Tomar

You can reach Tomar from Lisbon by train, car, bus, or tour, making it a very versatile option for day trips from Lisbon.

This guided tour to Tomar is a great way to combine lots of places to explore without having to worry about logistics.

Lisbon tour to Peniche and the Berlengas Islands

For a day trip from Lisbon, that combines beach vibes, and island adventure look no further than Peniche and the nearby Berlengas Islands!

Just an hour and a half away from Lisbon, Peniche is a popular fishing town with a unique atmosphere.

Explore the harbour and its fort, or witness world-class surf breaks at Supertubos. If you’re new to surfing, head to Baleal Beach for a beginner-friendly experience.

Peniche is also a great place to go if you want to visit the beautiful Berlengas Islands.

They’re just a 45-minute ferry ride away from the town and are surrounded by super clear waters and beautiful beaches. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the iconic São João Baptista Fort either!

During your trip, you might see the Bocage lizard or even spot common bottlenose dolphins during your boat trip from Peniche Marina!

How to get From Lisbon to Peniche

To get to Peniche from Lisbon you can drive or take a bus to Peniche (about 1.5 hours). You can book buses online here.

Once there, it’s worth booking a tour out to the Berlengas Islands so you don’t have to match up the ferry times with your fun and you’ll get to see a few extra places too.

You can also avoid having to plan transport completely by booking this guided tour with transport included from Lisbon.

Évora Day Trip from Lisbon

You can get to Évora from Lisbon by train which makes a great Lisbon day trip.

This pretty town is in the Alentejo region of Portugal and there’s so much to enjoy during your visit from ancient architecture to fascinating history.

One of the most famous attractions in Évora is the Chapel of Bones. Yes, you heard that right!

It’s a chapel decorated with real human bones, which might sound a bit creepy, but it’s definitely worth checking out.

Another must-visit spot is Évora Cathedral. You can climb to the top of the cathedral to get some amazing views of the city or learn a bit more about the Spanish Inquisition at the nearby museum.

My top recommendation for your day trip to Evora is to taste local wine and olive oil. The region is known for these products and so you simply can’t miss trying them!

How to get from Lisbon to Évora

Getting to Évora is easy. You can take a relaxing train ride from Lisbon and enjoy the scenic views along the way. Just make sure to book in advance as there are only a few trains a day.

Alternatively, you can join a guided tour that takes care of all the arrangements, so you can simply focus on exploring and having fun.

If you choose to rent a car or book this guided tour you can head out to the 7,000-year-old megaliths that lie outside of town. While this tour focuses more on wine tasting and other sights in the town.

Marvila Portugal

Marvila is a neighbourhood in Lisbon that’s becoming more popular thanks to its emerging craft beer scene.

If you love beers then you’ll want to check out this trendy area which is one of the best day trips in Lisbon.

Two of the best breweries in Marvilla are Dois Corvos Cervejeira and Cerveja Musa which serve up a range of beers and flavours.

But Marvila is more than just craft breweries.

It’s also a super cool place where you can find musical performances and other events it’s a great place to add to your list of things to do in Lisbon.

How to get to Marvila from Lisbon

To get from Lisbon to Marvila, you can take a bus from various locations in Lisbon, such as the Chelas bus station, to reach Marvila directly.

Alternatively, you can rent a car and drive from Lisbon to Marvila, which offers flexibility and convenience.

Coímbra

Known as Portugal’s “third city,” Coimbra offers much more than just a stopover between Lisbon and Porto.

Coímbra has a rich history and was even the capital of Portugal from 1139 to 1385!

On your trip to Coimbra, you should check out the University of Coimbra, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s housed in a former royal palace and is definitely worth exploring during your visit.

This walking tour is a great way to learn more about it.

The students of Coimbra University still wear robes, giving the place a touch of magic reminiscent of a Harry Potter novel. Be sure to climb the clock tower for breathtaking views and explore the Joanina Library.

This library is not only one of the most beautiful in Europe, but it also has a unique way of protecting its old books from insects—by housing a colony of bats! These nocturnal creatures play a crucial role in maintaining the library’s precious collection.

How to get from Lisbon to Coimbra

Coimbra is located about 2 hours north of Lisbon by direct train, which is by far the easiest way to get there. You can book trains online in advance here for this great one day trip from Lisbon.

National Palace of Mafra

Step back in time with a visit to Mafra to see the National Palace of Mafra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has been around for more than 300 years.

Originally planned as a humble friary, the palace grew in size thanks to newfound wealth and every corner of the National Palace of Mafra is a feast for the eyes. It’s the Rococo library that steals the show with its beauty and elegance though.

Although the National Palace of Mafra may be slightly off the beaten path from Lisbon, it is definitely worth the journey.

How to get from Lisbon to Mafra Palace

To travel from Lisbon to Mafra Palace, you can take a combination of public transportation. Start by taking a train from Lisbon’s Rossio station to Mafra/Ericeira station, and from there, you can take a local bus or taxi to reach Mafra Palace, which is located in the town of Mafra.

The entire journey typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the connections and waiting times.

Alternatively, rent a car and drive from Lisbon to Mafra yourself.

Or, you can book a guided tour from Lisbon to Mafra like this one which includes transport.

Can you do day trips from Lisbon to Porto?

Yes, it is possible to take a day trip from Lisbon to Porto, Portugal’s second city. However, it’s definitely worth spending a bit more time in Porto if you can. It would even make a great idea for weekend trips from Lisbon.

If you do decide to take a day trip to Porto from Lisbon, be prepared for a full day to enable you to travel there and visit the main things to do in Porto and then return back to Lisbon.

Porto’s Cathedral the busy Avenida dos Aliados and the Liberdade square are all worth seeing during your Porto day trip from Lisbon but don’t forget to wander along the riverside or try some Port!

Porto is a smaller city compared to Lisbon, making it highly walkable and easy to explore.

The train journey from Porto to Lisbon takes approximately 3 hours each way, so it takes a big chunk of your day. Trains between the cities are pretty regular though so you can leave early and return late.

You can book these trains in advance or book this guided tour from Lisbon to Porto so you don’t have to deal with booking transport yourself. This one includes visits to Obidos and Fatima too.

Can you do day trips from Lisbon to Algarve?

While it is technically possible to take a day trip from Lisbon to the Algarve, it is not the most practical option given the distance and the number of places you’ll want to see in the Algarve.

I spent two weeks in the Algarve recently and could have easily spent much longer exploring the beaches, hikes and pretty towns all up and down the coast.

The journey from Lisbon to the Algarve is quite long, with a travel time of about 3 hours each way by car or train. This means you would spend a significant portion of your day on transportation alone, leaving little time for actual exploration.

If you decide to drive it’s a pretty fun idea for road trips from Lisbon.

However, if you really want to see the Algarve in a day, this guided day trip is a good tour to take to see some of the highlights in the Algarve with return transport from Lisbon.

For more information on how to get from Lisbon to Albufeira in the Algarve read this post. It’s one of the great train trips from Lisbon.

FAQs about the best Lisbon day trips

Final thoughts on the best day trips from Lisbon

Lisbon has many awesome day trips that are perfect for exploring beyond the city. Whether you like history, beaches, wine, or adventure, there’s a day trip for you.

You can visit places like Évora, a medieval town with fascinating old buildings, or Sintra and Cascais, charming coastal villages with castles and beautiful beaches. Don’t forget to try the local wine and food and soak up the sun!

Some trips might take a bit longer to get to, but the incredible sights and experiences will make it worth the journey.

Consider joining guided tours to make the most of your time and learn from friendly local guides on day tours from Lisbon.

Looking for more Portugal travel guides? You’ll find them here.

Last Updated on June 29, 2023 by Hannah