When you wish to take a respite from wandering the hilly, cobblestoned streets of Lisbon, consider visiting one of these six exceptional destinations for a delightful day trip.
Featuring surfing excursions, romantic hill towns, burgeoning art enclaves, and heritage sites, venture beyond the Portuguese capital with any of these remarkable day trips, all within two hours’ travel.
1. Sintra
Travel time: 40 minutes
Enchanting and enchanting, Sintra ranks among the most sought-after day trips from Lisbon. With numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites, this small town is nestled within verdant mountains, encircled by ostentatious palaces, and houses an estate steeped in esoteric history and clandestine rituals.
Utilize public transport or tackle the uphill ascent to explore two of Sintra’s most renowned landmarks: the medieval fortress of Castelo dos Mouros and the 19th-century Palácio Nacional da Pena. Visits to the castles generally last between 60 and 90 minutes, after which you can meander down the primary thoroughfare leading to the historic center, winding through the largely unspoiled slopes of the Serra de Sintra. Allocate your time between discovering the picturesque city’s core on foot, visiting the Palácio Nacional de Sintra, and delving into Quinta da Regaleira and its Initiation Well, which is the origin of many legends and myths surrounding the estate.
No visit to Sintra is complete without sampling the region’s signature pastries. Since 1862, Casa Piriquita has been baking the famed travesseiros (a light puff pastry filled with eggs and almonds, shaped like a pillow) alongside the bite-sized tarts known as queijadas de Sintra.
Directions to Sintra from Lisbon: Take the suburban train (Sintra Line) from Rossio station. For drivers, the most direct route is via A37; however, be aware that only cars belonging to residents, buses, and taxis are permitted in the historic center. The journey by train takes about 40 minutes while driving takes around 30 minutes. Trains depart every 15 to 20 minutes on weekdays and every half-hour on weekends.
2. Peniche
Travel time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Surf enthusiasts have ventured north to Peniche long before the colossal waves of nearby Nazaré placed Portugal’s Atlantic Coast on the surfing map. This small city, with its rugged coastline, serves as an exceptional beach destination in summer and a year-round surfing haven. Whether or not surfing is your focus, the pristine beaches represent one of Peniche’s primary attractions, especially Baleal and Supertubos, which are favored among wave riders.
The city’s historic center is easily navigable on foot, with the Atlantic Ocean as a backdrop. During the summer months, consider taking a 45-minute boat excursion to Berlenga Grande Island, where you can explore its beaches and nature reserves. Furthermore, visit the fortress, formerly a political prison during the Conservative Dictatorship (1930 to 1974), which has been converted into a museum celebrating anti-regime resistance.
In a coastal city where fishing remains a vital economic activity, seafood dishes are plentiful. Whether you are eager to sample caldeirada (fish stew) or you prefer grilled sardines, seafood eateries presenting the day’s catch are readily accessible. Simply look for a marisqueira (seafood restaurant) along the coast.
Directions to Peniche from Lisbon: Travelers may board buses from Lisbon’s Sete Rios bus station, purchasing tickets with Rede Expressos. Drivers will find Peniche located 100km (62 miles) north of Lisbon, reachable in approximately 1¼ hours via the A8 or 1½ hours via the A1.
3. Évora
Travel time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Recognized as the capital of the Alentejo region, Évora showcases distinctive whitewashed structures with yellow baseboards that epitomize central-south architecture. Ideal for a short road trip from Lisbon, sun-drenched Évora promises excellent food, wine, and significant Roman historical sites.
The Roman temple in Évora serves as the primary stop for visitors. This 1st-century marble edifice is incredibly preserved, making it one of Portugal’s most notable remnants of the Roman Empire. Additionally, the 17th-century Bone Chapel is a significant landmark in Évora. Part of the Sã Francisco Church, it is adorned with human bones to remind churchgoers of the transient nature of life. Following this, take a moment at Praçã do Giraldo for a refreshing experience.
The cuisine of Alentejo is rich in flavor, drawing from humble roots. Visit Café Alentejo for petiscos (tapas-style snacks) such as scrambled eggs with farinheira (flour-based sausage), or head to Taberna Típica Quarta-Feira to sample traditional entrees like fried pork. Wine enthusiasts should visit Cafetaria Páteo de São Miguel for selections of Cartuxa wine by the glass or check out Ervideira Wine Shop for wine tastings with or without recommended food pairings.
Directions to Évora from Lisbon: Buses depart from both Oriente and Sete Rios stations, available via the Rede Expressos website. Driving to Évora requires traveling approximately 135km (84 miles) south of Lisbon. Utilize the A2 to cross the Ponte 25 de Abril and continue along the A6 on the southern bank. Alternatively, if coming from the east side of Lisbon, take the A12 across the Vasco da Gama bridge, then proceed along the A6. The total driving time is about 1½ hours in either direction. Parking within the city walls is restricted to residents, hotel guests, and individuals with reduced mobility. The nearby parking lot situated closest to the historic center (10 minutes on foot) is located near Porta Velha da Lagoa.
4. Óbidos
Travel time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Although the walled city of Óbidos attracts a multitude of visitors, it is evident why this historic town captivates so many. Its cobbled streets are bordered by whitewashed homes, and its core is enveloped by medieval walls that guests may traverse (should they wish). Traverse these walls for stunning vistas of the town below and towards the Castelo de Óbidos, a 13th-century edifice that now operates as a hotel, referred to as Pousada do Castelo. Rua Direita, the town’s main thoroughfare, is lined with shops offering chocolate and sour cherry liqueur (ginjinha), inviting numerous visitors, but reserve time for an enlightening exploration deeper within the winding alleys as well.
However, the true allure of Óbidos may lie in its appeal to book lovers. This cultural town is recognized as a UNESCO City of Literature and stands out with its impressive number of exceptional bookstores. Step inside Livraria de Santiago, a quaint bookstore located within the 18th-century São Tiago Church, originally constructed in 1186 and rebuilt in 1772 after the damages incurred during the Lisbon earthquake of 1755.
While Óbidos remains a favored day trip, many visitors find themselves enticed to extend their stay at The Literary Man. This book-themed hotel also features the Literary Gin Bar, where even casual patrons can enjoy cocktails with cleverly literary-themed names.
Directions to Óbidos from Lisbon: Óbidos is located approximately 1¼ hours from Lisbon via the A8. Take exit 15 and follow the signs leading to Óbidos. Visitors may continue west along this expressway to reach Peniche. Alternatively, for public transportation, buses depart from the Campo Grande bus station, operated by Rodoviária do Oeste. Departure schedules are available online, and tickets can be obtained directly from the bus driver.
5. Barreiro
Travel time: 25 minutes
Once an industrial city located on the southern bank of the Tagus River, Barreiro is gradually transcending its factory-laden history and is now emerging as one of the foremost art districts in Portugal. Recognized as the preeminent river town, Barreiro represents a promising day trip destination whose primary attractions and tours honor its industrial legacy. Notably, renowned street artist Vhils has established his workshop at Baía do Tejo, a converted factory-turned-business hub.
Upon disembarking from the ferry, proceed to the left until reaching the old train station. Beyond this structure, one will discover Alburrica Beach, renowned for its windmills and occasional river surfing. Surfing on the river, often facilitated by ferries during peak hours, has been popularized by the local sports organization, Gasoline. Observe street art along Av Bento Gonçalves, where the rear wall of the creative center Escola Conde Ferreira features striking murals. Engage a local tour service to gain insights into Barreiro’s industrial past or the narrative surrounding Vhils’ most prominent work at Baía do Tejo. On your return to the ferry station, stop by ADAO, a community arts and culture organization that renovated the former firefighters’ headquarters.
Local cuisine is heavily influenced by the Algarve and Alentejo backgrounds of former factory laborers. Numerous restaurants lining ‘Beach Avenue’ (officially Av Bento Gonçalves) offer typical Portuguese fare, with an emphasis on seafood. For a lighter option, consider visiting àPortuguesa Brr; this café-bar offers occasional live music and exclusively Portuguese-sourced products.
Directions to Barreiro from Lisbon: Take the ferry boat from Terreiro do Paço. A one-way fare is approximately €2.65. Ferries operate every 30 to 60 minutes during weekends and every 10 to 20 minutes on weekdays. The ferry ride lasts around 20 to 25 minutes.
6. Cacilhas
Travel time: 10 minutes
Though most individuals traverse Cacilhas to reach the Cristo Rei viewpoint, this vibrant riverside neighborhood in Almada merits more than just a brief visit. Follow the allure of freshly grilled fish at riverside restaurants while appreciating the quaint small-town architecture and observing local fishermen, all the while discovering a flourishing cultural scene.
Stroll along the banks of the Tagus River to the right of the ferry terminal and take in the views of Lisbon across the water. Utilize the free panoramic lift to experience the city from a different perspective or to bypass the steep ascent. Visit the cultural center, Casa da Cerca, a short five-minute walk from the lift, for contemporary art shows or coffee on its terrace (weather permitting). As you walk back to the ferry terminal, pass through Rua Cândido dos Reis, Cacilhas’ renowned street filled with bars, shops, and restaurants (where seafood is the specialty). Explore independent bookstores like Meia Volta de Urano for vintage art finds and the opportunity to enjoy a spontaneous musical performance.
Alongside the ferry terminal, traditional eateries such as the famed Ponto Final primarily serve fresh seafood. On Rua Cândido dos Reis, a broader array of dining options awaits, ranging from pizzerias and artisanal burger establishments to ice cream parlors and restaurants featuring authentic Portuguese fare.
Directions to Cacilhas from Lisbon: Take the ferry boat from Cais do Sodré. A one-way ticket is approximately €1.30, and the journey takes 10 minutes. Ferries operate every 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the hour and day of the week.
This article was first published on March 10, 2020, and updated on December 5, 2023.
