Four unmissable day trips from Lisbon

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Portugal’s capital is a city brimming with life, but even its most passionate admirers will tell you that exploring the surrounding areas is a must. Lisbon holidays let you enjoy incredible excursion, giving you an easy-to-access taste of some of the country’s best experiences.

Below, we share four quick trips from Lisbon you shouldn’t miss out on. 

Sintra

Only 40 minutes by train from the capital’s Rossio Station, this UNESCO World Heritage site is home to romantic palaces, mystical gardens and dramatic hilltop views. 

Start early to beat the crowds at the flamboyant Pena Palace, which looks like it’s been plucked from a fairy tale with its vibrant yellow and red turrets. From there, venture to the Moorish Castle, whose rugged walls provide panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Photo credit Soran Multimedia via Unsplash

Cascais

If you crave a coastal escape, Cascais is your answer. Just 30 minutes by train from Lisbon’s Cais do Sodréstation, this charming seaside town combines historic allure with modern elegance. Stroll along the cobbled streets to admire its pastel-coloured houses and vibrant flower boxes. Then learn about the town’s aristocratic past at the Museu Condes de Castro Guimarães, set in a dreamy mansion by the sea.

Make time for a walk to Boca do Inferno, a dramatic cliff formation where waves crash into a natural chasm. If you’re visiting in summer, sandy beaches like Praia da Rainha beckon for a swim or a sunbathing session.

Évora

For those who want to delve deeper into Portugal’s history, Évora provides a fascinating glimpse into its Roman and medieval past. Located a 90-minute drive or a two-hour bus ride from the capital, Évora is the crown jewel of the Alentejo region. 

Start your visit at the Roman Temple of Diana, an impressive relic that has stood for nearly 2,000 years. Wander through the cobblestoned streets to the Cathedral of Évora, a blend of Romanesque and Gothic architecture, before exploring the macabre Chapel of Bones, adorned with thousands of human skulls and bones.

Photo credit Gunnar Ridderström via Unsplash

Mafra and Ericeira

Combine a royal palace with a laid-back surfing vibe on this underrated trip. Begin your journey with a visit to the Palácio Nacional de Mafra, roughly 40 minutes from Lisbon by car. This monumental baroque palace is home to an ornate library filled with over 36,000 ancient books and a basilica with six historic pipe organs. The sheer scale of the complex will leave you in awe.

After immersing yourself in history, head to Ericeira, a 15-minute drive away. Known as one of Europe’s top surfing destinations, this quaint fishing village exudes charm with its whitewashed houses and Atlantic views. Even if you don’t surf, Ericeira has something for everyone – you can sip coffee at a waterfront café or walk along the cliffs for stunning vistas.  

Each of these trips adds depth to your experience of Lisbon, offering moments of wonder, reflection and delight. Make time for them, and you’ll understand why Portugal’s treasures extend far beyond its capital.