Best Day Trips From Lisbon, The capital of Portugal has had a meteoric growth in tourism in recent years, and it’s not hard to see why. Because of its vibrant nightlife, beautiful and easily accessible adjacent coastline, and bright, colorful colonial architecture, this city is quickly becoming a competitor to the traditional European hotspots.
Whether you’re looking to soak up some sun and try some of the finest seafood at one of the city’s many sidewalk cafes or take a ride on one of the many trams that rumble through the city’s cobblestone streets, the city center has you covered.
After you’ve had your fill of Lisbon’s delicious cuisine, beautiful architecture, and the local castle, consider taking one of these day trips.
Best Day Trips From Lisbon
Aveiro and Ilhavo
What better spot to visit for a day of culinary exploration than Portugal, birthplace of the delicious codfish? You may see codfish in a gigantic tank at a museum in Ilhavo that is completely unique and completely dedicated to this delectable fish.
Once considered a dish fit only for the poor, in modern Portugal cod has become a symbol of wealth and a holiday tradition.
It’s highly recommended that you stop through Aveiro, popularly known as the “Venice of Portugal,” on the way back and indulge in some of the region’s famously heavenly egg pastries.
Porto
A day journey from Lisbon will allow you to experience Porto, Portugal’s second city and a must-see on any vacation to Portugal.
If you’re short on time, you can see the sights on a day trip from Lisbon, but it’s worth spending more time there if you can.
The Cathedral, Avenida dos Aliados, Liberdade Square, and Dom Luis I Bridge are just a few of the highlights that may be seen in a day while strolling through Porto’s charming neighborhoods. Ribeira is a beautiful neighborhood along the river with winding, cobblestone alleys that are perfect for a leisurely stroll.
You should definitely set aside some time to try the city’s most renowned export, Port fortified wine.
Mafra
Spend a day in Mafra, a community steeped in history, and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
The fascinating Mansion of Mafra, the largest baroque palace built in the 18th century, serves as the village’s major attraction.
This massive structure, built with Brazilian gold, spans nearly four hectares and features the longest tunnel ever constructed in a palace.
The sheer magnitude of it will astound you; it’s impossible to miss.
Évora and Palmela
Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a fantastic destination for a number of reasons.
Within its medieval walls, the city is home to several historical and cultural landmarks, including the majestic Church of St. Francis, the interesting Chapel of Bones, which contains actual human remains, and the ancient Roman Temple.
Once you’ve had your fill of Alentejo’s stunning architecture, relax and enjoy a glass of wine in the region’s breathtaking setting.
The magnificent medieval castle at Palmela will be a worthwhile detour on the way back.
Knights Templar
This voyage back in time to the era of the Knights Templar makes for an interesting day trip from Lisbon.
See the picturesque villages of Constância and Tomar, and find out about the fascinating history of a holy order of warrior monks.
The Tomar Convent, located in the heart of Tomar, is a key structure at one of the most significant Templar sites in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The beautiful Almourol Castle is also just a short walk away, another monument controlled at one time by the Knights Templar.
Wellington History
This is a great day excursion from Lisbon for history buffs who want to learn more about the area.
The Torres Vedras lines are a collection of fortifications paired with an amazing communications system, and they are conveniently accessible from Lisbon.
Crucial to the defense of Lisbon in the nineteenth century.
Visit the Torres Vedras museum and the Vimeiro interpretation center to learn more about the Peninsular Wars, which took place between 1807 and 1814.
Kayaking Arrábida National Park
A kayaking trip through Arrábida national park is a refreshing change of pace from the normal leisurely walking trips. Explore its natural splendor and admire the sights right from the water as you paddle along its calm river systems.
On this thrilling day trip, you will have the opportunity to explore numerous remote caverns and water inlets, and you can even bring a picnic to enjoy on a deserted beach if you choose.
Having a day like that is the definition of a perfect day.
Wine Tasting in Setubal
A wine-themed vacation to the north need not be all you do; the south also has excellent grapes to sample.
Picture-perfect Azeito can be found in the municipality of Setubal, and it is well-known for two things: its wines and its cheeses. Other regional specialties, such as desserts, may also be on the menu.
Explore three distinct wineries and be ready for breathtaking panoramas of the mountains around Arrábida National Park.
Cheleiros and Bucelas Wine Regions
On this small-group day trip from Lisbon, you’ll visit the wine country to try some of Portugal’s most acclaimed vintages, including the “Prince of Portuguese Wines.” Along the trip, you’ll be able to sample some of the most sought-after wines in Portugal, including a variety that is widely held to be extinct but can be found in a few select cellars.
Delicious regional breads and olive oils will be served to complement the wine.
Some of the area’s history, such the exploits of the renowned Portuguese explorer Vasco de Gama, will be relayed to you during the course of the tour.
On your way to the north, you can take in the stunning landscape and tiny towns.
Óbidos
The medieval town of bidos is so rich in history that it deserves a whole day of exploration all to itself.
It is one of the best preserved villages in Portugal, and its cobblestone lanes and brightly painted cottages are sure to please any tourist.
Founded long before the birth of Christ, bidos was taken over by Portuguese King Alphonso I in the 12th century and became a popular vacation resort for the nobility in the 18th.
The Pousada de bidos, the Town Gate, St. Peter’s Church, and St. Mary’s Church (which was a mosque in its earlier incarnation) are all must-sees when in the area.
Sesimbra
Cross Europe’s longest bridge, the Vasco da Gama Bridge, on your way to exploring more of Portugal’s Extremadura region.
Take a break for lunch at the sleepy fishing village of Sesimbra, where you can relax and enjoy some fresh seafood straight from the ocean.
You may take in the sights and sounds and unwind with a stroll down the beach in this picturesque village.
The village’s central church has been lovingly renovated, and the castle of Sesimbra lies just up the hill.
Visit the Cristo Rei statue in Almada for breathtaking views of Lisbon if you have time on the way back.
Jeronimos Monastery
From Lisbon, a whole day can be spent exploring the Jeronimos Monastery.
The antique splendor of this building was recognized by UNESCO as worthy of preservation in 1983. The monastery was built in the late 15th century by King Manuel I to honor Our Lady and Saint Jerome and is located close to the Tagu River.
Before its designation as a national monument in the 19th century, the structure served as a school and orphanage for close to a century.
Fátima and Nazaré
Having great significance in religious terms At Fatimá, two young shepherds saw a vision of the Virgin Mary in the early 20th century.
Visit the historic home of the shepherds, as well as the surrounding Chapel of the Apparition and Holy Trinity Cathedral, to learn more about the story.
To see something altogether different, continue on to Nazaré, a popular destination for surfers from all over the world because of its excellent wave conditions.
As the largest wave ever surfed, McNamara broke the record here.
Try to identify any attempts by others to outdo it.
Cabo da Roca and Cascais
Explore the mystical palace at Quinta do Regaleira and visit Europe’s Westernmost point, Roca Cape, all in one day.
The huge building’s gothic facade is beautiful, but the gardens in the back are where it really shines.
The expansive grounds have hidden tunnels and a plethora of symbolic elements, all of which were designed with myth and legend in mind.
Visit the charming towns of Cascais and Estoril, which served as royal retreats in the past, and the aptly named Hellmouth while you’re in the area.
These two locations used to be frequented by the upper class as vacation spots.
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Pena Palace and Park
Among the Sintra hills is where you’ll find the fantastical Pena Palace.
From this, the second highest point in the area, you can see all of the surrounding beauty, and that’s without the spectacular, multicolored palace.
The Pena Palace, a former Hieronymite monastery constructed in the early sixteenth century and acquired and rebuilt by King Ferdinand II in the 1800s, is now a national monument.
As an integral part of Sintra’s cultural environment, this location was rightfully designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995.