Do you want to take a day out of your Lisbon city break and see more of Portugal? Here’s the definitive list of 6 best day trips around Lisbon.
Explore more of the beautiful Portugal natural beauty and history with our selection of the best day trips around Lisbon.
Day Trips Map
Surfing in Ericeira and Nazaré
Ericeira
If you are a surf fan, Ericeira is the right place to be. There you can enjoy the best waves in Europe’s only World Surfing Reserve, the first surfing reserve of the European continent. Seven unique and recognized world class waves are included.
Ericeira is a fishing village and a tradicional summer resort, situated on top of a cliff. Here you can stroll through its picturesque streets and find good restaurants, where you can eat fresh fish and seafood.
Mafra
Very close to Ericeira, in the village of Mafra you will find the Mafra National Palace. It is one of the largest in the world and the most important baroque architecture building in Portugal. Not to be missed as it is one of the most beautiful places to visit near Lisbon !!
Visiting the Mafra Palace is like travel back in time and bring the past of the Kings, Queens and their courts to life.
It has a total area of about 40,000 m2 (430,556 ft2), with 1200 rooms (bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, etc.), connected by kilometers of corridors. The main corridor has 232 meters (254 yards) long (the largest in Europe).
Other unique features are, for example, its large library, a unique set of 6 pipe organs, two chimes that are among the largest in the world, important collections of Italian sculpture and Italian and Portuguese painting.
Nazaré
Or, you can go to Nazaré to meet the place where the world record for the biggest wave ever surfed was officially broken in Praia do Norte (North Beach): in 2011 by the Hawaiian surfer Garrett McNamara 78 Feet (24 m) and in 2017 by the Brazilian Rodrigo Koxa 80 Feet (24.38 m), recognized by Guinness World Records. These big waves usually occur in autumn and winter and bring to the village countless surfers.
Nazaré is a traditional fishing village, with colorful houses, where women wore (and some still wear) seven skirts and men “fishermen” flannel shirts and black cap. Now it is world-famous because of its famous giant waves.
Enjoy the romantic Sintra along with Estoril and Cascais
First go to Estoril which is known internationally for its quality, especially in terms of hotel and residential tourism (high purchasing power), the beaches, the Estoril Circuit (where international motor racing and motorcycle racing events take place) and the Casino with the gardens.
Then go to Cascais, that was a fishing village, which became internationally known for its quality as a holiday destination or to live in, especially in terms of hotel and residential tourism, golf, nautical sports, marina, beaches, nautical events, surfing and diving.
There is a beautiful boardwalk which follows the coastline.
Cabo da Roca is one of the most visited places around Lisbon. It is located in Sintra Municipality and it is the most western point of continental Europe. It’s located on a huge cliff of 150 meters of height, with a great view on the Atlantic Ocean. You can walk along the tracks (but be careful!) and take pictures of the huge cliffs, the sea and the Cabo da Roca Lighthouse.
Sintra is a charming romantic city located in the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park with dazzling palaces (National Palace of Sintra and National Palace of Pena), residences, parks and a moorish castle. It is a UNESCO World heritage site since 1995.
Visit the Alcobaça, Batalha and Tomar World Heritage
One of the Best Day Trips around Lisbon is to know more about History, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Alcobaça, Batalha and Tomar and know beautiful medieval monuments.
Alcobaça
In Alcobaça visit the Monastery of Alcobaça which is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and that is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture in Portugal. The construction began in 1178 by the monks of the Cistercian Order (with origin in France), who came to support the first king of Portugal (Dom Afonso Henriques) in the reconquest of the territory to the Moors. The Monastery of Alcobaça was elected one of the “7 Wonders of Portugal – Monuments”.
In the historic center you can taste excellent convent sweets in several confectioners, such as the Pastelaria Alcôa.
Batalha
Batalha (battle, in english) owes its name to the Battle of Aljubarrota with the victory of the Portuguese over the Castilians in 1385.
Here you will find the Batalha Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which is an excellent example of Manueline (or Gothic) architecture in Portugal. It was ordered to be built in 1388, due to the victory in the Aljubarrota Battle and took about 200 years to be completed. The Batalha Monastery was elected one of the “7 Wonders of Portugal – Monuments”.
Nearby you have the Batalha Interpretive Center, which depicts the Aljubarrota Battle.
Tomar
Tomar is a very old city, which deserves a visit to the famous Convent of Christ, with its stunning Manueline Window of the Chapter Room, which is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The city was built according to the rules of the Templars, with 4 religious monuments around the city at each end in the shape of a cross. The Convent of Christ, located inside the Tomar Castle, was founded as the headquarters of the Templars Order that supported the birth of Portugal. Later, its successor, the Order of Christ, who supported the Portuguese Discoveries extended it. The Convent of Christ was one of the finalists of the “7 Wonders of Portugal – Monuments”.
Fall in love with nature in Arrábida
Arrábida Natural Park is located between Sesimbra and Setúbal, on the Atlantic Ocean. Due to its extraordinary beauty, the Arrábida Natural Park was one of the Finalists of the “7 Natural Wonders of Portugal”.
The Arrábida Mountain, with about 500 meters of altitude, has on its top the Arrábida Convent. There you will find a great view over the sea, the Setúbal bay, the Tróia peninsula and the whole region, where the Palmela and Setúbal vineyards stand out. In the Arrábida Mountain stand out the limestone rock formations and the Mediterranean vegetation.
In this area feel the sun, the sea and the landscape of Arrábida, enjoy extensive beaches with transparent waters and great food (fish, seafood, cheeses, pastries and wines).
Setúbal is a quiet town and an important fishing port located next to the Sado River Estuary. It’s famous for its food, such as fried cuttlefish or grilled mullet, cheese and sweets, which you can find in the numerous restaurants located on the main avenue (Avenida Luísa Todi).
In Setúbal, take a boat trip to discover the Natural Reserve of Sado Estuary dolphins or take a boat toward the famous summer resort Tróia.
Take advantage of Outlet Discounts
Ready to shop for bargains in luxury brands? The following Outlets around the city of Lisbon offer excellent opportunities:
Freeport Lisboa Fashion Outlet
Freeport Lisboa Fashion Outlet is the biggest outlet center in Europe, located in Alcochete, 20 miles (32 km) south of Lisbon. To get there you will have to cross Vasco da Gama Bridge (one of the longest bridges in Europe) over Tagus River. There is a shuttle departing from the Lisbon’s city centre (Praça Marquês de Pombal) to the outlet.
Strada Outlet
Strada Outlet it’s Lisbon’s closest outlet, located in Odivelas, 7 miles (12 km) north of Lisbon. A taxi or similar transportation is the best choice to get there.
Campera Outlet Shopping
Campera Outlet Shopping, located in Carregado, is 36 miles (42 km) north of Lisbon, 30 minutes by car from the city centre.
In these places you mainly find clothing, footwear, suitcases and household products at a wide variety of international and local luxury brand stores.
Play Golf in Óbidos
If you are a golfer, we suggest you to know in Óbidos, the World’s Best New Golf Course at 2017 World Golf Awards, the West Cliffs Golf Course. This Golf Course is set in a beautiful landscape by the Atlantic Ocean.
Not to be missed is a visit to the charming medieval village of Óbidos. This village is perched on a hill, with almost 1,000 years of history. It is located within the walls of a Castle, from where you can see the Óbidos Lagoon. Stroll through the streets and drink the famous ‘ginginha’ (sweet cherry liqueur) in a chocolate cup. Óbidos is one of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network as a Literary City, where you can find several interesting bookshops.
Tips: The best way to do this Day Trips around Lisbon is to rent a car or go on an organised tour!
Other tips to Visit Lisbon
- Lisbon: Ultimate Travel Guide and Itineraries
- TOP 10 Lisbon Attractions: Best places and activities
- TOP 5 Cool Shopping Ideas in Lisbon
More Portugal Destinations
- Alentejo: Self-guided walking tour in Mértola, Portugal
- Alentejo: Castro Verde, Portugal: Self-guided walking tour
- Aljezur, Algarve: Self-guided walking tour in Aljezur, Portugal
- Algarve: Self-guided walking tour in Lagos, Portugal
- Algarve: Self-guided walking tour in Portimão, Portugal
- Lisbon: Self-guided walking tour in Palmela, Portugal
- Centre: Self-guided walking tour in Golegã: Horse Capital of Portugal
- Azores: Terceira Island Travel Guide, Azores
| To learn more about other LikedPlaces, go to our Destinations in Portugal page. |
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