Lisboa (Lisbon) is Portugal's sun-drenched capital, a city of seven hills overlooking the wide mouth of the Tagus River where it meets the Atlantic. One of Europe's oldest and most atmospheric capitals, Lisbon blends Moorish alleyways, Manueline monasteries, baroque palaces, and cutting-edge contemporary culture into a tapestry of faded grandeur and vibrant renewal. The city's golden Age of Discoveries legacy is visible in every azulejo-tiled facade, and audible in the mournful strains of fado drifting from Alfama's cobbled lanes.
Top day trips
Handpicked excursions within easy reach.
Sintra
Highlights: Pena Palace's Romanticist towers and hillside gardens · Moorish Castle ramparts with coastal views · Quinta da Regaleira's Initiation Well and grottoes · National Palace of Sintra's twin conical chimneys · Historic centre cafes serving travesseiros pastries
Cascais
Highlights: Boca do Inferno's crashing Atlantic sea cave · Historic marina and Cidadela fortress · Praia da Rainha and Praia da Conceição town beaches · Coastal cycling path along the Estoril–Cascais promenade · Fresh seafood restaurants around the fish market
Évora
Highlights: Roman Temple of Diana's Corinthian columns · Capela dos Ossos, the bone-lined Chapel of Bones · Gothic Évora Cathedral and cloister · Praça do Giraldo and the walled old town · Alentejo cuisine including migas and local wines
Óbidos
Highlights: Complete circuit of the 14th-century castle walls · Ginjinha cherry liqueur served in chocolate cups on Rua Direita · Azulejo-tiled Igreja de Santa Maria · Óbidos Castle and its pousada · December Medieval Christmas Market (seasonal)
Setúbal and Arrábida Natural Park
Highlights: Praia de Galapinhos and Praia da Figueirinha's turquoise coves · Scenic Estrada de Escarpa corniche drive through Arrábida park · 16th-century Convento da Arrábida · Setúbal's fresh seafood, especially grilled choco frito · Moscatel wine tasting on the Setúbal Peninsula
Sesimbra
Highlights: Castelo de Sesimbra's Moorish ruins and bay views · Long sandy Praia de Sesimbra beach · Working fishing harbour with fresh daily catch · Cabo Espichel's clifftop chapel and lighthouse · Seafront restaurants serving grilled swordfish and percebes
Palmela and Setúbal Wine Region
Highlights: Castelo de Palmela's 12th-century ramparts and pousada · Guided cellar tours and tastings of Moscatel de Setúbal · Periquita and Castelão red wine estates on the peninsula · September-October harvest season winery events · Views over vineyards toward the Arrábida hills
Trips by distance
How far you can go in a day.
Items
Getting there
Transport options for day trips.
Day trip tips
Make the most of your excursions.
Sintra is best visited on weekdays and outside July–August; the palaces are overwhelmed with tour groups at weekends in peak season.
The Linha de Cascais train to Cascais and Estoril offers beautiful sea views for the last 15km of the journey; sit on the left (south) side of the train.
For Arrábida beaches in July–August, access to the coastal road is restricted and advance booking of a time slot is mandatory via the Arrábida Natural Park website.
Évora combines exceptionally well with the Alentejo wine country – several wineries offer tastings and cellar tours near the city.
Óbidos is famous for its ginjinha served in chocolate cups; the best small producer ginjinha is available at artisan shops inside the castle walls.
For Sintra: buy the combined palace ticket online in advance to avoid queues at Pena Palace. Arriving by 09:00 means beating most tour groups by at least an hour.