11 Best Day Trips from Lisbon You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner
Some of the best day trips from Lisbon aren’t the ones that are found all over Instagram. Instead they’re the unexpected hidden gems and the kind of places that leave you with lasting memories, beyond just the highlights of Portugal’s capital.
If you’re anything like me, once you’ve wandered Alfama’s alleyways and watched the sunset from a miradouro or two, you’ll start feeling an itch to see what’s just beyond the city.
But let’s be honest, figuring out which Lisbon day trips are actually worth your time (and which are just overhyped!) can feel super overwhelming.
Some day trips from Lisbon are gorgeous but a real faff to get to.
Others sound amazing until you realise they’re packed with huge tour buses: all day, every day.
So that’s exactly why I wrote this blog post. I’ve done all of these trips myself, as a solo female traveller, and I’ve learned what’s easy, what’s stunning and what’s honestly kind of overrated.
From the underrated gardens of Sintra to medieval towns that feel like a fairy tale, let’s talk about the 11 best day trips from Lisbon that I honestly think you’ll wish you knew about sooner!
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Lisbon Day Trip #1: Sintra & Pena Palace
There’s a reason Sintra ends up on every list of the best day trips from Lisbon and honestly, it’s one of those rare touristy places that actually deserves its hype!
Just 40 minutes outside the city, this UNESCO-listed town feels like something straight out of a movie set, with colourful palaces, winding mountain roads and secret gardens and forest paths to explore.
You could easily spend an entire weekend exploring the palaces and attractions around Sintra, but for a day trip, you’ll want to prioritise just the main ones.
My advice is to start with Pena Palace (the pastel coloured one you’ve definitely seen on Instagram!), then make your way into the forested parkland (be prepared to spend a good amount of time walking around here!)
After you’ve explored Pena Palace and its beautiful parkland, head back down to Sintra for a late lunch and to explore the tiny town centre and the National Palace of Sintra.
Then, if you’ve got time, visit Quinta da Regaleira (home to that iconic spiral well!), in the late afternoon. It’s just a 15 minute walk from Sintra.
Top Things To Do in Sintra
- Visit the stunning, pastel-coloured Pena Palace
- Get lost in the underrated, forested parkland of Pena Palace (in my opinion, this is the true highlight!)
- Head to the viewpoint Cruz Alta, tucked deep into the park, for a panoramic view of Pena Palace
- Explore Sintra’s tiny, historic town centre
- Visit the National Palace of Sintra
How to Get to Sintra from Lisbon
By Train: Trains to Sintra leave from Rossio Station in Lisbon and take about 40 minutes. Once you arrive, don’t walk up the hill to Pena Palace – it’s brutal! Instead, hop on the tourist shuttle bus which regularly loops all of the main sights.
By Car: While it’s technically a short drive, parking in Sintra is a headache. (And that’s being polite!) The roads are narrow, winding and often one-way. But if you are set on driving, go early and be prepared to park far from the main sights.
By Guided Tour: A full-day guided tour from Lisbon is the most efficient way to see it all without having to plan or navigate. This full day, small group guided tour that I took includes skip-the-line access to Pena Palace, a guided tour through Pena Palace and its stunning, forested parkland, and free time in Sintra itself. You will also visit nearby Cabo da Roca and Cascais (also on this list!), so you can tick off multiple spots in one day. The local guide on this tour is so friendly, passionate and knowledgeable, and they will take you to all of the hidden gems tourists normally miss, as well as the highlights.
By Private Tour: A private day tour is ideal if you like your trips a bit more tailored to your preferences and pace. On this full day, private tour from Lisbon, you’ll explore alongside your own driver-guide, who will pick you up from your accommodation and adjust the itinerary to your pace. It’s pricier, but you’ll avoid the crowds and can choose which sites to skip or stay longer at, depending on your interests!
Katie’s Top Tip: If you’re travelling to Sintra yourself, go early. Pena Palace opens at 9am and trust me, the vibe is completely different before the busloads of tourists arrive. Try to book the first time slot unless you’ve got skip the line with a tour.
Lisbon Day Trip #2: Obidos
Obidos is a tiny medieval town, surrounded by atmospheric stone walls, overlooked by a towering old castle, and overflowing with stunning bougainvillaea.
(Yes, that is as stunning and storybook-esque as it sounds!)
In my opinion, Obidos is one of the top day trips near Lisbon that still somehow feels like a secret (if you visit in the shoulder season, at least!)
You can walk the entire length of this tiny town in an hour, but trust me you’ll want to take your time here!
And the best way to explore Obidos definitely isn’t with a map or a checklist.
Instead you should take your time and slow down your exploration, following your curiosity wherever your feet take you to discover hidden corners of this tiny town.
But in case you want a few must-sees to guide your day trip to Obidos, here are a few suggestions:
Top Things To Do in Obidos
- Wander the narrow, cobbled, whitewashed streets
- Climb up onto the ancient castle walls for spectacular views over the surrounding countryside and old town rooftops
- Try the local cherry liqueur Ginjinha, which they serve in little chocolate cups
- Visit the Livraria de Santiago, a beautiful bookstore inside a deconsecrated church
- Admire the aqueduct just outside town
How to Get to Obidos from Lisbon
By Train: From Lisbon Sete Rios, there are infrequent but direct regional train services to Obidos, which takes around 1 hour 45 minutes.
By Car: Obidos is one of the best day trips from Lisbon if you’re driving. The journey takes just 50 minutes, and there’s plenty of parking outside the town walls.
By Guided Tour: The most popular option is this small-group tour that combines Obidos with other stops like Nazare, Fatima and Batalha Monastery. This full day tour includes the knowledge of your passionate driver-guide and enough free time to explore each spot on the itinerary. It’s a great way to tick off multiple towns and attractions near Lisbon, especially if you’re not renting a car. But keep in mind that you will get less time in Obidos than if you travelled alone.
By Private Tour: This private tour to Obidos and Nazare is more flexible, allowing you to pick and choose where your spend the majority of your day trip, with the help of your dedicated driver-guide. It’s also a slower pace and more personal, if you’d rather avoid the group experience and a pre-set schedule.
Katie’s Top Tip: If you only do one thing in Obidos, make sure it’s climbing the old castle walls. The views from up there are next level beautiful and, honestly, I was surprised by how few people were up there when I visited.
Lisbon Day Trip #3: Arrabida Natural Park
If your idea of a perfect day involves quiet beaches, relaxing by the shimmering turquoise sea, and a complete break from the city hustle and bustle, Arrabida Natural Park is your dream day trip from Lisbon.
This stunning natural park, just an hour from the capital, is hands-down one of the most underrated day trips from Lisbon!
The natural park itself is a protected area south of Lisbon, with a coastline of white-sand beaches for sunbathing, dramatic limestone cliffs to explore, and crystal-clear waters perfect for a relaxed swim or even a kayaking trip!
Highlights of the natural park include Praia dos Galapinhos (named one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe!), Portinho da Arrabida for seafood and snorkelling trips, and the Convento da Arrabida (a peaceful old monastery tucked into the hills).
Top Places To Visit in Arrabida Natural Park
- Meco Beach
- Santuario de Nossa Senhora do Cabo Espichel
- Sesimbra
- Portinho da Arrabida harbour
- Setubal
How to Get to Arrabida Natural Park from Lisbon
By Car: Arrabida is about a 45 minute drive from Lisbon, depending on traffic. And a car is by far the easiest way to access the harder-to-reach beaches like Galapinhos. Just keep in mind that parking can be tricky in summer, especially on weekends, and some roads close to private vehicles.
By Bus: You can take a bus to Setubal, but you’ll need to walk, take a taxi or take a guided tour from there to the actual beaches and other attractions. So it’s doable but not ideal for a day trip.
By Guided Tour: There are some great guided day tours from Lisbon to Arrabida, if you’d rather not rent a car but still want to see all of the highlights. I personally took this small group, guided day tour from Lisbon, which stops at all of the key sights, including Santuario de Nossa Senhora do Cabo Espichel, Sesimbra, Portinho da Arrabida harbour, Setubal and more! Plus, you get to explore with a passionate and knowledgeable driver-guide, which makes the whole day even more memorable!
By Private Tour: Private tours from Lisbon to Arrabida offer door-to-door transport with flexible stops, and your own dedicated driver-guide to explore alongside. You’ll also get to skip the crowds, find hidden gems that other tours can’t reach, and tailor the day to what you actually want (not just the generic highlights!)
Katie’s Top Tip: Some parts of Arrabida are very natural and remote, so don’t rely on there being facilities if you leave the towns of Setubal or Sesimbra. Make sure you bring enough water, snacks, suncream and a hat for the day – even if you’re doing a tour.
Lisbon Day Trip #4: Coimbra
Coimbra doesn’t always make the list of best day trips from Lisbon, but it absolutely should!
Often overshadowed by Porto and Lisbon, this riverfront, university city was once Portugal’s capital before Lisbon took over, and it is still fascinating to explore to this day.
Coimbra is home to one of the oldest universities in Europe, and the student energy here is lively and buzzing, especially if you visit during the academic year.
But this abundance of young energy from the university definitely doesn’t mean that Coimbra has lost its old town charm.
In fact, with steep cobbled streets to explore, a beautiful old cathedral, and traditional fado sung in tiny bars, Coimbra is one of the most atmospheric cities near Lisbon and is definitely worth visiting.
Plus, Coimbra is almost directly between Lisbon and Porto, which also makes it a great stop off between the two, if you’re travelling around Portugal!
Top Things To Do in Coimbra
- Visit the Joanina Library (seriously, it’s not “just a library,” it’s stunning!)
- Explore the University of Coimbra campus
- Visit the Old Cathedral (Sé Velha)
- Enjoy a relaxed stroll through the Botanical Garden of the University
- Cross the pedestrian bridge and relax at Parque Verde do Mondego
- Make time for a live Fado performance
How to Get to Coimbra from Lisbon
By Car – Coimbra is about a 2-hour drive from Lisbon. But parking in the old town is hard to come by, so your best bet is to leave your car just outside the centre (near the river), and walk in.
By Train – Take a high speed or regional train from Lisbon Santa Apolonia or Oriente to Coimbra. From there, it’s a ~35 minute walk along the river to the top of the old town or you can also get a local bus from the station. Trains take around 2 hours, depending on the service.
By Bus – FlixBus or Rede Expressos both operate direct routes from Lisbon Sete Rios to Coimbra. It takes around 2 hours 40 minutes and drops you again a ~35 minute walk along the river from the top of the old town.
By Guided Tour – If you want the stress of logistics completely taken away from you, this full-day guided tour to Coimbra and Aveiro is a great way to explore both of these charming cities. You’ll get round-trip transport from Lisbon, a guided city walk in Coimbra, and a scenic detour to the canals of Aveiro (Portugal’s version of Venice, with way fewer crowds).
By Private Tour – If you want the luxury of a private guide during your trip to Coimbra, this top-rated, private day trip from Lisbon covers the highlights of Aveiro and Coimbra, includes a delicious traditional lunch, and allows you to customise your itinerary with the help of your private driver-guide.
Katie’s Top Tip: If you’re going by train, book the high speed Alfa Pendular service for extra comfort and a quicker journey.
Lisbon Day Trip #5: Evora
Evora may be another of Portugal’s cities, but it has a very different energy to Lisbon.
It’s the kind of place where history is all around you and free to explore, rather than tucked away in museums.
There’s a grand cathedral, roman ruins and even the (slightly eerie!) Capela dos Ossos, which is literally decorated with human bones!
The city centre is small and walkable, which makes it easy to navigate without feeling overwhelming. And because most of the top sights make up part of the town itself (rather than paid attractions), you can really slow down and explore at your own pace.
In my opinion, charming Evora doesn’t feel like a city at all!
Top Things To Do in Evora
- Admire the Temple of Diana
- Visit the slightly eerie Chapel of Bones (Capela dos Ossos)
- Marvel at Evora Cathedral (or climb to the top for panoramic views)
- Wander through the historic, white washed centre
- See Evora’s Roman aqueduct
How to Get to Evora from Lisbon
By Car – Driving to Evora takes around 1.5 hours. This is one of the best day trips from Lisbon by car, especially if you also want to explore wineries or the countryside nearby.
By Train – Trains from Lisbon Oriente or Entrecampos to Evora take just under 1.5 hours, direct. From the station, it’s then a 20 minute walk to the historic centre.
By Bus – Rede Expressos runs direct buses from Lisbon Sete Rios that take about 1 hour 35 minutes. It’s usually the cheapest option, and the bus station is a 20 minute walk to the historic centre.
By Guided Tour – This full day, guided Evora tour from Lisbon covers all the essentials of this beautiful city, including comfortable transport, a local guide, entry to the Chapel of Bones, a guided walking tour and plenty of free time in Evora too. Plus, you’ll also visit nearby Monsaraz, a stunning hilltop town. It’s a relaxed pace and really well organised, perfect if you want to relax and enjoy your trip, rather than worrying about driving or public transport!
By private tour: A private tour is great if you want to learn more about the fascinating, layered history of Evora from your own personal driver-guide. This top rated, full day private tour combines Evora with Monsaraz and a winery visit. Plus you can customise your itinerary to suit your preferences if you want to!
Katie’s Top Tip: The Chapel of Bones is very popular with tourists, so try to visit earlier in the morning or in the later afternoon, when it won’t be as busy.
Lisbon Day Trip #6: Belém
I know, I know. Technically Belém isn’t a “day trip” in the traditional way, because it’s still part of Lisbon.
But hear me out: Belém is far enough away (both in distance and in terms of the overall vibe!), that it doesn’t really feel like a part of Portugal’s capital at all.
Belém is packed with so much history, culture and ridiculously good pastries in its own right, that it deserves a spot on any best day trips from Lisbon list!
So if you’ve only got time for one Lisbon day trip (but you don’t want to travel too far), make it this one.
Historic and charming Belém is where Portugal’s Age of Discoveries began, and you can still feel the maritime legacy all along the Tagus River.
Home to dreamy yacht boat trips, the famous Jerónimos Monastery, fascinating monuments to Portugal’s past, relaxing riverside parks, and pastel de nata fresh from the oven – Belem has got it all!
Plus, it’s very easy to explore on your own or with a guide.
Top Things To Do in Belém
- Marvel at the Jerónimos Monastery (and don’t skip the cloisters inside!)
- Walk along the river to the Belém Tower
- Check out the Monument to the Discoveries
- Eat pastéis de nata from the original bakery, Pastéis de Belém
- Take a relaxing, small group sailboat cruise along the Tagus to see Lisbon’s iconic skyline from the water
- Watch the sunset from the river promenade
How to Get to Belém from Lisbon
By Tram – Take tram 15E from Praca da Figueira to Belém. It’s a scenic ride and takes about 40 minutes.
By Train – Take a regional train from Cais do Sodre to Belém. The journey is only about 11 minutes long, but you will have to walk a further 20 minutes to reach Belém Tower, so the tram is a better option, in my opinion.
By Guided Tour – If you want more context behind the monuments and history of Belém, this half day, small group Belém walking tour includes a local guide, entry and a guided tour in the beautiful Jerónimos Monastery, a pastéis de nata tasting at Pastéis de Belém, and visits to the Belem Tower and Monument of the Discoveries.
By Private Tour – For a different way to experience Belém, this 4 hour, private TukTuk tour from Lisbon is a fun way to see the highlights of Belém and Lisbon city centre, without having to walk everywhere and figure out public transport from Lisbon!
Katie’s Top Tip: Go early (before 11am), or in the late afternoon (after 3:30pm), to beat the peak crowds of tourists – especially at Jerónimos Monastery.
Lisbon Day Trip #7: Cabo da Roca
Spectacular Cabo da Roca is the westernmost point of mainland Europe, and even though it’s become a popular photo stop, it still feels wild, natural and very magical!
The waves crash below your feet, against the rugged coastline, the sky and sea look huge with nothing obscuring the view.
I felt very small here (in the best, most fascinating way!)
There’s not a huge amount to do at Cabo da Roca, but that’s kind of the point. A visit here is all about soaking in beautiful the scenery.
But once you’re done taking in the view (and snapping that classic “land’s end” type photo by the stone marker), there’s also lighthouse, a scenic walking trail and a tiny café!
How to Get to Cabo da Roca from Lisbon
By Car: Driving to Cabo da Roca is the easiest option if you want flexibility, especially if you’re combining it with nearby Sintra or Cascais. It’s about 45 minutes from Lisbon, but know that the last stretch of road is winding and narrow and parking will get busy quickly in summer.
By Public Transport: There’s no direct train, but it’s still doable in about 1.5 hours from Lisbon. First take the train from Lisbon to Portela de Sintra or Cascais, then hop on Bus 1624 to Cabo da Roca (about 40 minutes).
By Guided Tour: If you want to take the stress out of planning, this Sintra (Pena Palace), Cabo da Roca & Cascais full day, small group tour covers all of the highlights of this beautiful area of Portugal, without the faff of figuring out public transport on your own. You’ll visit Sintra’s fairy tale palaces, visit the cliffs of Cabo da Roca, and wrap up your day in glamorous Cascais. It’s the perfect option if you want to see a lot in one easy day trip from Lisbon!
By Private Tour: If you want a more tailored, personalised experience, a private day trip to Cabo da Roca is your best bet. This full day private tour to Sintra, Cabo da Roca and Cascais includes hotel pickup, flexible timing to tailor your itinerary, and the ability to spend longer (or less time!) wherever you like.
Katie’s Top Tip: Wear layers. It’s always windier and colder at Cabo da Roca than you expect, even on sunny days!
Lisbon Day Trip #8: Cascais
This former fishing village turned beach resort is now one of the most popular destinations near Lisbon, and for good reason!
Cascais has got everything going for it when it comes to the best day trips from Lisbon. From golden beaches and a gorgeous marina, to pastel coloured mansions and a laid-back, coastal vibe.
And despite being fancy in spots, Cascais is actually super easy going.
You can wander through the small old town, browse the independent shops, grab a scoop of gelato or a coffee from one of the promenade cafes, people-watch in the leafy main square, or spend an afternoon sunbathing at Praia da Rainha or Praia da Duquesa.
Oh and don’t miss the dramatic Boca do Inferno (“Mouth of Hell”) – a rugged cliff formation just a short walk away from the centre. (I had plenty of time for this walk and to explore Cascais, even with the time limits of a guided tour!)
Top Things to Do in Cascais
- Enjoy a relaxing beach day at Praia da Rainha or Praia da Duquesa
- Stroll through the old town and marina
- Walk or cycle to Boca do Inferno
- Enjoy fresh seafood at a seaside restaurant
How to Get to Cascais from Lisbon
By Train: This is one of the easiest day trips from Lisbon by train. Trains leave regularly from Cais do Sodre station and take around 40 minutes. It’s cheap, reliable and the views of the coast are a bonus enroute! Plus, once you arrive, everything in the centre is easily walkable.
By Car: If you’ve got a rental car, it’s about a 40 minute drive from Lisbon depending on traffic. There’s parking near the marina and the train station, but it fills up fast in summer.
By Guided Tour: If you don’t want to spend the whole day in Cascais, this Sintra and Cascais full day, small group guided tour includes Pena Palace, Cabo da Roca and Cascais all in one. Plus, you’ll get comfortable transport, a passionate local guide to explore with, skip-the-line access at nearby Pena Palace, and (in my opinion!) the perfect amount of free time in Cascais to explore the centre and walk to nearby Boca do Inferno.
By Private Tour: If you want to take your day a bit slower, this private tour from Lisbon to Cascais includes stops in nearby Estoril too. You also have full flexibility to customise your itinerary and, of course, a local’s insights into Cascais’ best-kept secrets, to make the most of your day trip from Lisbon!
Katie’s Top Tip: Don’t forget your swimsuit! The beaches here are clean, safe and perfect for swimming (or paddling, if you prefer!) I would also pack a quick-dry towel too, which doubles up as something to sit on and a way to dry off after your swim.
Lisbon Day Trip #9: Fatima
Even if you’re not religious, Fatima is a beautiful, moving place to visit in Portugal.
This small town became one of the most important Catholic pilgrimage sites in the world after three shepherd children reported visions of the Virgin Mary in 1917.
Today, Fatima draws millions of visitors a year (including a number of Papal visits!)
The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima is the heart of this day trip and the entire complex houses the original chapel, the enormous Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, and the more modern Basilica of the Holy Trinity.
There’s also a small museum to visit and learn about the apparitions, the opportunity for candle-lighting, and you can also walk part of the Via Sacra (still a revered pilgrimage route to this day).
How to Get to Fatima from Lisbon
By Car: Fatima is about 1 hour 15 minutes from Lisbon by car. There’s lots of parking near the sanctuary, and the roads are well-maintained and easy to drive. This is a great option if you also want to explore the surrounding countryside or combine it with other stops.
By Bus: Rede Expressos runs direct buses from Lisbon Sete Rios to Fatima. The journey takes around 1.5 hours. The bus drops you within easy walking distance of the sanctuary.
By Guided Tour: This full-day, small group guided Fatima, Batalha, Nazare and Obidos tour is one of the best day tours from Lisbon if you want to experience both the spiritual and cultural side of Portugal. Plus, as well as a visit to Fatima, you’ll also visit the stunning, gothic monastery at Batalha, enjoy coastal views in Nazare (famous for world-record waves!), and wander the fairytale streets of Obidos – all with comfortable, zero stress transport and the knowledge of a local guide!
By Private Tour: Want a more reflective, slow experience in Fatima? A private guided day trip to Fatima gives you the freedom to customise your itinerary so that you can spend as much (or as little), time at the pilgrimage site of Fatima as you wish. Plus, your dedicated driver-guide will share deeper insights about the site and options to tailor your itinerary based on your interests.
Katie’s Top Tip: Even if you’re not religious, this is a beautiful place to explore and reflect. Plus, it is such an iconic part of Portugal’s rich, religious history, that that alone makes it well worth a day trip from Lisbon.
Lisbon Day Trip #10: Nazare
This once-sleepy fishing town is now a world-famous surf mecca thanks to the record-breaking monster waves at Praia do Norte (we’re talking 78–86 feet tall!)
If you’re interested in visiting Nazare on a day trip from Lisbon to surf, you’ll want to time your visit for late autumn, winter or early spring (specifically October to March).
But if you’re not into surfing, don’t worry!
Nazare is still one of the most dramatic and beautiful coastal destinations in Portugal.
And there’s also a quieter side to Nazare and plenty of things to see and do for tourists, especially in the old town and along the beach. For example, you could ride the Nazare funicular for panoramic views across the rooftops, beaches and sea, or visit the beautiful Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazareth.
Top Things to Do in Nazare
- Watch the surfers at Praia do Norte
- Ride the Nazare funicular to the upper town for panoramic views
- Visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazareth
- Eat fresh seafood at A Celeste
- Catch sunset from Miradouro do Suberco, a stunning viewpoint overlooking the sea
How to Get to Nazare from Lisbon
By Car: Driving is the most flexible way to get to Nazare, taking about 1.5 hours from Lisbon. The drive is easy and scenic, with plenty of space to park in Nazare’s upper and lower towns. But in high season, traffic into the centre can get congested, so aim to arrive early.
By Bus: Rede Expressos runs direct buses from Lisbon Sete Rios to Nazare. The journey takes around 1 hour 40 minutes, and you’ll be dropped off right near the centre.
By Guided Tour: If you want zero stress and a chance to see more than just Nazare, book a full-day small group tour from Lisbon that also includes stops in Fatima, Obidos and Batalha. This tour runs in a comfy minivan, with a passionate local guide, and is a great way to cover multiple best day trips from Lisbon, in just one day! There’s plenty of free time to explore each stop, you won’t have the hassle of navigating public transport, and you can learn about the places you visit from your guide.
By Private Tour: Want to take your day trip to Nazare a bit slower? You can book this private driver-guide to take you on a Nazare day trip from Lisbon, with the itinerary customised to your preferences and what kind of Lisbon day trip you’re looking for. It’s a more expensive option, but ideal if you want extra flexibility to see Nazare (and its surrounding area), at your own pace.
Katie’s Top Tip: For a calmer experience, visit the popular beach city of Nazare during the shoulder seasons (April, May, September, October), when the weather is still nice and the town is still lively, but way less crowded.
Lisbon Day Trip #11: Batalha Monastery
If you’re into history and architecture (or just impressive tourist attractions!), then Batalha Monastery is perfect for you!
This UNESCO-listed monastery is one of the most beautiful and important Gothic and Manueline buildings in all of Portugal, and genuinely one of the best day trips from Lisbon if you want something a bit more off the beaten track than popular Sintra or Belém.
Batalha Monastery (aka the Mosteiro de Santa Maria da Vitória), was built in the 14th century to celebrate Portuguese victory in the Battle of Aljubarrota in 1385.
From the outside, the monastery is all sharp spires and detailed stone carvings, that you could admire for ages. It’s very dramatic and imposing!
But on the inside, it’s surprisingly stripped back, with high stone columns that have almost no decoration, and beautiful, vaulted ceilings. There are also beautiful cloisters and stained glass windows that add to the feelings of calm within the monastery.
How to Get to Batalha from Lisbon
By Car: The drive from Lisbon to Batalha takes about 1.5 hours. Parking is usually easy around the monastery, and driving also gives you the option to combine this with nearby Fatima or Obidos, if you want to make the most of your day trip from Lisbon.
By Bus: Rede Expressos operates a direct bus service from Lisbon Sete Rios to Batalha. The journey takes 2 hours and drops you off just a short, 5 minute walk from the monastery.
By Guided Tour: This small group, full day tour from Lisbon includes Batalha, Fatima, Obidos and Nazare in one go, with a fascinating local guide who explains the history and symbolism behind the sites, as well as pointing out must-sees for your free time. This is a great option if you want to see a mix of Portugal’s religious and architectural attractions, without having to deal with public transport connections!
By Private Tour: There are also private day tours to Batalha from Lisbon, where you can set your own pace, which is ideal if you want extra time to explore the monastery. Your tour also includes hotel pick-up and drop off, entry into the monastery, and other nearby stops like Nazare, Obidos and Fatima. Plus, a private tour gives you full flexibility to customise your itinerary as you wish, with the help of your local driver-guide!
Katie’s Top Tip: In my opinion, visiting Batalha with a guide is your best option because it allows you to learn about the history of this incredible site. But if you choose to visit Bathala on your own, don’t skip the nearby “Museu da Comunidade Concelhia da Batalha” to learn more about the history and culture.
Best Lisbon Day Trips FAQs
Can You Take a Day Trip to Porto? (Lisbon Day Trips To Skip)
Technically? Yes. But I wouldn’t recommend it.
Porto is one of the most beautiful cities in Portugal, but it’s also hours away from Lisbon (3 hours by train one way, or around the same by car without traffic).
That means you’ll be spending around 6 hours of your day in transit, leaving very little time to actually explore the city.
But, if you’ve got your heart set on it and this might be your only chance to see Porto, you can technically do it as a very long day trip from Lisbon, with the right planning:
- Your best bet is to take the Alfa Pendular high-speed train from Lisbon Santa Apolonia or Oriente to Porto Campanha, ideally on one of the earliest trains out and one of the latest ones back.
- Alternatively, this full-day guided tour to Porto takes care of all the logistics for you, with round-trip transport and a local guide who will make sure you actually see something beyond the train station. Just know it’ll be a very long day!
Can You Take a Day Trip to the Algarve? (Lisbon Day Trips To Skip)
I get the appeal, the Algarve is stunning, with turquoise water, golden beaches and hidden coves to explore.
But as a day trip from Lisbon the Algarve, like Porto, is definitely not worth it.
The Algarve is 3 hours 20 minutes away by train or 2.5 hours away by car, which means you’ll be spending around 6 hours round trip just getting there.
By the time you arrive, you’ll barely have time to visit the beach before turning around and heading straight back!
So if you’re dreaming of a beach escape from the city, there are far better options closer to Lisbon:
What Are the Best Day Trips from Lisbon?
If I had to pick my top five best day trips from Lisbon, I’d say:
- Sintra (for colourful palaces, underrated forest walks and major fairy tale vibes)
- Evora (a relaxed city built around truly fascinating historical monuments)
- Arrabida Natural Park (a true hidden gem with nature, views and beautiful beaches)
- Cascais (a beach town with good energy and a lovely walk to Boca do Inferno)
- Obidos (for medieval charm and cherry liqueur in chocolate cups)
When Is the Best Time to Visit Lisbon?
Lisbon is honestly lovely almost all year round, but for the perfect balance of sunshine, atmosphere and fewer crowds, spring (April–June) and early autumn (September–October) are the sweet spots.
July and August are way too hot for city sightseeing and packed are packed with tourists – not ideal for wandering up and down Lisbon’s many hills!
Winter is mild but can be rainy and some day trips like beach destinations won’t be as fun.
How Many Days Do You Need in Lisbon?
If you’re just here to tick off the sights of the city centre, you could technically “do” Lisbon in two days (or even one, if you’re stretched).
But for a more meaningful travel experience, 3 days in Lisbon is ideal.
This gives you time to explore Lisbon’s different city centre neighbourhoods (each has its own unique personality and things to do!), take a Lisbon day trip and also have time to relax and enjoy your surroundings.
Towns Near Lisbon Worth Visiting
There are so many towns near Lisbon worth visiting, and most are super accessible for tourists (whether or not you have a car!), thanks to a great public transport network and guided and private tours heading out daily to top spots.
Some of my favourites include:
- Sintra – colourful, fairytale palaces and forested parklands to explore
- Cascais – relaxed beach vibes, ideal for a slow travel day
- Obidos – medieval walls to walk, an imposing stone castle and cherry liqueur
- Evora – Roman ruins and peaceful, whitewashed streets
- Setubal – gateway to Arrabida Natural Park and a very underrated food scene
Most of these are easy to reach by train or bus, and all work perfectly on guided day tours from Lisbon if you’d prefer not to figure out transport.
Each town offers something a little different, so you can choose your perfect Lisbon day trip based on what you’re looking to explore, whether that’s history, nature, coast or culture.
Final Thoughts
The best day trips from Lisbon aren’t just about checking sights off a bucket list, but about discovering new corners of Portugal that feel so incredibly different from the hustle and bustle of the capital.
Each of the day trips on this list has its own unique rhythm, charm and surprises to explore!
So whether you’re wandering the storybook streets of Obidos, swimming in Arrabida, or following the pilgrimage route at Fatima, these places add so much to your Portugal itinerary that just staying in the city centre couldn’t give you.
But I get it. I know how precious your time is on holiday, and how easy it is to waste a day on a day trip that doesn’t live up to expectations.
And that’s why I only included the spots I truly think are worth your energy, whether you’re in the mood to explore Portugal’s history, nature, coast or culture.
I hope that this guide has shown you that Portugal is compact, and Lisbon makes the perfect base to explore so much more of the country than you’d think!
So, out of all the beautiful best day trips from Lisbon, which are you most excited about for your trip?
Read More About Travel in Portugal:
- How to Spend 3 Days in Porto: Your Perfect Porto Itinerary
- The 7 Best Day Trips From Porto (No Car Needed!)
- 17 Best Things To Do Alone in Lisbon For Solo Travellers
- 11 Best Day Trips from Lisbon You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner
- Is Lisbon Safe For Solo Female Travellers? A Realistic Guide
