6 Best Day Trips From Lisbon, Portugal
Are you planning a trip to Lisbon and want to make the most out of your visit? Why not take a day trip from Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, and explore the surrounding areas? Or maybe you live in Lisbon and are looking for weekend trips from Lisbon? You’ve come to the right place!
From its charming cities, untouched countryside, serene coastline and unique villages, there’s an array of unforgettable experiences waiting for every type of traveller looking for day trips from Lisbon. Whether it’s relaxing or surfing on some incredible beaches in Ericeira or Peniche or for a country escape in the hills of Sintra – this blog post highlights the five best day trips you can take from Lisbon, either by train, bus or car.
If you’ve never been to Lisbon or are looking for some ideas for what to do in the city during your stay, there’s a blog with a 3-day itinerary here, and a blog with a list of the 15 best things to do in Lisbon.
Once you’ve had your fill of Lisbon, or are just someone looking to make the most of your time while on holiday there, these are the five best day trips to take from Lisbon.
You’re going to love it here in Lisbon.
Other travel guides you might find useful…
- Europe: the ultimate travel guide
- Top tips for travelling in Europe
- The best things to do in Portugal
- A 2-week Portugal road trip itinerary
- A guide to driving from England to Portugal
- The best things to do in Lagos, Portugal
- A guide to Lisbon, Portugal
- A guide to Nazaré, Portugal: Home to the biggest wave in the world
- Hidden gems in Europe that you must visit
- A bucket list of road trips in Europe
Portugal Google Map Legend
Get lifetime access to my endless hours of research and time spent on the ground finding the best places to eat, drink, relax and explore in the area. You simply open the Google Map on your device and all my pins are at the touch of your fingertips.
The Top 5 Best Day Trips from Lisbon
1. Ericeira
If you’re looking for an amazing surfers’ paradise, look no further than Ericeira, Portugal! This small coastal town is one of the many beaches near Lisbon, located just north of Lisbon. It is home to some of Portugal’s best waves. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, this a great surf spot for ocean lovers seeking a weekend trip from Lisbon to the coast! Some of the best beaches to surf at are:
- Praia Ribeira das Ilhas
- Praia Foz do Lizandro and
- Praia do Matadouro.
In addition to its incredible waves, Ericeira’s beaches are also perfect for a beach bum weekend getaway. Praia do Sul, and Praia dos Pescadores are within walking distance from the centre of town, but my favourite beach to spend the day at on a day trip from Lisbon to Sintra is Praia de São Julião.
There are also plenty of restaurants and bars in Ericeira, making it the perfect spot to spend a weekend away from Lisbon. Two places you have to visit if you head to Ericeira on a weekend trip from Lisbon are Dear Rose for brunch and GiG (Green is good) for lunch.
There’s a whole blog post about the best things to do in Ericeira, so be sure to check it out before travelling there!
How to get to Ericeira
Ericeira is only a 40-minute drive from Lisbon, so it’s the perfect destination for a day trip (or a weekend trip from Lisbon!). You can either drive or take a bus to Ericeira. The bus leaves from Sete Rios station and takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes. The cost of the bus ticket is around 13€ each way.
2. Nazaré
Another great day trip from Lisbon for surf lovers and those looking for beaches near Lisbon is Nazaré, located on the central coast of Portugal (122km from Lisbon).
This fishing village that was barely on anyone’s radar is gaining popularity for its giant waves and is known to be a hotspot for the world’s biggest wave chasers. In winter, Nazaré’s swells can reach up to 30 meters and attract some of the best surfers in the world. You can read all about what it’s like to be at Nazaré when the pro surfers are competing in this blog post.
- Nazaré mobile wallpapers (set of 10)
- A guide to Nazaré, Portugal: Home to the biggest wave in the world
- Best things to do on the West Coast of Portugal
Apart from surfing, there are plenty of activities to enjoy, such as walking along Praia do Norte (North Beach), which is one of the most beautiful beaches near Lisbon, visiting Salir do Porto or São Miguel Arcanjo churches, or tasting local seafood. Some of the best seafood restaurants in Nazaré are A Tasquinha, Rosa dos Ventos, and Pangeia Restaurante.
How to get to Nazaré
The easiest way to go from Lisbon to Nazaré is by car or bus, both taking around 2 hours. The bus leaves several times a day from Sete Rios station, and tickets can be purchased in advance.
3. Cascais
Cascais is one of the most popular day trips from Lisbon! Especially those looking for day trips by train from Lisbon. Located on the Estoril Coast, Cascais is a charming beach town just 28 kilometres away from Lisbon.
Apart from its beautiful beaches (Cascais Beach and Tamariz Beach being the most popular ones), there are plenty of things to do here – visit the iconic Boca do Inferno cliff, tour the old city centre and its colourful buildings and take a stroll on the city’s promenade. For a unique experience, you can also take a boat trip to nearby Estoril, or spend the day at one of its many golf courses.
If architecture is something you admire, it’s definitely worth stopping by Casa das Histórias Paula Rego, a museum designed by the famous architect Siza Vieira.
Cascais is a great option for those looking for day trips from Lisbon with family or a larger group with many interests, as there is so much to do here, and it’s so easy to get to!
How to get to Cascais
Cascais is a coastal town located just 28km away from Lisbon. It’s the perfect day trip by train from Lisbon, and if you decide to go by train, the trip should take around 30 minutes. The railway station in Cascais is located right next to the beach and centre of town. There are also busses departing.
4. Santa Cruz, spend a day at Noah’s Surfhouse
For a perfect blend of coastal relaxation and adventure, consider a day trip to Santa Cruz, home to the renowned Noah’s Surfhouse Hotel. This boutique hotel offers not only great food at their restaurant with amazing sunset views but also an abundance of activities to choose from!
Noah’s Surfhouse Hotel is not just a place to stay; it’s a vibrant hub for outdoor adventures and wellness experiences. Tailored to guests’ interests, the hotel offers an array of exciting activities to make your stay unforgettable. Surf enthusiasts can dive into surf lessons guided by experienced instructors, catering to both beginners and seasoned wave riders eager to conquer the Atlantic coast. If skateboarding is more your style, the hotel also provides exhilarating lessons to explore the local area in a unique way.
The hotel’s daily schedule also consists of a variety of fitness classes, like Yoga, Pilates, Functional training and their most unique class: Liquid Balance. You can read about each class and their daily schedule on their website.
The hotel is a 5-minute walk from Praia Formosa which is a stunning sandy beach with rock formations so it’s the perfect beach to spend an afternoon either reading, tanning and relaxing or going for a long walk along the coast at sunset.
How to get to Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is approximately a one-hour drive from Lisbon, making it a convenient day trip destination. Alternatively, you can take a direct bus from Lisbon’s Sete Rios station, with a travel time of around 1 hour and 30 minutes. Plan your visit to Santa Cruz and Noah’s Surfhouse Hotel for a memorable day of coastal exploration, adventure, and relaxation during your stay in Lisbon. (Although needless to say, you might be tempted to spend more than a day here as there is so much to do and rooms at Noah’s Surfhouse are so cosy and cool!).
5. Sintra & Cado da Roca (Praia da Ursa)
Sintra is one of the most magical towns near Lisbon and a great destination option for day trips Lisbon. Located just 30km from Lisbon, this fairytale-like town is filled with stunning castles, lush gardens, interesting museums and quaint streets – all making it the perfect place to visit if you’re looking for day trips from Lisbon or weekend trips from Lisbon.
Take some time to explore the iconic Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira and Monserrate Palace; take a hike in Sintra-Cascais Natural Park or have an outdoor picnic overlooking the Moorish Castle.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also take a trip to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of continental Europe and home to one of the most beautiful beaches in Portugal: Praia da Ursa.
How to get to Sintra
If you’re looking for day trips from Lisbon and want to visit Sintra, it’s very easy to get there by train from Lisbon. The journey only takes around 40 minutes, and the train station is located right in the centre of town. It’s also easy to get to Praia da Ursa; take bus 403 from Lisbon, and it’ll drop you off at the lighthouse.
6. Peniche
Peniche is a surfer town that lies on the western coast of Portugal, a little further up the coast from Ericeira and just about 90 km north of Lisbon. If you’re looking for beaches near Lisbon for a day trip by train from Lisbon, then Peniche is the perfect place!
Peniche is renowned for its world-class surf spots like Supertubos, as well as its beautiful beaches. Whether you’re looking to catch some waves or just relax on the beach (or both!) Peniche is a great day trip from Lisbon. Two beaches you must visit in Peniche are Praia do Baleal and Praia da Consolação, both with stunning views and great waves.
If you’re thinking of weekend trips from Lisbon (or longer!), there are plenty of surf camps in Peniche to stay at to learn to surf in Peniche. Some of the most popular ones are Salty Pelicans, Baleal Surf Camp, Ferrel Surfhouse and Bukubaki.
How to get to Peniche:
Peniche is a coastal town just 58 km away from Lisbon, and it’s the perfect weekend trip from Lisbon for those looking for beaches near Lisbon. The easiest way to get there from Lisbon is by car, but you can also take a bus from Sete Rios station, which takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes.
And there you have the five best day trips to take from Lisbon. Whether you’re looking for colourful castles, fairytale-like towns like Sintra, or stunning beaches on the West Coast of Portugal, there’s something to suit everyone.
Portugal is a fan favourite in this blog, and below, you can find an array of blog posts to read if you’re planning to visit another region of Portugal or head on a longer trip!
Have you been to Lisbon Portugal??
What are your top things to do in Lisbon? Anything you’d add to this Lisbon day trips bucket list?
Love as always and happy adventuring…
Sté Marques
Portugal Google Map Legend
Get lifetime access to my endless hours of research and time spent on the ground finding the best places to eat, drink, relax and explore in the area. You simply open the Google Map on your device and all my pins are at the touch of your fingertips.
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