When you’re planning a trip to Lisbon make sure to have some extra time to explore not only the city but also nearby areas. The amount of time needed depends on your personal interests and what you want to see while you’re there. We spent a week in Lisbon which was a good amount of time to explore the city and to do some day trips without feeling rushed.
Here is my 3 favourite day trips from Lisbon that I think is worth visiting.
1. Sintra.
This is one of my favourite day trips from Lisbon and I highly recommend that you take the time to go there! About 30km west of Lisbon, nestled in the hills you’ll find a fairytale-like town called Sintra. Its known for its majestic palaces, lush gardens and mystical atmosphere. Explore majestic and impressive palaces and allow yourself to get lost among the exotic gardens.
Read my guide, Explore Sintra, Portugal for more information and details about planning a trip there.
2. Cabo da Roca, Praia da Aroeira and Ursa Beach.
This is the westernmost point of mainland in Europe and will offer you a mesmerizing coastal experience. Explore the historic lighthouse and wander along the walking trails for a breathtaking landscape and amazing views of the rugged cliffs and the crashing waves.
Follow the trails along the coast and visit Praia da Aroeira and Ursa Beach, they are two hidden gems! Praia da Aroeira is a beautiful beach, we decided not to go down because the way down looked very sketchy. Ursa Beach can be reached via a steep trail but you’ll be rewarded with golden snd and breathtaking views of the towering cliffs. The beach is quite secluded and we enjoyed having the beach almost to ourselves.
How to get there: From Lisbon take the train to Cascais and then take the Scotturb bus 403 to Cabo da Roca, the journey takes about 30 mins and are about 3-4€ for a one way trip.
3. Cascais
Cascais is a charming coastal town located on the Portuguese riviera. The town offers a perfect blend of history, natural beauty and leisure activities. It’s the perfect seaside getaway to enjoy beaches, local food, museum and art galleries.
How to get there: Take the train from Lisbon to Cascais, the journey takes about 40 minutes and the train runs frequently throughout the day. A single ticket is 2.30€.
