Portugal is a small country and easy to get around, which is why Lisbon can make an excellent base for day trips. There are so many beautiful places to see in Portugal, and some of the best are day trips from Lisbon. Many are closer to the city centre than you might think.
There is a vast array of Lisbon day tours that include all of the highlights of the Portuguese countryside and coast near Lisbon. The fairytale charm of Sintra, Portugal’s most famous beaches, quaint villages and historic cities, the westernmost point of continental Europe and ancient monasteries dating back to the Knights Templar.
These are just a few wonderful destinations you can add to your Lisbon itinerary, all accessible within an hour and a half of the capital.
Trains and Buses
Portugal’s cities and most towns are well connected by good train and bus services. Many of the day trips from Lisbon mentioned here are accessible by public transport – mostly by local bus services or Lisbon Metro.
If you need to travel further, Rede Express is the main coach service. Trains are also a great way to see Portugal and connect all major cities and regions. There are plenty of great day trips from Lisbon by train. See the Comboios De Portugal site for timetables and prices.
Train Discount Tip: For longer train trips – e.g. Lisbon to Coimbra or Lisbon to Porto, If you book well in advance, you can get train travel discounts of up to 40%. These early-bird discounts are applicable for train travel throughout Europe. Discounts should start appearing on the Comboios De Portugal site as early as two weeks out.
Some of Portugal’s most beautiful and off-the-beaten-track destinations can be difficult to reach by public transport. So, if you plan to venture off the main routes a little, you may prefer to rent a car or take a day tour. Both are very efficient and affordable ways to maximise your time in Portugal.
Car Rental in Portugal
Driving in Portugal is easy. A good highway system connects the entire country; even the secondary roads are usually in good condition, so driving is relatively stress-free. Two-day car hire from Lisbon starts for as little as €50 for a small–midsize 4-door car which is perfect for getting around some of the smaller towns. (rates will be higher in the peak months of July and August)
Search the Best Car Rental Rates from Lisbon Here with free cancellation and no hidden fees.
Day Tours From Lisbon
Day tours can be a really time-efficient and cost-effective way to see more of Portugal from Lisbon. You don’t have to worry about navigating public transport, waste time waiting for trains and buses or worry about car hire.
Some day tours will include multiple stops to up to three destinations in one day. It’s a great way to see more, especially if you are short on time. We recommend tours we believe to be the best value for money and offer the best experience.
Plan More of your Portugal Itinerary: We’ve got some great Portugal Travel Guides to help you make the most of your time in this charming country.
Best Day Trips from Lisbon
Cascais (35 minutes)
Excellent beaches, historical sights, good food and charming old town.
One of the most popular day trips from Lisbon is to the coastal resort town of Cascais, only 30 km west of the city. The former fishing village is famous for its sandy beaches and busy marina.
The charming beachfront village is home to the medieval Nossa Senhora da Luz Fort and the Citadel Palace, once a fortification to protect Cascais from invading fleets. It was repurposed in the nineteenth century by King Luis I as a retreat for royalty and nobility. The Citadel became the royal summer residence, and Cascais became a popular place for affluent people from Lisbon to spend their summers. The area still holds this status.
Boasting some of the best beaches close to Lisbon, there is much more to do in Cascais than a day at the beach. Explore the picturesque streets of the old town lined with the typical calçada Portuguesa – cobbled mosaic streets. There is plenty of charming cafes, great restaurants and shopping. Wander down the waterfront past the Citadel past some of Cascais’s most beautiful homes. Walk along the Marina de Cascais to the Santa Marta Lighthouse, where you can visit the museum.
FAQ’s for Cascais
Distance from Lisbon: 35 minutes (31 km | 19 miles)
Getting to Cascais: Accessible by suburban train Linha de Cascais from Cais do Sodré train station. Trains leave every 20 minutes, and the journey takes approx. 30 minutes.
Day Tours: See combined day tour recommendations listed below
Praia do Guincho (35 minutes)
Dramatic scenery, surfing, and beaches
Approximately 6 km from Cascais, Praia do Guincho is a beautiful beach with dramatic scenery and rugged coast. Famed for its great surf, when the weather is calm, Praia do Guincho is a lovely beach for swimming and sunbathing in summer.
A gorgeous 800 meter stretch of golden sand exposed to the wild elements of the Atlantic Ocean, set against the cliffs of the Serra de Sintra hills. Praia do Guincho featured in the opening scene of the 1969 Bond film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. Incredibly scenic and, at times, wild and woolly, there is plenty to do at Praia do Guincho.
Of course, there is surfing, body boarding and kite surfing. You can rent boards and gear on the beach. During the summer, you can rent sunbeds, and there are numerous restaurants and bars which make a great place for lunch or a sunset drink.
There are also walking and cycling tracks along the coast for something more active. If you are planning a relaxing beach day, check the weather first as there is minimal shelter. The northern end of the beach is best for summer as you can shelter behind the cliffs.
FAQ’s for Praia do Guincho
Distance from Lisbon: 35 min (33 km | 20 miles)
Getting to Praia do Guincho: The best way to reach Praia do Guincho is by car – 35 minutes from Lisbon. You can catch the train from Lisbon to Cascais and take the bus from the Cascais bus station – the 405 and 415, the journey takes approximately 20 minutes.
Tour Option: Take a full-day 4×4 tour of the most beautiful and wild beaches of Sintra starting at Praia do Guincho to “the edge of the earth” at Cabo da Roca exploring classic Portuguese villages that spill from the cliffs and off-road lookouts offering 360° views. Tour includes guide, Off-road experience in a restored vintage Portuguese UMM 4×4, pick up and drop off, snacks and tastings and much more. See here for full tour details and inclusions.
Sintra (40 minutes)
Palaces, scenic countryside, royal gardens and charming villages.
Sintra seems to pack more attractions and UNESCO World Heritage Sites into one area than any other day trip from Lisbon.
Nestled amongst thickly wooded forests, the small town of Sintra is surrounded by opulent palaces and Moorish castles and some of the most majestic views anywhere in Portugal. It is the quintessential fairytale landscape.
Explore the old town and climb to medieval Castelo dos Mouros (you can, of course, take the bus if you don’t want to tackle the climb). You will have magnificent views of Pena Palace from here.
Visit the 19th-century Palácio Nacional da Pena, once home to the Portugues Royal family. Explore Quinta da Regaleira and its intriguing Initiation Well. A visit to Sintra would not be complete without visiting the whimsical Pena Palace, a popular retreat for Portuguese nobility. There is so much to see in Sintra; we recommend allowing as much time as possible, which is why a day tour may be the most convenient way to visit. See our complete guide on tips for visiting Sintra from Lisbon.
FAQ’s for Sintra
Distance from Lisbon: 40 min (33 km | 20 miles)
Getting to Sintra: You can drive to Sintra but once there, you will need to take the 434 bus from Sintra town centre that circuits the main attractions, including Pena Palace. As parking can be difficult in Sintra, taking a train is the preferred method – You can find a lot of useful information about the route of the 434 bus here to help plan your day.
Tip: If you do plan to visit Sintra independently, it is highly advisable to pre-book a skip the line ticket for Pena Palace in advance, especially in peak season.
Tour Options: A guided tour to Sintra is a great option as it takes any of the stress out of navigating your way to Sintra. Many of the day trips also include other stops (including Cascais as we mentioned earlier). Some great Sintra tour options are:
Sintra Highlights Full-Day Tour from Lisbon: A full day trip spent exploriSintra’s highlights with plenty of time to explore at your leisure – Including the Mysterious Quinta da Regaleira and the Initiation Well, Monserrate Palace and its exotic gardens, Seteais Palace, the City Hall and the Park of Liberty and Pena Palace. See here for full tour details.
Combined Sintra, Cascais and Cabo da Roca Coast Day Tour:
Enjoy a full day visiting three of the biggest attractions close to Lisbon.
Visit the romantic Pena Palace and explore the town centre of Sintra Sintra, enjoy views from the westernmost point of continental Europe at Cabo do Roca, and discover the charming seaside town of Cascais. See here for full tour details.
Cabo da Roca West Coast Sintra Cascais Natural Park (50 min)
Dramatic coastlines, historic hiking trails, most western point of Europe.
Cabo do Roca is not just dramatic vistas of cliffs that slip into the wild Atlantic Ocean. It’s also the westernmost point of Portugal and the European continent – right there is a feather in your travel cap.
Located within the Sintra – Cascais Natural Park, visitors often choose to include Cabo do Roca as a stop on a Sintra, Cascais trip or tour. Many Sintra day tours from Lisbon offer this route which is a great way to see all the main sights. We have listed some that are good value and offer a great experience
However, if you want to self-drive or enjoy a day in nature, you can spend a day exploring the natural side of the park away from the main tourist drawcards. One of the 13 natural parks in Portugal, there is plenty to keep nature lovers entertained with hiking trails, natural and rugged beaches and historic sights.
FAQ’s for Cabo da Roca West Coast Sintra Cascais Natural Park
Distance from Lisbon: 50 min (40 km | 25 miles)
Getting to Cabo da Roca: Driving from Lisbon is the easiest way along the scenic N247. There is also a regular bus service – the 403 route which leaves from Sintra train station and takes approx. 35 minutes.
Tour Options: All of the tour options to Cabo da Roca are combined multi-stop tours. While not entirely dedicated to Cabo da Roca, they offer a great variety of experiences within the Sintra region. These are two different style tours you can choose from:
Full-day 4×4 Coastal Tour from Cascais: Tour of the most beautiful and wild beaches of Sintra starting at Praia do Guincho to “the edge of the earth” at Cabo da Roca exploring classic Portuguese villages that spill from the cliffs and off-road lookouts offering 360° views. Tour includes a guide, off-road experience in a restored vintage Portuguese UMM 4×4, pick up and drop off, snacks and tastings and much more. See here for full tour details and inclusions.
Combined Sintra, Cascais and Cabo da Roca Coast Day Tour:
Enjoy a full day visiting three of the biggest attractions close to Lisbon.
Visit the romantic Pena Palace and explore the town centre of Sintra, enjoy views from the westernmost point of continental Europe at Cabo do Roca, and discover the charming seaside town of Cascais. See here for full tour details.
Costa de Caparica (20 min)
Beaches, historic tourist railway and waterfront restaurants.
One of the best beach day trips from Lisbon is to Costa Caparica. The long stretch of pristine beach on the Atlantic coast is the most popular summer escape for Lisbonites.
The hub of the coast, Caparica, is packed during the summer months, but with a laid back holiday vibe quite unexpected being so close to the city. Beaches close to Caparica can be pretty crowded during peak summer, especially on weekends. If you want to secure a quiet piece of beach real estate, head to the beaches further south. You can take the historic Comboio da Caparica mini railway, which traces the dunes along the Atlantic coast for around 9 km, to Fonte da Telha where you can find some more remote beaches. There are 15 stops to choose from along the route.
You will find some excellent restaurants and cafes in Costa Caparica, even in the winter months when only the surfers dare brave the cold Atlantic waters.
FAQ’s for Costa de Caparica
Distance: 20 minutes (16.5 km | 10.5 miles)
Getting to Costa Caparica: Other than driving, you can reach Costa Caparica by these modes of transport:
Bus: You can take the Transportes Sul do Tejo (TST) bus service route 161, which departs from Praça do Areeiro in Lisbon (connected by the green metro line). The journey will take around 45 minutes, depending on traffic.
Ferry & Bus: An alternative is to take the ferry from Cais do Sodré to Cacilhas (they leave every 10 – 15 minutes and take around the same time to cross) then take bus 124 or 135 from Cacilhas to Costa da Caparica – around 30 minutes– A good option if you want to make a combined Costa Caparica Cacilhas day trip.
Cacilhas and Cristo Rei (15 minutes)
Inner-city village vibe, great seafood and iconic Cristo Rei
On your way to or back from Costa Caparica, stop in Cacilhas, a charming corner of Almada on the riverfront.
A hub for the ferry from Cais do Sodré, Cacilha is much more than just a transit town for those visiting Costa Caparica or the Cristo Rei statue on the southern end of the Ponte 25 de Abril – although, this is a worthwhile trip from Lisbon.
The port town draws Lisbonites from the city for their fresh seafood restaurants and charming atmosphere. Quaint streets and a local fishing culture combine with a thriving cultural scene.
Cacilhas offers epic views of Lisbon city, especially at sunset. A popular combination is a sunset seafood dinner at the famous waterfront restaurant Ponto Final.
Rua Cândido dos Reis offers a wealth of restaurants, cafes and shops where you can browse old books, find hip artisanal gems or stop for a drink with live music.
FAQ’s for Cacilhas and Cristo Rei
Distance: 26 minutes by car (14.5 km | 9 miles) By ferry: 10 minutes
Getting to Cacilhas: The fastest route is the Cacilhas – Cais do Sodré ferry line. The journey takes approx 10 minutes and ferries leave every 10-15 minutes depending on the day.
Mafra (40 minutes)
Magnificent Baroque palace
In the small town of Mafra, only 40 km north of Lisbon, you will find one of Portugal’s most impressive and most prominent monuments. Mosteiro Pálacio Nacional de Mafra was the largest Baroque palace ever built in the 18th century and includes the longest tunnel in a palace and Portugals oldest library. The immense size of the palace dwarfs the small town of Mafra.
Commissioned by King João V as a monastery, his vision grew to include an opulent palace and basilica as the royal purse began to fatten with wealth from Brazilian gold.
Sprawling across 4 acres, allow at least two hours to explore Mosteiro Pálacio Nacional de Mafra.
Add a visit to Ericeira to your day in Mafra. The popular beach town 12 km to the west of Mafra is where the last king of Portugal, King Manuel II, boarded a ship to England into exile. On the 5th of October 1910, the king fled the palace as the first Portuguese Republic overthrew the centuries-old Portuguese monarchy. A day still celebrated in Portugal today.
Mafra FAQ’s
Distance from Lisbon: 40 minutes driving (56 km | 34 miles)
Getting to Mafra: Unless you are driving or taking a day tour, the bus is the best way to get to Mafra from Lisbon.
Mafrense bus company runs regular daily services on the Ericeira route from Lisboa Campo Grande. Expect travel times of around 40 minutes on the 209 service.
Tour Options:
Ericeira & Mafra Rural Beach & Wine Tour: Explore the incredible Mosteiro Pálacio Nacional de Mafra, one of Portugal’s most important sights. Learn about Portugal’s ancient customs at the one of a kind museum, José Franco’s village. Take in the views and village vibe at the first World Surfing Reserve in Europe and 2nd in the world at the coastal town of Ericeira. Finish the day at an exquisite winery for a tasting and insight into Portuguese wine production. See here for tour details.
Coastal Villages and Mafra Palace Guided Tour: Visit the scenic coastal village of Azenhas do Mar, built in the “Portuguese Soft Style”. Continue along the rugged coast to explore the town of Ericeira, known for its blue and white buildings, surf status and lively food scene. After lunch, head to José Franco, a working village and open-air museum showcasing the traditional Portuguese culture and handicrafts. End the day with a guided tour of the magnificent Palace of Mafra, a masterpiece from the eighteenth century and one of the most important buildings in the Portuguese Baroque style. See here for full tour details.
Sesimbra & Parque Natural da Arrábida (50 minutes)
National Park, wine region, vibrant fishing village, castles and pristine beaches with lots of watersport and boating opportunities.
Take a trip over Europe’s longest bridge, Ponte Vasco da Gama, to the tranquil fishing village of Sesimbra, on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean and beneath the Parque Natural da Arrábida mountain range.
One of Portugal’s premier wine regions set amongst the picturesque hills, the area also boasts pristine beaches with clear waters perfect for wreck diving, kayaking, sport fishing and snorkelling.
The town of Sesimbra is a bustling fishing port with all the colour and cultural atmosphere of a traditional fishing village. Also known for its excellent fresh seafood, it’s a good stop for lunch. The maze of winding, narrow streets has no shortage of excellent restaurants to choose from.
The coastal town of Sesimbra and the Parque Natural da Arrábida has the best of everything to offer, no matter your interest. Sesimbra and the surrounding area also has some fantastic historical sites worth visiting. Visit the villages beautifully restored church, the 17th-century Fortaleza de Santiago and the Museu do Mar (Museum of the Sea). Wander up the hill to the 10th century Moorish Sesimbra castle, which sits high above the town and offers stunning views, especially at sunset.
FAQ’s for Sesimbra & Parque Natural da Arrábida
Distance: 50 minutes by car (40 km | 24 miles)
Getting to Sesimbra: There is a direct bus between Lisbon and Sesimbra operated by Transportes Sul do Tejo (TST). It is the 207 service and takes a little over an hour.
Tour Options:
Arrábida and Sesimbra Day Tour & Wine Tasting from Lisbon: Enjoy a full-day trip from Lisbon, visiting the regions best sights on a private or small-group tour. See the fantastic landscapes of Arrábida Natural Park and breathtaking views from Portinho da Arrábida.
Visit a family-owned farm. Sample some of the best local wines and tour a historic cellar in Azeitão. Explore the castles of Setúbal and take in the view of Lisbon from the famous Cristo Rei statue. Includes guides, transport, tours and tastings. See here for full tour details.
Arrábida Natural Park and Sesimbra Day Trip: Alternatively, you could opt for a tour that explores the Arrábida Natural Park and the region historical sights but also focuses on the beautiful beaches with the option of a dolphin watching boat tour – See full details here.
Tours from Sesimbra: If you decide to get your own way to Sesimbra, there are some wonderful half-day and shorter tours you can take such as Arrábida Natural Park Kayak and Caves Tour, Dolphin watching boat tours and kayak and snorkel experiences.
Queluz National Palace (20 Minutes)
Opulent Royal Palace and Gardens
Located midway between Lisbon and Sintra, the 18th century Palacio Nacional de Queluz gives visitors a glimpse into the life of Portuguese royalty. One of Portugal’s most opulent palaces, it was constructed for King Pedro and, later his wife Queen Maria I, taking 45 years to finish between 1747 and 1794
Combining Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassical architecture, the focus of the palace design was to create a seamless experience between the architectural design and the landscape.
Compared to Versailles in Paris, Queluz National Palace is much more than a royal residence; it is a carefully crafted tribute to the extravagance of the 18th and 19th century royal courts. Lavish interiors exquisitely draped with crystal and gilded flourishes at every turn. Formal gardens feature fine topiary, waterfalls with moss-covered grottos and tranquil canals to delight visiting dignitaries and nobility. The garden also features one of the largest collections of sculptures by the renowned English sculptor John Cheere.
On certain days, the grounds play host to the Portuguese School of Equestrian Art where you can witness incredible displays of horsemanship. You can also see displays of falconry at times in the palace grounds.
FAQ’s for Queluz National Palace
Distance: 20 minutes by car (13km | 8 Miles)
Getting to Queluz National Palace: If not driving, the fasted way to reach the palace is by train. Take the Sintra line train from Rossio to Queluz-Belas station. It is an easy 10- 15-minute walk from the station. There are signs that will lead you to the palace and gardens.
Tour Options:
8-Hour Sintra Combined Palace Tour: Take a full-day tour of Sintra which visits Queluz National Palace in the morning. Allows for free time in Sintra Old town where you can visit the castle or National Palace. The afternoon takes you to Pena Palace and finishes the day in the seaside town of Cascais. See here for full tour details.
Pre Book Tickets: If visiting Queluz National Palace on your own, it is advisable to pre-book skip the line tickets, especially in peak summer months.
Fátima (1.20 hrs)
Famous pilgrimage site and basilica. (Often combined with Nazaré, Batalha and Óbidos).
Just under an hour and a half north of Lisbon, the small town of Fátima is one of the world’s most important catholic pilgrimage sites.
In Fátima, the widely believed appearance of the Virgin Mary to three shepherd children took place in 1917. There were a series of miracles with the apparitions, including the Miracle of the Sun witnessed by more than 70,000 people.
The Santuário de Fátima (Sanctuary of Fátima), built on the site of the Virgins supposed apparition is dominated by the mighty Neo-Baroque Basílica de Nossa Senhora do Rosário de Fátima. Inside are the tombs of the revered children in the Capela das Aparições (Chapel of the Apparitions).
In front of the basilica is a vast esplanade twice the size of Peter’s Square in Vatican City, Rome.
On the 12th and 13th of October each year, thousands of devotees make the pilgrimage to Fátima to pay homage to the Virgin at the site of the miracles.
Even for non-Christians, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima is worth seeing.
The pilgrimage complex is free to visit but remember; it is a holy site, so show respect for those visiting to pray. Modest dress is expected. See the official Fátima site for details of times and masses.
A trip to Fátima is often combined with a visit to Nazaré.
FAQ’s for Fátima
Distance from Lisbon: 1hr 20 minutes by car (128km | 79.5 Miles)
Getting to Fátima: Driving or a day tour is the best way to reach Fátima. There are no direct trains as the closest train station is around 20kms from Fátima.
You can take the Rede Expressos bus service from the Sete Rios bus terminal in Lisbon. The Fátima bus station is approximately 10 minutes walk from the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima. The bus will take approx. one and a half hours and cost between €8-€13 each way depending on the service. Buses depart Lisbon all day.
Tour Options:
You can take a dedicated Fátima day tour from Lisbon but most are combined tours visiting multiple destinations in one day. This is a great way to see more of the Silver Coast’s best attractions.
Fátima, Nazaré, and Óbidos Combined Small-Group Tour: Take a combined tour from Lisbon starting in the town of Fátima to visit the famous pilgrimage site. Take time for lunch in a local restaurant before visiting the fishing town of Nazaré, the site of the biggest waves in the world and the Big Wave Surf competition. Finish the day in the pretty walled town of Óbidos, a city gifted to numerous Portuguese Queens. Tour includes all transport and guides and Ginja tasting. See here for full tour details.
Fatima, Obidos, Batalha and Nazaré Group Tour: Want to pack a little more in your day? Visit Fátima, Nazaré and Óbidos but include a stop at the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage monastery of Batalha. Tour includes guides, transport and Ginja sampling. See here for full tour details.
Nazaré (1.25hrs)
Big waves, rugged coast, charming fishing village and chilled surf town vibe.
One and a half hours from Lisbon and 45 minutes from Fátima, the fishing town of Nazaré was a favourite seaside resort of local Portuguese summer visitors.
Then, in 2011, Nazaré found world recognition when professional big wave surfer Garret McNamara set a record for the biggest wave ever surfed near the lighthouse off Praia do Norte. Nazaré had the attention of big wave surfers from all over the world. His record was beaten by Brazillian surfer Rodrigo Koxa riding a 24.4 meter |80.5 ft wave in 2017.
Every year from November, surfers and big wave watches descend on the town in hope of conquering or witnessing the 100-foot wave made famous by the HBO series of the same name.
Big wave and extreme surfing aside, Nazaré has its own charms worth visiting for and traditions still hold firm. Stroll the calm long stretches of sand on Praia da Nazaré where fishermen still mend nets in colourful boats and women dry neatly arranged displays of fish on racks. Ride the funicular 110 meters to the top of the headland for magnificent vistas of Nazarés rugged coastline. Visit the famous lighthouse, now home to an exhibition on the big wave surfers who have braved the massive swells of the Nazaré canyon.
FAQ’s for Nazaré
Distance from Lisbon: 1hr 25 minutes by car (122km | 76 Miles)
Getting to Nazaré: Driving or a day tour is the best way to reach Nazaré. There are no direct trains, you need to change at Caldas da Rainha and the station is still 8kms from Nazaré. The trip would take over 3 hours.
You can take the Rede Expressos bus service from the Sete Rios bus terminal in Lisbon. The bus will take approx. 1.45 hrs and cost approx. €12 each way. Buses depart Lisbon all day.
Tour Options:
As with tours to Fátima, a combined multi-stop tour is the best way to visit Nazaré. As an alternative to the tours mentioned for Fátima, you can include a stop at Alcobaça.
Fátima, Batalha, Alcobaça, Nazaré and Óbidos Private Tour: Visit the top destinations on the Silver Coast with an alternative stop at the city of Alcobaça to visit the famous monastery and learn the tragic love story of King Pedro I and his beloved Inês de Castro. See here for full tour details.
Batalha (1.40 hrs)
UNESCO Monastery and gardens.
Batalha is a peaceful town renowned for Portugal’s most crucial battle – Batalha de Aljubarrota in 1385 that secured independence for Portugal from the Crown of Castille. King João I constructed the Batalha Monastery to commemorate the victory, still considered one of the finest monasteries in Portugal.
The magnificent stonework of the Monastery, which is an excellent representation of the transition from Gothic styles to Manueline, would influence Portuguese architecture for many years.
Batalha town is relatively small but well worth the visit to see the Monastery and surrounding gardens.
It is worth including a visit to Batalha with Fátima, Nazaré and Óbidos.
FAQ’s for Batalha
Distance from Lisbon: 1hr 40 minutes by car (146km | 91 Miles)
Getting to Batalha: Driving or a day tour is the best way to reach Batalha. There are no direct trains.
You can take the Rede Expressos bus service from the Sete Rios bus terminal in Lisbon. The bus will take approx. 2 hrs and cost €12 each way. There are only around two services per day.
Tour Options:
As with tours to Fátima & Nazaré, a combined multi-stop tour as already recommended is the best way to visit Batalha.
Óbidos (1 hour)
Beautiful historic walled city and unique libraries
The beautiful walled city of Óbidos dates back to the 700s and the fall of the Roman Empire and the Moors. But it was around the 13th century, the tradition of Kings gifting the city of Óbidos to his future queen on her wedding day began. In 1210, Queen Urraca was the first to receive Óbidos as a dowry giving rise to the informal title of Vila das Rainhas (Town of Queens) or the “Wedding Gift Town“.
Now the beautiful town of Óbidos, with its maze of cobbled streets and whitewash houses, has earned the title Portugal’s Literary Town.
Óbidos has a fabulous array of unique book shops, including a converted church and The Literary Man Hotel, with the most extensive hotel collection of books in the world – over 65,000 secondhand and rare vintage books all for sale or just a read. Óbidos also hosts annual festivals such as the Chocolate Festival, Literary Festival, Medieval Festival and Christmas Village & Market.
Óbidos is a very small town, so easy to visit in one day. We recommend making a combined itinerary with Nazaré, Fátima, Batalha and Alcobaça.
FAQ’s for Óbidos
Distance from Lisbon: 1 hour by car (86 km| 54 Miles)
Getting to Óbidos: The best way to visit Óbidos is by car, bus or tour. There is a train but it is very slow and unreliable.
You can take the RDO – Rodoviária do Oeste bus company Rápida Verde service from Campo Grande bus station in Lisbon. The bus will take approx. an hour with a stop in Bombarral and costs €8 each way. See here for the timetable and prices.
Tour Options:
As already mentioned, the best value for money tours is combined multi-stop tours of the region. If you want to ensure more time in Óbidos, choose a tour with the least amount of stops such as the Fátima, Nazaré, and Óbidos Combined Small-Group Tour we recommended.
Evora (1.5 Hrs)
The historic walled city, beautiful countryside and celebrated Portugues heritage and culture.
Évora, the capital of Portugal’s Alentejo region, is brimming with Portugal’s most celebrated heritage. Renowned for cork plantations, magnificent produce, and world-renowned wine, Évora and the surrounding area has so much to offer visitors from Lisbon.
And while it is possible to enjoy many of the cities attractions on a day visit, we encourage, if you have the time, to spend two days in Évora.
Within the walled city, you will find plenty of historical attractions to keep you busy for a day. Climb the roof of the prominent Évora Cathedral, see the beautifully preserved Roman Temple, trace the Roman Aquaduct and visit the eerie Capela dos Ossos (Chapel of Bones).
Explore the quaint cobblestone streets where you will find an astounding array of excellent restaurants as well as loads of fascinating historic sites, galleries and shops. If you have time, we have a wonderful 4 day Alentejo road trip itinerary starting in Évora.
FAQ’s for Évora
Distance from Lisbon: 1.5 hrs by car (137 km| 85 Miles)
Getting to Óbidos: You can visit Évora by car, train, bus or day tour.
- Lisbon to Évora Train: 1.5 – 2 hrs depending on the service. There are direct trains to Évora from both Santa Apolonia and Sete Rios stations (both accessible by the Lisbon Metro). Tickets start at €12pp one way 2nd class. See Comboios de Portugal for tickets and timetables. The Évora train station is an approx 20-minute walk from the historic centre.
- Lisbon to Évora Bus: 1.45 – 2 hrs depending on the service. Tickets cost around €12 one way | €21.20 return. See Rede Expressos website for tickets and timetables.
Tour Options:
Full-Day Évora City & Wine Tour From Lisbon: Travel through the stunning Alentejo landscape of olive and cork trees on a day trip to Évora. Visit all the city’s top sites including the Chapel of Bones, the University and Évora Cathedral finishing the day with a wine tasting at Herdade do Esporão, one of Portugals most important wineries. Tour includes all transport, guides, entry fees to all sites and wine tasting. See here for tour details.
Exclusive Cartuxa Wine Lovers Tour: For an amazing city tour with a difference, you will discover the heritage of the famous Alentejo wine region on a day trip travelling in your own personal electric car. This tour has so many exclusive inclusions including premium wine and olive oil tastings at various locations, electric car rental, a bottle of famous Cartuxa Red wine to take home, wifi to live stream your day on social media and a recording to take home, and so much more. See here for full tour details.
Tomar (1.40hrs)
Picturesque towns, historic castles and convents of the Knights Templar.
Tomar is one of the most scenic small towns in Central Portugal. Quaint pedestrian-friendly streets spread from the picturesque banks of the Nabão River and the riverside park. Ancient churches, typical Portuguese houses, charming restaurants and cafes are enough to keep any visitor enchanted for a day. However, the magnificent castle visible from every vantage point makes Tomar a must-see destination in Portugal.
The impressive Convento de Cristo high on the hill was once the spiritual home of the Knights Templar, which made Tomar one of the most influential cities on the Iberian Peninsular.
The secretive and powerful religious order of warrior monks came to prominence in the 12th century under the Crusades. In the 14th century, the Knights Templar disappeared, and the Portuguese branch became the Knights of the Order of Christ. The Knights Order of Christ went on to support the great maritime discoveries of the 15th century.
The Convento de Cristo received a UNESCO World Heritage listing in 1983. The convent and castle complex is impressive, so we recommend allowing plenty of time during your visit to explore and learn the fascinating history. You can find out more about visiting the Convento de Cristo in Tomar here.
FAQ’s for Tomar
Distance from Lisbon: 1.40 hours by car (139 km| 86 Miles)
Getting to Tomar: The best way to travel to Tomar from Lisbon is either by car, train or day tour.
There are several trains daily between Lisbon and Tomar which take around two hours. A return ticket is approx €10. Trains depart from Santa Apolónia station in central Lisbon and pass through Estação do Oriente.
Tour Options:
Knights Templar Day Tour from Lisbon: Take an all-inclusive day tour to follow in the footsteps of the mysterious Knights Templar. Visit the picturesque village of Constância and Almourol Castle, built on a small island by the Templars. Explore the magnificent Templar stronghold Convento de Cristo and the gorgeous 12th century Gothic-style Church of Santa Maria do Olival erected for the Knights Templar. The tour includes all guides, transport and entry fees. See here for full tour details.