Day Trips from Lisbon

The surroundings of Lisbon are so rich that you could easily fill a week with day trips. Three destinations stand out — and all are easily accessible by public transport.

Sintra (40 min. by train from Rossio, 2.30€ one way) is a fairyland of palaces, gardens, and mist. The Serra de Sintra, praised by Lord Byron as a "glorious Garden of Eden," houses some of Portugal's most extravagant buildings. The Palácio Nacional da Pena (14€) sits in bright colors on a mountaintop — a mix of Neo-Manueline, Neo-Gothic, and Moorish architecture that looks like a Disney fantasy (in fact, Disney was inspired by it). The Quinta da Regaleira (10€) is even more fascinating: a palace with mystical gardens, underground tunnels, and the famous Initiation Well — a 27-meter deep spiral staircase leading into the earth. Come early in the morning; after 11 AM, Sintra is flooded with day tourists.

Setúbal & Arrábida (45 min. by bus from Praça de Espanha) offer the most beautiful beaches in the region. The Parque Natural da Arrábida has crystal-clear water and steep limestone cliffs — the Praia de Galapinhos was voted the most beautiful beach in Europe in 2017. Setúbal itself is an honest working town with the best Choco Frito (fried cuttlefish) in Portugal — try it at Casa Santiago at the harbor (portion from 12€). From Setúbal, boat tours start in the Sado Estuary for dolphin watching (approx. 30€, 2 hours).

Óbidos (1 hr. by bus from Campo Grande) is a perfectly preserved medieval town, completely surrounded by a walkable city wall. The white houses with blue and yellow borders, the bougainvillea on every corner, and the car-free main street make it the most photogenic place in Lisbon's surroundings. Óbidos is famous for its Ginjinha — a sour cherry liqueur served in small chocolate cups (1.50€). The city wall is freely accessible but has no railing — be careful with children and in the wind!

Other worthwhile destinations: Mafra (palace-monastery, the largest Baroque building on the Iberian Peninsula, model for José Saramago's novel "The Memorial"), Ericeira (UNESCO World Surfing Reserve, 45 min. by bus) and Évora (1.5 hr. by train, Roman temple, bone chapel, and the best Alentejo cuisine).