One of the things that makes Lisbon such a rewarding destination is how effortlessly it connects to the rest of Portugal. With fast trains, scenic coastal routes, and historic towns just beyond the city, it’s easy to experience a wide range of landscapes and cultures without ever changing home bases.
During our time in Lisbon, we took advantage of this flexibility to explore beyond the city. We spent our days wandering through the fairytale palaces of Sintra, enjoying relaxed beach days in Cascais, and hopping a high-speed train north to Porto for a completely different perspective on Portugal. Each destination offered its own rhythm and character, making them ideal as either easy day trips or short overnight stays.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best day trips from Lisbon, including why each destination is worth visiting, how to get there, and whether it’s best experienced in a single day or over a longer stay. Whether you’re craving castles, coastlines, wine, or a change of scenery, these trips show just how much Portugal you can experience beyond Lisbon.
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Sintra: Fairytale Palaces & Dramatic Beach Coastlines
Why Visit
Sintra feels worlds away from Lisbon, with misty hills, lush forests, and colorful palaces that look straight out of a storybook. It’s one of the most popular day trips from Lisbon for good reason. Sintra offers a mix of history, architecture, and cooler mountain air that’s especially welcome in warmer months.
How to Get There
Sintra is one of the easiest day trips from Lisbon, with direct trains from Rossio Station taking about 40 minutes. Trains run frequently throughout the day, making it simple to plan without a car.
What to Do in Sintra
- Visit Pena Palace for panoramic views and vibrant architecture
- Explore the grounds of Quinta da Regaleira, known for its gardens and Initiation Well
- Wander through Sintra’s historic town center and grab some lunch while you enjoy the view of the National Palace of Sintra
Our Experience
After exploring Sintra’s palaces and gardens, we decided to extend the day by heading to the coast. We took an Uber from Sintra to Praia da Ursa, one of the most dramatic beaches near Lisbon. Ursa Beach is known for its rugged cliffs and wild, untouched feel. It was the perfect contrast to Sintra’s ornate palaces and made the day feel less rushed and more adventurous before returning to Lisbon by train.
Note: The view is breathtaking but the hike down to the beach is no joke. Take it easy and make sure to bring water & sunscreen because the beach has full sun exposure.
Helpful Tips
- Arrive early — Sintra gets crowded quickly, especially at Pena Palace.
- Wear comfortable shoes for uneven paths and hills.
- Using rideshares or local buses in Sintra can save time between sights.
- Pairing Sintra with a nearby beach like Ursa Beach works well if you want to balance sightseeing with nature.
Day Trip or Overnight?
Sintra works well as a full day trip, but adding a coastal stop like Ursa Beach can make it feel like two experiences in one.
Cascais: An Easy Coastal Escape from Lisbon
Why Visit
Cascais offers an effortless shift from city streets to ocean breezes. Once a fishing village and later a royal retreat, the town blends sandy beaches, a charming old center, and scenic coastal walks, making it one of the most relaxing and approachable day trips from Lisbon.
How to Get There
Cascais is easily reached via a scenic coastal train from Cais do Sodré Station, with the journey taking around 40 minutes. The route hugs the shoreline, making the trip itself part of the experience.
What to Do in Cascais
- Spend some time sunbathing at Praia da Rainha or Praia da Conceição.
- Wander Cascais’ old town, marina, and waterfront promenade, check out the Cidadela de Cascais.
- Walk or bike toward Boca do Inferno, a dramatic cliffside viewpoint.
- Enjoy a long, seaside lunch or café stop along the coast. We ended up eating a late lunch on the patio at Taberna Clandestina Cascais, which was the perfect spot to relax and enjoy a meal. Next time I’d like to try Izakaya Cascais as this place looks incredible!
Our Experience
Cascais felt like the perfect place to slow down after days of sightseeing. We spent time walking along the water, stopping at different spots to take in the views, and enjoying the laid-back rhythm of the town. It was an easy, no-rush day that balanced beautifully with Lisbon’s energy and Sintra’s busier palace routes.
Helpful Tips
- Cascais is ideal for a half-day or full-day trip, depending on your pace.
- Bring a swimsuit in warmer months — even if you don’t plan ahead, you may end up at the beach.
- The coastal walk toward Boca do Inferno is especially scenic in the late afternoon.
- Cafés and restaurants near the water are perfect for lingering rather than rushing.
Day Trip or Overnight?
Cascais is perfect as a day trip from Lisbon, but it also works well as an overnight stay if you want a slower coastal break.
Porto: Wine, River Views & a Slower Rhythm
Why Visit
Porto feels distinctly different from Lisbon, it’s moodier, more traditional, and deeply tied to the Douro River and port wine culture. Its historic streets, iconic bridges, and riverside neighborhoods create a rich sense of place that rewards travelers who slow down and stay a little longer.
How to Get There
High-speed trains connect Lisbon and Porto in about 2.5–3 hours, making Porto possible as a long day trip. Trains depart regularly from Santa Apolónia and Oriente stations and offer a comfortable, scenic journey north.
What to Do in Porto
- Wander the Ribeira district along the Douro River.
- Cross the Dom Luís I Bridge for panoramic views.
- Visit port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia.
- Visit the Livraria Lello, also known as the Harry Potter bookstore. This lavishly designed historic bookstore has a winding wooden staircase that is said to have inspired JL Rowling to write HP when she taught English here. It’s a popular attraction, definitely buy tickets in advanced.
- Admire the azulejo tiles at São Bento Station, it’s worth taking a look at the interior.
- Photo opportunity: The Igreja do Carmo is a Catholic church but is well known for its exterior tiled side façade. Catch sunset views or relax at the Jardim do Morro or the Miradouro da Rua das Aldas which are known to have some of the best views of the city.
- Explore viewpoints and narrow streets throughout the historic center.
Our Experience
We spent a full day exploring Porto before enjoying dinner at Cantinho do Avillez, which was a highlight and a great way to experience the city’s dining scene. You’ll likely need reservations, so be sure to book in advance. The following day, we took a Douro Valley wine tour, venturing into the rolling vineyards outside the city — an unforgettable experience that added depth and context to Porto’s wine culture. Also be sure to try the local olive oils, we brought home a few bottles for friends, family and ourselves. If you have extra time, pairing Porto with a Douro Valley day trip is highly recommended.
Helpful Tips
- Porto is walkable but hilly so comfortable shoes are a must!
- Book wine cellar tastings and Douro Valley tours in advance.
- Trains make Porto easy to reach without a car.
- Consider staying overnight to enjoy dinners, riverfront evenings, and a relaxed pace — we booked Apartamentos The Arc Carrís for a reasonable price, enjoyed the top floor to ourselves and had a balcony view of the water.
Day Trip or Overnight?
While Porto can be done as a long day trip, it truly shines as an overnight stay, especially if you plan to add a Douro Valley wine tour or want to enjoy the city’s food and wine scene without rushing.
Lagos: Algarve Beaches & Coastal Adventures
Why Visit
Lagos is one of those places that stays with you long after the trip ends. Located in Portugal’s Algarve region, it’s known for dramatic limestone cliffs, turquoise water, and some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. Even though it’s been several years since our visit on a separate trip, it remains one of our favorite destinations in Portugal and is absolutely worth building into your itinerary if you have the time.
How to Get There
Trains from Lisbon reach Lagos in about 4 hours, making it best suited for an overnight stay or multi-day stop rather than a true day trip. Lagos is also easy to explore without a car once you arrive.
What to Do in Lagos
- Relax on beaches like Praia Dona Ana and Praia do Camilo.
- Walk along the cliffs at Ponta da Piedade.
- Take a kayak tour along the coastline, weaving through sea caves and arches.
- Enjoy the laid-back town atmosphere and oceanfront dining.
Our Experience
While our time in Lagos was on a separate trip, it left a lasting impression. The combination of golden cliffs, calm beaches, and kayaking along the coast made it one of the most memorable coastal destinations we’ve visited in Portugal. It’s the kind of place that pairs beautifully with a city-focused Lisbon itinerary if you’re craving nature and time by the sea.
Helpful Tips
- Lagos is best enjoyed with at least 2–3 nights.
- Kayak tours are one of the best ways to experience the coastline.
- Visit early or in shoulder season to avoid peak summer crowds.
- Comfortable shoes are helpful for cliff walks and beach access.
Day Trip or Overnight?
Lagos is not a day trip from Lisbon, but it’s an excellent overnight or multi-day extension for travelers who want to experience Portugal’s iconic southern coast.
Where to Stay
- Casa Mãe — A beautifully designed boutique hotel just outside Lagos’ old town, offering serene courtyards, minimalist rooms, and a calm, elevated Algarve experience — perfect for slowing down after Lisbon.
- Belmar Spa & Beach Resort — Located near Praia do Porto de Mós, this resort-style stay combines apartment-style rooms with spa facilities, making it a great option for longer Algarve stays.
- Lagos Avenida Hotel — A modern, centrally located hotel overlooking the marina, offering easy access to boat tours, kayaking excursions, and train connections.
Final Thoughts: Exploring Beyond Lisbon
One of the things that makes Portugal such a rewarding destination is how easy it is to experience incredible variety without traveling far. From the fairytale palaces of Sintra and the relaxed coastal charm of Cascais to the wine-rich streets of Porto and the dramatic beaches of Lagos, each of these trips adds a distinct layer to a Lisbon-based itinerary.
Whether you’re planning a single day away from the city or building in overnight stays, Lisbon makes an ideal starting point for exploring more of Portugal at your own pace. Some destinations, like Sintra and Cascais, fit seamlessly into a day, while others, like Porto and Lagos, reward travelers who linger a little longer.
If you’re just beginning to plan, start with our Lisbon travel guide to decide where to stay and what to experience in the city, then use this post to choose the day trips and extensions that best match your travel style. Together, these guides are designed to help you explore Portugal thoughtfully — balancing iconic sights with slower moments, coastal escapes, and unforgettable food and wine experiences.
Check out our post on Lisbon Neighborhoods, Food and Experiences You Must Try.
