15 Best Tours As Day Trips from Lisbon Portugal to Take in 2024
Ready for an amazing adventure? Lisbon is the place to be!
After exploring the city, you’ll find incredible day trips from Lisbon waiting.
From fairy-tale castles to stunning coastlines, there’s so much to see. With over 85 day trip options, it can be overwhelming.
But don’t worry—I’ve been to Lisbon twice and explored many day trips. Let me help you choose the best ones for your itinerary. Whether it’s one or two days, these trips are a must-do!
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My Top 3 Picks of Day Trips from Lisbon
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Pena Palace, Sintra, Cabo da Roca and Cascais
✅ 8-hour guided tour
✅ Includes entry tickets to Pena Palace
✅ Visit the beautiful resort town of Cascais
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Fátima, Nazaré, and Óbidos: A Small Group Tour From Lisbon
✅ 9-hour guided tour
✅ Visit 3 hidden gems in Portugal – 3 Portuguese cities, Fátima, Nazaré and Óbidos
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Évora and Monsaraz Day Tour with Wine Tasting
✅ 8-hour guided tour
✅ Visit UNESCO city of Evora
✅ Visit the beautiful village of Monsaraz
15 Best Day Trips Around Lisbon
1. From Lisbon to Sintra, Cabo da Roca and Cascais
⭐️ RATING: 4.8/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 8 hours ✅ 3,424 Reviews
Discover the romantic Sintra and the beautiful Pena Palace, find serenity at Azenhas do Mar’s natural seawater pools, witness Europe’s westernmost point at Cabo da Roca, and explore Cascais’ charming seaside town.
Tour highlights (included):
- Pena Palace and Gardens
- The historic town of Sintra
- See the natural seawater pools at Azenhas do Mar
- Stop at the westernmost point at Cabo da Roca
- Check out the seaside town of Cascais
Important details:
- Entry ticket for Pena Palace and Gardens is not included and need to be purchased in advance by selecting the 10 AM timeslot
- Pena Palace entry tickets sell out quickly, book at the same time as booking the tour
- A small minivan seats up to 8 people
- Tour provided in English
- A lot of walking is involved in this tour
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
- Meals not included
Type of traveller:
- First-timers
- Insta-worthy photo ops
- Good mix of landmarks, charming towns, scenic vistas
- Beach-goers
- 4 stops in 1 day
“We had a fantastic trip with Vasco. He was thoughtful to our needs and very knowledgeable. It was made so easy with pickup and drop off at our accomodation and the early start meant that we avoided the crowds in the heat of the day. Sintra is a must see and the addition of the beach stops was very interesting. Thanks Vasco for making our day so special.”
Jane from Australia
2. From Lisbon to Pena Palace, Sintra, Cabo da Roca and Cascais
⭐️ RATING: 4.7/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 8 hours ✅ 6,622 Reviews
The magical Pena Palace, Sintra’s charming streets, the awe-inspiring Roca Cape Cliffs, and the glamorous bay of Cascais await you on this one day trip from Lisbon!
Tour highlights (included):
- Tour Pena National Palace and Gardens (tickets included)
- Stroll historic town of Sintra
- A photo stop at Cabo da Roca, Europe’s most western point
- Visit the seaside town of Cascais
Important details:
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
- English-speaking tour guide and driver
- Meals not included
- A lot of walking is involved in this tour
- A small minivan and group of up to 8 people
Type of traveller:
- First-timers to Sintra
- Spend more time on 2 main highlights- Sintra and Cascais
- 3 stops in 1 day
“This was a great activity for the money. We would never have been able to go to all 3 locations on our own. Francisco was a wonderful guide. We loved the history and stories he provided. We have liked a more time in the town of Sintra and less time in Cascais. Overall very satisfied!”
Margaret from USA
3. From Lisbon to the Sintra Highlights
⭐️ RATING: 4.8/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 8 hours ✅ 711 Reviews
Explore the best of Sintra’s palaces with tours of Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, and Monserrate Palace.
Tour highlights (included):
- Tour Pena Palace and Gardens (tickets included)
- Tour Quinta da Regaleira and the initiation well
- Tour Monserrate Palace
- Free time (and lunch) in Sintra’s old town
- Scenic drive through Sintra Mountains, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site
Important details:
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
- English-speaking tour guide and driver
- Meals not included
- This Sintra day trip from Lisbon involves a considerable amount of walking
- Entry tickets are included
Type of traveller:
- History and architectural lovers
- Want to see much more of Sintra and its hidden gems
- 1 stop with 4 highlights in one day
“Paulo was an excellent guide. He was on time, friendly, knowledgeable, and well-conversant in colloquial English. He made the trip quite enjoyable and entertaining. I thought we covered alot. I guess I would say I would have liked some time to explore gardens at Peña and the other places. But I’m not sure you could have fit them into a day trip. Great tour.”
Leonard from USA
4. From Lisbon to Sintra, Regaleira, Pena Garden and Cascais
⭐️ RATING: 4.7/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 9 hours ✅ 1,137 Reviews
Guided walking tour through Quinta da Regaleira with free time in Sintra’s old town and Pena Park with a quick photo stop at Cabo da Roca, and unwind in Cascais.
Tour highlights (included):
- Entry ticket to Pena Park (Pena Palace not included)
- Walking tour of Quinta da Regaleira
- Free time (and lunch) in Sintra’s old town
- Photo stop at Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point in Europe
- Free time in Cascais
Important details:
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
- English-speaking tour guide and driver
- Meals not included
- This Sintra tour from Lisbon involves walking
- Entry tickets are included to Pena Park and Quinta da Regleira
Type of traveller:
- Garden lovers
- Almost all of this tour is free time
- 5 stops in one day
“Our guide Alex was terrific!! She is very knowledgeable, explained about the history of the area, gave us some fun facts (& myths…lol). It is a fun filled walking day. Our driver, Pedro was courtesy. Would highly recommend this tour. Worth every penny. A little longer time at Pena Palace & gardens would be helpful.”
Shelley from Canada
5. From Lisbon Guided Tours of Sintra to Cascais
⭐️ RATING: 4.7/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 8 hours ✅ 524 Reviews
Enjoy a guided tour of Pena Palace, with a lunch stop in Sintra old town, a guided tour of Cabo da Roca, with a picturesque photo stop at Boca do Inferno, and end your day with a delightful guided tour of Cascais.
Tour highlights (included):
- Tour of the exterior Pena Palace (entry ticket not included)
- Enjoy lunch in Sintra’s old town
- Tour of Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point in Europe
- Photo stop at Boca do Inferno
- Guided tour in Cascais
Important details:
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
- Small minivan with up to 8 people on tour
- Entry ticket to Pena Palace is not included
- Meals not included
- This tour involves a moderate amount of walking
Type of traveller:
- First-timers
- Insta-worthy photo ops
- Good mix of landmarks, charming towns, scenic vistas
- Fast-paced
- 5 stops in one day
“Gustavo is an informative knowledge expert and safe driver. 8 of us with guide never felt crowded. Enjoyed walking the exteriors of the palace learning from Gustavo, it would have been so easy to get lost without a guide. Excellent time management for Sintra village for lunch. Lots of time in Cascais with variety of restaurants to choose from & time to shop etc. Gustavo very attentive to all our needs and without being asked offered assistance to help walking downhill. Thank you Gustavo for wonderful tour and day and using every minute of our tour.”
Donna from Canada
6. From Lisbon to Sintra, Regaleira and Pena Palace
⭐️ RATING: 4.6/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 8 hours ✅ 942 Reviews
Spend the morning with a guided tour of Quinta da Regaleira, followed by lunch in Sintra’s old town, and the afternoon at the majestic Pena Palace.
Tour highlights (included):
- Tour of Quinta Regaleira
- Tour of Pena Palace (entry ticket is extra)
- Enjoy lunch in Sintra’s old town
Important details:
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
- Entry ticket to Pena Palace is not included
- Meals not included
- This tour involves a moderate amount of walking
Type of traveller:
- First-timers
- Relaxed pace
- History and architectural lovers
- 1 stop with 3 highlights in one day
“Superb day in the company of our guide Daniel who made the effort to ensure that we understood what he was saying despite the visit being in Spanish, he tried his best to speak French to us. We have adored. It is really an excursion to do to discover Sintra and it makes your life easier.”
Manon from France
7. From Lisbon to Fatima, Obidos, Batalha and Nazare
⭐️ RATING: 4.8/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 9 hours ✅ 451 Reviews
Begin your day in Fatima, a renowned pilgrimage site, where you’ll witness the profound devotion of visitors from around the world. Continue to Batalha, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and immerse yourself in the grandeur of the Monastery of Batalha, a breathtaking example of Gothic and Manueline architecture. Next, make your way to the picturesque fishing village of Nazaré, famous for its colossal waves and traditional fishing culture. Finally, conclude your day with a visit to the medieval town of Obidos, enclosed within ancient walls and cobblestone streets, exuding a fairytale-like charm.
Tour highlights (included):
- This tour makes four stops: Fatima, Batalha, Nazare and Obidos
- 1 Ginja liqueur in small chocolate cup per participant
- Free time at each of the four stops
Important details:
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
- Live tour guide with the option for multiple languages (however, English will be the default language)
- Meals not included
- Entry tickets not included
- Time at sites is limited
- Choose between a shared or private tour (up to 8 people)
Type of traveller:
- History and architectural lovers
- Interested in faith sites
- Has already seen Sintra and its palaces and want to explore more
- 4 stops in one day
“This trip was great, we visited many beautiful places. The experience at Fatima was emotional and peaceful. The view at Nazare was amazing and Obidos was great. We had lots of time to eat and shop. So many beautiful shops lined the narrow walkway of Obdios .This was a well planned trip. The guide did a great job of explaining the areas as we went alone, he gave jokes and entertain us with fado music.”
Joy from USA
8. Full-day Tour from Lisbon to Fatima (Obidos, Batalha and Nazare)
⭐️ RATING: 4.3/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 10 hours ✅ 484 Reviews
Discover 4 Portuguese cities, Fátima, Batalha, Nazaré and Óbidos on a full-day Lisbon day trip.
Tour highlights (included):
- This tour makes four stops:
- Fatima, known as the centre of the Catholic faith and a world-renowned Christian pilgrimage site
- Batalha is known for its UNESCO Monastery
- Nazare is known for its surfing
- Obidos, known as the wedding present town, is a medieval village with a Castle that is one of the seven wonders of Portugal
- Admission tickets
- Leisure time to attend a mass
- Lunch (when selected)
Important details:
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
- Live tour guide with the option for multiple languages
- Lunch may be included if selected
Type of traveller:
- History and architectural lovers
- Interested in faith sites
- Has already seen Sintra and its palaces and want to explore more
- 4 stops in one day
“Good tour, day went as expected, We had free time to explore on our own. The guide shared information during the drive and did not come with us inside the church. We knew this and were fine with it. The option without lunch gave us the chance to decide where to eat and what to eat.”
Monica from USA
9. Fátima, Nazaré, and Óbidos: A Small Group Tour From Lisbon
⭐️ RATING: 4.9/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 9 hours ✅ 307 Reviews
Explore 3 Portuguese cities, Fátima, Nazaré and Óbidos in one day!
Tour highlights (included):
- This tour makes three stops:
- Fatima is a world-renowned Christian pilgrimage site
- Nazare features beautiful beaches and is known for surfing
- Obidos is a charming medieval village with a historic Castle that is one of the seven wonders of Portugal
- 1 cup of Ginja de Óbidos (cherry liqueur in a chocolate cup)
Important details:
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
- Live tour guide in English only
- Lunch will be at Nazare, meals not included
- Entry to Nazaré Lighthouse (2€ per person) is not included
- A small tour of up to 8 people
Type of traveller:
- History and architectural lovers
- The right mix of charming town, historical sites, and scenic beach
- Has already seen Sintra and its palaces and want to explore more
- Relaxed pace
- 3 stops in one day
“Manuel is very friendly and polite. He is very knowledgable about all the stops and happily explained the Portuguese history and other important details between one stop and the other which was very interesting. He gave us just the right amount of time to visit each place. He was also kind enough to provide us with umbrellas when it started to rain. Highly recommend this tour.”
Romina from Malta
10. Évora and Megaliths Full-Day Tour from Lisbon
⭐️ RATING: 4.7/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 8 hours ✅ 123 Reviews
Explore the enigmatic Almendres Cromlech and roam the UNESCO-classified city center of Évora.
Tour highlights (included):
- The first stop is at Almendres Cromlech, a megalithic complex that is older than Stonehenge
- The rest of the day is spent at Evora, where you have free time to explore the top sights like the Evora Cathedral, Chapel of Bones and the charming streets lined with shops and eateries
- Chapel of Bones entry
Important details:
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
- Live tour guide in English, French or Portuguese
Type of traveller:
- History and architectural lovers
- Wander independently
- Relaxed pace
- 2 stops in one day
“Manuel is very friendly and polite. He is very knowledgable about all the stops and happily explained the Portuguese history and other important details between one stop and the other which was very interesting. He gave us just the right amount of time to visit each place. He was also kind enough to provide us with umbrellas when it started to rain. Highly recommend this tour.”
Romina from Malta
11. Évora and Monsaraz Day Tour with Wine Tasting
⭐️ RATING: 4.7/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 8 hours ✅ 69 Reviews
Delve into Portugal’s rich heritage with a day trip from Lisbon to the beautiful UNESCO-listed city center of Évora followed by the enchanting medieval village of Monsaraz.
Tour highlights (included):
- Scenic drive through the Alentejo region filled with cork oak and olive trees and vineyards
- Guided tour of Evora’s Roman Temple and Chapel of Bones
- Entrance fee to Chapel of Bones
- Enjoy the views from Monsaraz, one of the oldest towns in Portugal as you sip one of the best wines in Portugal
- Wine tasting
Important details:
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
- Live tour guide in English, Spanish or Portuguese
Type of traveller:
- History and architectural lovers
- Interested in guided tours
- Relaxed pace
- 2 stops in one day
“Diego was a fantastic guide on a wonderful day. I enjoyed both our stops at Evora and Monsaraz and seeing the countryside. We visited the Chapel of Bones, climbed the steps to the top of the cathedral, had lunch in a small white village and enjoyed a wine tasting at a family owned winery. Simply the best.”
Jill from USA
12. From Lisbon: Tomar, Christ Convent & Almourol Castle Tour
⭐️ RATING: 4.9/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 8.5 hours ✅ 17 Reviews
Step back in time with this Lisbon day trip. Uncover the secrets of the Templar castle, wander through the charming towns of Tomar and Constância, and embark on a scenic boat ride to the picturesque Almourol Castle island on the Tagus River.
Tour highlights (included):
- Climb up to the Templar castle and discover the monumental work of the Convent of Christ
- Enjoy lunch and free time in the town of Tomar
- Visit the quaint village of Constância
- Enjoy a boat ride to discover the stunning Castle of Almouro
- Entrance fee to the Christ Convent and Almourol Castle
Important details:
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
- Live tour guide in English and French
Type of traveller:
- History lovers
- Castle enthusiasts
- Relaxed pace
- Want to visit lesser-known places
- Escape the crowds
- 4 stops in one day
“Excellent. Our small group of two gave us a lot of flexibility and good pace to see all the sites on the itinerary. João is an excellent guide and went above and beyond. We have a richer understanding of the sites plus Portugal history, culture and people. We really enjoyed this tour. It was one of my favorites. We have a new Portuguese friend in João.”
Traveller from USA
13. Lisbon to Arrábida Natural Park and Sesimbra Day Trip
⭐️ RATING: 4.8/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 8 hours ✅ 120 Reviews
Escape to nature’s paradise on this day trip from Lisbon by exploring the stunning Arrábida Natural Park, soaking up the charm of Sesimbra village, and unwinding on the pristine beaches of Arrábida to Setúbal.
Tour highlights (included):
- Visit the Arrábida Natural Park and hear about the legend of Our Lady of the Cape at the hilltop sanctuary in Cabo Espichel
- Visit the beautiful fishing village of Sesimbra, and see the impressive Moorish castle
- Enjoy free time on the beaches of Arrábida to Setúbal
Important details:
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
- Live tour guide in English, French and Portuguese
- Bring your beach towel and swimsuit if you want to swim
- Wear comfortable shoes
Type of traveller:
- Nature lovers
- Beach goers
- Scenic coastal views
- Off-the-beaten-path and hidden gems
- Avoid the crowds
“It was fantastic. Our guide was so informative, and nice. He tailored the day to what we wanted to do. The park was beautiful. The lunch was outstanding. It was a great way to see a different part of Portugal in the short time we were visiting Lisbon. This was a less touristy tour which was exactly what we wanted.”
Traveller from USA
14. From Lisbon: Berlenga Grande Sightseeing Tour
⭐️ RATING: 4.8/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 9 hours ✅ 24 Reviews
Embark on a coastal adventure by taking a boat ride from Peniche to Berlenga Grande to explore the captivating UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, hike scenic island trails, and marvel at the breathtaking sea caves.
Tour highlights (included):
- Boat ride from Peniche to Berlenga Grande
- Tour caves by boat
- Tour with a local guide through Berlenga Grande trails
Important details:
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
- Live tour guide in English, Spanish and Portuguese
- Small group, up to 8 people
- Not suitable for people with mobility challenges
Type of traveller:
- Nature enthusiasts
- Hikers, adventurists
- Hidden gem seekers
- Escape the crowds
“From Lisbon it’s is an hour drive to peniche which is a very beautiful city. From peniche we got onto a boat for 30 minutes which took us to Berlenga (please note that the seas can be choppy so if you get major seasickness take some medication) The views on Berlenga were to die for! The fort wasn’t open for us however we still enjoyed our time by boating past the caves and round the fort. We also hiked from the fort back to the port and saw a lot of wild life! The guides were amazing as well – very funny and up beat!”
Traveller from USA
15. Day Trip from Lisbon to Porto, Óbidos, and Nazaré
⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 12 hours ✅ 212 Reviews
Tour the enchanting village of Óbidos, experience the coastal charm of Nazaré, and conclude your journey with a delightful lunch and walking tour in Porto.
Tour highlights (included):
- Stroll through the cobblestone streets of the charming Óbidos
- Visit the authentic fishing town of Nazaré, home to some of the biggest surfing waves in Portugal
- See the beautiful city of Porto, with its UNESCO heritage old town
Important details:
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
- Live tour guide in English, Spanish and Portuguese
- Small group, up to 8 people
- Not suitable for people with mobility challenges
Type of traveller:
- City seekers
- Medieval village enthusiasts
“Really excellent guide! I was a bit scared that the driving would be super long but on the way to Porto they broke up the trip nicely with the two stops which were both very interesting and beautiful. On the way back it’s a long bus ride but by then you’re tired so you can just nap so it was really a very nice way to spend the day and see a little more of Portugal than just Lisbon. Really loved the guide! Great driver too!”
Krisztina from USA
Top 10 Reasons to Take a Tour When Travelling
- Expert Guidance: Tours are led by knowledgeable guides who provide valuable insights, historical context, and local expertise, enhancing your understanding of the destination.
- Stress-Free Planning: With tours, the logistics, itinerary, and arrangements are taken care of, allowing you to relax and enjoy the journey without worrying about details. Knowing that you’re in capable hands is the easiest way and that the tour is well-organized can alleviate travel-related stress.
- Efficient Sightseeing: Tours often cover multiple attractions in a single day, maximizing your time and ensuring you get the most out of your visit. Also, tours often include skip-the-line access, saving you time and avoiding long queues at popular attractions.
- Access to Hidden Gems: Guides know the off-the-beaten-path spots and can take you to lesser-known places that you might miss on your own.
- Safety and Security: Travelling in a group offers a sense of security, especially in unfamiliar or remote areas.
- Social Interaction: Tours provide an opportunity to meet like-minded travellers, and maybe even foster new friendships, especially for solo travellers.
- Local Experiences: Through tours, you can engage with local communities, try authentic cuisine, and participate in cultural activities.
- Language Barrier: For destinations with language barriers, having a guide who can translate and communicate effectively can be invaluable.
- Specialized Themes: Some tours focus on specific interests, such as food, history, or adventure, catering to your preferences and passions.
- Customized Itineraries: Many tour operators offer tailored options, allowing you to select tours that align with your schedule and interests.
Alternative Ways to Take Day Trips Near Lisbon
If you’ve decided that taking a group tour is not your travel style or preference, train trips from Lisbon are efficient ways to get to some destinations. Here are alternate ways to get to the most popular destinations
- Lisbon to Sintra: To get to Sintra, take the train from Rossio station. The train ride takes about 40 minutes. Once in Sintra, you can either walk or take a bus to the various attractions within the town and its surroundings.
- Lisbon to Cascais: To reach Cascais from Lisbon, take the train from Cais do Sodré station. The journey is approximately 40 minutes, and the train offers a scenic ride along the coast, passing through charming towns. Once you arrive at Cascais train station, you can easily explore the town on foot.
- Lisbon to Obidos: For a trip to Óbidos, take a bus from Lisbon’s Campo Grande bus terminal. Buses to Óbidos run several times a day and the journey takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. The town is small enough to be explored on foot.
- Lisbon to Évora: To reach Évora, take a train from Lisbon’s Oriente station. The journey takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. Évora’s UNESCO-listed city center is a short walk from the train station. You can explore the city’s Roman ruins, the Temple of Diana, the cathedral, and its historic streets at your own pace.
Lastly, renting a car might be another option for your Portugal road trip instead of taking public transportation.
FAQs About Day Trips from Lisbon
How much do day trips from Lisbon typically cost?
The cost of day trips varies depending on the destination, mode of transportation, and activities. Guided tours usually have fixed prices, while travelling independently allows you to customize your expenses.
Are the day trips suitable for families with children?
Yes, many day trip destinations are family-friendly. Places like Cascais and Óbidos have attractions that appeal to children, while Sintra’s fairy-tale palaces are popular with families.
Do I need to book day trips in advance?
Yes, to make sure you get the tour you want it’s recommended to book in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to secure your preferred date and avoid disappointment.
Can I visit the beach on a day trip from Lisbon?
Yes, destinations like Cascais and Sesimbra offer beautiful beaches and can be visited on a day trip from Lisbon, providing a relaxing coastal experience.
What are the cultural highlights of day trips from Lisbon?
Day trips to Évora and Óbidos offer rich cultural experiences with well-preserved historical architecture, while Sintra’s palaces and Cascais’ elegant charm showcase Portugal’s cultural heritage.
Are day trips from Lisbon worth it?
Yes, day trips from Lisbon are worth it, as they allow you to explore the diversity of Portugal’s landscapes, history, and culture within a short distance from the capital city. Whether you’re interested in castles, coastal beauty, or historical towns, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
As a Holidaymaker
I recommend including a day trip in my 4 day itinerary that you can read more about.
