PERFECT DAY TRIPS FROM LISBON: CASCAIS, SINTRA & EVORA

Lisbon, Portugal’s beautiful capital, charms with its vibrant culture, rich history, and stunning scenery. From the iconic yellow trams climbing the Alfama hills to the delicious Pastel de Nata pastries, Lisbon is a great city to visit over a few days. But should you have more time, there are also some beautiful towns easily explored on a day trips from Lisbon.

This post explores three of these beautiful day trips from Lisbon, each catering to diverse travel interests. Whether you crave a coastal escape, historical immersion, or fairytale-like palaces, I am sure one of these destinations, all less than 2 hours drive from Lisbon, is for you!

3 BEST DAY TRIPS FROM LISBON

Cascais: Seaside relaxation

Distance from Lisbon: 30 km

Cascais, a charming seaside town nestled west of Lisbon, is the perfect escape from the city’s bustle. Once a favorite destination for Portuguese royalty, Cascais has a relaxed atmosphere, plenty of beaches and delicious restaurants.

Start your day with a stroll along the picturesque Citadel of Cascais (Cidadela de Cascais). This 16th-century fortress offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the marina. You can also explore the ramparts, the lighthouse, and the Museu da Fortaleza de Cascais (Cascais Fortress Museum) inside the citadel.

Next, head to the charming historical center of Cascais. Wander through the narrow cobbled streets, admire the colorful houses, the beautiful harbor, and the cascading bougainvilleas.

If you’re interested in art and museums, you can visit the Museum Condes de Castro Guimarães, which houses a collection of Portuguese decorative art, or the Casa das Histórias Paula Rego, a museum dedicated to the work of the Portuguese artist Paula Rego (both are part of the Museum Quarter, which has a day ticket with admission to all the museums in the area). Nearby is the iconic viewpoint to the Santa Maria Lighthouse.

For a dose of relaxation, lay your towel on one of the many beaches in Cascais! If Praia da Conceição, the main city beach is too busy (very likely during summer days!), walk east toward Estoril and stop at any of the cute beaches along the way. Alternatively, if you prefer a wild and wide beach, head west to Praia do Guincho, around 6km from the city center of Cascais. On the way, witness the power of nature at the dramatic Boca do Inferno (Hell’s Mouth), a natural cliff formation with powerful crashing waves.

Cascais has plenty of cool cafes and restaurants to grab lunch and dinner during your day trip! A few places I can recommend:

• The Pergola: Stunning setting in the courtyard of the hotel of boutique hotel of the same name. you can also visit for drinks as they have amazing cocktails.
• Cantinho Do Avillez: One of the best meals we had in Portugal, courtesy of celebrity chef Jose Avillez. A bit on the pricey side but very well worth it. they also serve their own white wine, that is to die for!
• Cantina Clandestina: Cute and tasty tapas bar with outdoor seating on the lively Rua Amarela. Reservation only until 7 pm!

IF TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE DURING YOUR DAY TRIP TO CASCAIS, CONSIDER A PRIVATE OR GROUP TOUR THAT WILL COVER ALL THE BEST THINGS TO SEE AND DO

Day trips from Lisbon: how to get to Cascais?

• Car: The quickest way to reach Cascais is by car, taking approximately 30 minutes along the A5 motorway. Parking can be challenging in peak season, so consider arriving early.
• Public Transport: Take the scenic train ride from Cais do Sodré station in Lisbon. The journey takes about 40 minutes, offering stunning coastal views. Tickets cost around 2.5€ (one way) or are included in the Lisbon Card.
• Taxi: An Uber drive from Lisbon to Cascais should cost you around 30€ each way, and a Bolt drive around 23€

Sintra: Fairytale Palaces and Lush Parks

Distance from Lisbon: 28 km

Embark on a dreamy journey to Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled in the hills northwest of Lisbon. This magical town is renowned for its romantic palaces, gorgeous gardens, and mystical atmosphere. Start your day trip by visiting the Pena National Palace, a vibrant and colorful masterpiece perched atop a hill, imagined by the former king of Portugal. Next on your list should be the mysterious Quinta da Regaleira, a fascinating estate with a magical garden filled with grottos, tunnels, and hidden pathways. It is truly whimsical. Both Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira are incredibly busy, so if you want a bit more calm and quiet, don’t miss the beautiful Monserrate Palace, a Palace with an incredible mix of Arabic, Indian and Gothic architecture. The extensive garden is also spectacular, ideal for a nice picnic or relaxing time. Finally, if time allows, visit the Moorish Castle, a well-preserved 9th-century fortress offering stunning panoramic views of Sintra. Do you have more time? Discover more off the beaten path things to do in Sintra here.

ONE OF THE BEST WAYS TO EXPLORE SINTRA DURING A DAY TRIP IS VIA AN ORGANISED TOUR. CHECK OUT SOME PRIVATE OR GROUP TOUR WITH GET YOUR GUIDE

Day trips from Lisbon: how to get to Sintra?

• Public Transport: Because of the heavy traffic and limited parking space, public transport is the best way to enjoy your day trip to Sintra. Take the train from Rossio Station in Lisbon. The journey takes about 45 minutes, with tickets costing around 5€ (both ways). There is a train every 30 min on average from 5.30 am to 11.30 pm. The train ticket is included in the Lisbon Card.
  Once in Sintra, you can take the bus 434 (Train Station > Moorish Castle > Pena Palace) and 435 (Train station > Quinta da Regaleira > Monserrate Palace) to reach all major sights. More details here
• Car: Driving to Sintra takes about 30 minutes mostly on the highway. Parking can be limited near the main attractions, so consider arriving early. Although the different Palaces might look very nearby, some hilly roads, one-way streets, and heavy traffic can complicate driving from one to the next. The shortest way to explore the above 4 Palaces is to do: Moorish Castle -> (2 min) -> Pena Palace -> (11 min) -> Quinta da Regaleira -> (6 min) -> Monserrate Palace. Alternatively, consider parking at the train station and exploring Sintra by bus.
• Uber: An Uber or Bolt trip from Lisbon to Sintra should cost you around 20€ each way. Once you reach Sintra, explore the city via public transport as detailed above.

Évora: A Journey Through Time

Distance from Lisbon: 130 km

Located only 90 min drive from Lisbon, the historical town of Evora, has the second largest number of national museums (second to Lisbon only), a beautiful city center, and is located in the heart of the Alantejo wine region, making it an amazing day trip destination from Lisbon! Here are a few of the best things to do:

• Explore the historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Make sure to see the Roman Temple (Templo Romano de Évora), the Cathedral (Sé Catedral de Évora) and its rooftop, and the Chapel of Bones (Igreja de São Francisco).
• Visit the Evora Museum (Museu de Évora) to learn about the town’s long history.
• Enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of Evora’s many restaurants or cafes. We particularly enjoyed our lunch at Enoteca Cartuxa! Come here for lunch or simply to sample some of their own wine .
• Wine tasting is a popular activity in the Alentejo region. Less than 10 min outside of Evora, you can visit the Cartuxa winery (yet it is the same group as the restaurant above), and learn more about their history, the traditional wine making processes, and of course try some delicious wines. They also produce olive oils which is always a nice souvenir to take back home.

DISCOVER EVORA, GO WINE TASTING AND VISIT THE MEDIEVAL VILLAGE OF MONSARAZ WITH THIS ORGANIZED DAY TRIP FROM LISBON

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Day trips from Lisbon: how to get to Evora?

• Car: Driving to Évora takes about 1.5 hours via the A2 highway. Once in Evora, the easiest is to park outside the city walls, and explore the town on foot.
• Public Transport: Take the express bus from Sete Rios bus station in Lisbon. The journey to Evora takes about 1.5 hours and cost less than 20€ (price depends on timing). You can easily book your ticket here.

BEST TIME TO TAKE BEAUTIFUL DAY TRIPS FROM LISBON

Portugal enjoys a pleasant Mediterranean climate with warm, sunny summers and mild winters so it is definitely a destination that can be enjoyed around the year. The best time to visit depends on your preferences, but I would recommend visiting in the Spring, between May and March. Ideal for exploring, temperatures are comfortable and the crowds are far less than is the summer. However, if you really want to enjoy the beaches of Cascais for example, then the warm weather from June to August is ideal!

USEFUL RESOURCES TO PLAN SOME GREAT DAY TRIPS

From booking a flight to finding some beautiful cultural tours, or getting an e-sim ahead of your trip to stay connected, I have gathered here all the super useful websites I always use to organize my travels.

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With its rich history, stunning scenery, and charming towns, Portugal has so much to offer and Lisbon serves as a fantastic base to explore further. I hope this 3 beautiful day trips have inspired you and provided all the necessary information! As always don’t hesitate to reach out in the comment below or on Instagram should you have any question!

Love, Emma