Portugal is a country you will fall in love with quickly. There is so much to discover – medieval history, gorgeous beaches, and stunning coastlines. The country is bigger than it seems so you might not be able to see all of it in one visit. Luckily, there are some great options for a day trip from Lisbon.
If you’re staying in Portugal’s capital city then you have a chance to see all of the above at once! If you’re looking for a great day trip from Lisbon then we have some great suggestions for you. Best of all, you can book these as a tour so you won’t have to worry a bout driving in Portugal.
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How to Make a Day Trip from Lisbon
There are a lot of things to see if you want to plan a day trip from Lisbon. However, a lot depends on how far you’re able to travel. You could rent a car or use Portugal’s extensive transportation network.
Having a car gives you the most freedom but driving in Portugal can be tricky at times. We especially don’t recommend driving to Sintra because the mountainous roads are very narrow and parking is basically non-existent. However, you can easily drive to Cabo da Roca and Cascais if you only want to visit those.
If you want to visit all 3 then you should find a group or private tour. We chose an amazing day trip from Lisbon to Sintra, Cabo da Roca, and Cascais we found on TripAdvisor. Our guide/driver, Joaquim, is energetic and informative. He will tell you a lot about each destination and Portugal in general. The tour is worth every penny!
Day Trip from Lisbon: Sintra
Sintra is home to two of Portugal’s most famous landmarks and cannot be missed. The town of Sintra itself is located on, shockingly, Sintra Mountain and is actually the wealthiest area in Portugal. This becomes obvious as you make your way past the massive estates as you get closer to the town.
Pena Palace, Sintra
These sprawling homes pale in comparison to the magical castle that awaits you at the top. As you get closer to the summit, the colourful Pena Palace will come into view and capture your imagination. The red, yellow, and blue towers rise gracefully above the treetops and is not like any castle we’ve ever seen.
Pena Palace was built in the mid-1800s as a symbolic icon by King Ferdinand to his Queen Maria II. Every inch of the castle is colourfully decorated with many different architectural styles. It’s one of those things that doesn’t seem like it would work but it all comes together beautifully.
The best way to experience Pena Palace is to explore the lush gardens and exterior of the castle. To be honest, the interior is not nearly as captivating as the rest of the grounds so you can save some money (and lots of time in line) by staying outside. You can easily spend an entire morning exploring this wondrous palace.
Castle of the Moors
If you want to step even further back in time then head to the Castle of the Moors. Locally known as Castelo dos Mouros, these are the ruins of a medieval castle dating back to the 8th century. This fortress protected the surrounding area until it was abandoned in 1493.
Mother Nature has since reclaimed most of the area but you can still walk the walls and explore the grounds. There is also a winding staircase surrounding a picture-perfect tower that is a perfect photo op.
You will need to plan your day carefully if you want to see both Pena Palace and the Castle of the Moors unless you spend all day in Sintra. We ended up spending longer than expected at Pena Palace so we missed out on Castelo dos Mouros. It’s on the list for our next day trip from Lisbon!
Where to Eat in Sintra
You can spend all morning in Sintra before heading out to Cabo da Roca and Cascais. However, we recommend grabbing lunch in Sintra before continuing your day trip from Lisbon. This will give you some much needed energy for a long day of exploring.
Tascantiga Sintra
There are a lot of great restaurants in Sintra but we highly recommend Tascantiga for a delicious lunch. This authentic Portuguese eatery is mostly tapas-style so you can sample many different dishes. We sampled cheeses, sausage “lollipops”, bacalao (a Portuguese standard), and many more delectable offerings. Try to get a seat on the patio for lunch with an incredible view!
Casa Piriquita
Tascantiga has some great dessert offerings but there is a famous bakery nearby you must try. Sintra is famous for a flaky, cream-filled pastry called travasseiro (literally translates to ‘pillow’). One of the most famous spots for this light-as-air delicacy is Casa Piriquita Sintra where the line can be long but worth the wait. Even though they are light, they are big so don’t feel bad if you need to share!
Day Trip from Lisbon: Cabo Da Roca
Ever wanted to stand at the edge of the world? If so, take a tour (or drive) about 30 minutes West from Sintra to the Portuguese coast. There you’ll find a place where people watched history’s greatest explorers set off on their journey.
Cabo da Roca is not just a great day trip from Lisbon option, it is actually the most Western point in all of Europe. This is why people throughout history would gather to watch Portugal’s sailing fleet as they disappeared over the horizon. Now you can stand in their place beside the lone lighthouse that sits high atop the cliffs.
Explore Cabo Da Roca
If you’ve rented a car, there is a large parking lot available. There is not much to see in Cabo da Roca except for the view and the lighthouse. You can also hike around the cliffs but make sure to stay on the proper side of the fence unless you want to risk a long drop.
When you find yourself getting peckish, there is a restaurant on site to recharge the batteries. However, this is a high-tourist area so expect to pay tourist prices. Also, don’t forget to stop and grab your certificate for €11 for a unique souvenir.
Cabo Da Roca Wind Warning
One thing you’ll immediately notice after arriving in Cabo da Roca is the high speed winds. These winds are no joke which is why you need to be careful near the cliff edge. Also, if you need to wear a hat make sure it’s not your favourite because it might just end up in the Atlantic!
Day Trip from Lisbon: Cascais
Feeling like a day at the beach? Or are you craving some excitement while winning (or losing) some money? If so, take a day trip from Lisbon to the coastal town of Cascais!
Cascais is located about 30 minutes by car, or 1 hour by transit, from the centre of Lisbon. It is really easy to get to and can be included in your whirlwind day trip to Sintra if you book a tour. Our guide took us from Cabo da Roca along the Portuguese coast to the oceanside escape of Cascais.
What to Do in Cascais, Portugal
Beach Day!
The Lisbon waterfront is great but it doesn’t really have a beachy vibe. If you’re looking for the perfect beach day near Lisbon then Cascais should be high on your list. You’ll be able to relax on a beach chair, take a dip, and work on your tan.
There are two main beaches in Cascais: Costa da Estoril and Serra de Sintra. Costa da Estoril is for those looking for a relaxing day of sun on a sandy beach. On the other hand, Serra de Sintra is windy and wavy which is perfect for watersport enthusiasts.
Casino Estoril Cascais
If the beach isn’t giving you the type of excitement you need then you can visit one of Europe’s biggest casinos. Casino Estoril was built to rival the opulent casinos in Monte Carlo and attract visitors from around the world. Today, this sprawling casino and hotel is a great place to win some money to pay for your trip!
The casino vive is quintessentially European. It’s not the over-the-top type of casino you’ll find in Las Vegas or Macau but still has a lot of charm. It’s full of traditional table games, slots, and all other forms of gambling entertainment. Make sure to set a limit for yourself so you have enough left over to experience more of Cascais.
Shopping and Ice Cream in Cascais
After you’ve perfected your tan and won your fortune, walk along the Cascais waterfront for some shopping. The entire vibe of Cascais is more laid back so it’s a great spot for a day trip from Lisbon. Head to Travessa da Ressurreição and wander the mosaic-lined streets for some great souvenir shopping.
The sun will be beating down on your all day so make sure to stay hydrated. In order to really cool off, make your way to the Santini’s Cascais location for some of the gelato money can buy. We first discovered Santini’s in Lisbon and immediately fell in love. Their gelato is made fresh with so many different flavours – it is hard to choose our favourite!
Is a Day Trip From Lisbon WOrth it?
Yes, definitely! Lisbon is an amazing city but there is a lot to discover nearby. Taking a day trip from Lisbon will teach you more about Portuguese culture and history. Step back in time in Sintra, see the towering cliffs at Cabo da Roca, and relax under the sun in Cascais.
You can find a tour that leaves around 9am and be home by dinner after stopping at each location. It is a busy day but SO worth it for the memories you’ll create. Our day trip from Lisbon still stands out as one of our favourite travel days of all time!
If you want to learn more about Portugal, check out our other blog posts to help plan the perfect trip. Also, don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter to be the first to know about new posts and upcoming giveaways!
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