DAY TRIPS

Make sure to save a few days during your Lisbon trip to explore some amazing day trips to the coastline and surrounding historic villages.

Transportation

Portugal has an advanced train system that is super simple and easy get around. See HERE. The trains have 67 stations and 4 train lines: Sintra Line, Azambuja line, Cascais line and Sado line. I suggest taking the train to get to Cascais/Estorial and Sintra (head to Lisbon and Sintra pages).

All destinations below are easier to get to by BUS if you did not rent a car.

If you want to visit multiple destinations near Lisbon on a day trip, THIS tour is an excellent choice. It visits Fátima, Batalha, Nazaré and Óbidos in a small group.

Nazaré

Surfing big waves put Nazare on the map and it has become one of Portugal’s most famous tourist destinations. The town gets an influx of surfers and spectators from October to February. Nazare is located halfway between Porto and Lisbon, specifically an hour and 30 minutes from Lisbon.

  • Farol da Nazaré (Lighthouse in Nazaré ): If you watched HBO’s “100 Foot Wave” this lighthouse was the lookout point. In addition to looking out at the ocean’s towering waves you can find the Surfer Wall exhibition and a gallery of surfboards of famed international surfers who have conquered Praia do Norte's swells..

  • Miradouro do Sítio: A great lookout point of Nazare’s famous beaches

  • Great Restaurants: Can’t go wrong with Casa Pires, A Tasquinha, and Conchinha da Nazaré



Comporta

Comporta is considered right now THE under-the-radar destination to visit and is often compared to Ibiza, Montauk and Tulum before they became travel hotspots. But in reality Comporta, which is located an hour and 20 minutes from Lisbon, is entirely different than these places. Instead it is a landscape of cork oaks, blustery dunes, sandy beaches and rice paddies. Comporta invites travelers to relish in afternoons that melt into evening.

  • Known for its beaches, head to Praia da Comporta and if you are thirsty grab a drink at the beach bar.

  • Praia do Carvalhal has all the unassuming charm, plus the perks of volleyball and massage tents. If the conditions allow, you can even try kitesurfing. Continue south on toward Praia do Pego, where serenity awaits.

  • If you like boutique shopping, then you are in luck. Check out Loja do Museu do Arroz and Lavanda.

  • Eat at Ilha do Arroz for breezy vibes and seafood.

  • Comporta is naturally beautiful, Sado Estuary Natural Reserve is a a 30-acre swoop of protected wetlands.

  • Stay at Sublime Comporta (https://www.sublimecomporta.pt/) and definitely check out the spa!

  • For more info check out these articles:

  • Fun Fact: Rumor has it George Clooney is building a mega mansion here!

Obidos

Obidos is small medieval Portuguese town an hour from Lisbon. It is located closely near Nazare, you could easily do both in one day. This is a great town to wander around. Some of the white washed homes have been around since the 12th century. There is a train from Lisbon, but suggest the bus. The RodoTejo Verde (Green) bus from Campo Grande station takes just over an hour.

  • Look out for the sign off Rua do Facho pointing up a set of steps to the Miradouro (viewing terrace). Esplanada Miradouro café bar awaits you at the top.

  • Walk around the The Obidos Castle gardens

  • Drink Ginjinha de Óbidos! It is a cherry brandy called ginjinha and the one from Óbidos is renowned for its quality. Ginjinha bars may be popular in Lisbon but there’s no escaping them in Óbidos. If you buy it from a streetside stall, you can either have it served in a chocolate cup which you get to eat or in a plastic or ceramic keepsake cup.

    • The atmospheric Bar Ibn Errik Rex on Rua Direita serves a generous glassful of ginjinha. It’s also a good place to try flame-grilled chouriço.

  • Foz do Arelho beach (weather permitting!)

Ericeira+ Marfa

Ericeira is a fishing town turned surfing destination with a relaxed daytime vibe and fun nightlife. It is the perfect day trip, only 40 minutes from Lisbon. Ericeira hasn’t truly been discovered by tourists and provides an authentic Portuguese experience. Marfa is another nearby destination that shares the bus line with Ericeira.

  • Ericeira was declared a World Surfing Reserve back in 2011 and still remains the only place in Europe acknowledged by the organization. The best surf season is October!

  • You’ll find the best restaurants in a small square, called Jogo da Bola, surrounded by pastries stores and ice-cream places. Because this is a land of fishermen, don’t forget to try the seafood or the fresh fish. Sea urchins are a delicacy here.

  • Marfa is another nearby destination that shares the bus line with Ericeira. Head to the National Palace of Mafra. It is a monumental building in the Baroque style, where you will find what is considered to be one of the most beautiful libraries in the world!