Attractions Nearby Lisbon, Day Trips and Excursions

(Lisbon, Portugal)

Whilst there is plenty of interest within Lisbon, there are also many exceptional attractions close by, so do leave a day or two to properly explore western Portugal and its seemingly endless Atlantic coastline. Many buzzing beach resorts are but a short journey away from Lisbon, such as those at Almada, Carcavelos and Cascais.

A popular town on the north-westerly outskirts of Lisbon, Sintra is literally brimming with attractions and many people come here for a day out, away from the bustling city centre. Also close by, the municipality of Estoril neighbours Cascais and can be reached in less than 30 minutes, lying around 15 km / 9 miles from the city itself.

Estoril

Within Estoril, the main attractions are coastal and this is a great place to practice your surfing, or simply to top up your Portuguese tan. Estoril is a thriving resort town with many attractions based around its main beaches, which include both the Moitas Beach and Tamariz Beach. Here you will soon realise that lines of thatched parasols are a common sight.

Almada / Costa da Caparica

A large city with a population of around 170,000 residents, Almada boasts many inviting stretches of sandy beaches, particularly around the Costa da Caparica. The beaches here are well developed and stretch for several miles, edging the Atlantic Ocean. Taking a stroll along one of the beachfront esplanades is always a great way to pass the time and take in some great views, while others simply prefer to lie on the fine, white sand and worship the sun, or take a paddle in the calm waters.

Carcavelos

An appealing Portuguese municipality situated a mere 12 km / 7 miles to the west of central Lisbon, Carcavelos is home to an exceptional coastline and one of the region's very best beachfronts, which lies along the Estoril coast. Carcavelos Beach is one of the main attractions in this part of Portugal and each year, thousands descend here during the winter months to surf on the strong waves. If you have time, pay a visit to the Forte de Sao Juliao da Barra, which once protected the entrance of the Tagus River from possible attack.

Cascais

Those looking for sun, sea and sand could do far worse than consider a day out at Cascais, some 30 km / 19 miles west of the city of Lisbon. The Bay of Cascais (Baja de Cascais) boasts a particularly beautiful Atlantic shore, with an array of tempting beachfront attractions and restaurants. Formerly a small fishing village and regularly frequented by the Portuguese monarchy during the 19th century, Cascais boasts a yacht harbour, several sandy beaches, a ruined castle, and many reasonably priced hotels. Close to Cascais you will find the lively Guincho Beach, the scenic Sintra Mountains, and also the breathtaking natural landmark that is the Boca do Inferno (Hell's Mouth), a rocky chasm created over thousands of years by the strong, crashing waves.

Sintra

Sintra has a population rapidly approaching 30,000 inhabitants and is where you will find sights such as the magnificent Sintra National Palace (Palácio Nacional de Sintra), which is located on the Praça da República. Day trippers from Lisbon should look out for the sights around the Beco da Judiaria area, the medieval jail of Cadeia da Comarca, Pena National Palace, the Palácio de Seteais, the Palácio Valenças, the Castelo dos Mouros (Castle of the Moors) and the Volta à Vila de Sintra buggy rides provided by Sintratur.