Fairy Tale Castles and Seaside Escapes: 5 Top Cities Near Lisbon

Lisbon is a perfect starting point for discovering incredible cities and charming villages across Portugal. Many of them are ideal for a simple day trip, allowing you to maximize your travel time.

If you have a few extra days in your itinerary, these destinations are some of the most beautiful and famous spots located close to the capital. Each city near Lisbon offers a unique glimpse into Portugal’s rich history.

We’ve separated the most famous and beautiful cities that are just a short trip away. This includes fairy tale palaces, ancient Roman ruins, medieval walled towns, and beautiful coastal escapes.

Traveling to these locations is easy, often by direct train or bus, making them convenient for any traveler. Choosing the right city near Lisbon depends only on whether you prefer the coast, the countryside, or historical monuments.

Here are the top five must-see destinations for your next adventure outside the capital. Get ready to explore the diverse landscapes and history that surround Lisbon with ease.

O que este artigo aborda:

• Sintra: The Kingdom of Palaces and Fairy Tales
• Cascais and Estoril: Seaside Charm
• Óbidos: The Medieval Walled Town
• Évora: The Historical and Alentejan Treasure
• Fátima: The Center of Faith and Pilgrimage
• How to Get to Sintra and Cascais from Lisbon by Train?
• Plan Your Dream Day Trip from Lisbon

Sintra: The Kingdom of Palaces and Fairy Tales

Onde fica: About 30 km (18 miles) west of Lisbon.

Sintra is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is known as the Kingdom of Palaces and Fairy Tales. It’s about 30 km west of Lisbon, nestled in the Sintra mountains, offering a cool, misty climate.

The main attractions are the colorful Pena Palace, which looks like it came straight out of a storybook, and the mysterious Quinta da Regaleira. Don’t forget the ancient Castle of the Moors (Castelo dos Mouros) for amazing views.

Sintra is a dense cultural landscape, making it the most popular city near Lisbon for day trips. Since there is so much to see, plan to arrive early to avoid the crowds, especially during the busy high season.

The town itself is enchanting, with historic streets and small shops, but the main highlights are the monuments located up the mountain. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for plenty of walking.

“We took the train to Sintra and spent the whole day exploring the palaces. The views from Pena Palace were absolutely incredible; it was the highlight of our trip!” — Maria R., Dublin, Ireland.

Cascais and Estoril: Seaside Charm

Onde fica: About 30 km (18 miles) from Lisbon, on the Atlantic coast.

Cascais and Estoril are two elegant towns located about 30 km from Lisbon, situated along the beautiful Atlantic coast. They are known for their sophisticated charm and beautiful sandy beaches.

The main attractions are the stunning beaches, the lively town center of Cascais, and the famous Boca do Inferno (Hell’s Mouth), a spectacular cliff formation. Estoril is famous for its grand casino.

This is the ideal city near Lisbon destination for those looking to combine history with sunbathing and fresh seafood. The towns offer a relaxed and exclusive atmosphere, often frequented by Lisbon residents.

You can easily rent a bike to cycle along the scenic coastline, connecting the two towns and enjoying the ocean breeze. The fresh sea air and beautiful architecture make this a perfect day trip escape.

Óbidos: The Medieval Walled Town

Onde fica: About 88 km (55 miles) north of Lisbon.

Óbidos is a charming, well-preserved medieval village located about 88 km north of Lisbon. It is completely surrounded by impressive ancient walls that you can actually walk along and explore.

The main attraction is the ability to walk atop the walls, which offers incredible views of the red-tiled rooftops and the surrounding area. The town is also famous for its colorful streets, filled with shops and white houses.

Óbidos is also known for its unique cherry liqueur, Ginjinha, often served in a small chocolate cup. Trying this delicious local specialty is a must-do for any visitor to this fairy tale walled town.

This charming village is a smaller and less crowded city near Lisbon, perfect for a relaxing half-day or full-day trip. Its medieval charm transports you back in time immediately upon entering the ancient gates.

Évora: The Historical and Alentejan Treasure

Onde fica: About 135 km (84 miles) southeast of Lisbon, in the Alentejo region.

Évora is a major historical treasure located about 135 km southeast of Lisbon, in the Alentejo region. It is a longer trip, but its profound historical significance makes it essential for any history enthusiast.

The highlights include the magnificent Roman Temple (Templo de Diana), the haunting Chapel of Bones (Capela dos Ossos), and the historic center, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Évora offers a different cultural experience from the coastal cities, focusing on Roman and religious history. It is a fascinating city near Lisbon that gives you a glimpse into the country’s ancient past.

The city is also known for its delicious Alentejan cuisine and local wines, offering an excellent culinary detour. Plan for a full day or an overnight stay to truly appreciate its historical depth.

Fátima: The Center of Faith and Pilgrimage

Onde fica: About 128 km (80 miles) north of Lisbon.

Fátima is a significant religious center located about 128 km north of Lisbon. It is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the world for millions of Catholics who visit each year.

The main attraction is the Sanctuary of Fátima, built around the site where the Virgin Mary is believed to have appeared in 1917. The vast plaza is impressive, especially during major pilgrimages and celebrations.

The atmosphere here is one of deep reverence and spirituality, attracting millions of visitors each year. This city near Lisbon offers a powerful and moving experience, even for non-religious visitors who appreciate the devotion.

While the focus is purely religious, the sheer scale of the sanctuary and the devotion of the pilgrims is a profound sight. It is easily accessible by bus from Lisbon’s Sete Rios terminal, making it a simple trip.

How to Get to Sintra and Cascais from Lisbon by Train?

Getting to Sintra and Cascais from Lisbon is very easy and affordable using the local train network. This is by far the best way to travel to both cities and avoid any potential traffic congestion.

To reach Sintra, take the train from Rossio Station (Estação do Rossio) in Lisbon’s central area. The journey is direct and takes approximately 40 minutes, with trains running frequently throughout the day.

To reach Cascais, you need to take the train from Cais do Sodré Station. This coastal route is beautiful and takes about 40 minutes, passing several seaside towns along the way for a scenic ride.

Both train lines are separate and serve different destinations, so make sure you check which station you need to use before heading out. Buying a rechargeable Navegante (formerly Viva Viagem) card makes ticket purchasing simple and quick.

Plan Your Dream Day Trip from Lisbon

The cities close to Lisbon offer a rich tapestry of beaches, fairy tale castles, medieval walled towns, and religious history. It’s easy to reach all of them by train or bus, which makes for convenient travel planning.

The key is to choose one or two destinations based on your interests so you don’t rush and can truly enjoy the visit. Sintra often requires a full day due to the number of palaces and sights to explore fully.

Remember that the city near Lisbon options are perfect for blending urban exploration with cultural history and natural beauty. For official travel information, check the Visit Portugal website.

Which nearby Portuguese city will you choose for your first day trip?