Lisbon is a modern capital with excellent accessibility. Start with the city centre area known as the Baixa. This is the heart of the city, where you will find Santa Justa elevator and the monumental square Praça do Comércio that opens on to the River Tagus. Climb to the Castle of São Jorge and stroll through Alfama to listen Fado. Take a tram ride to the Jerónimos Monastery and the Tower of Belém. Don’t forget to try the delicious Pastel de Belém (custard tart).
Learn more: 10 things to see and do in Lisbon


Maat, Lisboa ©Stock Photos Art

Cascais and the Estoril Coast
(Half-hour drive)
Since the 19th century, Cascais and Estoril have been among the most cosmopolitan locations and of greatest interest to tourists. Take the coastal road from Lisbon to Cascais. It’s a pretty and pleasant trip with ample views of the river and ocean. You can visit the historic centre of Cascais, discover amazing restaurants or simply enjoy a lovely walk with friends and family.
Learn more: Visit Cascais and the Estoril Coast

Cascais © José Manuel

Sintra
(Half-hour drive, about 40 minutes by train, north of Lisbon )
Romantic and mysterious, the town of Sintra is truly unique. With its picturesque village, majestic palaces and fairy-tale castle, against a backdrop of mountains and lush forests, Sintra stands out as one of Portugal’s most enchanting places. And guess what? It’s only 30 mins away from Lisbon.
Learn more: Discovering Sintra


Castelo dos Mouros, Sintra ©José Manuel

Ericeira
(30 minutes drive, north of Lisbon)
The route following the sea north of Lisbon is one of the most popular tours of the Portuguese coast. Along the way there are some great surprises, like Ericeira, a fishing village with a lot of tradition linked to the sea, now recognised as one of the world’s surfing reserves.
Lern more: “Ericeira, Surfing Reserve”


Ericeira © Turismo de Lisboa

Óbidos
(One-hour drive, north of Lisbon)
The medieval town of Óbidos is a real time capsule. Recently recognised as a UNESCO City of Literature, Óbidos has become synonymous with romance and literature. History, crafts, great cafés and restaurants, churches and monuments, beautiful architecture, all just a few steps away.
Learn more: Visit Óbidos


Óbidos © Shutterstock

Peniche and Berlengas
(1h drive, north of Lisbon)
Peniche and the sea are inseparable. It is one of the largest traditional fishing ports in Portugal and a major Atlantic hub for maritime-tourist activities.
The Nature Reserve on the Island of Berlengas is a boat ride away. Its translucent waters are ideal for divers, who will find here a natural sanctuary for sea flora and fauna.
Learn more: Peniche


Ilha das Berlengas © José Manuel

Arrábida
(45 minutes drive, south of Lisbon)
Located next to the sea, between Setúbal and the fishing town of Sesimbra, Arrábida Natural Park has incomparable natural beauty, where the blue of the sea alternates with the white tones of the chalk cliffs and the depths of the green vegetation that covers the mountain range.
The action of the sea against the mountains has originated a line of beaches characterised by fine sand and transparent waters, that we might otherwise believe could only be found in the Mediterranean, such as Figueirinha, Galapos and the Portinho da Arrábida.
Learn more: Serra da Arrábida and the Sado Estuary


Galapinhos, Parque Natural da Arrábida © Câmara Municipal de Setúbal

Troia
(1h drive, south of Lisbon)
The Troia Peninsula is a must-see destination with its extensive, highly prized beaches. There is a range of activities that can be enjoyed in a single day or over a weekend in Troia: outdoor sports such as golf or cyclin on dedicated paths, nautical sports such as windsurfing and sailing, boating, dolphin watching and walks on the beach, all while enjoying views sure to be etched forever in the memories of all visitors.
Learn more: A weekend in Troia

© Shutterstock