Lisbon has enough charm to keep you busy for days — the tiles, the viewpoints, the pastries. But if you have more than a couple of days in the city, getting out for a day trip is one of the best ways to experience Portugal’s diversity.
That said, not every “easy Lisbon day trip” is actually worth the effort.
So here’s a local’s list of 5 day trips from Lisbon that are 100% worth it — whether you want nature, history, beach vibes, or just something different from the Lisbon buzz.
1. Sintra – The Fairytale Mountain Escape
Let’s get this one out of the way: yes, it’s touristy. But also? Totally worth it.
Sintra is packed with palaces, forests, and misty magic. The colourful Palácio da Pena, the mysterious Quinta da Regaleira, and the elegant Monserrate Palace are all showstoppers.
How to get there:
🚆 40 min by train from Rossio Station
📸 Photo tip:
Go early and start with the Regaleira gardens before the crowds — or take portraits at golden hour in the hidden trails of Monserrate.
2. Cascais – Seaside Charm Without the Effort
Cascais is the perfect combo of beach, food, and walkable old town.
Have lunch by the sea, rent a bike along the coast to Boca do Inferno, and grab a pastel de nata from a local café before heading back.
How to get there:
🚆 35 min train from Cais do Sodré (with ocean views!)
📸 Photo tip:
The light near the marina at sunset is perfect for casual, warm portraits.
3. Azenhas do Mar – The Cliffside Coastal Secret
Tiny and dramatic, Azenhas do Mar is a postcard-perfect village carved into a cliffside, with waves crashing below and whitewashed houses on top.
It’s a slower trip, but worth it for lunch with a view and a total change of pace.
How to get there:
🚗 Best by car (45 min drive), or train + Uber from Sintra
📸 Photo tip:
The view from the lookout above the village is iconic — perfect for wide shots or silhouettes at sunset.
4. Mafra – For Architecture Lovers and Quiet Walks
Less crowded and seriously underrated. Mafra’s palace is huge, ornate, and way less chaotic than Lisbon’s main landmarks.
If you like libraries, baroque halls, and quiet streets — this is your place.
How to get there:
🚗 40 min drive or bus from Campo Grande
(works well combined with Ericeira if you want surf too!)
📸 Photo tip:
The palace square is perfect for wide-angle shots. And inside? That library is something else.
5. Setúbal & Arrábida – Blue Water + Green Hills
Setúbal is a working port city — but nearby, the Arrábida Natural Park offers unreal turquoise water and lush green cliffs. It’s ideal if you want a beach escape that feels untouched.
Rent a car, drive through the winding mountain roads, and stop at Praia da Figueirinha or Portinho da Arrábida for a swim.
How to get there:
🚗 1-hour drive — best done with a car for flexibility
📸 Photo tip:
There’s a viewpoint near the top of the mountain road that gives you that perfect “Portugal meets the tropics” vibe.
Want to Capture the Adventure?
Exploring Lisbon and its surroundings is incredible — and even better when you can take real memories home with you.
📸 I offer relaxed, natural photo sessions in Lisbon, Sintra, Cascais, and beyond. Whether you’re traveling solo, with family or your partner, I’ll help you document the moment with local insight and no stress.
📬 Contact Me:
- 📧 Email: martim.dotti@gmail.com
- 📸 Instagram: @shoots.md
- 🌍 Website: mdfotografia.blog