Top Day Trips from Lisbon: Must-See Portugal Destinations

Portugal is one of those hidden gems that’s finally getting the love it deserves—and for good reason! I totally fell head over heels for everything this amazing country has to offer. From the colorful streets of Lisbon to the calm, dreamy countryside, the rich history of Évora, and the stunning beaches along the Algarve coast. Portugal seriously has it all. I'm already planning my next trip back!

Starting your trip in Lisbon is the perfect way to kick off your Portugal itinerary! This vibrant capital city is buzzing with energy and offers a dynamic mix of history, culture, and modern flair.I was totally blown away by how creative and stylish every corner of this city was! Everything was so aesthetically pleasing, I kept stopping every few steps to snap pics of random doorways, cute cafés, artsy buildings, impressive murals... basically everything. From getting lost in its charming old neighborhoods to enjoying authentic Portuguese food, lively nightlife, and colorful street art, Lisbon truly has it all. It’s no wonder it’s one of the top cities to see in Portugal.

Lisbon’s central location also makes it incredibly convenient for planning day trips. Whether you're dreaming of stunning beaches, historic towns, or iconic landmarks, Lisbon is the perfect home base for exploring Portugal. In this blog, I’ll share some of my favorite day trips form Lisbon, including Sintra, Comporta, Évora, the Algarve Coast, and a few standout stops for wine tasting that you won’t want to miss!

Sintra

Sintra is the ultimate day trip everyone talks about—and for good reason! Just a quick 30-minute ride from Lisbon, it’s the perfect spot if castles, jaw-dropping views, or unique adventures are your thing. Seeing castles in Portugal was at the top of my list, and Sintra didn’t disappoint with some of the most incredible ones around.

Our first stop was the Moorish Castle, where you can roam ancient stone walls while soaking in seriously epic scenery. The views from up there are next-level—offering sweeping panoramas of the charming town below, the colorful Palace of Pena, and way out in the distance, the vast Atlantic Ocean. If you want a day full of history, beauty, and wow moments, Sintra is a no-brainer.

Also in Sintra is this beautiful castle! While I was planning my Portugal trip, I kept coming across this colorful, almost fairytale-looking castle online, which turned out to be Pena Palace.

Just a short walk away from Moorish Castle is the absolute must-see Pena Palace a vibrant castle that looks like something straight out of a fairytale. The views from the top are incredible, so it’s worth getting there early to beat the crowds. Be sure to grab the audio tour on your phone. it’s such an easy way to soak up all the cool history while you explore!

Craving even more history while you're in Sintra? In the heart of town, the National Palace of Sintra stands out with its quirky twin chimneys and beautiful tile-filled rooms. Don’t skip Quinta da Regaleira it feels like stepping into a storybook, with magical gardens, hidden tunnels, and the famous spiral Initiation Well. And if you’re looking for a quieter spot, Monserrate Palace is a total gem—peaceful, exotic, and surrounded by lush, dreamy gardens.

Comporta

Looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life? I’d recommend heading about an hour south to Portugal’s hidden gem, Comporta. It’s still pretty low-key right now, but I have a feeling that’s going to change in the next few years. Comporta is known for its stunning beaches, peaceful rice fields, shady pine forests, and just an overall chill vibe—perfect for a relaxing getaway. Take a stroll around the adorable village, and if you want to add a little extra fun, check out some of the beach clubs like Sublime Beach Club, JNcQUOI Beach Club, Comporta Cafe, or Moana Beach Club. They’re great spots to unwind, grab a drink, and soak in those coastal views.

Evora

Évora was such a charming old town and totally worth the trip! We mainly went to soak up all the architectural history—Évora is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 2,000 years of stories to tell. You’ll find everything from ancient Roman ruins like the Temple of Diana to medieval walls and beautifully preserved Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque buildings. Some of our favorite spots were the Cathedral of Évora, the Chapel of Bones (super eerie but fascinating!), In Aqua Veritas, the Roman Temple, the old aqueduct, Jardim Público de Évora, Praça do Giraldo, and the Monastery of São Francisco. It’s one of those places where every corner has something historic or beautiful to see! Évora is just 1 hour and 30 minutes east of Lisbon, making it an easy and rewarding day trip or weekend getaway.

Visit a Winery

The drive to Évora takes you through the heart of the Alentejo region, known for its rolling hills, cork trees, vineyards, and laid-back pace of life. One thing I’d definitely recommend while you’re out there is visiting a local winery—Alentejo produces some of Portugal’s best wines, and many estates offer gorgeous tasting rooms and vineyard tours that perfectly match the region’s rustic charm. We had hoped to visit both Herdade do Freixo and L'AND Vineyards during our stay—Freixo is known for its stunning underground architecture—but unfortunately, it was closed when we tried to go. Luckily, L'AND delivered with its peaceful setting and beautiful wine experience, and we’d absolutely recommend checking it out if you’re in the area!

L'AND Vineyards is about an hour and 15 minutes from Lisbon, and we decided to stay there so we could really soak up more time in Évora and the beautiful wine region. The place is stunning — award-winning accommodations right in the middle of Alentejo’s scenic vineyards. I was especially excited to visit for the wine and to snap some photos of the amazing architecture. If you’re looking for a luxurious spot to stay during your trip, I’d definitely recommend L’AND. It’s on the pricier side, but I was able to use points to cover half of it, which made it feel like a great deal. We enjoyed dinner right on the property and did a wine tasting while we were there. Plus, they have both indoor and outdoor pools, cozy fireplaces, and a spa with a sauna and steam room — perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring.

The Algarve Coast

Okay, full disclosure—this one’s a bit of a stretch for a day trip from Lisbon, but I just had to mention it. The Algarve isn’t really a day trip. It’s about three hours away, and honestly, it deserves way more time. I’d recommend spending at least two nights soaking up everything this stunning southern coast has to offer.

The Algarve quickly became my absolute favorite spot on the whole trip, whether for epic photography or just kicking back and relaxing. From jaw-dropping beaches and charming coastal villages to those dramatic orange cliffs, it’s a slice of paradise you can’t miss. If you’re visiting during the warmer months, the Algarve Coast should be at the top of your Portugal itinerary, trust me.

Quinta Dos Santos Vineyard

If you’re in the Algarve, I’d totally recommend checking out some local wineries—the wine scene down there has really been booming lately, and there are some gorgeous vineyards worth visiting. One place that stood out to me was Quinta Dos Santos. We stopped there for lunch and to taste their wines, and honestly, it’s one of the most beautiful wineries I’ve ever seen. The setting was breathtaking, and the wines did not disappoint. Definitely a must if you want to get a real feel for Portugal’s wine charm!

Heads up though: many wineries in the Algarve require reservations because spots can be limited. Also, most Portuguese wineries don’t serve food on-site, so if you want to taste wines, you’ll usually need to join a guided tour. It’s actually a legal thing in a lot of places to make sure tastings are done responsibly and with good info.

Want to discover my favorite beaches in the Algarve? Check out my other blog post: Top 4 Best Beaches on the Algarve Coast | Portugal