🇵🇹 Outside Lisbon: Top 5 Day Trips
To see Lisbon, even a week may not be enough. But what if you have already explored every little street? Then it's time to go to the outskirts of the capital of Portugal. I suggest you visit several impressive locations outside the city.
We recommend reading: Lisbon in two days: a thoughtful route and important life hacks
Cape Roca (Cabo da Roca)
You know that the “end of the world” is located in Portugal? And the most interesting thing: it is located just 40 km from Lisbon! If you don’t have a car, you can get here by bus from Sintra or Cascais. I’ll tell you how to get to them a little later.
“Here the land ends and the sea begins,” you will see a sign with this quote from Camões, a 16th-century Portuguese poet, on the observation deck of Cape Roca. Cabo da Roca is the westernmost point of our continent. This place has incredible power. Standing on a cliff 140 meters above sea level, admiring the cliff and how the powerful wind raises large waves, be careful: do not go close to the cliff. And be sure to take a jacket and a hat with you – even if it’s wildly hot in Lisbon, it will be cool here and blow heavily into your ears.
Cape Roca is home to one of the oldest lighthouses in Portugal. It was erected in the second half of the 18th century. And there is still a caretaker working here, which is very rare.
Sintra
If I were asked to briefly describe Sintra, I would say that this city in the vicinity of Lisbon is straight out of the pages of fairy tales about valiant knights and beautiful princesses. How did it happen that so many stunning palaces appeared in one place at once? Portuguese kings and wealthy representatives of the highest ranks loved this city for its convenient location relative to the capital and the ocean, as well as for the beauty of the local landscapes. I’ll say right away: a day is not enough for you to see all the sights of Sintra, and in this publication I decided to describe only the most striking of them.
The Pena Palace (Palácio da Pena), towering majestically above the city, looks like a toy from afar. The multi-colored façade, numerous turrets, and lace stucco work look like a castle from a Disney cartoon. It was built in the second half of the 19th century as a summer residence for the royal family. And around this architectural miracle they built a huge park (270 hectares) with amazing landscapes and a variety of flora.
You can not only take bright photos against the backdrop of the romantic castle, but also stroll through the richly decorated chambers. The cost of visiting the palace with the park is about 14 euros. Please note that this place is very popular. It's better to come here on weekday mornings.
Quinta da Regaleira is the most mystical place in Sintra. This Gothic mansion was purchased by a member of the Masonic lodge in the 19th century and his garden was turned into a labyrinth with underground passages, cleverly intertwined alleys, sculptures of fantastic animals, and encrypted messages on architectural elements. This place is full of references to secret knowledge – alchemy and Freemasonry. I love books, films and quests on such topics. And on the territory of Quinta da Regaleira you can touch all this in reality!
One of the most memorable locations in the palace and park complex is the Well of Dedication (Poço Iniciático). The nine-tiered tower, going underground, symbolizes the circles of hell according to Dante. They say the spiral staircase was used for initiation into the Freemasons. Several tunnels emerge from this well. After walking along one of them, you can find yourself at a waterfall with a pond, which can only be crossed by jumping over the bumps. Interesting, isn't it?
Entrance to the territory of the mystical estate for an adult will cost 11 euros.
In the historical center of the city there is the most Portuguese mansion in its architecture and interior – the National Palace of Sintra ( Palácio Nacional de Sintra). From the 15th to the 19th centuries, the royal family often held official receptions here. Two huge chimneys, which look like towers from the street, helped keep dishes warm during a big feast. You can stroll through the rooms, decorated with Portuguese azulejo tiles and furnished with local flavor, for 10 euros per person.
The most convenient way to get from Lisbon to Sintra is by train, which departs from Estação do Rossio station, or you can also take a bus from Marquês de Pombal station.
Cascais
Cascais was once a fishing village. Then one of the royal residences was built here. Further, the place was overgrown with villas of the Portuguese elite. Now it is a suburb of Lisbon, where successful businessmen and migrant IT workers live.
Cascais has a resort atmosphere all year round. During the day, people look at old mansions, buy souvenirs in shops, sip wine in restaurants – just like in any other tourist town. And in the evening this place reveals a new side – it becomes the epicenter of nightlife with discos and gambling establishments. But Cascais is most famous for its beaches. The coastline stretches to the neighboring town of Estoril.
From Estoril, a bicycle path runs along the ocean, which stretches for eight kilometers. To explore the beaches and sights, you can rent a bicycle or electric scooter here. Please note that the historical heart of Cascais is a pedestrian zone – scooters are disabled there.
Near the central square of the city stands the Fortress Nossa Senhora da Luz de Cascais. The fort and royal palace were built in the 16th century. And in 19, electricity was used here for the first time in Portugal.
Nowadays, behind the imposing walls there is a hotel and exhibition galleries. And next to the citadel there is a marina. You can enter the territory of the fortress for free, but to visit the former residence of the kings you need to pay 4 euros.
If you move further along the coastline, you will come to the most Instagrammable place in Cascais – the blue and white Santa Marta Lighthouse (Farol de Santa Marta). Its walls are not painted, but tiled with azulejo.
Inside there is a museum of the history of Portuguese lighthouses. Ticket – 5 euros. It includes entry to the Casa de Santa Maria. This mansion in the vicinity of Lisbon was built for his daughter by a nobleman who had his own palace across the road – Condes De Castro Guimaraes.
The Gothic castle from the early 20th century has also been turned into a museum. For 4 euros you can see objects of decorative and applied art, furniture and paintings, as well as a library of more than 25 thousand books.
Almost another kilometer along the ocean – and you will find yourself at the Boca do Inferno cliff. The so-called “Devil's Mouth” looks quite photogenic. But she is most impressive during a storm. The waves crashing against the rock create a noise reminiscent of the growl of an animal. There is a legend that near Boca do Inferno there is an entrance to the underworld.
From the center of Lisbon, Cais do Sodré station, the best way to get to Cascais or Estoril is by train. But be prepared that in the summer high-speed trains are a big deal. Residents of the capital with children, inflatable rings, sun umbrellas and bags of food go to relax by the ocean.
Almada
Now I propose to move to the other side of the Tagus River. I told you about the April 25 bridge in the guide. On the other side of the overpass stands a statue of Christ. Is it interesting to see it up close and look at Lisbon from afar? Call a taxi! You can, of course, use public transport: bus, train or even ferry. But, believe me, it’s faster, easier and not necessarily more expensive to do it by taxi.
The Sanctuary of Christ Pantocrator, or Cristo Rei (Santuário Nacional de Cristo Rei), will remind you of Jesus from Rio de Janeiro. Local priests who visited Brazil were inspired by him.
An 82-meter pedestal and a 28-meter statue were erected in Almada in 1959 through public donations. They began collecting money for the project at the beginning of World War II. Women thus asked God to protect their country – and therefore children, husbands and fathers – from participating in battles. Perhaps that's what worked. Portugal was not drawn into the conflict.
Inside the monument there is a chapel, as well as exhibition halls and conference halls. You can take the elevator to the upper terrace – it will cost 8 euros. But from the observation deck at the foot of Christ there is a beautiful view of Lisbon and the red bridge.
Costa da Caparica
And again I invite you to the beach. It is easy to get from Christ to Costa da Caparica by city bus – you can even choose a convenient route in Google ah.
This former fishing village has also become a resort. By the way, more democratic than Cascais. The highlight of this place: the wide coastline, 30 km long. White sand, wavy ocean – an ideal place for surfing.
The embankment was completely redone after a strong storm. Modern bars have been built along the ocean that can be used as coworking spaces.
This is the overview I got of the surroundings of Lisbon. Share what are your favorite places near the capital.