If you are planning a trip to Lisbon, you should make room in your itinerary to visit one or more of the many historic towns and cities that are located within a 2 hour drive or train ride from the city. The following is a list of some places you can visit and still make it back to Lisbon for dinner:
- Estoril – fashionable seaside town that is home to Europe’s largest casino (20 min.). For more information, click here.
- Queluz – visit the 17th C. palace known as the “Portuguese Versailles” that was the summer palace of the royal family (20 min. drive / 17 min. by train). For more information, click here.
- Palmela – best known for the 12th C. fortress perched on a hilltop at an altitude of 1,200 meters, at the edge of the Arrábida mountain range (20 min.). For more information, click here.
- Setúbal – one of Portugal’s oldest cities, best known for its beaches, moscatel wine, and for being the center of Portugal’s sardine industry (25 min.). For more information, click here.
- Sintra – charming town with a number of historic sites, including the Pena Palace, Sintra National Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, and Castelo dos Mouros (30 min. drive / 40 min. by train). For more information, click here.
- Cascais – fishing village that grew into a cosmopolitan town, with sandy beaches, pedestrian streets, fashionable shops, restaurants and bars (30 min.). For more information, click here.
- Óbidos – step back in time in this enchanting walled medieval village with a 12th C. hilltop castle, narrow stone streets and whitewashed houses (1 hour). For more information, click here.
- Arraiolos – charming town nestled in the hills of the Alentejo region, best known for its famous hand woven wool rugs (1 hour 15 min.). For more information, click here.
- Évora – known for its stunning medieval walls, unique churches and a 16th century aqueduct that cuts through the center (1 hour 30 min.). For more information, click here.
- Fátima – one of the most important Catholic shrines in the world dedicated to the Virgin Mary, visited by millions each year (1 hour 30 min.). For more information, click here.
- Tomar – culturally rich town was the last Knights Templar town to be commissioned, and played a significant role during the Age of Discovery (1 hour 30 min.). For more information, click here.
- Alcobaça and Batalha – the Monasteries of Alcobaça (12th C.) and Batalha (14th-16th C.) area magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Sites (1 hour 45 min.). For more information, click here.
- Coimbra – charming medieval city steeped in history that is the birthplace of 6 kings (2 are buried here), served as the country’s first capital in the 12th C., and is home to Portugal’s oldest university (2 hour drive / 1 hour 43 min. by high-speed train). For more information, click here.
Book a private tour! You may want to consider booking a private tour with an English-speaking guide. Your personal guide can provide you with information on the city and its historic sites. For more information on all of our Lisbon tours, click here.
Photo credit: © Christopher Pappas · All rights reserved.
For assistance with your travel plans, including hotel and private tour reservations, click here.