With summer approaching and flights priced like they’re in August, the train is gaining ground as a mode of travel worth rediscovering. Not as a second option, but as the first choice. From Lisbon, and without needing a car, there are several unique destinations featuring medieval villages nestled along rivers, castles on rocky islands, and the Ribatejo plains—where time moves more slowly—that are well worth a visit. If you think a little getaway is always a good idea, but the logistics of flying can be a hassle, you’ll love this list of five destinations with train stations—all with stories to tell.
Almourol—A Templar castle in the middle of the Tagus River
There are places that seem almost unreal, and Almourol Castle is one of them. Anyone who visits it and takes in the island, the ramparts, and the Tagus River surrounding it immediately understands why this is one of the most impressive castles in the country.
To visit this monument, take the train to Tancos (the station is a 5-minute walk from the pier) and cross the river by boat. The crossing is short but impressive in its own right— it alone makes the trip worthwhile. In addition to the castle—as if that weren’t enough—the region also features the Almourol Contemporary Sculpture Park and the nearby village of Vila Nova da Barquinha.
Departure: Santa Apolónia or Oriente → Tancos (Regional train via Entroncamento)
Duration: ~1h30–2h (with a transfer at Entroncamento)
Tomar, the City of the Templars
Tomar is home to the Convent of Christ, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is one of Portugal’s most beautiful cities, yet for some reason, it continues to fly under the radar. The Convent is one of the country’s most extraordinary monuments. The Regional train arrives right in the heart of the city, crossing the Nabão River as it enters.
The Sete Montes National Forest is one of the best places in the country to hike in the shade amid the August heat. And the Nabão river beach, in the city center, is where the people of Tomar spend their hot days.
Departure: Santa Apolónia or Oriente → Tomar (Regional train via Entroncamento)
Duration: ~2h
Don’t miss: Convent of Christ (UNESCO), Mata dos Sete Montes, Nabão river beach
Constância, where the Tagus and Zêzere rivers meet
Constância is one of those villages you discover almost by accident and that you’ll never forget. Located at the confluence of the Tagus and Zêzere rivers, an hour and a half by train from Lisbon, the village isn’t large and stands out for being completely off the beaten path.
Luís de Camões lived here for part of his life, and it’s easy to see why: there’s something inspiring and inescapable in the air in Constância.
The river beach on the banks of the Zêzere is one of the country’s best-kept secrets. The train stops at Praia do Ribatejo station, just a few minutes’ walk from the village.
Departure: Santa Apolónia or Oriente → Praia do Ribatejo (Regional)
Duration: ~1h30
Don’t miss: historic village, Zêzere river beach, Camões Museum
Palmela and a medieval castle just over half an hour from Lisbon
Seeing Palmela from the highway and thinking, “One of these days I’ll go there,” and then never actually driving there is something we’ve all done, but by train, it’s a whole different story. Take the Fertagus line to Palmela, with a connection from the East, and in 45 minutes you’ll arrive at one of the most beautiful medieval towns on the Setúbal Peninsula, which features a Templar castle atop a hill covered in vineyards and overlooking Lisbon, the Serra da Arrábida, and the Sado River. It seems almost impossible to believe you’re just 45 minutes from the capital.
Departure: East (Fertagus, via the 25 de Abril Bridge)
Duration: ~45 minutes
Don’t miss: Palmela Castle, with views of the Serra da Arrábida
Abrantes, the city overlooking the Tagus
Abrantes is a wonderful surprise. Perched on a hill overlooking the Tagus, this town seems to know it occupies one of the country’s most strategic locations. The medieval castle atop the hill offers one of the most sweeping views of central Portugal. The view takes in the Tagus, the Ribatejo plains, and even the Castelo de Bode reservoir, which, during the summer, boasts one of the country’s best river beaches. The train station is 2 kilometers from downtown, but there are taxis right outside.
Departure: Santa Apolónia or Oriente → Abrantes (Regional or InterRegional)
Duration: ~2h
Don’t miss: the castle and views of the Tagus, and the river beaches at Albufeira de Castelo de Bode
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