We’re crazy about the Travesseiros in Sintra, everything there is to see in Oeiras, Cascais and Sesimbra, the fish and seafood in Setúbal, the sour cherry in Óbidos and the giant waves in Nazaré. Basically, we’re crazy about getaways!
That’s why we went to each of these 10 places to get to know them better and, of course, to convince you that they are places of incredible beauty that deserve a longer getaway.
Come aboard on this journey through some of the most beautiful places near Lisbon.
Sintra
One of the most romantic villages in our country needs no introduction.
We’ve talked about Sintra several times and have even dedicated an article to it with the 15 must-see places in this wonderful place.
To get to know all its beauties would take many days (perhaps weeks) and even then, there would always be something left undiscovered, in a nook and cranny in the village, among the vegetation of the mountains or on a secret beach.
Oeiras
Oeiras is located on the coast, about 10 kilometers from the city of Lisbon.
Here you’ll find so much to visit and get to know that you’ll have to come back a few more times.
Since there are so many places to explore, both in the town and in the surrounding areas, we’ve put together 10 must-sees in this part of Greater Lisbon.
Setúbal
The white sandy beaches and crystal-clear water, the green of the Serra da Arrábida, and a gastronomy rich in fresh fish and, of course, the delicious fried cuttlefish, make the city of Setúbal, just over 30 minutes from the capital, one of the getaways to visit at any time of year, although it is in summer that you can best enjoy all these attractions.
In this guide, we show you the best that Setúbal has to offer its visitors.
Barreiro
With a privileged location on the south bank of the Tagus River, Barreiro is a municipality that has modernized in recent years, contributing to a greater and better range of services for its population and visitors.
This getaway has an extensive riverfront, where you can stroll and relax by the Tagus, as well as other equally attractive points of interest.
Almada
By boat, train or car, it’s a short hop to Almada. There’s plenty to discover there too, including some well-kept secrets.
Almost always with the Tagus on the horizon, this is our guide to what to see and visit in Almada, which starts by the river and ends with a swim.
Cascais
It’s no coincidence that kings and princes from all over the world have chosen Cascais as their summer resort.
Beautiful, glamorous and serene, this town with the sea on its doorstep and the mountains outside its window has a lot to discover and offer.
Sesimbra
There’s no doubt that Sesimbra is also known for its beaches.
But there is much more to discover: cultural traditions linked to the sea, monuments and even urban art, which has spread throughout the town in recent years.
Mafra
We, so close by, have to take advantage of this unique place that is Mafra.
It’s only 45 minutes from Lisbon and has plenty to visit, such as the Palace and Convent of Mafra, the Tapada and, of course, the beautiful towns of Mafra and Ericeira.
Take a look at our itinerary and, as soon as possible, set off to discover a West made up of history and the sea.
Also near Mafra, we suggest the always spectacular visits to Aldeia da Mata Pequena, Azenhas do Mar and Aldeia Típica José Franco.
Óbidos
The town of Óbidos is located just 85 kilometers from Lisbon, the perfect destination for a weekend getaway.
This medieval town is as beautiful as it is captivating and there are many reasons to visit, from the famous Ginjinha de Óbidos in a chocolate cup; the Óbidos Lagoon, the longest on the Portuguese coast; and, of course, Óbidos Castle, one of the best preserved in the country and where the town itself is located.
Find out all our reasons for visiting this town.
Nazaré
In the center of the country, we invite you to visit the fishing village of Nazaré, which you may have heard of thanks to its giant waves, the biggest in the world, and where every year new records are broken by surfers from all over the world who come to Praia do Norte to try their luck.
The big waves return season after season, after every summer.
Our suggestion is that you lose yourself in one of the escapades through the streets and corners that this typical village has to offer, on a walk that promises to be a discovery among the friendly people of this beach.
Tomar
For lovers of the history of the Order of the Knights Templar, a trip to Tomar is practically obligatory. After all, the famous warriors were here for a long time, a presence that is reflected in testimonies that even the passing of the centuries has not erased, such as Tomar Castle and the Convent of Christ.
The city, which belongs to the district of Santarém, is around 135 km from Lisbon, making it perfect for a weekend trip. As well as the UNESCO World Heritage Site, we recommend visiting other monuments, such as the old Synagogue and the Church of São João Baptista.
