There are fantastic places near Lisbon, some more than an hour away and others less, that deserve to be visited and photographed.
Lisbon has a rich history and unparalleled beauty, making it a destination that attracts visitors from all over the world. And the outskirts of the capital also hide real treasures that deserve to be explored.
If you’re looking for picturesque places, stunning landscapes and authentic experiences, you don’t have to go far. Around the city you’ll find some hidden gems that will delight your senses and feed your traveler’s soul.
There are enchanting villages, breathtaking landscapes, monuments that tell stories of other times and, of course, sites with high environmental value, and we have suggestions for all tastes.
Fasten your seatbelt and embark on this incredible, and certainly nostalgic, journey through some of the most fantastic places you’ll be able to visit or revisit through this guide.
Table Of Contents
Secret and magical villages
Mata Pequena, in Mafra
Located just over half an hour’s drive from Lisbon, the village of Mata Pequena , in Mafra, is a destination well worth a visit. Far from the hustle and bustle of the city, time seems to stand still here.
Despite its small size, this place has been completely preserved and restored, allowing us to get up close and personal with some of the aspects and traditions of yesteryear.
Here, there are several stone houses, lit by lamps and protected by green surroundings, in a setting worthy of a postcard. Mata Pequena is a village to consider for those looking for a restful break.
Typical José Franco village in Mafra
This is one of the most renowned museum villages in the country. Why? Well, this is a recreation of a typical Portuguese village, built by José Franco in the 60s.
This place has everything that characterizes a dream village: castle walls, windmills, a children’s playground, a small winery and even a bakery.
It is a tribute that the potter José Franco paid to his land and memories. Without a doubt, this is a place to discover in the municipality of Mafra that the youngsters at home will love.
Azenhas do Mar, in Sintra
The municipality of Sintra seems to have been chosen by the gods – after all, it’s full of fantastic places to visit. In addition to its famous monuments, the village of Azenhas do Mar should be highlighted.
With its white houses on the seafront and its natural ocean pool, this is probably one of the most photographed places near Lisbon.
If you haven’t been there yet, take a weekend getaway to explore the streets and alleys of the village. Don’t forget to try a good seafood dish at the end .
Aldeia Galega da Merceana
This is one of the most beautiful gateways to the municipality of Alenquer. Located about an hour’s drive from Lisbon, this village is an (almost) “forgotten” corner waiting to be (re)discovered.
Aldeia Galega da Merceana has white houses and small streets, but it is also a place with a story to tell. Between the 14th and 19th centuries, it was the seat of a municipality.
Village of Pia do Urso
The village of Pia do Urso, located in the heart of Portugal, just 1.5 hours from Lisbon, is ideal for those seeking tranquillity and contact with nature.
The Sensory Ecopark, a unique attraction adapted for the blind, offers an inclusive experience along an 800-meter path where visitors can explore different textures, sounds and aromas.
Breathtaking landscapes
Óbidos
The town is famous for its castle and ramparts, its medieval streets and its sour cherry served in chocolate cups.
All these little details make Óbidos a medieval destination near Lisbon.
In addition, in 2015, UNESCO designated Óbidos as a literary destination, making it part of the Creative Cities Network.
Berlenga Island
About a 1.5-hour drive from Lisbon, a trip to Peniche is almost obligatory. From there, you can travel by boat to Berlenga Grande (an island in the Berlengas archipelago).
This is a place that stands out due to its stunning scenery. It’s also a great place for scuba diving or bird watching.
The Berlengas also have a lot of history, having been recognized as early as the reign of King Afonso V in the 15th century. As well as the priceless fauna and flora, the Fortress of St. John the Baptist is equally noteworthy .
Galapinhos Beach
Galapinhos Beach, in Setúbal , could not be missing from the list of fantastic places near Lisbon . After all, it has already been voted one of the best in Europe by the British newspaper The Guardian.
However, you have to bear in mind that access isn’t exactly easy. But, despite this, it’s worth a visit, as you’ll find incredible scenery, with the green of the mountains and the strong tones of the sea.
Incredible monuments
Capuchos Convent
Convento dos Capuchos is one of the most simple and spiritual places in Portugal, located in the Sintra mountains. This Franciscan convent, also known as the Cork Convent, stands out for its simplicity and integration into nature.
It is a haven of introspection and contemplation, devoid of luxuries, where visitors can explore the surrounding history and natural beauty.
Almourol Castle
Located about 1.5 hours from Lisbon, Almourol Castle is one of the most beautiful castles in Portugal. Built right on the River Tagus, it is one of the symbols of the Christian Reconquest.
In addition to the movie-worthy setting, there’s an interesting fact about Almourol Castle: it was under the guard of the Knights Templar for some time.
Chalet of the Countess of Edla
The Chalet of the Countess of Edla, located in the municipality of Sintra, is linked to a beautiful love story worthy of a fairy tale. In the 19th century, this was the romantic refuge of King Ferdinand II and his second wife, Elise Hensler.
The monarch, widower of Queen Maria II, fell madly in love with the young opera singer. The two married in 1869, against everything and everyone, so this place is also a direct testimony to this love.
A magical refuge waiting to be (re)discovered!
Palmela Castle
Palmela Castle could not be missing from the list of fantastic places to visit near Lisbon. Situated on top of a hill, this fortification offers a privileged view over the town.
Within its walls you can find various points of interest, such as the former Convent of the Order of Santiago (now home to the Pousada Histórica de Palmela), or the ruins of the Church of Santa Maria, among others.
Without a doubt, this is one of reasons why Palmela is worth a visit.
Monserrate Palace
Monserrate Palace is one of the most fantastic places near Lisbon. Located in the breathtaking landscape of Sintra, this property was built in the 19th century to serve as a residence for Francis Cook, a merchant, collector and 1st Viscount of Monserrate.
The interior of the building has various influences: Gothic, Indian and Moorish, with exotic and plant motifs. Also noteworthy is the exterior, where you’ll find one of Portugal’s most surprising gardens – Monserrate Park.
This green space is home to a remarkable botanical collection with species from all over the world, which blend with the native vegetation over 50 hectares.
Special mention should be made of the Valley of the Ferns, which come from New Zealand and Australia, and also the Valley of Mexico, with artificial lakes and a huge araucaria tree over 45 meters high.
Royal Building of Mafra – Palace, Basilica, Convent, Cerco Garden and Tapada
Since 2019, this complex has been classified as World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
The Royal Building of Mafra includes the Palace, the Basilica, the Convent, the Cerco Garden and the Tapada.
It’s an imposing complex with a high architectural value, but also a natural one. But there are many more places to visit in Mafra.
Nature, environment & attractions
Lagoons to visit near Lisbon
In this list of fantastic places near Lisbon, there’s room for several suggestions and, of course, natural spaces couldn’t be forgotten.
For those who enjoy fresh air, water sports and family picnics, there are four incredible lagoons near the capital.
Lagoa Azul (Sintra), Lagoa dos Mosqueiros (Sintra), Lagoa de Albufeira (Sesimbra) and Lagoa de Óbidos promise to delight those who want to relax and recharge their batteries.
Iberian Wolf Recovery Center
In our list of fantastic places to visit near Lisbon, we made a point of including the Iberian Wolf Recovery Center at Quinta da Murta, Gradil, in the municipality of Mafra.
Why? Well, since 1987, and with around 17 hectares of wooded valley, this place has been a ‘sanctuary’ for the Iberian wolf, taking in members of this species that cannot live in the wild.
The objectives are not only to care for the Iberian wolf, but also to demystify popular stories about this animal.
Samouco Salt Pans
Just over 30 km from Lisbon, the Salinas do Samouco are one of Alcochete’s biggest attractions. Alcochete. After all, this is a true natural paradise, covering some 360 hectares, located next to the River Tagus.
Established as the “Foundation for the Protection and Environmental Management of the Samouco Salt Pans”, the main objective is to promote the conservation and maintenance of the salt pans from the perspective of preservation in nature.
As well as protecting an ancient tradition, you can go hiking or birdwatching here.
Bacalhôa Buddha Eden
Covering some 35 hectares, this is a large oriental garden that offers unique landscapes to its visitors.
Located just over an hour’s drive from Lisbon, this is a good option for enjoying spring outside the capital.
Mira de Aire Caves
Located in the municipality of Porto de Mós, about a 1h30 drive from Lisbon, the Mira de Aire Caves are one of the most fantastic places in Portugal.
These are the largest tourist caves in the country, and the public can visit 600 meters of the 11 km that make them up. So it’s not far-fetched to say that this could be the setting for “A Journey to the Center of the Earth”, a literary work written by Jules Verne.
Dark Sky Alqueva Observatory
Want an unusual suggestion? In Cumeada, next to the Alqueva Dam, you’ll find an incredible place – the Dark Sky Alqueva observatory .
Here, equipped with modern telescopes, you can take a closer look at the planets, the craters of the moon, the galaxies and the stars. A place out of this world.
