Day trips from Lisbon

The CIRSE 2024 Local Host Committee has thoughtfully compiled a list of recommended destinations for those looking to explore beyond Lisbon before or after the congress. Whether you’re interested in medieval towns, breathtaking beaches, or culinary delights, this guide highlights some of the best day trips and longer excursions to experience Portugal’s diverse attractions.

Palácio da Pena in Sintra

Quinta da Regaleira in Sintra

West of Lisbon

Sintra

Dr. Ana Isabel Simões Ferreira, Dr. Pedro Marinho Lopes, Dr. José Saraiva, and Prof. Tiago Bilhim all recommend the UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its palaces and lush landscapes. Dr. José Saraiva says, “I definitely recommend visiting the Palácio da Pena, which is a gorgeous and colourful palace that looks like it was drawn by Walt Disney!”

Dr. Simões Ferreira adds, “You’ll find astonishing palaces set against a beautiful green mountain. My personal favourites are the hidden surprises of a former secret society in Quinta da Regaleira and Palácio de Monserrate. Also, try some fresh grilled fish at nearby restaurants. Don’t miss the local pastry, travesseiros de Sintra, still slightly warm as they come out of the oven at Piriquita. If you’re travelling with kids, you might want to consider the Vila Galé Sintra Hotel, which offers many attractions for them. Or check out the nearby beaches – Praia Grande, Praia das Maçãs, or Guincho – the weather is still beautiful in September.”

Cascais and Estoril

“Cascais is a former fishing village turned into one of the most beautiful places to visit and live,” says Dr. Lopes. Dr. Saraiva also suggests visiting the Cascais as well as Estoril, “If you feel like enjoying the nice weather by the beach, these beautiful coastal towns got you covered!”

Baleal island

Óbidos

North of Lisbon

Oeste region

Dr. Simões Ferreira recommends, “My suggestion for someone looking to explore more of Portugal, away from the more tourist-heavy areas, is to visit the “Oeste” region. You’ll find beautiful coastal landscapes, sports, wines, great food, and plenty of cultural sites to visit. Rent a car and drive about one hour north along the coast. Visit Baleal and take a walk around the small island, accessible by a narrow strip of sand. Have lunch at Taberna do Ganhão, where you’ll enjoy a laid-back atmosphere with a surfer vibe.

If you’re into water sports, you can try the surfing spots at Supertubos, Baleal, or Almagreira, or head to Foz do Arelho for lake-based water activities. Golf enthusiasts should check out Praia d’el Rey Golf and Beach Resort or West Cliffs. You may also want to explore the endless stretches of sandy beaches with plenty of quiet spots at Consolação, Almagreira, Praia d’el Rey, or Foz do Arelho.

For lunch, try the seaside tavern “Sol é Vida” at Consolação, and for dinner, head to Tasca do Joel in the small village of Peniche (be sure to make a reservation, as it gets crowded).

For kids, don’t miss the huge dinosaur park “Dino Park” in Lourinhã, with the beach of Areia Branca nearby. There’s also a beautiful park with a children’s area in the small city of Caldas da Rainha. This city is where the famous Bordalo Pinheiro pottery factory originated. If you go there, you might want to make a reservation at the terrace of “Solar dos Amigos” and enjoy amazing food with a countryside view.

If you’re interested in wine tasting, head a little inland to the Bombarral area and visit Buddha Eden Garden and other local wineries.”

Óbidos

Another highly recommended day trip within the Oeste region is Óbidos. Dr. Lopes describes it as “a medieval walled town with cobblestone streets, whitewashed houses, and the impressive Óbidos Castle.”

Dr. Paulo Vilares Morgado adds, “I suggest visiting the town of Óbidos, 80 kilometres away from Lisbon. It is an authentic, picturesque, and romantic place that can transport us to another era. Surrounded by walls, Óbidos is a serene town with a contagious peace that has led it to be considered one of the seven Wonders of Portugal.

Not far away is the long sandy beach of Praia d’El Rey, where golfers can enjoy a golf course overlooking the Atlantic Sea.”

Dr. José Saraiva and Dr. Simões Ferreira also give some tips for Óbidos. Dr. Saraiva says, “The picturesque little town is famous for its Ginjinha de Óbidos (cherry liquor) served in chocolate shot glasses – a must!” and Dr. Simões Ferreira adds, “Make sure to check the cultural programme beforehand, as there might be special events going on.”

Nazaré

Douro Valley

Nazaré

Prof. Bilhim and Dr. Saraiva recommend visiting the city of Nazaré, just north of Lisbon also in the Oeste region. “Famous for its huge waves, currently holding the Guinness World Record for the tallest surfed wave – 28,57 meters by Sebastian Steudtner,” says Dr. Saraiva.

Douro Valley

“Being from the North of Portugal, I must recommend a visit to the Douro Valley, known for its picturesque landscapes, vineyards, and wine production. Exploring the Douro region, visiting its wine cellars, and enjoying the breathtaking views along the Douro River can be a memorable experience for those looking to venture outside Lisbon,” suggests Dr. Pedro Marinho Lopes.

Roman Temple of Évora

Chapel of Bones in Évora

East of Lisbon

Évora

“Another option is to visit countryside inland, away from the sea. The city of “Évora”, the Alentejo capital in the heart of Alentejo, would be a relaxing surprise. Évora was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986. Some of its highlights are the architecture of its white houses, the tiles and balconies, the Roman temple, and medieval buildings such as the cathedral and other churches. Try the unique Alentejo cuisine and plan a visit to the vineyards,” recommends Dr. Maria José Martins de Sousa. Dr. Saraiva adds, “Évora has an impressive cathedral, Roman temples, and megalithic monuments – and if you’re into MSK procedures, try my favourite attraction: The Chapel of Bones!”

Algarve coast

Alentejo coast

South of Lisbon

Algarve and Alentejo Coasts

“For those who plan to stay longer in Portugal, I would suggest to go south. In September, the weather is usually good and there are not so many tourists crowding the highways and beaches on the Algarve and Alentejo coasts. A quiet place next to Lisbon is Sesimbra, a small town that was a fisherman’s village, 40 km south of Lisbon. It is now well known for its fish restaurants and sea activities,” says Dr. Martins de Sousa.

Costa da Caparica

“If you are into surfing or want to try it for the first time, I recommend going to the city of Costa da Caparica. It is only 30 minutes away by car,” says Prof. Tiago Bilhim.