There's a reason why Sintra is among the most popular day trips from Lisbon. Not only is it easy to reach via a 45-minute train ride from the city center, but it offers a complete change of scenery. Urban buildings give way to Romantic estates and palaces nestled in the mountains that once welcomed poets and Portuguese royalty—for example, the Pena National Palace with its pastel-colored facade, the maze-like gardens of Quinta da Regaleira, and the Moorish-style Monserrate Palace.

Cascais is a great option if you’re looking for an easy day trip near Lisbon. It takes about an hour by train to reach this small seaside town from Cais do Sodré, and once there, you can spend some time by the beach, tour the museum quarter, or visit natural attractions along the waterfront, such as Boca do Inferno. Plus, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, the town hosts a fresh produce market at Mercado da Vila, where you can grab ingredients for a fresh seafood feast.

Óbidos may be a small town, but it sure knows how to throw a party—whether that's an international chocolate fair, a medieval market, or a literary festival. Circled by stone walls, it’s famous for its independent bookshops, medieval battlements, and the local delicacy ginjinha (a sour cherry liqueur served in a chocolate cup). Óbidos is also one of the top day trips from Lisbon, and you can combine a visit here with a tour of Fátima, Nazaré, and Batalha for a full loop of the area.

The riverside town of Tomar is among the best day trips from Lisbon by train. It was here that the Knights Templar settled when they crossed Portugal in the 12th century, and many of the sites date back to that era, including the Castelo de Tomar. Here, the Convento de Cristo is worthy of a movie set—in fact, it's been the stage for productions including Terry Gilliam’s The Man Who Killed Don Quixote. There’s also a quirky match museum, a synagogue, and a medieval church to explore.

Cross over the river from central Lisbon to Setúbal to find some of the best seafood in town. Stop by the Mercado do Livramento to see fishmongers selling the fresh catch or try one of the town’s numerous restaurants dishing out grilled fish and choco frito (fried cuttlefish). Setúbal is also a great place for dolphin-spotting boat trips, a popular activity for day excursions from Lisbon.

If you’re searching for things to do near Lisbon, odds are you’ll come across surfing, and about 30 miles (48 kilometers) northwest of the city is Ericeira, Europe’s first World Surfing Reserve. This small fishing village hosts its fair share of competitions, but beginners can learn to ride here by taking a surfing lesson. Nearby is Mafra, home to a baroque palace, a miniature village, and a protected forest that are worth exploring if you're not heading out on the water.

Sesimbra has some of the most stunning beaches in Portugal, and it’s one of the best day tours from Lisbon if you’re looking to bury your toes in the sand—favorite Sesimbra spots include Praia da Lagoa de Albufeira and Ribeira do Cavalo Beach. You can also take a bus to the city center or join a full-day tour to experience everything the region has to offer, including wine tastings and exploring the surrounding Arrábida Natural Park.

Less than an hour’s drive south of Lisbon is Azeitão, a region famous for its tiles and culinary treats. Start with a visit to the tile factory Azulejos de Azeitão, then head to one of the surrounding estates, such as José Maria da Fonseca or Bacalhôa, to sample moscatel, a sweet, fortified wine that’s a local specialty. After a walk through the vineyards, take some time to explore the town’s cafés and restaurants where you can tuck into some local cheese and sweets.

Head inland towards the Alentejo for a taste of the Portuguese countryside, and stop into the region’s capital Évora. Here, Neolithic monuments sit alongside a Roman temple and Gothic churches, including one with an eerie bone chapel. There are also a handful of art galleries and restaurants serving local wine and regional dishes featuring porco preto, the Iberian black pig. Alentejo is one of the country’s largest wine producers, so be sure to join a wine-tasting tour while you’re here.