3 Best Tours from Lisbon: The Perfect 3-Day Itinerary for an Unforgettable Trip
Lisbon is a vibrant city full of history, culture, and stunning landscapes, but one of its biggest advantages is its proximity to incredible destinations that can be visited on a day trip. If you’re staying in Lisbon for three days, combining local sightseeing with short excursions will make your trip even more exciting.
In this guide, we present three amazing day tours from Lisbon, carefully selected to offer a mix of history, nature, and culture. These tours will take you to Sintra, Cascais, Fátima, Óbidos, Nazaré, Évora, and the Alentejo wine region—some of Portugal’s most fascinating places.
Day 1: Sintra, Cabo da Roca, and Cascais – Fairytale Castles and Coastal Beauty
A visit to Sintra, Cabo da Roca, and Cascais is one of the most popular day trips from Lisbon. This tour will take you through enchanted palaces, stunning ocean views, and charming seaside villages.
Stop 1: Sintra – A Fairytale Town with Majestic Palaces
Just 30 minutes from Lisbon, Sintra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to some of Portugal’s most stunning palaces and castles. Highlights include:
Pena Palace – One of Portugal’s most famous landmarks, known for its colorful architecture and breathtaking views.
Quinta da Regaleira – A mystical estate featuring underground tunnels, lush gardens, and the famous Initiation Well.
Sintra National Palace – The best-preserved medieval royal palace in Portugal, known for its unique twin chimneys.
After exploring the palaces, stroll through Sintra’s historic center, where you can try traditional pastries like travesseiros and queijadas at the famous bakery Casa Piriquita.
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Stop 2: Cabo da Roca – The Westernmost Point of Europe
A short drive from Sintra brings you to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe. With its dramatic cliffs and sweeping ocean views, this is a perfect spot for unforgettable photos.
Stop 3: Cascais – A Chic Coastal Town
Next, you’ll visit Cascais, a charming seaside town known for its beautiful beaches and elegant atmosphere. Don’t miss:
Boca do Inferno (Hell’s Mouth) – A dramatic coastal rock formation where waves crash into caves.
Cascais Old Town – Wander through picturesque streets and enjoy fresh seafood at a local restaurant.
Estoril – If time allows, stop by this famous resort town, home to Casino Estoril, which inspired Ian Fleming’s Casino Royale.
Return to Lisbon
After a day filled with magical landscapes and coastal beauty, return to Lisbon via the scenic Marginal Road, which offers stunning ocean views.
Day 2: Fátima, Batalha, Nazaré, and Óbidos – History, Faith, and Medieval Charm
The second day takes you to central Portugal, where you’ll explore religious landmarks, medieval towns, and stunning coastal landscapes.
Stop 1: Fátima – Portugal’s Spiritual Heart
Start your day in Fátima, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the world. Here, you can visit:
Sanctuary of Fátima, including the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary.
Chapel of the Apparitions, where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared in 1917.
Basilica of the Holy Trinity, one of the largest Catholic churches in the world.
If you’re interested in the history of the apparitions, you can also visit Aljustrel, the village where the three shepherd children lived.
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Stop 2: Batalha Monastery – A Gothic Masterpiece
A short drive from Fátima takes you to the Batalha Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Portugal’s most impressive Gothic structures. Built to commemorate Portugal’s victory in the Battle of Aljubarrota (1385), the monastery features stunning architecture and intricate stonework.
Stop 3: Nazaré – Home of the World’s Biggest Waves
Next, head to Nazaré, a fishing village that has become world-famous for its record-breaking waves. At the Fort of São Miguel Arcanjo, you can see the Nazaré Canyon, where surfers ride waves of over 100 feet.
Even if you’re not into surfing, Nazaré offers stunning beaches, a lively atmosphere, and delicious seafood.
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Stop 4: Óbidos – A Medieval Fairytale Village
End your day in Óbidos, a medieval town surrounded by well-preserved walls. Highlights include:
Óbidos Castle, one of Portugal’s most impressive medieval fortresses.
The charming cobblestone streets lined with whitewashed houses and colorful flowers.
Ginjinha de Óbidos, a cherry liqueur served in chocolate cups.
Return to Lisbon
After exploring these incredible locations, return to Lisbon for a well-deserved rest.
Day 3: Évora and Alentejo Wine Region – History and Wine Tasting
On your last day, take a trip to Évora and the Alentejo wine region, where you’ll discover Roman ruins, medieval landmarks, and some of Portugal’s best wines.
Stop 1: Évora – A UNESCO World Heritage City
Located 1.5 hours from Lisbon, Évora is a historic gem with a mix of Roman, Gothic, and Baroque influences. Must-see attractions include:
Roman Temple of Évora (Temple of Diana) – One of the best-preserved Roman ruins in the Iberian Peninsula.
Chapel of Bones, a macabre yet fascinating chapel decorated with human skulls and bones.
Évora Cathedral, the largest medieval cathedral in Portugal, offering panoramic views from its rooftop.
Stop 2: Alentejo Wine Region – A Tasting Experience
After exploring Évora, head to the Alentejo wine country, famous for its rich reds and smooth whites. Some of the best wineries to visit include:
Herdade do Esporão – A prestigious winery offering tastings and vineyard tours.
Adega Cartuxa – Home to the famous Pêra-Manca wine.
Monte da Ravasqueira – A beautiful estate known for its award-winning wines and stunning landscapes.
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At the winery, you can taste different wines, learn about traditional Portuguese winemaking, and enjoy a delicious meal featuring Alentejo’s famous cuisine, such as porco preto (black pork) and açorda (bread soup).
Return to Lisbon
After a relaxing afternoon in the vineyards, return to Lisbon and enjoy your final evening in the city.
Conclusion
If you’re spending three days in Lisbon, these tours provide a perfect mix of history, culture, nature, and gastronomy.
Summary of the 3-Day Tours:
Day 1: Sintra, Cabo da Roca, and Cascais – Palaces, coastal views, and charming villages.
Day 2: Fátima, Batalha, Nazaré, and Óbidos – Spiritual sites, medieval history, and breathtaking landscapes.
Day 3: Évora and Alentejo Wine Region – A UNESCO city, Roman ruins, and wine tasting.
No matter which tour you choose, these destinations will make your trip to Lisbon truly unforgettable.
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