5 TOP RATED LISBON DAY TRIPS

Do you even know that close to the great modern city Lisbon, there are a lot of traditional villages, historic site towns, ancient castles and many more? Are you aware that tourist not only flood Lisbon but also take their visit of Lisbon a step further by taking a day trip to the surrounding towns and villages to explore and feed their eyes? If you are not aware of this fact, then take your time to follow me on this journey as I take you through 5 top rated day trips away from Lisbon.

SINTRA

If you are to go on a day trip from Lisbon, Then Sintra is one of the best destinations for you. The city is about 30KM northwest of Amsterdam and takes about 40 minutes via the Lisbon Rossio railway. The castles, street and the historic places in the city have all been recognized a s UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Landscape. If you cannot handle the hill climbing of Castelo dos Mouros then it is best you take a bus.

Notable attraction sites include:

Palácio Nacional de Sintra
Castelo dos Mouros
Palácio da Pena
Quinta da Regaleira
News Museum
Monserrate
Convento dos Capuchos

2. CASCAIS

Cascais evolved back in the 17^th century when King Luis the first moved his summer activities to Palacio Da Cidadela. The small town used to be a fishing port for several years but now it combines the nobility of a king with tradition. It is a great day trip from Lisbon as it sits 25 KM away from Lisbon city. Carcavelos and Estoril are both seen on the road side as you journey to the small noble town. There are several mansions in the town owing to the presence of a king in the town in the 17^th century. Ensure to get to the Museum dedicated to Portugal’s most controversial living artist, Paula Rego. You need to see the sea Museum, and several works by Victor Willing displayed for tourists to see.

Other site attractions include:

Museu Condes de Castro Guimarães
Praia da Rainha
Old Centre of Cascais
Praia do Guincho
Boca do inferno
Parque Marechal Carmona

3. EVORA

The regional capital of Alentejo is indeed a perfect day trip away from Lisbon. It is located 1 hour Southeast of Lisbon, and it has the big name of a UNESCO World Heritage site placed on it. The gigantic Roman Temple, The wonderful Museums and the 12^th Century Cathedral are all places to be.

Some other attractions in Evora include:

Évora Roman Temple
Évora Cathedral
Museu de Évora
Évora University
Historic centre
Noble Houses

4. MOSTEIRO DA BATALHA

The meaning of the town’s name is “Battle Abbey” and it is also a UNESCO World Heritage site because it is a jewel of Portugal’s cultural Heritage, especially the Santa Maria Da Vitoria, which stands as a great epitome of Portuguese Gothic Architectural beauty. It was built from honey-hued limestone in honor of Joaol’s victory over Castile at Aljubarrota in 1385. It was constructed between 1388 and 1488 and it remains today as a great work of art and architecture. The entrance is lined with impressive religious statues of the apostles of Jesus Christ and religious motifs.

Other exciting attractions include:

MCCB
Capelas Imperfeitas
São Jorge
Capela do Fundador
Tasca da Tinouca
Tromba Rija
Mosteiro de Santa Maria da Vitória

5. FATIMA

Fatima is a pilgrimage destination for most Catholics from all over the globe. Thousands of people from all around the world visit the Sanctuary of Fatima on the 12^th and 13^th of May and October every year. The yearly pilgrimage is the biggest in Portugal and it even on par with Lourdes in France. It commemorates the apparition of the Virgin Mary the mother of Jesus Christ to three young shepherds from the town of Fatima, Francisco, Jacinta and Lucia on May 13^th 1917. The three youngsters were told to return to the Oak tree where a shinning figure had appeared every day for 6 months. On the last and final apparition, 70,000 people followed them to the site.

More Attractions at Fatima include:

Museu Vida de Cristo
Igreja Paroquial de Fátima
Museu de Cera
Casa de Lúcia
Valinhos Sanctuary
Casa Jacinta e Francisco Marto
Grutas da Moeda
Capela das Aparições

Final Verdict: Seeing Lisbon is a great tour but a day trip outside the city will help you see more in Portugal, better still if you are a Christian and a Catholic, Fatima is a place you want to be can lick on Best day trips from Lisbon for more information.