Best day trips from Lisbon for women over 50 who love to travel solo and with friends

Stay in Lisbon and use it as your base for your trip to Portugal

Lisbon is central and near so many interesting cities and beaches.

Once you’ve walked through Lisbon’s neighborhoods and enjoyed the city, go on a few road trips.

My favorite short trips will give you a bigger picture of Portugal, and allow you to experience life beyond the capital.

If you are like me, an over 50 traveler, you probably won’t want to do a different city a day. 

Best cities for a day trip from Lisbon

Tomar connects you with Portugal’s Templar past, while Évora brings you into the Alentejo region with Roman ruins, amazing restaurants, vineyards, museums and more.

Estremoz adds a taste of marble-filled square,  a famous tile museum, and my favourite restaurant: Gadanha Mercearia.

Coastal towns such as Nazaré and Ericeira were famous fishing villages and where you will find the best fish.  Nazaré is famous for its big waves and surfing while Comporta is known for its beaches, beach clubs, high end hotels and great spots to eat. Comporta has become a very popular place during the summer so make reservations ahead of time.

Planning day trips from Lisbon is simple.

Decide how you like to travel.

Trains, buses, and guided tours make it easy to get around, or you can rent a car.

If you want to slow down I suggest you hire a car and a driver.

If you love to drive: rent a car.

If you prefer public transportation you can take buses and trains but be aware that you may not have as much flexibility as you would with a driver or renting a car.

If you prefer to visit places with a travel guide, hire a driver + guide.

Alternate between lisbon and other cities

Spend one day exploring Lisbon, then take a day trip.

This keeps your trip balanced and helps you return to the city refreshed.

Best places for women over 50 to visit from Lisbon

Historic towns and villages

• Tomar – 1 ½ hrs
• Évora – 1 hr 40 min
• Estremoz – 1 1/2- 2hrs
• Óbidos – 1 ½ hrs
• Mafra (near Ericeira) – 45 min
• Caldas da Rainha – 1 hr 10 min

My favorite coastal villages for a day trip from Lisbon

• Costa da Caparica – 30 min
• Comporta – 1 ½ hrs
• Nazaré – 1 ½ hrs
• Ericeira – under 1 hr
• Ribatejo region Vila Franca da Xira – Go on a boat ride!  Barco Varino Liberdade (traditional boat) 
• Aveiro – 2 ½ hrs
• Setúbal and Azeitão – 50 min
• Cascais 
• Praia do Guincho –  1hr
• Meco Beach – 50 min

Using Lisbon as your base lets you enjoy the best of both worlds-the city’s museums, markets, and historic neighborhoods, and easy trips to towns, wine regions, or beaches.

Each place you visit adds another layer to your understanding of Portugal.

And the best part? You don’t need to pack and unpack your bags each time.

4-day travel schedule for women over 50. Lisbon and day trips 

Tomar for its Templar history, Évora for the Alentejo and add Nazare for a seaside day that’s close and easy.

Sample 4-Day Plan 

Day 1: Lisbon  Spend the morning in Lisbon visiting Chiado, Mercado da Ribeira, Belem, and the Jerónimos Monastery or other museums in Belem.

Day 2: Go to Tomar for the day to explore the Convent of Christ, Church Santa Maria Olive and walk around the quiet streets. Eat lunch downtown and don’t forget to make time for Amourol, a 20-minute car ride from Tomar.

Day 3: Lisbon: Spend the day in Aflama, visit the S. Jorge Castle and enjoy the gorgeous views from the different miradouros in that part of the city.

Day 4: Évora.  Take a train, bus, or drive to Évora. See the Roman Temple, the cathedral, and the famous Chapel of Bones. Evora is a great walking city. Don’t skip the museum.

If you only have 3 days in Lisbon

Plan your day so that you can see Alfama, S. Jorge Castle, and visit Jeronimos and Belem.

Best travel tips for Portugal

Wear comfortable shoes since most towns have cobblestone streets.

Start earlier in the day if you want a relaxed pace, and give yourself time to sit in a café and watch life around you.

Bring a scarf or light jacket because the weather can change quickly, especially by the coast.

Don’t feel pressured to see everything-choosing just one or two special things will already add depth to your stay. That’s what makes day trips so much fun especially for women over 50 who want variety without the stress of constant moving around.

Do you want tips for packing for your trip to Lisbon, and Portugal in general?

Packing for a fantastic 3-day trip to Lisbon

Packing for Lisbon in the Fall

Packing for a winter trip to Lisbon

Are you coming to Portugal for a few weeks? Read:

How to plan a fun solo vacation for the woman over 50