Top day trips from Lisbon for women over 50 who love to travel

Why you should use Lisbon as a base for your day trips in Portugal

Once you’ve walked through Lisbon’s neighborhoods and enjoyed the city, you’ll find that many towns and cities are close enough for easy day trips from Lisbon.

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

For women over 50, day trips can also bring balance to your travels-mixing the energy of Lisbon with quieter towns, cultural history, and seaside escapes, and fantastic food!

Get to know a bit more about Portugal

Places like Tomar connect 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 show Portugal’s deep relationship with the sea. You will also taste the best fish! Nazaré is famous for its big waves and surfing while Comporta is known for it’s beaches, beach clubs, high end hotels and great spots to eat.

By stepping outside Lisbon, you’ll see the contrasts-between inland traditions, city life, and beach culture. Get ready to take a few day trips from Lisbon and enjoy the country.

Planning day trips from Lisbon is simple.

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.

Why don’t you 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.

Where Can You Go on a Day Trip 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

Great 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.

How to put it all together to make sense of  your day trips from Lisbon

If you only have time for a few, here are my picks:

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

But honestly, no matter which ones you choose, each trip will give you a new side of Portugal that you wouldn’t see if you stayed only in Lisbon.

Sample 4-Day Plan 

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

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.

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.

A few simple tips will make your days smoother.

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.

And 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