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Best Places to Visit Near Lisbon

Your Guide to Nearby Adventures

If you’re searching for the best places to visit near Lisbon, this region offers an incredible mix of beaches, culture, history, and family-friendly attractions—all just a short drive from the apartment. Whether you want to unwind on golden sands, wander through medieval towns, or explore unique natural wonders, you’ll find unforgettable experiences around every corner.

Places to Visit Near Lisbon

Discover cultural gems like the fortified village of Óbidos and the Templar city of Tomar, enjoy surf-friendly beaches such as Baleal, or venture into natural wonders like the Mira d’Aire Caves. This guide highlights top destinations, travel times, and GPS coordinates to help you plan the perfect getaway with ease.

Beaches and Outdoor Activities

Explore beautiful coastal gems: Peniche, with its historic fortress and access to the Berlengas Islands; surf-friendly Baleal Beach; and the legendary big-wave spot of Nazaré, where you can also learn about its history and viewpoints via local guides.

  • Peniche: Beaches, lighthouse, embarkation for the Berlengas Islands (30 km, 36 min, 39.3534444, -9.378975)
  • Baleal: Former fishing village, beautiful beaches (27 km, 30 min, 39.3739028, -9.3410555)
  • Santa Cruz: Seafood, beach, summer carnival (21 km, 28 min, 39.1242417, -9.3893611)
  • Nazaré: Restaurants, shops, cable car, giant waves at North Beach (67 km, 47 min, 39.6067806, -9.1045027)

Culture and History

Discover Portugal’s rich heritage and traditions: explore cultural gems just a short drive from your apartment. Wander the charming medieval streets of Óbidos, enjoy its restaurants, shops, and a walk along the ancient city walls. Visit Alcobaça to admire its famous monastery, ceramics, and local dining. Explore the magnificent Batalha Monastery, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Finally, immerse yourself in history in Tomar, the city of the Templars, with its stunning castle and convent complex.

  • Óbidos: Restaurants, medieval village, walk on the city walls, shops (27 km, 22 min, 39.35915, -9.1576777)
  • Alcobaça: Ceramics, cathedral, restaurants (63 km, 43 min, 39.5480778, -8.97951944)
  • Batalha: Monastery (63 km, 1 hr, 39.6591389, -8.8255305)
  • Tomar: City of the Templars (130 km, 1 hr 20 min, 39.6033722, -8.4189027)

Museums and Parks

Great for family outings and cultural enrichment, the region offers engaging attractions for all ages. In Lourinhã, you can visit the exciting DinoPark and enjoy family-friendly activities, including karting and local dining experiences. Meanwhile, Caldas da Rainha features vibrant markets, shops, and restaurants, along with cultural highlights such as the Museu de José Malhoa and local ceramics workshops, making it a perfect destination for art lovers and families alike.

  • Lourinhã: Dinopark, excellent Japanese restaurant (13 km, 18 min, 39.2783778, -9.2934361 for Karting and 39.282775, -9.3207833 for Dinopark)
  • Caldas da Rainha: Market, shops, restaurants, park, Museu Malhoa, ceramics (33 km, 28 min, 39.4033333, -9.13638611)

Shopping and Leisure

For entertainment and shopping for all tastes, the region offers something for everyone. Visit Bombarral to explore the beautiful Buda Éden Garden, a perfect blend of nature and art. In Torres Vedras, enjoy vibrant shopping areas and seasonal events such as the famous Carnival. For a mix of history and culture, head to Coimbra, home to Portugal’s renowned University and charming old town streets. Finally, experience the picturesque canals and traditional boats of Aveiro, often called the “Venice of Portugal,” perfect for a relaxing city tour.

  • Bombarral: Buda Éden (19 km, 16 min, 39.2755722, -9.1385305)
  • Torres Vedras: Carnival, shops (20 km, 30 min, 39.0911889, -9.2589472)
  • Coimbra: University (158 km, 1 hr 35 min, 39.2032306, -8.4102305)
  • Aveiro: Boat ride through the city (199 km, 1 hr 51 min, 40.6415306, -8.6544777)

Religious Tourism

  • Fátima: Sanctuary (109 km, 1 hr 4 min, 39.6312778, -8.6731555)

Caves and Nature

  • Mira d’Aire: Caves (106 km, 1 hr 10 min, 39.5403139, -8.7034638)

Cities and Main Attractions

  • Sintra: Palácio da Pena (84 km, 1 hr 15 min, 38.7874917, -9.3904777)
  • Lisbon: Jerónimos Monastery and Pastéis de Belém (72 km, 59 min, 38.6987611, -9.2053611)