The Best 3 Weekend Trips From Lisbon if You’re Visiting
Lisbon is a city where you could spend some time. It’s popular among digital nomads, and it earns its place. If you’re looking for some weekend trips from Lisbon during a longer visit or if you’re just looking for some extensions to your trip to Lisbon these are 3 great options.
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3- Ericeira and Mafra
This trip is often seen as a day trip from Lisbon but the beachy vibes of Ericeira make it a great option for a longer stay.
Ericiera is a beach and surf town. So, this trip is best when the weather is warm or the surf is good. Even if you aren’t a surfer it’s fun to watch!
How to Get There from Lisbon
Regular buses run from Lisbon’s Campo Grande Station to Ericeira. The 209 bus is the fastest at 30 minutes. The 2080 bus is much longer, so avoid that option. You’ll buy your ticket from the driver (about €4).
You can choose to add Mafra as a stop-over on your way to or from Ericeria or you could visit it from Ericiera.
I like adding things as a stopover because it saves time. But, Mafra is nice in the afternoon because most of the tour groups are gone.
I visited in the afternoon with some friends and we had the palace more or less to ourselves. It was an extra-special way to visit.
Is there a train to Ericeira from Lisbon?
I love a train. But, there are no trains connecting Lisbon and Ericeira. So, the bus is the option!
Where to Stay
Ericiera has hotel options for every budget. I picked my favorites for you depending on if you want a splurge with great onsite amenities or something cheaper but still incredible and near the city.
What to do
Mafra is home to a beautiful royal palace. It will take 2-3 hours to explore the palace and the nearby basilica. Mafra is a small little town so you could also walk around the city if you’d like. You won’t be missing much if you opt out though.
Ericeira is a beach town. So, spend a day at the beach taking in the sun and watching surfers. You can pick one of the beaches or beach hop and pick your favorite at the end of the day.
The options for a relaxing day in the sun are almost endless.
2-Évora and Elvas
Évora is commonly seen as a day trip from Lisbon. On a weekend trip from Lisbon, Évora becomes our base as we explore further east toward Spain.
How to Get There from Lisbon
The train from Lisbon to Évora will take an hour and a half and cost €12.
Catch the train from Santa Apolónia Station or Gare do Oriente.
You’ll get off at the Évora station.
You can buy your tickets online before you go, but getting them at the station is quick and easy.
Where to Stay
Évora has many hotel options and most are great picks. But, I’d stay here if you want to be in the city or here if you want more of a wine-country feel.
What to do
In Évora
Head to the city center and then the cathedral to see the roman temple. Going to the top of the cathedral is worthwhile as well. It’s a wonderful view of the city.
The chapel of bones in Évora is open daily from 9 a.m. The entrance is €6 for adults. The visit will take an hour or a bit longer so it isn’t long. Visit the chapel on your way out of Évora so you have a full day on your weekend visit to explore the surrounding area.
Évora is also surrounded by some amazing wineries if that’s your thing!
Elvas
Elvas is near the Spanish border and is home to some seriously impressive fortifications. You’ll need a full day to see this site, and it will be a long day.
Elvas is 1 hour away from Évora. You can rent a car to drive yourself. I love this option for the flexibility that it provides. But, if you don’t want to drive yourself there are also tour options that will get you there.
I’m not an affiliate for these- they’re just the best options:
1- Porto
To be honest, Porto deserves its own trip. It’s on the “weekend trips from Lisbon” list because if weekends are what you have then we can work with it!
How to Get There from Lisbon
Porto is connected to Lisbon via high-speed rail. Look for an Alfa Pendular (AP) train. A one-way ticket is €31 and will take about 3 hours.
The train arrives at Campanha and not São Bento (which is closer to the city center). Since you’re getting in late I’d pack dinner for the ride.
Where to Stay
There are two locations I suggest looking at for your visit to Porto. You’ll be traveling in a bit late so São Bento station is the easiest area to get to.
Sé Porto/São Bento Station
Staying in this part of Porto puts you near great restaurants and sights without having to battle too many hills.
We used some hotel credits to stay at the Intercontinental Porto. The hotel is around the corner from São Bento Station.
The Se Cathedral Hotel is a good option if you want something other than luxury.
For apartment-style lodging, the Sao Bento Residences are my pick.
Ribeira District
The Ribeira district is the most picturesque area of Porto. But, it’s at the bottom of the hill.
You’ll either walk up the stairs or take funiculars up the hills to see the rest of the city. If you’re good with that, you can’t beat the beauty of the Ribeira district.
Try the incredibly well-reviewed Editory House or Armazém Luxury Housing in Ribeira for a great traditional option.
Look into the FLORES 36 by YoursPorto or Porto River for apartment-style lodging.
What to do
Since you’ll only have about a day and a half to explore Porto on this weekend trip from Lisbon you’ll need to move quickly.
Explore the Ribeira district and the waterfront, visit the cathedral, and go looking for beautiful azulejos.
If you want to visit Livraria Lello be sure to purchase your ticket in advance. There is always a line and this may take a good portion of your day.
If you can swing a long weekend for this trip you could easily spend 2 days exploring Porto.
A note about Faro
Faro should absolutely be on your list of weekend trips from Lisbon. I wanted to go so badly but I didn’t get to visit the southern part of Portugal. So, I don’t want to recommend it since I haven’t been there. If you happen to visit drop me an email and let me know how it is!
I’ll be jealous but maybe it will get me motivated to get back to Portugal.
There are several cities that are easy to get to from Lisbon since Portugal has a great train system.
Look at Sintra, Cascais, Coimbra, Tomar, and Evora to get you started.
Sintra and Cascais are the most common cities to visit.
Coimbra, Tomar, and Evora are near enough to make a day trip possible.
