Lisbon is a wonderful city full of attractions, culture and history, and in its surroundings, there are fantastic places to be explored as well. In addition to Sintra and Cascais, which are already very famous, there are also paradisiacal beaches with translucent water, small historic villages with castles, and trails with stunning views. These places do not have easy access by public transport, but it is worth having your own means of transport and freeing your pioneering spirit. Although the choice is not easy since the range of options is very wide, here is our list of 5 must-see places to visit.

Azenhas do Mar: ~ 45min from Lisbon

This village is a true masterpiece made up of houses that extend along the bank and end into the Atlantic Ocean. It is not for nothing that King D. Carlos and his wife D. Amélia were once a royal vacation spot. Located in the Demarcated Region of Colares, a wine region known for its sandy ground vineyards, it frames the famous bay where a pool of natural sea water was built.

Penedo: ~ 40min from Lisbon

One of the most traditional villages, Aldeia de Penedo is in the parish of Sintra at the top of a hillside in the Serra de Sintra, in the heart of the Sintra Cascais Natural Park. Take advantage of the visit to take a walk through the alleys and steep streets with no logic of direction where to start and end.

Praia da Ursa: ~ 50min from Lisbon

For adventurers and with good physical preparation, Praia da Ursa is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world and the most deserted in Portugal due to its complicated access and a bit dangerous. What matters is that the effort will be worth it.

Sesimbra: ~ 1 hour from Lisbon

Vila de Sesimbra is a beautiful bet to get to know. You can visit the village castle which has free access and from there you will see a beautiful view of the village accompanied by the sea line and the vegetation of the Serra da Arrábida Natural Park. If you are also looking for fresh fish, this is the best place with restaurants with sea views and quality fish.

Portinho da Arrábida: ~ 1 hour 20min from Lisbon

One of the most beautiful beaches in Portugal, this beach is in the Serra da Arrábida Natural Park. There, in addition to the fine white sand with clear water varying in its blue and green tones, there is also the immensity of the Serra’s vegetation that makes up a stunning setting to relax and admire the beautiful things in life.

Did you like our tips? See also the Top 3 Playful Activities in Lisbon “Out of the Box” that we recommend.