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The best independent guide to Lisbon
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Where to go after Lisbon? Destinations to add to a trip to Lisbon in 2024
If you are in the early stages of planning your trip to Portugal, or have already fully explored Lisbon, then you may be wondering where to go next.
Lisbon is often the starting point for trips to Portugal, as it is the capital city and the location of the main international airport. However, there's much more to discover beyond Lisbon.
Despite its relatively small size, Portugal is an incredibly diverse country with many fascinating destinations to explore. Common routes lead south to the picturesque beaches of the Algarve region or north to historic cities like Coimbra and Porto.
For less well-known destinations that are perfect additions after Lisbon, consider visiting Évora, Tomar, or the charming beach towns of Ericeira and Nazaré. If you are looking for a region free from tourists with pristine coastlines, consider the little-visited Alentejo coastline.
The best destination for you after Lisbon will depend on the type of holiday you are seeking and how much time you have to explore Portugal. This guide provides ideas and suggestions for the next stages of your trip.
Note: This guide assumes you have already visited Sintra, Cascais, and Setúbal, and are looking for onward destinations that are further away from Lisbon.
Ideas for your next destination after Lisbon
Lisbon to Porto
Porto, the second city of Portugal, is renowned for its Port wine production, rich history and charming riverfront. It offers a calmer, more relaxed atmosphere than Lisbon, yet still offers a wide variety of sights and activities. Porto also serves as an excellent base for exploring northern Portugal, with day trips to Braga, Guimarães, Aveiro and the Douro Valley. Click here to read our Porto guide
The pretty waterfront of Porto
Lisbon to Lagos
Lagos is the premier destination in the Algarve, famed for its stunning beaches and historic centre. The city offers a perfect blend of history, natural beauty and vibrant nightlife, while retaining its authentic Portuguese character. Lagos is the most popular beach-focused destination after spending time in Lisbon. Click here to read our guide to Lagos
Lagos is famed for its golden beaches
Lisbon to Evora
Évora, located in the heart of the Alentejo region, is a city steeped in history and medieval charm. The city has remained largely unchanged since its peak in the 16th century, boasting Roman ruins, Gothic churches and a delightful old town. Évora is perfect for those seeking a slower-paced destination after visiting Lisbon. Be aware that the city can get very hot in the summer. Click here to read our guide to Évora
The medieval cathedral at the centre of Evora
Lisbon to Coimbra
Coimbra is the university city of Portugal, known for its rich academic history and youthful student energy. The city boasts medieval architecture, lively cafés and traditional Fado music venues, and its unique mix of old and new makes it a captivating destination after Lisbon. Conveniently located on the high-speed train network, the city makes a fantastic location for a one-night stop between Lisbon and Porto. Click here to read our guide
Coimbra lies along the Mondego River
Lisbon to Tomar
Tomar is a historic town in central Portugal, renowned for its Templar convent and castle - a UNESCO World Heritage site. It offers the perfect setting to experience the slow, relaxed pace of Portugal, contrasting sharply with the hustle and bustle of Lisbon. While the sights of Tomar can be seen in a few hours, its charming small-town atmosphere often entices visitors to stay longer. Tomar should be considered a smaller version of Évora, and a fantastic base from which to visit Fátima, Alcobaça and Batalha. Click here to read our guide to Tomar
Tomar is ideal if you want to experience small-town Portugal.
Lisbon to Faro
Faro is the capital of the Algarve region, offering a rich mix of history and culture. The city features a charming old town with cobblestone streets and ancient city walls, overlooking the mudflats and saltwater lagoons of the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa.
Faro’s central location and reliable public transport make it an excellent base for exploring the Algarve, with easy day trips to Olhão, Loulé, Vilamoura, and even Tavira. It's important to note that Faro's beaches are some distance from the city centre, so it should not be considered a beach destination. . Click here to read our guide to Faro.
The historic quarter of Faro
Lisbon to Tavira
Tavira is a quintessential Algarve fishing town located in the tranquil eastern Algarve. Known for its Moorish heritage and traditional Portuguese architecture, Tavira offers a peaceful retreat from the more developed parts of the region. It's our favourite town in the Algarve. Click here to read our guide to Tavira.
Lisbon to Vila Nova de Milfontes
Vila Nova de Milfontes lies at the heart of the stunning Alentejo coastline and is the perfect location to truly escape the tourist masses. A visit here offers vast, pristine beaches and dramatic natural scenery, combined with the laid-back atmosphere of rural Portugal. For a similar experience to Vila Nova de Milfontes but in a village setting, consider Porto Covo. Click here to read our guide to Vila Nova de Milfontes.
The wild and rugged beaches of the Alentejo coastline
Lisbon to Madrid
Madrid, the vibrant capital of Spain, is the next logical step if you are doing a rushed tour of Europe. However, be warned that Madrid largely shuts down in August due to summer holidays.
The interactive map below shows the location of these onward destinations. (Note: zoom in or out to see all of the points)
Key: 1) Porto 2) Lagos 3) Evora 4) Coimbra 5) Tomar 6) Faro 7) Vila Nova de Milfontes 8) Tavira
Before leaving Lisbon
All of these suggested destinations assume that you have fully explored the Lisbon region before moving on. There is a lot of variety close to Lisbon, and it's possible to spend a packed week’s holiday within the region. Suggested day trips from Lisbon before leaving include:
Sintra - A town of wondrous palaces, cooling hills, and the setting of the magical Pena Palace. Sintra is a must-visit destination, and you shouldn't move on from Lisbon without spending at least one day here. . Our Sintra guide.
Cascais - A charming resort town surrounded by beautiful beaches. Cascais is the best beach town in the Lisbon region and is the perfect mix of 19th-century grandeur and modern tourism. . Our Cascais guide.
Setubal - A port city with a distinctive Portuguese atmosphere, Setúbal is unashamedly non-touristy and the best place to experience authentic modern Portugal. Known for its delicious seafood and the stunning Serra da Arrábida, Setúbal offers a genuine taste of Portuguese life away from the tourist crowds. Our Setúbal guide
The Palácio Nacional da Pena in Sintra
Do you really need to move on to the Algarve?
Many visitors new to Portugal are drawn to the Algarve because of images they have seen on the internet or social media. While the Algarve is indeed beautiful, there are equally stunning places near Lisbon. During the summer, the Algarve can be overwhelmed with tourists, making it crowded and less enjoyable.
Cascais, located just 40km from Lisbon, offers a similar holiday atmosphere and equally glorious beaches to those in Lagos in the Algarve. The advantage of Cascais is its proximity to Lisbon, which saves you the 4-hour bus ride (320km) to Lagos.
Tavira may be the prettiest town in the Algarve, but Sesimbra and Ericeira, both near Lisbon, are equally appealing. Sesimbra boasts an authentic Portuguese atmosphere and wonderful seafood restaurants, while Ericeira has the relaxed beachside holiday vibe that many travellers seek.
Even Faro, the capital of the Algarve, could be compared to Évora. In fact, Évora is better in every way except for not having beaches. It offers a rich cultural experience, stunning architecture and fewer crowds.
If you are considering Albufeira for its nightlife, it's better to stay in Lisbon instead. During the summer, Albufeira can be tacky and chaotic, whereas Lisbon offers a more sophisticated and diverse nightlife scene.
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We Need Your Support
The digital landscape is evolving, and small publishers like us are feeling the pressure. Search engine biases and AI plagiarism have made it increasingly challenging to thrive.
You can make a difference by bookmarking our site for easy access and sharing your favorite articles with others on social media.
If you spot an error, please let us know. With over 1,600 pages to maintain, we greatly appreciate your vigilance.
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