The Lisbon surroundings most loved by kids
Welcome to Lisbon, the vibrant capital of Portugal, but if you want to escape the city, this article is perfect for you: we’ll explore in detail what to do in the surroundings of Lisbon with your family!!
If you’re traveling with your children and want to explore the surroundings of this fascinating city, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll guide you through an exciting adventure full of discoveries in Lisbon surroundings. Known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking natural beauty, the surrounding region offers a wide range of activities suitable for all family members. Whether you’re interested in exploring nature, discovering historical treasures, or simply relaxing on the beach, we’ve found something special for every type of traveler.
Get ready for an unforgettable experience as we show you the outskirts of Lisbon to visit with your family!
A day out from Lisbon: adventures and discoveries in its surroundings
Lisbon is surrounded by a myriad of fascinating destinations that are definitely worth a visit. In this article, we’ll focus on adventures and discoveries near the city, all reachable within an hour’s drive. From nature reserves to historic castles, enchanting beaches to picturesque art towns, there’s plenty to see and do for the whole family. Get ready for a series of unforgettable excursions as we guide you through the wonders that lie in Lisbon surroundings.
Sintra, the emblematic city of Portuguese medieval times
If you’re in Lisbon, you can’t miss visiting the city of Sintra.
Actually, this town is so fascinating and appealing to kids that my advice is to spend at least one night there. The attractions worth visiting are numerous and so extensive that they require several hours.
I’ve already discussed Sintra in great detail in my article What to do one day in Sintra, so if you’re planning a few days or even just a day trip to this beautiful city, I suggest reading and saving it.
Cascais, the first destination to reach in the outskirts of Lisbon
Located along the beautiful Atlantic coast, Cascais is a picturesque Portuguese town, not far from Lisbon, that enchants both adults and children with its coastal charm.
Once famous as a favored seaside resort by European nobility, Cascais still retains the elegant and relaxed atmosphere of those times. Its golden sandy beaches, such as Praia do Guincho and Praia da Rainha, provide a perfect backdrop for a day of sunbathing or trying water sports like surfing and windsurfing.
Cascais has much to offer and is not just a way to “go to the beach when you’re in Lisbon.” In fact, after visiting it, you’ll want to come back for a few days and treat yourself to a relaxing seaside vacation.
The beaches are stunning, clean, and well-equipped, perfect for families who don’t want to give up the comforts they’re used to on Italian coasts.
In addition to its magnificent beaches, Cascais also boasts a very charming historic center, characterized by colorful buildings and cobbled streets where children will love to run and explore. Among the not-to-be-missed attractions are the Cascais Palace, the Fortress of Nossa Senhora da Luz, and the Sea Museum.
With a full day at your disposal, you can explore all the wonders that this fascinating town has to offer, immersing yourself in its history, enjoying the sun on its beautiful beaches, and savoring its delicious local cuisine.
Among the important historical events, it is worth noting that Cascais was chosen as the destination for the last king of Italy, Umberto II, in exile after the victory of the Republic in the constitutional referendum of 1946.
How to reach Cascais from Lisbon
To reach Cascais from Lisbon, you have several transportation options. The most convenient solution is to take the train from Lisbon’s Cais do Sodré station, which will take you directly to Cascais in about 40 minutes. The ticket costs €2.30. Trains depart regularly and offer a convenient and scenic option for exploring the Atlantic coast. If you prefer a more flexible option, you can also rent a car and drive along the coastal road, enjoying the beautiful views along the way. Whichever transportation method you choose, Cascais is easily accessible from Lisbon and is definitely worth a visit during your stay in Portugal.
Cabo de Roca, reaching the westernmost point of all Europe
Do you want to reach the westernmost point of continental Europe? Then you can’t miss Cabo de Roca, the iconic cliff of Portugal overlooking the ocean from a height of 140 meters.
It’s not a visit that requires much time since Cabo de Roca is really small and also very touristy.
Let’s say it’s more of a way to say you’ve reached the westernmost point of Europe than a real tour. However, it remains an important place to show children the power of the ocean and especially to show them on the map that they have reached the westernmost point of Europe on foot.
At the viewpoint, a monument has been erected, at the top of which is a cross, while on the plaque below you will find the words of the Portuguese poet Luís Vaz de Camoens.
A few meters away from the cross is the beautiful red lighthouse of Cabo da Roca, a real point of interest in the area, and the third oldest lighthouse in Portugal, having been in operation since 1772. Still functioning today, its light can be seen from up to 45 km away. The amusing thing for us while living in Ericeira is precisely the possibility of seeing it shine every day from afar.
There’s not much else on this cliff literally “at the end of the world” except for a restaurant, a souvenir shop, and a tourist office that issues, for a fee, the “passport” of the westernmost point of Europe (definitely too touristy for our tastes).
If you’re planning to visit Cabo da Roca promontory, remember that it can be visited at any time of the year, but don’t underestimate the cold and the wind, often too strong.
Cabo de Roca is definitely a place to visit with children, but my advice is to combine it with another destination in Lisbon surroundings, such as Sintra or Cascais, because the visit itself doesn’t take more than half an hour.
Ericeira: A day of surfing in Lisbon surroundings with the kids
If you follow us on social media you know that we currently live in Ericeira, a world surfing reserve. It is a small fishing town that has had a notable economic and tourism boom after being named a world surfing reserve. The name is no coincidence, here there are some of the most beautiful waves in the world and, what should not be underestimated for a surfer, there are waves practically EVERY DAY.
I’ve already talked extensively about Ericeira in my article Ericeira the surfing paradise, so if you’re planning a visit, I suggest you go read i
Cacilhas and the Christ the King, one of the most iconic trips in Lisbon surroundings
The day trip to Cacilhas is one of the nicest outings you can take from Lisbon, and you can easily do it in half a day. From the Cais do Sodré pier, a ferry departs every 20 minutes to the other side of the Tagus River, to the town of Cacilhas (1.5 euros one way). From there, you can take a loop tour to see all the main attractions. As soon as you dock in Cacilhas, the first thing you’ll notice is the huge sailing ship that belonged to the Portuguese navy in the 19th century. Next to it, if you look carefully, there’s also a submarine. From there, you can take the tram that goes up to the Cristo Rei ,, a statue very similar to the one in Rio de Janeiro, visible from all over the city. To reach it, you’ll need to get off at the “Almada” stop and then continue on foot.
The view from Cristo is very beautiful, especially overlooking the 25 de Abril Bridge. From Cristo, you then descend on foot (or take the panoramic Boca do Vento elevator) back to the riverside, crossing the village of Cacilhas.
Staying in the immediate Lisbon surroundings with the beaches of Caparica
Staying on the same side of the Tagus River, another località da vedere ad un’ora da Lisbona is the Costa de Caparica, probably Lisbon’s main beach resort. The town of Caparica overlooks the Atlantic and is famous for its kilometers of white sandy beaches that stretch endlessly to the south and north. To reach it, you’ll need to take bus No. 153 from Alcantara (specifically from Avª Ceuta Fte Banco Alimentar) to Costa da Caparica, which takes about half an hour. The bus will drop you off in the town center; to reach the numerous beaches to the south, there’s the mini railway Transpraia that runs along the approximately 8 km of coastline to Fonte da Telha ed ha un prezzo variabile tra i 3 ed i 5 euro a seconda della fermata (queste ultime sono 19). In quasi tutte le fermate troverete almeno un bar ristorante, in alcune anche dei beach bar/restaurant decisamente troppo alla moda per i nostri gusti, ma comunque da menzionare in un guida dei luoghi da visitare ad un’ora da Lisbona in famiglia.
Day trip in Lisbon surroundings: discover what to visit an hour away from Lisbon
The best way to visit and fully experience Portugal is by driving along its endless coastal roads and getting lost in the small villages scattered here and there.
I’ve already talked about all the wonders reachable from Lisbon heading north in another article; if you’re interested, I’ll leave the link for What to see north of Lisbon.
Staying in the vicinity of the city but heading south this time, here’s our very own guide to all the things to do near Lisbon with kids.
Praia do Meco, oceanic beaches just under an hour away from Lisbon
Continuing beyond the Caparica area, past the beaches served by the train, you’ll reach places that seem far from the world but are actually reachable (even by car) from Lisbon in just over 30 minutes.
Don’t miss Meco, a small coastal village reached by driving along long roads lined with maritime pines and dense stretches of reed.
The town center consists of a group of low, gleaming white housesthat shine under the spring sunlight. The most prominent building is the small church, which, perhaps due to the low season (I visited in March), unfortunately, was closed and overlooks a square equipped with little trees and benches. Meco, quiet and tranquil in spring, becomes lively and animated during the summer months. During that time, the Portuguese retreat here to spend their holidays, safe from the crowds of foreign tourists. The main beach is Praia do Meco, a vast sandy expanse washed by the oceanic waters. A true paradise, although the water quickly becomes deep just a few meters from the shore, as is the case almost everywhere in Portugal.
Is it worth visiting Lisbon surroundings with kids?
According to us is a big YES!
In conclusion, exploring the outskirts of Lisbon offers an unforgettable experience for the whole family. From the picturesque beaches of Cascais to the breathtaking natural reserves, from historic cities to cultural adventures, the surrounding region offers a wide range of activities and attractions to discover.
Whether you’re looking for relaxation in the sun, outdoor adventures, or a taste of the rich history and culture of Portugal, there are endless possibilities to satisfy the desires of every family member.
With proper planning and a little adventurous spirit, you can easily organize one or more unforgettable excursions in Lisbon surroundings, creating precious memories that will last forever.
Remember to take the time to fully immerse yourself in the wonders of this region, savoring every moment and seizing every opportunity to create unforgettable moments with your family. With easy and convenient access from Lisbon, there’s no excuse not to explore everything the outskirts have to offer during your stay in Portugal with the kids.
Pack your bags, gather the family, and get ready for an adventure that will surely be a success!
If you’re considering a trip to Portugal and want to visit even more authentic places where you can breathe in the history of this great country, I’ll leave you the link to the very special article Authentic places in Portugal.
Digitally Yours
☀️ Sara ☀️
