Sintra, Cascais and Portinho all offer tempting holiday excursions that are a short drive or train ride from Lisbon
Convento de Cristo, Tomar, Portugal. Photograph: Alamy
Winning tip: Tomar
The Convento de Cristo in Tomar is probably one of the most spectacular places in Portugal. Founded by the Knights Templar, it's a beautiful, mysterious and magical place, wonderful to discover and enjoy. Tomar is about two hours north-east of Lisbon, so an overnight stay would be even better.
Sintra and around
Cycling in Sintra Cascais natural park
For a cycling day trip, check out Sintra Cascais natural park, about 30km from Lisbon. One great option is to hire bikes in Lisbon, take the commuter train from Rossio station to Sintra and then head west into the park. An adult return is no more than €5 and bikes are carried free of charge, including at weekends.
Andrew Straw
Capuchos Convent
Convento de Santa Cruz da Serra de Sintra, known as the Capuchos Convent, is a tiny 16th-century Franciscan monastery in the Sintra hills. Boulders form parts of the walls, and the small, sparse monks' cells are designed so that it is impossible to lie down at full stretch. The only concession to comfort is the cork lining for some of the walls.
• Take a train to Sintra, then catch the bus "Turistico Monserrate-Capuchos" (parquesdesintra.pt)
powderpup
Cascais
A short train ride from Lisbon's Cais do Sodré station is Cascais, where sun lovers can enjoy the beach but the more energetic can pick up a free bike at the BiCas scheme located close to the station. You will need to show an ID card or passport before heading off on the dedicated 16k cycle path. Perhaps purchase a picnic first, store it in the handy bike basket and stop off at Guincho beach, beloved by surfers. On the way back make a short detour to the (free) Paula Rego museum on Avenida de República to be dazzled by a large collection of paintings, drawings and etchings from Portugal's finest living artist.
busht1
Quinta de Regaleira, Sintra
A day trip to Sintra, 30km north-west of Portugal, is a must. Don't forget to take a torch if you visit the gardens at the Unesco-protected Quinta de Regaleira estate. The first time I went I didn't take a torch and cut my nose on the wall of a cave, much to my husband's amusement. It is a magical labyrinth of caves and tunnels that feels like a fairytale grotto. If you have time, climb the hill to the brightly coloured Pena Palace.
fionamuller
Cabo da Roca, Sintra
You get the best sunsets from the cliffs by this lighthouse on the coast due west from Sintra. Hike to one of the rural sandy beaches, and on the way back eat at a fish restaurant, and drink vinho verde with your meal.
Beatrice Bless
Praia da Adraga restaurant
This restaurant has the finest clams in the area and a beautiful beach view. After a morning at the beach, slide into the restaurant for a late lunch of amêijoas de bulhão pato (clams in garlic) and camaroes(prawns) washed down with vinho verde. Take the train from Cais do Sodre in Lisbon to Cascais, jump in a cab towards Guincho beach, a 2km sweep of fine white sand. Drive along the coast road, with the Sintra range on your right and the coast on your left, past Cabo da Roca and Pe da Serra towards Almocageme. Then head west on Rua da Praia da Adraga and follow it to the end.
+351 21 928 0028, restaurantedaadraga.com
lisbontips
The north-east and south
Portinho da Arrábida
Portinho is a tiny village on a white sandy beach about 45 minutes' drive south of Lisbon. The calm sheltered bay is great for snorkelling. Behind it rise steep limestone mountains, part of the Arrábida natural park, which has curving mountain roads, forests, views over the bay, and monasteries to visit. The village of Azeitão has two renowned wineries: José Maria da Fonseca and Bacalhôa. This makes a good day trip from Lisbon, by car over the iconic 25 de Abril bridge, but you could easily spend a week in Arrábida. There are a couple of charming little B&Bs on the seafront in Portinho.
twentytwosouth
Touring the Estremadura vineyards
Less than an hour north-east from Lisbon, you can be in the rolling hills of Estremadura, where some of Portugal's top wines are produced. Guided tours of the vineyards are offered by Vitis-route: the guide owns a vineyard and will take you to his favourite villages and restaurants around Alenquer.
• +351 912 002 847, vitis-route.com
cooldorset
in The Guardian
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