Lisbon Countryside: The Best of Day Trips to Escape the City

Welcome to the Lisbon Countryside

The Lisbon countryside is full of surprises. One minute you’re answering emails with vineyard views, the next you’re walking through a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

If you’re working remotely from Lisbon, this is your weekend playground. Think quick day trips, coastal stops like Praia da Conceição, quiet villages with good Wi-Fi, and fishing villages where you’ll eat the best grilled fish of your life. And you can't miss Porto, with all its wine and amazing food.

Whether you’re into long walks, port wine tastings, or just need a break from the city buzz, this guide has you covered. These are the kind of getaways that help you breathe, reset, and come back to work actually feeling recharged.

What Makes the Lisbon Countryside a Digital Nomad’s Dream?

Portugal welcomed over 18 million visitors in 2023, and it’s not just Lisbon they’re coming for. A growing number are skipping the city tours and heading straight for the countryside. Why? Because it’s calm, it’s close, and it’s full of good surprises.

Here’s what makes it a solid pick for digital nomads:

• It’s close, really close. You can leave your apartment, hit the road, and be out of Lisbon and into open space less than an hour after logging off. Most spots are within easy reach of Lisbon Airport, making quick escapes and returns a breeze.

• History you can walk through. We’re talking cobblestone streets, old chapels, tile-covered houses, and the occasional nod to Vasco da Gama.

• Views that don’t need a filter. The Atlantic coast gives you dramatic cliffs, sleepy beaches, and those panoramic sea views that make your phone gallery look like a postcard rack.

  

• Actual peace and quiet. Lisbon is full of villages that not many visitors know. Think olive groves, dirt roads, chirping birds, and rows of olive trees. That kind of quiet.

• You’ll eat well. Food is one of the top attractions in Portugal. Coastal restaurants serve fresh seafood that tastes like it was caught five minutes ago. And no, you don’t have to skip dessert—port wine counts.

• A little art, a little edge. Even outside the city, you’ll stumble on unexpected street art, especially near towns like Bairro Alto in Lisbon where the creative energy spills beyond the walls. There are many tours that will show you the best of portuguese art.

• Work-ready accommodation. If you're looking for a place to work from, a hotel might not be ideal for you. Instead, you can find apartments equipped with workstations all over Lisbon, where you'll be able to focus during the day and visit all the attractions when you are done.

If you’re going to discover Portugal, don’t stop at Lisbon. This country has depth—and the countryside is where it slows down just enough to enjoy it.

Top Activities in the Lisbon Countryside

Winding Streets, Tiled Walls, and a UNESCO Kind of Day

If you're only going to do one countryside trip while working from Lisbon, visit Sintra. It’s postcard-perfect, packed with Portuguese castles, and a certified UNESCO World Heritage Site. But skip the tourist bus tour. Take the train, then walk your way up to Quinta da Regaleira through winding streets. You'll pass moss-covered fountains, little cafés, and street musicians playing fado. It’s a climb—but the panoramic views are your reward.

Nearby, Óbidos is another charming village worth a visit. It looks like a storybook, complete with whitewashed walls, portuguese cherry liqueur served in chocolate cups, and a medieval vibe you don’t get in the city.

The Real Hidden Gems (That Don’t Feel Instagrammed to Death)

• Azenhas do Mar: A tiny cliffside village with a natural seawater pool carved into the rocks. Visit at golden hour.

• Alcochete: Just across the river, and often overlooked by most visitors. Local restaurants serve up no-frills seafood (try the cuttlefish) and the whole place feels like Lisbon before it got cool.

• Palmela Castle: Less crowded than Sintra, with views over the Douro Valley if you squint. Bonus: there’s a wine tasting spot inside the castle walls.

These aren’t places you’ll find on a travel TikTok. But they’re worth visiting if you want quiet attractions, charm, and no line for the bathroom.

Need a Culture Fix? Step Back Into the City for a Bit

If the countryside gets a little too quiet and you’re craving a desk, strong espresso, and art that doesn’t involve a view, Lisbon has your back.

• Gulbenkian Museum: Located in Avenidas Novas, it’s a short metro ride from anywhere in central Lisbon. Think Persian rugs, Egyptian relics, and mid-century design—plus a peaceful garden where you can write, sketch, or just eat your sandwich in peace. You can hire private our group tours.

• Oceanário de Lisboa: Not in the countryside, but hey—it’s calming, low-key, and one of the few places where looking at fish feels productive. It’s in the Parque das Nações area, not far from Lisbon Airport, so you can even squeeze a visit before your next trip.

Stay the Night in Évora and Time Travel a Little

Évora isn’t technically Lisbon countryside, but it’s close enough to count. This small city in the Alentejo region is home to Roman ruins, a chapel made of bones (yes, real bones), and orange tree-filled courtyards that feel untouched by time. There are frequent trains from train stations in Lisbon, and it’s the kind of place where you’ll wish you had packed a journal.

At night, the town slows to a hush. Find a rooftop restaurant, order whatever’s slow-cooked and a glass of wine, and let it sink in that you're still getting work done in Portugal—just on your terms.

Take the Train. Seriously.

You don’t need a car for most of this. From Lisbon’s train stations—like Santa Apolónia or Oriente—you can get to Sintra, Cascais, Évora, Porto, and more. Cheap tickets, no stress, and plenty of time to catch up on reading, podcasts, or that Slack message you’re ignoring.

Quick Summary: What Not to Miss

• Get inspired by the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sintra and its secret gardens

• Explore winding streets and tiled alleyways in towns like Óbidos

• Visit hidden gems like Azenhas do Mar and Alcochete that feel frozen in time

• Catch up on art and peace at the Gulbenkian Museum or the Oceanário in Lisbon.

• Sip port wine and watch the sunset in the Douro Valley or over the river in Palmela

• Stay a night in a charming town like Évora to taste a slower side of Portugal

• Eat like a local, move like a local, and don’t miss your train.

  

7 Unmissable Day Trips from Lisbon (When You Need a Break from Your Keyboard)

When the inbox gets too loud and your focus disappears somewhere between Slack and your fifth coffee, it’s time to take one of these day trips from Lisbon. All easy to do in a day, no planning anxiety required.

1. Cascais & Praia da Rainha

Catch the train from Lisbon's Cais do Sodré Station and in 40 minutes, you’re staring at turquoise water instead of a screen. Praia da Rainha is tiny, tucked between cliffs, and a favorite among locals for a quick swim or snack break. Wander a bit, and you’ll find hidden corners with views that feel like a reward for walking too far.

Take the direct train from Cais do Sodré. Trains run every 20 minutes and cost under €3 each way.

Bonus: the sea otters at the local marine sanctuary will charm you into staying longer.

2. Azenhas do Mar

This cliffside village is basically proof that Portugal is showing off. There’s a natural pool, sweeping views of the Atlantic, and a restaurant that serves fresh fish and strong wine. It's not big on attractions—just peace, salt air, and slow time. Bring a book or don’t. You’ll probably just sit and stare.

You can drive from Lisbon (45–60 minutes), or take a train to Sintra and a cab the rest of the way.

3. Setúbal & Arrábida Natural Park

For those who like mixing history and hiking. Setúbal is a working port town with great food—cured meats, seafood, and anything wrapped in puff pastry. From there, head to Arrábida Park. The cliffs, forests, and beaches look like something from Southern Europe's highlight reel. You can get there with a train from Roma-Areeiro Station to Setúbal (about 1 hour), then a bus or Uber to the park.

And if you're the type who packs goggles in their tote bag: this place is ideal for water sports.

4. Évora

Yep, we’re mentioning it again because it’s just that good. Roman temples, bone chapels, sun-drenched squares, and alleyways between whitewashed houses. This Portuguese gem is made for slow walkers and fast sketchers.

It's easy to get there with a direct train from Oriente to Évora takes about 1.5 hours. Stay the night if you can. There are charming hotels, or better yet, find a farm stay and learn how olive oil is actually made.

5. Porto (Make it an Overnight)

Technically not a day trip, but Porto is totally doable as a weekend escape by train or car. The journey itself is part of the charm—watch the land change from sun-baked fields to terraced vineyards. Once there, take one of the many tours, sip some port, and get lost in the Ribeira district.

If Lisbon is your home base, Porto is its cooler, artier cousin with even more incredible views. You can find fast trains leaving from Santa Apolónia or Oriente that get you there in 3 to 3.5 hours.

Home of the most typical Portuguese cuisine, Porto has day-tours created for food-lovers, including wine tasting. Visitors from all over the world come to Porto and fall in love with its colorful streets, the incredible azulejos in the tiled buildings, and the magical sunsets over the Douro river.

6. The Algarve (Yes, Even for a Day)

Most people think the Algarve is a summer-long plan. But if you wake up early and hop on a morning train from Lisbon to the south, you can grab lunch with an ocean view and be back before bedtime.

The cliffs near Lagos, hidden caves, and surf-friendly beaches are worth the haul. And if you’re thinking of a longer stay, this is also one of Europe's top digital nomad hubs.

Getting there: Direct trains to Lagos or Albufeira take around 2.5–3 hours.

7. Sanctuary of Fátima

Not everything has to be trendy. Sometimes you just need quiet. Fátima is one of Portugal’s most famous pilgrimage spots. The sanctuary is peaceful—even if you’re not religious—and the town itself has a stillness you don’t get in Lisbon.

It’s less “Instagram it” and more “breathe for a minute.” It's easily accesible with manby direct buses leaving from Sete Rios Station and taking you there in about 1.5 hours.

Pro tip: All of these are reachable by public transport, and most leave from Sodré Station or Oriente in Lisbon. You don’t need a car or a plan—just pick a direction and visit. And if you find a tiny bar with handwritten menus and no tourists, don’t forget to write it down… and maybe don’t share it right away.

Countryside Stays Made for Nomads (Not Tourists)

The Lisbon countryside is a dream… until Monday morning hits.

That cozy stone cottage with the killer Atlantic view? Turns out the Wi-Fi is barely good enough to load your inbox. The dining table is too low to work from. And the neighbor’s dog? Let’s just say he’s not on your schedule.

Remote work in the countryside sounds great—until you actually try to do it.

Common Challenges When Working from Rural Portugal:

1. Unreliable Wi-Fi – “High-speed” means different things in different villages.

2. No real work setup – You’ll be balancing your laptop on a stack of travel books before noon.

3. Acoustics from hell – Roosters, church bells, echoey rooms, and that one museum-quiet space that suddenly becomes a construction site.

4. Lack of nearby essentials – Need to print something? Good luck. Extra monitor? Keep dreaming.

5. Tourist-first design – Great for visitors looking to Taste some wine. Not so great for a week of calls and deadlines.

So, what can you do?

Tips to Make It Work:

• Call ahead: Ask the host for an actual Wi-Fi speed test (not just “it’s good!”).

• Pack your own gear: A foldable laptop stand, Bluetooth keyboard, and noise-canceling headphones go a long way.

• Work around the light: Rural houses in Lisbon weren’t designed for Zoom lighting. Find your sunniest spot and claim it.

• Build in buffer time: Accept that tech might glitch, and structure your day around it. Think: morning output, afternoon day exploring.

• Stay flexible: Book places with good reviews from other remote workers. And if something’s off—head back to the city.

Or Skip the Guesswork Entirely...

RentRemote is slowly expanding into select Lisbon countryside locations. When we list a space, we make sure it’s built for the real-life needs of remote professionals. That means ergonomic chairs, ultrawide monitors, quiet rooms, fast and stable Wi-Fi—not just a scenic backdrop.

Because working from Portugal should feel just as good as visiting it.

And until we’re everywhere, we’ll keep helping you figure out where (and how) to work smarter—whether it’s a digital-friendly hotel near Lisbon, or a future-ready setup you’ll find in the countryside soon.

How to Plan Your Lisbon Countryside Escape

Before you head out to explore Portugal’s rural side, here are a few things to keep in mind to make your trip smoother—and your workweek actually work.

1. When to Go

Spring (April to June) and fall (September to early November) are the best times to visit. Plan your trip when the weather’s mild, the Wi-Fi is generally more stable than during summer peak load, and you’ll avoid the biggest waves of visitors—especially around popular beaches and restaurants.

These seasons also let you experience small village life without the pressure of high-season crowds. You’ll get more genuine interactions with locals, and more time to collect the stories this country is full of.

The weather is better, popular attractions are not crowded, you've got museums all to yourself, hotel prices are cheaper, and you can explore the amazing beaches of all the region at your own pace.

2. How to Get Around

Trains from Lisbon will get you to most countryside spots easily—places like Sintra, Cascais, and even Porto if you're up for a longer ride. The train system in Portugal is one of the most scenic in Europe, and many stations are close to hotels and cowork-friendly cafés.

For the less connected regions, renting a car will open up some of the best hidden gems—from coastal routes along the Atlantic to sleepy inland roads lined with olive trees.

Tip: If you're coming from Spain, there are also direct tour routes into northern Portugal that pass through mountain villages and lesser-known border towns with deep history.

3. What to Pack (Yes, Even for Nomads)

Even if you’re traveling light, there are a few things you’ll want to bring to avoid turning your workday into a tech scavenger hunt:

• Portable Wi-Fi hotspot (don’t count on rural signals)

• Extension cord and universal adapter

• Laptop stand and mouse (your wrists will thank you)

• Noise-cancelling headphones (for surprise tractors or loud attraction tours next door)

• Swimwear and towel (some of the best countryside beaches feel like secret passages to the sea)

• Snacks from Lisbon—rural areas may not have your go-to productivity fuel

Also? Pack an open mind. The best parts of Portugal aren’t always planned. A trip to a random village, a home-cooked food experience in someone’s backyard, or a casual chat with locals can turn into the most amazing part of your trip.

Need help picking the right spot for your next countryside escape?
RentRemote can help you stay productive—while you visit the kind of places that make you want to stay longer.

Conclusion: Slow Down, Don’t Fall Behind

You don’t need a sabbatical to visit the Lisbon countryside. Just a free afternoon, a working laptop, and a good spot to sit.

Whether you’re popping into a quiet museum, stretching a weekend trip, or turning your next video call into a scenic backdrop, this is the kind of journey that adds more than just a change of scenery.

You’ll find hotels tucked into hills, easy tours leaving from the city, and even better detours along the way. Coming from Porto? Or just circling back after a long week? Either way, Portugal gives you options. Good ones.

So go ahead. Pack your bag. Set your status to “working remotely.” And let the countryside do its thing.