Lisbon has become increasingly popular in recent years, but within an hour’s drive from the capital you can still find quiet towns and distinctive regions that remain delightfully off the beaten path.
© Ron Bernthal
Santarém sits in the fertile wetlands of the Tagus River valley, a region long associated with farming, cattle breeding and traditional bullfighting. Located about an hour northeast of central Lisbon, the city flourished in the Middle Ages and still displays monuments and architecture that are key to Portugal’s artistic and historical heritage.
When visiting, be sure to stroll through the Portas do Sol Gardens and explore the citadel that crowns the old castle — a fortress captured in 1147 by D. Afonso Henriques, Portugal’s first king, during a night assault on the Moors. The UrbiScallabis Visitor Center nearby provides maps and local information to help plan your time in the city.
© Ron Bernthal
The Setúbal Peninsula, an easy one-hour drive south of Lisbon, offers dramatic coastal scenery, inviting beaches and well-established wineries. The port city of Setúbal itself feels authentic and unpretentious, known for excellent seafood. Cross the 25 de Abril Bridge and head toward Sesimbra, then continue to Cabo Espichel at the tip of the peninsula. On the headland you can visit the secluded Shrine of Nossa Senhora do Cabo (Our Lady of the Cape), which rewards visitors with sweeping ocean views and a striking view of the Fossil Cliff of Costa da Caparica. For wine lovers, notable estates in the region include José Maria de Fonseca, Quinta do Alcube and Bacalhoa Vinhos de Portugal.
About 50 minutes northwest of Lisbon, along the Atlantic coast, is the sunlit town of Ericeira. Once a modest fishing village, Ericeira blends traditional stone houses with modern white dwellings and a lively assortment of small restaurants. Fishing remains central to the local economy, and the town’s coastal setting makes it a favorite for fresh seafood. A popular spot for lunch is Ti Matilde Restaurante, perched on a cliff with ocean views and an ever-present audience of surfers below. Over the past decade Ericeira has grown into a surfing hub while continuing to earn praise for its grilled fish and lobster, often reared in nearby sea farms.
Within an hour of Lisbon you can experience historic cities, dramatic coastal landscapes and authentic culinary traditions — all without the crowds found in the capital. These nearby destinations make excellent day trips or relaxed overnight stays for travelers who want to see another side of Portugal.