One of the best things about staying in Santa Cruz is how much of Portugal you can explore from here. You're less than an hour from Lisbon, surrounded by UNESCO sites, hidden beaches, wine country and centuries-old villages. Most of these trips work beautifully as a day out — leave after breakfast, be back in time for a sunset walk on the beach.
Here's where we'd send you.
Along the Coast
Ericeira
A whitewashed fishing village turned World Surfing Reserve, with narrow cobbled streets, blue-painted doorways, and a growing creative scene. Walk the clifftop path, have lunch at one of the harbour restaurants, browse independent shops, and watch surfers from above. Ericeira has an energy that's hard to explain — you'll want to stay longer than planned.
Peniche & Berlengas Islands
Peniche is a working fishing town on a windswept peninsula — less polished than Ericeira but deeply authentic. Walk around the old fortress, eat caldeirada (fish stew) at the harbour. In summer, take the ferry to the Berlengas archipelago — a nature reserve with a 17th-century fortress on the rocks, crystal-clear snorkelling water, and seabird colonies. Book the ferry in advance, it sells out.
Nazaré
Famous worldwide for its record-breaking waves — in autumn and winter, swells can reach up to 30 metres thanks to an underwater canyon. Even outside the big-wave season, Nazaré is worth visiting. Take the funicular up to Sítio for panoramic views, visit the lighthouse where photographers capture the giant swells, and wander the lower town where fisherwomen still dry fish on wooden racks on the sand.
Cascais & Boca do Inferno
A charming harbour town with a beach just minutes from the centre, a promenade lined with restaurants, and a laid-back elegance. Just up the coast, don't miss Boca do Inferno — the remains of an ancient sea cave where Atlantic waves crash dramatically against the cliffs. It's one of those places that sounds touristy but genuinely impresses.
Cabo da Roca
The westernmost point of continental Europe. Stand on the edge of the continent with nothing but the Atlantic ahead of you. It's windswept, dramatic, and worth a stop if you're heading to or from Cascais or Sintra. The cliffs here are stunning, especially near sunset.
Azenhas do Mar
A tiny village perched on a cliff near Sintra — white houses stacked above the ocean, a natural pool at the base. It's one of the most photographed spots on the Portuguese coast, and for good reason. Stop for lunch on the way to or from Sintra.
Palaces & History
Sintra
A UNESCO World Heritage town of royal palaces hidden among misty forests. Plan to spend at least a full day here. The colourful Palácio da Pena sits on a hilltop surrounded by exotic gardens, the Palácio Nacional de Sintra dominates the town centre, and Quinta da Regaleira is a vast estate with lakes, caves, underground tunnels and the famous inverted tower. Sintra is unlike anywhere else in Portugal — part fairy tale, part mystery.
Mafra
The National Palace of Mafra is one of the most impressive baroque buildings in Europe — a vast palace-monastery-library complex that feels almost surreal in its scale. The library, with 36,000 leather-bound volumes and resident bats that protect the books from insects, is extraordinary. The town itself is pleasant and unhurried.
Óbidos
A medieval village enclosed by stone walls, with whitewashed houses, bougainvillea, and winding streets leading to a well-preserved castle. Walk the walls for countryside views, try ginjinha de Óbidos — cherry liqueur served in a chocolate cup — and browse the town's independent bookshops. Go early in the morning to have the streets mostly to yourself.
Batalha
Worth the longer drive for its magnificent Gothic monastery — a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most impressive pieces of architecture in Portugal. The intricate stone carvings and unfinished chapels are unlike anything you'll see elsewhere. Combine with Nazaré or Fátima for a full day.
Wine, Nature & Hidden Gems
Torres Vedras Wine Country
Right on your doorstep. The Torres Vedras wine region is one of Portugal's most underrated — earthy reds, unpretentious whites, grown in rolling hills just inland. Several vineyards offer tastings and tours, and the landscape is beautiful. Some estates offer romantic picnics with wine, local cheeses, chorizo and bread among the vines. We can recommend specific producers.
Quinta do Lorde "Buddha Garden"
A surprising find — the largest collection of Buddhist sculptures in Europe, set among Japanese-style ponds and gardens. A peaceful place to slow down and absorb something completely different from the coast. Ideal for a quiet afternoon.
Parque Natural Arrábida
If you want crystal-clear turquoise water, white chalky cliffs and sandy beaches that feel more Mediterranean than Atlantic, head south to Arrábida. The natural park between Setúbal and Sesimbra offers some of the most beautiful swimming spots in Portugal. Diving, caving and cliff walks are available too.
Lisbon
The capital is about 70 km away — roughly 50 minutes by car or 90 minutes by bus. It's perfectly doable as a day trip. Wander the cobbled streets of Alfama, visit the São Jorge Castle, ride the famous Tram 28, and eat warm pastéis de nata in Belém. In the evening, you can catch the atmosphere of Fado bars in the old quarters.
If you drive, park at one of the park-and-ride lots on the outskirts and take the metro in. A Lisboa Card gives you free entry to many museums and unlimited public transport.
Practical Tips
A rental car gives you the most flexibility, but public transport — buses and trains — is reliable and affordable for many of these destinations. Don't forget sunscreen and a hat, even outside summer — the Portuguese sun is strong. And try to order local specialities wherever you stop: bacalhau, grilled sardines, cataplana, and always the regional wine.
We're always happy to help with directions, restaurant recommendations, or practical tips for any of these trips. Just ask us when you arrive — or send a message before your stay.
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