Top five day trips from Lisbon

When you've climbed the ramparts of the castello, seen the cathedral, shopped the Baixa and explored the historic barrios of Lisbon it's time to see what the wider region has to offer.

Travelbite.co.uk brings you the top five day trips to extend your city break to Lisbon:

Enjoy a summer retreat at Sintra

The village of Sintra was the summertime retreat of the erstwhile Portuguese monarchy and you can see why as soon as you arrive in the charming old town surrounded by cool, green forests.

In the town, the Palacio Nacional de Sintra was built in the 14th century and was the royal summer residence until the 1880s.

But the two star attractions at Sintra are further up the hill. You can either drive or walk up the winding pathways of the forest to see the Palacio da Pena and the Castelo dos Mouros.

The palace was built in the 19th century for Ferdinand of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha – consort of Queen Maria II and cousin of England's Prince Albert.

It is filled with architectural and decorative oddities, including the romantic Arab room and the sumptuous ballroom.

The best views of the palace are to be found in the adjoining parkland - in particular from a spot called the "Queen's Chair", which can be found on wandering down through the park.

Below this is a lush valley of ferns – created for another queen and including exotic plants from around the world.

The old fort from the days of Moorish occupation can be seen standing proudly on its hilltop from the battlements of the palace and it is also worth a visit.

Another must-see in Sintra is the Quinta da Regaleira. Built in the early 20th century during the last years of the monarchy, it is worth spending a few hours in this fantastical house and its grounds.

The magical gardens are like a playground for grown-ups, filled with grottoes and toy castles.

Designed to represent the journey from hell to heaven, you can creep through underground tunnels and climb winding staircases into a paradise of warm air and birdsong.

The terrace cafe here is a pleasant spot for lunch or a snack.

Hit the beaches at Comporta and Caparica

Carpets of pink and white ice-plants in the dunes lead to endless beaches of smooth golden sand washed by refreshing Atlantic swells along the coastline near Lisbon.

The long sandy beaches of the Costa da Caparica are a popular holiday retreat for Lisboetas.

Swimming, sunbathing and enjoying the seafood restaurants are the order of the day here and all within easy reach of the city.

During the summer months a railway with open carriages runs along the coast for easy access to ten kilometres of beach so you can always find a quiet spot.

A bit further afield is Praia de Comporta on the Peninsula de Troia, with more miles of beautiful clean beaches.

There are a couple of relaxed but stylish bars here which are perfect for sundowners on the beach.

Ten kilometres west of Cascais the sandy beach of Guincho is great for surfing and windsurfing.

Explore ancient culture in Evora

Mile upon mile of cork oak trees cover the countryside between Lisbon and the historic city of Evora. Their gnarled black trunks look like they are carrying the weight of the world on their spreading branches.

Approximately two hours drive from Lisbon, this walled city of white and mustard-coloured buildings and gracious pracas is at the heart of the tranquil Alentejo region.

Evora has been an important city since Roman times and was an important centre of learning and the arts in the Middle Ages.

All this history was recognised by Unesco in 1986 when Evora was declared a world heritage site.

The remains of a Roman temple, thought to be dedicated to the goddess Diana, are the focal point of the city. Built in the second or third century, it has been used as everything from an abattoir to a theatre since then.

Other highlights of Evora include the beautiful main square – the Praca do Giraldo – with its marble fountain and the cathedral.

In the restaurant through the archway near the Roman temple you can sit in the shade of a kumquat tree and enjoy an all-you-can-eat-and-drink buffet lunch of Portuguese meat, seafood and salad dishes.

See and be seen in Cascais

Cascais is a popular holiday resort only an hour's train ride up the coast from Lisbon and its chic shops and cafes lining pedestrianised streets have made it cosmopolitan and fashionable for over a hundred years.

Once more important as a fortified port and fishing base, in the 1870s the king turned the citadel into a summer palace and wealthy families followed suit by building holiday villas.

Modern-day holidaymakers head for the nightlife of Guincho beach and partying on the sandy beach at the Guincho Bar.

Once you've wandered about the shops and the portside have a look at the Museu Biblioteca in Gandarinha Park. This former aristocratic residence has a fascinating collection of Indo-Portuguese furniture, paintings, azulejos tiles, and porcelain.

For a satisfying evening meal try Restaurante O Viriato at number 34 Avenue Vasco Gama.

Spirituality and exploration in Belem

The Portuguese royal family sheltered here from the devastating 1755 earthquake in a pink palace that is now a coach museum. But it is the Mosterio dos Jeronimos (the monastery of St Jerome) that is the star attraction.

The high vaulted ceilings, gleaming white turrets and exquisite cloisters have been beautifully restored and this is one of the best examples of the architectural style of Portugal's golden age - the time of Manuel I in the early 16th century.

Stop at the Antiga Confeitaria de Belem to try the famous pasties de Belem (rich custard in pastry tart) in a 19th-century cafe.

Once you've seen the monastery and the various museums take a stroll through the gardens and along the waterfront to see the magnificent Navigator's Monument and the tower of Belem - each a reminder of Portugal's epic history of exploration.

Belem is only a short tram or train ride from central Lisbon.

Natasha von Geldern