Best Day Trips from Lisbon: Discover the Hidden Wine Valley of Bucelas and Quinta das Murgas

Lisbon has endless charm, the hills, the light, the trams, the sound of fado echoing through narrow streets. But sometimes, even the most vibrant cities ask you to pause. To slow down. To breathe a little deeper.

If you’re spending a few days in Lisbon and looking for an authentic escape, one that’s still close, but feels worlds away, head north, just 25 minutes from the city center, to the quiet valley of Bucelas. Here, vineyards replace traffic, olive trees sway instead of crowds, and the rhythm of life moves at the pace of the land.

Why Bucelas?

Bucelas is one of Portugal’s oldest demarcated wine regions, famous for its crisp and mineral Arinto grape. Known in the 19th century as “Lisbon’s wine,” it was even shipped to royal courts across Europe. Yet today, this valley remains wonderfully untouched,  a rare pocket of authenticity so close to the capital.

A Hidden Gem: Quinta das Murgas

Tucked in the heart of Bucelas lies Quinta das Murgas, a family estate where tradition, nature, and simplicity blend effortlessly.

Here, visitors are welcomed not by tour buses, but by the sounds of the countryside, birdsong, rustling leaves, and the occasional bray or bleat from the estate’s many animals. Horses graze by the olive groves, donkeys wander lazily near the vineyard paths, sheep and goats keep the grass trimmed naturally, and a handful of curious ducks and chickens often come to say hello during tastings.

The estate is alive, a small ecosystem in harmony with the vines.

The Wine Experience

Wine tastings at Quinta das Murgas are relaxed and personal. You’ll sample limited-production wines made from native varieties like Arinto, Esgana Cão, and Touriga Franca, often guided by someone from the family itself. Each bottle reflects the land it comes from,  pure, expressive, and honest.

Many guests choose to stay a while after their tasting: to walk the vineyard trails, sit beneath the old olive trees, or watch the horses graze as the sun sets over the valley. It’s the kind of experience that stays with you long after the last glass is empty.

Make It a Perfect Day

Start your morning in Lisbon with a pastel de nata by the Tagus, then rent a car and head toward Bucelas. The drive is short and scenic, passing fields, villages, and glimpses of rural life. Pair your tasting at Quinta das Murgas with a traditional Portuguese lunch nearby, or have a picnic to enjoy in the estate’s gardens.

If you’re traveling as a couple, it’s a romantic countryside escape. If you’re visiting with friends, it’s a chance to share laughter and good wine away from the crowds. And if you’re a family, the animals and open fields make it a joy for kids too.

Reconnect Before Returning

Before heading back to Lisbon, take one last slow walk through the vineyards. Listen to the silence. Feel the rhythm of nature that defines Bucelas, and Quinta das Murgas. It’s a reminder that Portugal’s beauty isn’t only found in its monuments or cities, but in the quiet places that still breathe in tune with the land.