Located 4.5 miles from the heart of Lisbon, Humberto Delgado Airport is usually better known as Lisbon Airport and is the busiest airport in Portugal. As well as being a major gateway to the country, Lisbon Airport connects Europe with Africa thanks to its international flights.

There’s plenty to do in the Portuguese capital to keep you busy. But if you find yourself longing to do a little more exploring while in Lisbon, the airport is the place to go. You can catch a flight from here to just about anywhere in the world. If you want to take a weekend trip, it’s better to focus on short flights of no more than a couple of hours. Luckily, there are plenty of those available.

Drop off your bags at a Lisbon Airport luggage storage and bring only the essentials to avoid excess baggage fees on your trip. Once you see how many fascinating destinations are easily reachable from Lisbon Airport, the hardest part will be choosing where to go next.

Faro

Faro is an exciting coastal city located on the southern tip of the Algarve region. It’s known for its Mediterranean climate and stunning beaches, making it a popular destination for tourists worldwide. The city has a fascinating history dating back to Roman times when it was an important port city along trading routes in the region. Faro is also home to beautiful architecture, including traditional Moorish-style buildings as well as modern structures inspired by Portuguese design. The old town center is particularly worth visiting, as it’s full of picturesque narrow streets and pastel-colored buildings.

Visitors can find plenty to explore in this bustling city, whether they’re looking for cultural experiences or relaxing beach days. From luxury resorts to quaint cobblestone streets lined with cafes, there’s something for everyone in Faro.

Barcelona

A flight from Lisbon Airport to Barcelona only takes an hour, but from the minute you step out of the airport, you’ll know you’re somewhere different. This Catalan city is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, and it’s not hard to see why. 

Barcelona is home to an incredible number of world-famous attractions, from Gaudi’s masterpieces to the vibrant Barceloneta beach and Sagrada Familia. Barcelona also offers incredible history, excellent food, and generally good weather to explore. You’ll find just about everything you need to make a great holiday here, and it’s so easy to reach from Lisbon Airport that there’s really no excuse not to visit this true world city when you have the chance.

Casablanca

During your weekend getaway, why not visit a city with a more exotic feel? Casablanca is Morocco’s largest city, and it makes for an excellent destination to explore. From the incredible Hassan II Mosque to the narrow medina streets and buzzing markets, there’s something here that everyone will enjoy. The flight time from Lisbon Airport to Casablanca is under three hours, so you could be in this vibrant North African city in no time.

Ibiza

Spain’s Ibiza island is known for its wild nightlife and beautiful beaches. But there’s more to the island than clubbing and beach days. There are plenty of cultural sites here, like 16th-century Dalt Vila, plus historic villages and stunning views. You can reach Ibiza from Lisbon Airport in a little over two hours, making it the perfect destination for a weekend getaway.

Lyon

Just two hours away from Lisbon Airport, you’ll find the French city of Lyon. This charming place offers plenty of attractions for visitors to explore, with its ancient buildings contrasting against modern structures. Visit the picturesque Vieux-Lyon district or take a stroll along the banks of the Saône River. With so much to do in this chic French city, it’s easy to see why so many people are choosing to spend their weekends here.

Lyon is also known as the capital of French gastronomy, meaning it’s one of the world’s great food cities. Don’t miss the opportunity to try world-famous French dishes here, as they are done better in Lyon than they are anywhere else — at least according to locals. After a trip to this fascinating and historic French city, you’ll be able to make up your own mind about that.

Malta

Lisbon certainly gets its share of sunshine. But if you do find yourself visiting the city during one of its rare cloudy periods, you don’t have to do without the sun completely. A short flight from Lisbon Airport to Malta will bring you to one of Europe’s sunniest countries, and this island nation has a lot more going for it than just its weather. Malta has some of the Mediterranean’s most beautiful and historic cities, as well as stunning beaches and azure waters.

Malta is also rich in culture, with incredible churches and museums dedicated to preserving the heritage of this unique country. Plus, Malta is home to some of the oldest man-made structures in the world, so you’ll find plenty to explore beyond the beach.

Naples

Naples is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway from Lisbon Airport. This lively Italian city has it all — stunning architecture, delicious food, and endless entertainment. Spend your days exploring the historic sites of Naples, or take in some of the incredible street art that lines the walls of this vibrant city. And when you’re ready to relax, you can always hit one of Naples’ many beaches or explore its famous underground city. The flight time from Lisbon Airport to Naples is just under two hours, so you won’t have much time to waste before tasting pizza and exploring this beautiful Italian city.

Pisa

If you’re looking to add some classic Italian charm to your weekend getaway, then why not head to Pisa? This city is best known for its iconic leaning tower, but there’s much more to explore here. Spend the day visiting Pisa’s museums and churches, or take a boat ride along the Arno River. The flight time from Lisbon Airport to Pisa is just under two hours, so you’ll have plenty of time for sightseeing before heading back home.

The Azores

The Azores take a little longer to reach than most of the destinations on this list, requiring a three-hour flight from Lisbon Airport. But it’s worth it to explore a place many travelers never reach. These islands offer stunning volcanic landscapes and lush green vistas, plus some great outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking. Plus, the Azores are known for their hospitality, so you’ll feel welcomed and relaxed during your stay here.

Conclusion

No matter which destination you choose, there’s plenty of beauty to be found a couple of hours from Lisbon Airport. These weekend getaways will guarantee you a taste of culture and adventure no matter how much time you have. Bon voyage!