visit sintra or cascais

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Which is Better Sintra or Cascais? An Honest Comparison

Assuming you’re here because you’re trying to decide which highly-rated destination is better for your next outing, Sintra or Cascais , you’ve come to the right place for answers!

Having the privilege of living in Lisbon and visiting both places multiple times has given me a unique perspective—or let’s say, the ‘expert factor.’

But before diving in, it’s key to understand that Sintra and Cascais offer two distinct, unique experiences. Neither is superior; it all comes down to what you’re looking for in a day out.

With that in mind, I’ll highlight what’s awesome about each spot , making it easier for you to choose your next adventure based on your interests.

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Cascais vs Sintra: How To Choose Between

Choosing between these two destinations can be annoyingly difficult. Truthfully, they are both so great in their own way, that it will ultimately come down to your interests in the moment.

If you’re torn between these two remarkable destinations in Portugal, it’s essential to consider the unique aspects that each offers .

Whichever you choose, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable experience, so trust your gut and let your interests guide you to your perfect Portuguese adventure.

Reasons To Choose Cascais Over Sintra

#1. you are in the mood for a beach day.

The number one and obvious reason you want to visit Cascais vs Sintra is because you want to spend some time by the sea!

Cascais is an iconic beach town, and it’s main beach, Praia da Rainha , is in the heart of the old town.

So if you are looking for a relaxed day by the water, you should pick Cascais for your day trip .

#2. You Are Tired of climbing stairs and hills

One of the major pros of going to Cascais instead of Sintra is that the area is relatively flat . So you can let those legs get a rest!

Both Lisbon and Sintra are home to many hills, inclines, and stairs. If you weren’t physically ready for the burn, it can be quite a relief to visit Cascais.

Spend the day strolling the promenade with an ice cream in hand, Lord knows you deserve it!

#3. You are an Art Lover

If you are into art and culture you might like Cascais a little more than Sintra. Not that Sintra lacks museums or culture, but depending on your taste you might lean towards visiting Cascais.

Cascais is home to the Casa das Histórias Paula Rego . A unique museum that features the work of the Portuguese-British artist Dame Paula Rego .

Designed by the architect Eduardo Souto de Moura, the museum is notable for its distinct red pyramid-shaped towers.

It houses a collection of Rego’s works, offering insight into the various phases of her career with detailed explanations in Portuguese and English.

The museum also features temporary exhibitions, a shop, and a café. The exhibits give context to Rego’s powerful storytelling through her paintings and graphic art.

Also, you can visit the art district in Cascais is where all the cool art stuff happens, with loads of awesome street art, galleries, and art pieces popping up everywhere. It’s a super chill place to see what’s new in art and get a real feel for the town’s artsy vibe.

#4. You Are Craving A Meal With a sea View

The restaurants in Cascais are better than in Sintra. Sorry, Sintra, but it’s true.

Not only do you have more choices on where to dine, but there are many incredible restaurants with a view of the ocean.

Don’t expect these oceanfront restaurants to be super budget-friendly, but overall, it’s reasonable for the experience you get.

For a quick bite for a reasonable price. Go to Emma , located right along the beach, just mintues from the town center.

#5. You Are Looking for Entertainment & Nightlife

For those in search of lively crowds and dance-worthy beats, Sintra might not hit the mark. Cascais, however, stands out as the go-to for night owls.

Among its hotspots is the Tamariz Beach Club , where the evening sparkles with music and dance.

If the exciting atmosphere of Cascais has you craving more, head over to Estoril.

Just a stone’s throw away, you’ll find the famous Casino Estoril . Do a little gambling or catch one of the live shows.

Reasons To Choose Sintra Over Cascais

#1. you are fascinated by whimsical palaces.

Castle lovers are going to want to visit Sintra instead of Cascais . When I first visited Sintra, I felt like I had entered a storybook world of magic and fantasy.

I honestly wouldn’t have been surprised if I saw a dragon flying over my head.

Sintra just gives those mystical vibes you have to see to believe. For you castle lovers you will have your hands full trying to visit them all in one day.

Sitting at the highest peak in Sintra is one of the most popular castles in Europe , Pena Castle. The “castle in the clouds” as many people call it! You can choose to visit just the grounds and go right up to the exterior of the castle.

Or you can purchase a ticket to go on a self-guided tour of the interiors of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

I was very happy I chose to go inside the castle for a look at the most incredible displays of art & architecture that I’ve ever seen.

🛑 But if you get claustrophobic, or anxious in crowds of people, skip the interior tour.

Palaces of Sintra

• Pena Palace (Palácio Nacional da Pena)
• Moorish Castle (Castelo dos Mouros)
• Quinta da Regaleira
• Monserrate Palace (Palácio de Monserrate)
• Sintra National Palace (Palácio Nacional de Sintra)
• Seteais Palace (Palácio de Seteais)

⭐ Official Site for the Sintra Parks & Monuments

#2. You want to spend a day immersed in the Medieval Era

If you want to spend a day visiting sites from various historical periods such as Moorish, Medieval, Renaissance to Romanticism, Sintra is going to be the place for you.

The Moorish Castle (Castelo dos Mouros) is a significant landmark that represents the Moorish era.

Sintra’s other famous palaces and estates, like the Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, and the Sintra National Palace, span from the medieval era through the Renaissance to Romanticism.

These sites can be classified from the medieval heritage as well as influences from subsequent periods.

#3. You are A Nature Lover

Don’t get me wrong, I am not saying that Cascias is devoid of nature, but it just doesn’t hold a candle to what Sintra has to offer.

You can spend an entire day strolling through the incredible forest and observing nature. Sintra’s forests are like a green wonderland, where every step takes you deeper into nature’s magic.

#4. You Want To Go Hiking

One of the best reasons to choose Sintra over Cascais is the variety of hiking trails.

People travel from all over to come to Sintra for hiking. While the number of trails is hard to quote exactly.

There are about 6 well-known hiking trails in Sintra.

• Moorish Castle to Pena Palace ( Santa Maria Trail )
• Quinta da Regaleira to Seteais
• Monserrate Palace Trail
• Capuchos Convent Trail
• Peninha Sanctuary Trail
• Praia da Adraga to Cabo da Roca

#5. You want to do an overnight trip

For those looking to extend their journey beyond a day trip from Lisbon , Sintra presents a compelling case for an overnight stay.

Given the wealth of sights and experiences Sintra has to offer, dedicating at least one night here can enhance your visit significantly.

When I first visited Sintra I planned to just go for the day, but quickly realized that to see everything, I really needed to stay overnight.

The range of accommodations in Sintra spans a broad spectrum of prices, offering everything from cozy bed and breakfasts to luxurious stays.

Noteworthy among these is the exquisite Valverde Sintra Palácio de Seteais , an accommodation that promises an unforgettable experience amidst historical grandeur.

But if you are looking for something a little more affordable but still high class, check out the hotel I stayed which is Lawerence’s Hotel .

What Is Destination is More Affordable?

Considering the activities available, Cascais is going to be a much cheaper choice than Sintra.

When visiting Sintra you need to consider the entry tickets and the transportation to all the attractions.

I created a cheat sheet of expected expenses for both destinations so you can get a clear picture of you need to spend.

Cascais Prices

Sintra prices, which is better for day trips sintra or cascais.

I would argue that Cascais is better for a day trip , and Sintra is better for an overnight.

There is so much to do in Sintra and all of these things are a bit of a distance from each other. Having an entire day and night in Sintra is needed if you want to see EVERY attraction.

Cascais is so much smaller making a day trip from Lisbon that much easier. No matter which spot you choose, you can plan your journey with any of the travel apps I found for Portugal.

Getting to Cascais From Lisbon by Train

The best way to go from Lisbon to Cascais is by taking the train . You start your journey from the Cais do Sodré train station.

At Cais do Sodré, purchase a ticket for the Cascais Line (Linha de Cascais) from one of the ticket machines or the ticket office.

Trains to Cascais depart frequently throughout the day, roughly every 20 minutes, but it’s wise to check the schedule for the latest departure times.

Once you have your ticket, proceed through the gates by scanning it and head to the platform indicated for the Cascais trains.

The journey to Cascais takes about 40 minutes, offering scenic views of the Tagus River and the Atlantic coastline along the way.

🛑 Be sure to not lose your ticket as you need to scan it one more time when exiting at the Cascais station.

Getting to Cascais From Lisbon to Sintra by Train

To travel from Lisbon to Sintra by train, your starting point will be the Rossio train station, situated in the heart of downtown Lisbon.

Inside the Rossio station, look for red ticket machines or visit the ticket counter to purchase a ticket for the Sintra Line (Linha de Sintra).

Trains to Sintra leave regularly, approximately every 30 minutes, check the current schedule to confirm departure times.

After obtaining your ticket, pass through the access gates by scanning it, and make your way to the designated platform for the Sintra trains.

The train ride to Sintra is about 40 to 45 minutes , taking you through the suburban areas surrounding Sintra.

Upon arriving at the Sintra train station, you’ll be a short walk or bus ride away from the historic center.

🛑 Keep your ticket with you until you exit the station in Sintra, as you will need it to pass through the exit gates.

Should I Do an Organized Tour of Sintra & Cascais?

If after reading this post you strongly feel like you can’t choose between the two destinations, join a tour and go to both!

A tour will be an easy and convenient way to kill two birds with one stone. It is also a great way to meet people if you are visiting Lisbon solo .

The tours available from Lisbon are outstanding! However, be prepared to leave yearning for more.

These tours are brisk and provide just a glimpse of each location, but they can be very rewarding if you’re eager to explore multiple sites.

Sintra & Cascais FAQs

While you definitely can visit both places on the same day, I don’t recommend it. To get the most out of each destination I would suggest you choose one place and spend the day in each.

The distance between Sintra and Cascais by road is approximately 17 to 25 kilometers (about 10.5 to 15.5 miles). This depends on the specific route chosen. The more direct routes tend to be shorter but can be winding and scenic, passing through the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park.

There isn’t a direct train line connecting Sintra and Cascais, so if you’re relying on public transportation, you would typically travel back to Lisbon (from Sintra to Rossio or Oriente station, and then from Cais do Sodré to Cascais) or use a bus service that connects the two towns, which may take a longer route.

Deciding between the charm of Sintra and the coastal beauty of Cascais is no easy feat, and I know how tough it can be to pick just one.

I hope my comparison, highlighting the unique features and experiences each offers, has brought you a step closer to making that choice.

Melissa Byron, a seasoned solo traveler since 2009, is the founder & visionary behind A Solo Woman Traveling. Drawing from her extensive personal experience globetrotting solo to over 40 countries, she has dedicated herself to a mission: crafting invaluable guides and itineraries for women who embark on solo adventures.

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Sintra or Cascais: Choosing the Best Day Trip from Lisbon

If you are in Lisbon , you must visit Sintra or Cascais. Both places are an hour by train to the east of Lisbon. Thus, you can go to either and be back in Lisbon the same day. We are talking about two magical towns full of historic architecture and fantastic nature. All you have to do is walk, admiring churches, palaces, gardens, beaches, and parks. No matter which one you choose, your mind will be blown away. Of course, visit both if you have time.

Sintra or Cascais: How to Choose

If you have to choose.

Sintra is a fairytale town on the hills overlooking the sea. UNESCO included it in its World Heritage Site List due to its plethora of unbelievable castles, villas, and palaces set in the most gorgeous gardens you’ll ever see. Cascais is a seaside resort lined with palaces, villas, and lovely trees. The town extends along a splendid coast line. We believe Sintra offers a bit more . No matter how many palaces you’ve seen, the ones in Sintra are in a league of their own.

One Day Two Places

If you have no other choice and are willing to rush, you can visit Cascais and Sintra on the same day . Wake up early and take the train to Sintra. You can stop there for a couple of hours, see the basics, and then hop on the bus to Cascais. Take the train back to Lisbon. Though you won’t be able to see it all, you will get a great impression. Another brilliant day excursion from Sintra is to the Palacio Nacional de Queluz . Two other great day trips from Lisbon are to Evora and Obidos .

The city is nestled in the middle of a forest and boasts several colorful castles and parks. The mix between nature and architecture in Sintra is stunning. Every castle has a lovely garden, so take your time. We loved walking about the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park , where the fortress is. The views from the hill are memorable. History buffs and nature lovers will need more than a day trip to Sintra from Lisbon.

Sintra City Center

As soon as you enter Sintra’s Old Town , you will see the Sintra National Palace , a 15th-century masterpiece presiding over Praça da República. Explore the twisted and grand Quinta da Regaleira (Regaleira Palace and Gardens). Be sure to look for the mythical and esoteric elements that populate the luxurious gardens. Everything is part of the UNESCO-listed cultural landscape of Sintra. Especially interesting are the Town Hall and the Quinta do Relogio , Portugal’s best Moorish building.

Pena Palace

The Palácio da Pena (Pena Palace) is the most epic palace in Sintra and Portugal. Since it’s a bit far from the Sintra City center, its better to take a bus. Be sure to grab a window seat and enjoy the ride. Once there, explore every corner of this architectural masterpiece. Don’t forget to check the watchtowers with outstanding views to the entire town. Though the palace was super crowded, we didn’t care.

Other Attractions

If you have to visit Sintra in one day, the other buildings you must not miss are the Park and Palace of Monserrate and the Castelo dos Mouros (Moorish Castle). The Mouros is the stunning fortress perched on the hill overlooking the town. The other one is a massive garden with a beautiful church over half an hour from the center. Finally, if you have extra time, go to Praia das Maçãs . You won’t forget the views.

Where to Stay in Sintra

Sintra has some of the best hotels in the world. Book a room at the Tivoli Palacio de Seteais Hotel , an original neoclassical palace built between 1783 and 1787. It doesn’t get any better than this hotel. Don’t miss it! Another hotel that is a historic building is the Sintra Marmoris Palace Hotel . This boutique luxurious hotel has everything you ever dreamed of.

Cascais is one of the most luxurious seaside resort towns in the world. The Portuguese Royal family chose it over 100 years ago to chill by the beach, and soon the rest of the aristocrats followed. Today, it’s as grand as ever. That’s why a day trip to Cascais from Lisbon is a must. The town extends along several sandy beaches. Mansions and trees line the city’s streets. We spent several days walking about, discovering new buildings and gardens.

Cascais City Center

Cascais city center begins by the casino. Walk along the sea all the way to the Bay of Cascais, where the palace is. The area around Rua Federico da Arouca, Largo Luis de Camoses, and 5 de Outubro plaza is mostly pedestrian. To the left, you will have splendid beaches, including Praia de Tamariz , Conceicao , and Duquesa . To your right and beyond, a plethora of fantastic architecture. Don’t worry if you get hungry, there are plenty of good restaurants in Estoril or Cascais.

Estoril is the first stop on the train from Lisbon. Europe’s rich and famous have been coming to Estoril for over a century. The entire neighborhood is stunning, full of mansions and manicured gardens. The seaside promenade offers incredible views of the beaches and the sea. The world-famous Palacio Estoril Hotel presides over a fantastic garden. All you have to do is admire the coastline and palaces.

You will have to rush to cover what to see in Cascais in one day. Spend some time in the Parque de Palmeras on a mount slope. Over 12 museums are worth your time, including the Casa das Historias de Paula Rego and the Condes de Guimaraes Museum . The Citadel of Cascais offers breathtaking views of the city. The museum in the lighthouse is fascinating too. From there, walk along the rocks.

Where to Stay in Cascais

Cascais and Estoril have some of the best hotels in Europe. You must spend at least one night in the  Palacio Estoril Hotel . We loved the experience, and the spa complex too. The first time we went to Estoril, we never left the hotel! James Bond was born in the Palacio. Stay another night in Cascais at the Grande Real Villa Italia Hotel & Spa , the former residence of the last king of Italy Humberto II. You will feel like a king enjoying the rooms, views, restaurants, and huge spa.

How to Get to Sintra and Cascais

Getting to sintra.

The train from Lisbon to Sintra takes approximately one hour. It’s the green line that departs from Rossio station in central Lisbon. In Sintra, the train station is in the center, within walking distance of the main attractions. The earliest train is at 5:35 AM. The latest train back from Sintra at midnight. Buses depart from Lisbon’s bus station, easily accessible by metro from anywhere in the city. Be sure to check the official webpage for schedules.

Getting to Cascais

The train from Lisbon to Estoril and Cascais takes less than an hour. There are several during the day. Trains leave from the Cais do Sodre train station on the city’s coast. It’s a 10-minute walk from the Praça do Comercio. Cascais is the last stop. Go down here and walk back to Estoril or the other way around. The station in the middle is Monte Estoril. You can also take a bus from Lisbon. It takes less than an hour and stops both in Estoril and Cascais center. The earliest train from Lisbon is at 4:45 AM, the latest back at midnight.

Between Sintra and Cascais

There are no trains from Sintra to Cascais or Estoril. You have to take a bus . The journey takes some 45 minutes to Estoril and an hour to Cascais. There are several buses all day long. The best way to do the Sintra and Cascais loop in one day is first the train from Lisbon to Sintra. Leave early in the morning and spend a bit over half a day in Sintra. Then, head after lunch to Estoril on the bus. Check out Estoril and walk to Cascais, admiring the best of both places.

Take the train from Cascais back to Lisbon after having dinner overlooking the sea. That said, we strongly recommend spending at least a night or two in Sintra and Cascais/Estoril . The hotels we recommend are worth your trouble.

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Sintra or Cascais: The Battle of Portugal’s Coastal Towns

Although being close in distance, Sintra and Cascais do offer a fair number of differences.

Sintra, with its forested and mountainous backdrop, was once a sanctuary for the royals, and it’s easy to see why. The nature here is stunning, and now, thanks to those royals, it also boasts a selection of grand castles to feast your eyes on. While the once tiny fishing village, Cascais , boasts many similar attributes, it has been developed into much more of a tourist hotspot, and, therefore, has a more traditional beach vacation feel.

So, Sintra or Cascais? Which one would make for a more satisfying getaway? Well, taking into account some of the top vacation necessities, we aim to help answer that question for you and have you jetting off to one of these stunning Portuguese settings in no time.

Table of Contents

Sintra vs Cascais: Getting there

Firstly, just how easy is it to get to both of these destinations? Well, unfortunately, direct flight access is not possible, and both require starting out from Lisbon airport.

The cheapest way to get to Sintra is definitely the train and metro option. You can pick up the metro line directly from the airport to Oriente Station and from there a train will take you all the way to Sintra Station. Roughly an hour’s journey for under €5, this is definitely your most budget-friendly option. However, if you have the cash to splash, you may want to take the more convenient, relaxing option of a taxi. Costing roughly €35 ($41), this will set you back quite a bit more, but you’ll be Sintra bound in half the time, with a journey time of around 30 minutes.

The journey to Cascais is slightly longer and more expensive. Your cheapest option again is by metro then train, however, this journey takes around one hour and 20 minutes. Or, if you’re just not in the mood to stand around waiting on trains, by far the most convenient option is the taxi method. However, at around €40 ($47), you’ll be digging into that precious spending money fund before even arriving at your destination.

Winner: Sintra, for the cheaper, faster option

Sintra vs Cascais: Things to do

So, you’ve made the journey and arrived at your destination, eager to find out what awaits you there. Well, fear not, both have plenty to keep you occupied, but in very different ways.

In Sintra, prepare to be transported to a fairy tale dreamland, as stunning mountains, colorful castles, and ancient ruins surround you. So, with that in mind, there are plenty of nature treks and historic tours to fill your days. Top sights to be added to any Sintra itinerary are Penha Palace (the summer getaway for Portuguese royalty), the Historic Center, which was recognized as a UNESCO world heritage site in 1995, and the majestic Castle of the Moors, overlooking the town, which lights up at night for an even more phenomenal viewing.

In Cascais, you’re looking at having a more traditional seaside escape . A place where lounging on the beach takes up the majority of your to do list for the day. However, with the beaches that Cascais offers, that’s certainly not a bad thing. But, when you’ve had your fill of relaxation, there are plenty of restaurants, cafes, and boutique shops on the palm tree lined streets of the old center to wander to. Or, if you’re in the mood for a bit of culture, why not head over to the Casa das Histórias. This art gallery is not only one to see for the pieces inside, but also a place to marvel at the red pyramid structure that houses the gallery.

Winner: Sintra, for the variety

Sintra vs Cascais: Beaches

Well, the good news is that you won’t be short on beaches in whichever destination you choose. However, that’s not to say they are of equal caliber. So, let’s get dissecting.

The beaches of Sintra benefit from a less crowded, more secluded feel, making it the ideal choice for those searching for a bit of peace and solitude on their vacation.

For the ultimate in seclusion, Praia da Ursa is your best bet. Surrounded by cliffs, this beach is not the easiest to get to and requires a fair amount of treacherous effort. With a steep descent over many loose rocks, it’s not one for the faint-hearted. However, its unspoiled and wild feel may just be worth it. But, if you don’t mind sharing your beach experience with fellow tourists, there are several other beaches in the area that don’t require the fear factor to get to. Praia Grande is the biggest (hence the name) and the easiest to access, while Praia das Macas is one of the most popular, with its golden sands and powerful waves for good surf .

With four glorious sandy beaches within walking distance of central Cascais, you’ve never got far to go when you want to unwind by the rocky coastline. And if you’re after a little watersport fun, this is definitely the place to be. Kitesurfing, paddle boarding and surfing are some of the most popular things to do in Cascais, and with the variety of waves, it’s perfect for beginners and pros. But if you’re after a calm, picturesque beach, Rainha’s gorgeous blue waters and golden sands will provide. Once chosen to be the private beach of Queen Amelia in the 1800s, this small beach is now crowded with tourists admiring its beauty. So, getting there early to secure a spot is a must.

Winner: Cascais, for the choice

Sintra vs Cascais: The Nightlife

Unfortunately, Sintra is not quite Albufeira when it comes to nightlife. Although, it’s not totally devoid of any form of evening entertainment. There are several wine bars, a club or two and even a karaoke spot.

Salla de Estar is one of the more popular spots in town, serving a variety of top-quality cocktails and the best of Portuguese wines and beers, all in a traditional laid-back setting. However, a great spot to hear a bit of the famous Fado singing is the Taverna dos Trovadores, which hosts live music nights every Friday and Saturday night.

But for that nightlife buzz, Cascais is the place to be. With a good variety of lively clubs and bars, there is no shortage of places to party the night away here. If dancing by the sea is what you’re after, then look no further than the Tamariz Beach Club, located right at the top of the beach, for an epic vacation club night. However, if hardcore partying is not your thing, perhaps Cascais Jazz Club may be more up your street. With live music four nights a week, it’s the perfect place to sit back, relax, and listen to the best of the Portuguese music scene.

Or, if a little gambling is what you crave, then the nearby Casino Estoril will do the trick. Earning the title of one of the largest casinos in Europe, this might just be worth venturing a little further out for.

Winner: Cascais, for the buzz

Sintra vs Cascais: The vibe

Sometimes, no matter how much there is to see or do, it’s just all about that vibe.

Often described as Disneyland for grown-ups, Sintra definitely has that enchanted vibe. Feel like royalty as you venture around the many palaces and castles dating back to the 15th century, or channel your inner adventurer as you hike the scenic trails. However you choose to spend your time in Sintra, one thing for sure is that it won’t feel run of the mill.

So how does the vibe compare with Cascais? Well for one, you will be sharing this place with plenty more tourists, as Cascais is now a thriving resort, known for its beautiful beaches, large marina, and abundance of amenities. But if you don’t mind a bit of crowding, the vibe here is definitely fun. With a mixture of modern meets old, it is a place for all the family. And with some of the best conditions for watersports, it’s perfect for the thrill-seeker also.

Winner: Sintra, for something a little different

Sintra vs Cascais: Accommodation

Picking accommodation is almost always a task. Do you go for cheap and cheerful or splash out for a bit of vacation VIP treatment?

Well, seeing as Sintra is all about that royal feeling, it might just be the perfect place to go that extra mile for lodging. And there are plenty of chateaus, hotels, and villas to choose from, including the Tivoli Palácio de Seteais , offering elegant rooms in a reformed 18th-century palace or the hillside Sintra Boutique Hotel , offering stunning city and mountain views. But don’t worry, if the bank account doesn’t allow you to live like a king or queen on this vacation, there are plenty more budget-friendly options to choose from. Places like the Casa da Pendoa or Glamping Sintra will still give you plenty of comfort after a long day of sightseeing.

So how does Cascais compare for a place to unwind after a long day of…perhaps more unwinding? Well, being a popular resort, accommodation choices are certainly not lacking in these parts. If you’re someone who doesn’t like to venture too far from the beach, you’re in luck here. With plenty of beachside digs, you can choose from a variety of trendy suites, guesthouses, or hostels. Just 500 yards from Ribeira Beach, a popular choice is the Art 4 You Cascais Suites, with its stunning interior design and central location. However, there are also plenty of other places to rest your head closer to the center of town if being beachside isn’t top priority.

Winner: Draw

Sintra vs Cascais: Food and drink

Often the highlight of any trip – the food and drink. And in Portugal, you’re sure to find some fine dining.

With a booming culinary scene, Sintra boasts plenty of top-notch eateries to please any foodie. For an authentic choice, be sure to head to Apeadeiro, which offers the best in traditional cuisine, from sopa Alentejana (Portuguese soup) to bacalhau (salted cod). Or if you’ve got a bit of a sweet tooth, Casa do Preto serves up some of the best queijadas and travesseiros (sweet pastries) in town. And there are also plenty of cafes to enjoy the signature Portuguese style coffee, galão, when you need that hit of caffeine.

With plenty of restaurants, bars and cafes on your doorstep, Cascais has no shortage of fine wines, tasty treats, and flavors of the sea to get your taste buds going wild. For the best in seafood options, Monte Mar is your go-to. Located by the sea, the food doesn’t get much fresher than here. However, if you’re in Cascais on a family vacation, A Nova Estrela is one of the better kid-friendly options, even offering a jigsaw for the little ones to complete. How is that for keeping the kids satisfied?

Winner: Cascais, but a very close call

So, there you have it, Sintra takes our pole position in the battle of Sintra vs Cascais. While Cascais is equally beautiful and great for nightlife, it offers something a bit more similar to other beach towns. Not offering as much variety, it may struggle to please a party of people.

The storybook setting, Sintra, on the other hand, has a lot more going for it in terms of things to see and do, allowing a greater chance of a harmonious vacation. However, if you have the time, why not take in both, and be your own judge in the Sintra or Cascais showdown.

Be sure to check out the battle of Portugal’s other coastal destinations, Porto vs Faro.

Reece is the creator and editor of Travel Snippet. He has visited more than 38 countries over a 10-year period. His travels have taken him through the majestic mountains of Italy, into the cities of central Europe, across the islands of Indonesia, and to the beaches of Thailand, where he is currently living. He is passionate about travel and shares his expertise by providing the best travel tips and tricks to help you plan your next adventure.

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The Perfect Day Trip from Lisbon: Visiting Sintra and Cascais

While there are plenty of things to see, do and eat in the pretty Portuguese capital of Lisbon, there are also some beautiful sites nearby that are worth making a day trip out of. If you can tear yourself away from the pastéis del nata and the colourful tiles, then be sure to visit mountainous Sintra Portugal and seaside Cascais. Both Sintra and Cascais can be reached by day trip from Lisbon and are essential to the perfect Portugal itinerary.

The perfect day trip from Lisbon

Sintra portugal.

Located less than an hour from Lisbon, the stunning UNESCO World-Heritage Site of Sintra is like the setting of a real life fairytale. Nestled high up in the lush, green mountains, Sintra is known most famously for its magnificent palaces, pastel-hued residences, quaint shops and beautiful gardens. The mystical and romantic allure of Sintra has even led it to be described as the ‘Disneyland for grown-ups’ — who can really resist that description! The cooler, mountainous climate has attracted the Portuguese nobility and royalty over the centuries, who constructed some of the most exquisite manors and palaces in all of the country.

What to do in Sintra

Palacio Nacional de Sintra: The sprawling national palace, located in the heart of the old town, is distinguished by its unusual, conical chimneys that have become the emblem of the town. It was built as a summer residence for the Portuguese royal family who resided there from the early 15th century and was in continuous use up until the late 19th century. The white-washed exterior and gothic architecture make for impressive photos.

Castelo dos Mouros: This ruinous castle is the oldest structure in the city. Originally dating back to the 9th century, the North African Moors originally constructed this castle to guard the town of Sintra, although it fell into disrepair after the Christian conquest of Portugal. The crumbling ruins offer panoramic views of the surrounding area.

Palacio da Pena: Sintra’s most spectacular and famous site is the colourful, ornate and grand Palacio da Pena, which is constructed on one of the highest peaks. This vibrantly painted summer palace stands out like a beacon and is in stark contrast to the lush green of the surrounding mountains. Its architectural style is one of the most impressive and unusual in the entire country. If the weather permits, the views afforded from the palace over the entire region are some of the best in all of Portugal. Unfortunately, on our visit, the Palacio da Pena was completely enshrouded in dense cloud, which meant that sadly we missed out!

Historic town centre:  Sintra’s charming historic town centre is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and every visitor should spend some time exploring the maze of cobblestoned lanes lined with quaint shops and cafes that snake their way up the hill. Don’t leave without trying the famous Sintra pastries here: the ‘queijadas’ (cheese pastries) and the ‘travesseiros’ (egg and almond pastries)!

What to do in Cascais, Portugal

Instead of returning directly to Lisbon from Sintra, follow the scenic road along the rugged, golden coast and the most westerly point of mainland Europe to stop in at the charming seaside town of Cascais. Once a sleepy fishing village, Cascais has transformed into a favourite holiday destination for many Portuguese and other Europeans with many people now considering it to be one of Lisbon’s most sophisticated destinations.

What to do in Cascais

Cascais beaches:  The main attraction of Cascais is its range of golden beaches, which are wonderfully varied and offer something for everyone.

Cidadela de Cascais:  The Cidadela de Cascais is an imposing fortress that stands overlooking the marina and harbour. It’s an impressive landmark of the town and has now been transformed into an exclusive hotel and cultural centre.

Largo Luís de Camões: This is the historic centre of Cascais and has an energetic vibe due to the many cafés, restaurants and fashionable bars that line the square.

Marina:  There is room for over 650 boats to be moored at the Cascais marina. Take a stroll along the quays to admire the expensive yachts.

Free museums:  One of the great features of Cascais is that all the museums and buildings of interest are free to enter. There are lots of interesting exhibitions hidden throughout town so be nosy, wander in and explore!

Eat fresh seafood:  Cascais restaurants serve some of the freshest fish in the region, since it comes directly from fishermen’s boats in the town’s small harbour. There are plenty of outstanding seafood restaurants dotted all over the town.

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Sintra and Cascais: what to do and visit in these charming villages

1 day to fall in love with sintra.

• National Palace of Sintra
• Casa Piriquita (pastry shop)
• Quinta da Regaleira
• Palace of Seteais
• National Palace of Pena
• The Moorish Castle
• Chalet and Garden of the Countess of Edla

1 day to discover Cascais

• Santa Marta Lighthouse Museum
• Condes de Castro Guimarães Museum
• Casa das Histórias Paula Rego (Paula Rego House of Stories)
• "Mar do Inferno” restaurant
• Ribeira dos Mochos Urban Park
• Marechal Carmona Park

Beaches in the Lisbon area to enjoy the sun

Get to know some beaches in the Greater Lisbon area to enjoy the hottest days and find out which beach is yours!

Live the best summer festivals in Lisbon

This is the year when summer festivals and events return to Lisbon. We missed them a lot and now more than ever it's time to sing, dance, vibrate and fall in love with the show. From music, cinema, art and opera, Lisbon has many options of events that will fill your summer with good memories and that are the perfect reason to enjoy and discover the city.

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25 things to do in Sintra-Cascais Natural Park (Portugal) + map

Last updated on November 10, 2023 by Claire Robinson - this article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I get a small commission ( more )

Not far from Lisbon, the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park offers both Unesco sites and amazing natural sites. This is a great region to spend a few days! Below is my selection of the top things to do in Sintra and around: palaces, beaches, cliffs, parks… All you need to plan your visit including photos, tips and map.

Before my tips + photos, here are my favorites for Portugal:

My favorite platform to rent a car in Portugal: DiscoverCars

The unmissable boat tour: Benagil sea cave from Portimao

My favorite excursion from Lisbon: Sintra Pena Palace and Cabo da Roca

My favorite places to stay:

• Lisbon: see best rated hotels – e.g. Santiago de Alfama boutique hotel
• Porto: see best rated hotels – e.g. Descobertas Boutique Hotel
• Lagos: see best rated hotels – e.g. Uma Cas A Beira Sol

Best things to do in the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park

The region of Sintra has so much to offer that you can spend a whole vacation in the region. You can enjoy:

• Crazy palaces
• Ruins of a castle
• Beautiful parks
• White villages
• Beautiful beaches
• Impressive cliffs

Before we have a look at all the things to do in Sintra and its region, below is a short video snapshot with some of the most beautiful locations in the area. Enjoy a virtual tour!

5 Best Things to do in Sintra-Cascais Natural Park

More suggestions will come in the article, but if you are looking for a good snapshot of the region, my top 5 places to see are the following. However, everyone has different taste. I tend to be in awe with amazing views of nature and where everything is very scenic.

• Praia do Magoito , with its impressive cliffs
• The Castle of the Moors in Sintra, for the history and views
• The Pena Palace in Sintra , for the uniqueness
• Praia da Adraga Beach , for the rock formations
• Cabo da Roca , for the natural wonder that are the panoramas

See them in more details in the rest of the article

Planning a visit to Sintra-Cascais Nature Park – Map + Tips

Main destinations in the natural park.

• Sintra Town – The highlight of the park is, of course, the town and mountain of Sintra (Serra da Sintra). The whole area is a Unesco listed site . It combines a beautiful forest, parks, ruins as well as unbelievable palaces. It is a great day trip from Lisbon, but if you have time, I recommend staying overnight.
• Cascais & South Coast – Cascais is the most famous resort town in Portugal. Not far from Lisbon, this is where we can find the ‘Lisbon Beaches’. Cascais itself is not in the National Park, but it starts on its left.
• Cabo da Roca – the westernmost point of Mainland Europe, home to stunning cliffs and coastline.
• West coast of Sintra Cascais National Park – amazing beaches of great variety. Don’t miss Magoito, one of the most beautiful beaches in Portugal .
• Inland – If you want to avoid the tourists, head inland off the beaten track. Take your car in those small roads and discover valleys, farms, windmills and abundant wildlife.

Map of Sintra Cascais Natural Park

Below is a simplified Map of the Sintra Cascais Natural Park and its location in relation to Lisbon. 

The detailed Maps with roads and all the places to visit with their GPS coordinates are available in my 2 guides to help you plan your Portugal road trip :

Plan your dream trip to Portugal with my guides!

• 13 easy-to-plan maps
• 120+ pre-selected locations
• GPS coordinates 
• Useful planning tips
• 200+ large photos 

• 8 easy-to-plan maps
• 65+ pre-selected locations
• GPS coordinates 
• 110+ large photos 

Driving times

• Lisbon to Sintra = 30min
• Lisbon to Cascais = 35 min
• Sintra to Cascais = 20min
• Sintra to Cabo da Roca = 30min 

Best time to visit Sintra? 

The best periods to visit the incredible Sintra are Spring and Autumn. The weather is good but it is not as crowded as Summer. The best months are April and October. And I recommend starting your day early to enjoy some visits before the day trippers arrive. Summers are really hot and crowded. Winter can be wet and windy.

Sintra palaces opening days

All the main sites are open every days. Opening hours start around 9am / 9:30 am and end around 6pm / 7pm – check out the latest

Which is better: Sintra or Cascais?

The 2 towns are very different. It depends on what you are looking for. Cascais offers easy access to the beaches while Sintra makes you travel back through history. They both offers a large choice of accommodations and restaurants.

How to get to Sintra

Sintra is very easy to reach:

• By car – my favorite option. Lisbon to Sintra is a 30min drive on highway A37  It will allow to cover more locations that are not included in tours. However, when visiting the town of Sintra, I recommend to leave the car parked and take taxis or buses.
• or by metro-train from Lisbon (Rossio station) + hop on hop off bus – prepurchase your ticket for the bus
• or via a small group tour from Lisbon (including the coast) – many companies offer day trips from Lisbon including some palaces and coastal locations. Just sit back and learn from the guide  – see options and availability

Need to rent a car in Portugal ?

• Compare prices on my favorite platform:   Discovercars.com – one of the best rated comparison sites!
• Prefer a  compact car  for the narrow streets in villages
• Consider their full coverage option – it for peace of mind! 
• Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!

See all my tips

Prices – Is Sintra expensive?

Yes, the town of Sintra is quite expensive. It is one of the most popular areas in Portugal. Accommodations are in the higher ranges. Plus, all the palaces require paying a fee and it is hard to find free parking

How long to stay in the Sintra Cascais Natural Park?

• If you stick with the highlights, 2 days are enough
• But I recommend 3 to 4 days will allow you to discover more
• If you spend 3 days in Lisbon , I also recommend spending one of the days in Sintra.

Where to stay in the Natural park Sintra Cascais

I recommend staying in Sintra to be able to visit the palaces as soon as they open. 

Check out the best rated accommodations in Sintra .

More info with accommodation suggestions at the end of the article.

9 Things to do in Sintra town

Let’s start with the best places to visit in Sintra. Below are the major Sintra attractions which are part of the Sintra Unesco site, only 30 minutes from Lisbon. If would only have one day in Sintra, I recommend visiting the Pena Palace and the Castle of the Moors. With these 2, you discover very distinctive structures and amazing views of the region. But if you have more days, you can find more interesting attractions listed below. Don’t try to pack to much, the places are huge!

#1 – Castle of the Moors

This medieval castle is on top of one hill of the Serra da Sintra. Ruins of the wall are accessible with great views of the valley and of the Pena Palace. More photos and info on the Sintra Castle of the Moors Article .

See opening hours

#2 – Pena Palace

This is one of the most famous buildings in Portugal. This very unique site, full of colors and shapes, sits on top of the mountain range. The Pena Palace has been named one of the the Seven Wonders of Portugal .

More photos and info on the Sintra Pena Palace Article 

#3 – Walking in Sintra

The walk between the old and the new city is quite enjoyable with statues and green areas. Take some time to explore the street. There is much more to see in Sintra!

#4 – National Palace of Sintra

This is the most easily accessible of the Sintra attraction, as it is in the center right before starting your way up to Pena. This white building with both Gothic and Manueline architectural elements used to be the royal residence.

#5 – Monserrate Palace

Another famous point of interest in Sintra, this palatial villa also presents a variety of architectural elements. It has a large and well-designed park you can explore, especially on a hot day.

#6 – Quinta Da Regaleira

This is another of the key places to visit in Sintra. This palace is quite exuberant in itself, but it is mostly famous for its forested park with paths that will lead you to interesting discoveries. The most famous feature is the initiation wells that look like underground towers.

And… (#7 to #9)

if you have more time and are wondering what more there is to see in Sintra: consider visiting:

• #7 – The Convento dos Capuchos, quite a different style to anything else here.
• #8 – The Sentais Palace, a more classical building built in the 18th century
• #9 – Quinta do Relogio, recognized for its Moorish revival style

I don’t drink coffee

But I also like other drinks and sweets! Do you like the free content you find on my blog? All my tips and practical information, without intrusive advertising…

Cabo Da Roca & Western Coast beaches – 8 points of interest

If you head west from Sintra, you will reach the Atlantic coast with amazing cliffs and beautiful beaches.

#10 – Cabo da Roca

This is the westernmost point on mainland. Quite a touristic place… but there is enough space for everyone to enjoy the views. However, if you are planning to visit the amazing cliffs of the Algarve region , you could skip this place as the cliffs are not as impressive in comparison.

#11 – Praia Da Adraga Beach

A stunning beach with a beautiful arche and large rocks breaking the waves. Photographers love it!

More photos and info on the Praia da Adraga Article

#12 – Praia Do Magoito

This is one of my absolute favorite beaches in Portugal. You start with a fantastic viewpoint at the end of the beach. Then you can easily access the beach and admire the solidified sand dune on your way down.

More photos and info on the Praia Do Magoito Beach Article

#13 – Praia Da Maças

This is not the most scenic beach in the area, but the large sandy area makes it a favorite to spend a day at the beach.

#14 – Coastal White villages

If you have time, drive the small roads along the coast and discover the many white villages overlooking the ocean.

And…  #15 to #17

If you head further North, you will find:

• #15 – Praia da Samarra, a narrow cove
• #16 – Praia da Vigia, a long stretch of sand with high cliffs, access limited via some paths
• #17 – Praia do Sao Juliao, at the limit of the Natural Park with good facilities to spend the day at the beach. If you walk North of it, you have a great view of the coastline

6 Things to do around Cascais

To the South is the famous seaside resort of Cascais . 

#18 – Town of Cascais

Cascais is a charming seaside town with historical buildings and many restaurants.

#19 – Praia Grande do Guincho

The most famous beach is Praia Grande do Guincho with its sand dunes.

And…  #20 to #23

The South part of the park also includes:

• #20 – Praia da Cresmina
• #21 – Farol do Cabo Raso
• #22 – Fort of São Jorge de Oitavos
• #23 – Forte da Cruz (Estoril Castle)

And if you are looking for a very scenic place, and are ready to go off the beaten track, try getting to the amazing cliffs at Praia do Porto do Touro.

2 things to do inland – driving around Sintra

#24 – collecting windmills.

Sintra and the park are very touristic. So, if you want to avoid the crowds, go on an adventure. Take the small roads between farms to discover small valleys, views of Serra da Sintra and many many windmills.

#25 – And not far: Mafra Palace

After touring the Sintra region, you can go back to Lisbon. But if you are heading North towards Obidos, have a stop in the town of Mafra (outside the Natural Park). The façade of the Mafra national palace is quite impressive and worth a stop. Built in the 18th century, it was also a monastery for a while

Accommodations in the Sintra region, Portugal

Where to stay in the sintra cascais natural park.

• Sintra My favorite option is Sintra – I love the historical atmosphere and the many sites to discover. Plus it allows you to be in the first ones to enter the popular palaces Check out the best rated accommodations in Sintra Specific recommendations in the next section.
• Cascais If you are looking for a town that is large enough and close to beaches. Check out the best rated accommodations in Cascais
• Around Azenhas do Mar To enjoy the cliff hanging white villages and the beaches of the West coast Check out the accommodation options
• Lisbon You can stay in the capital city and do day trips to the Natural Park. Sintra is only 30min away. Check out the best rated accommodations in Lisbon

Sintra Accommodations

SUGGESTIONS

• Where I stayed – I stayed 1 night in Sintra at the CasAzul apartments . Check out my review on the Portugal Accommodations Article
• Great location   –  Especao Edla for another mid-range option with great location in the city center and modern decor –  check latest prices
• Atmosphere – Chalet Saudade for those looking for accommodations with historical feel – get ready to travel back in time! – check latest prices
• Away from touristic trail – For an option off the touristic Sintra but not far away:  Quinta de Sao Tadeu has a mix of modern and old. Really well done! – check latest prices
• Cheaper – Consider the  Casa Azul Hostel – really good location, great owner (same as my rental apartment) – check latest prices
• Luxury –  Tivoli Palacio de Seteais – check latest prices

Or check the best rated accommodations in SINTRA

1, 2 or 3 days in Sintra Cascais – itineraries

1 day in sintra and its region.

With only 1 day, I would start very early and do a long day to see as much as possible:

• Visit of the Pena Palace (but not the gardens… it is too long)
• Visit the Castle of the Moors
• Historical center of Sintra
• Head to Cabo da Roca to see the cliffs
• Stop at Adraga Beach and Magoito beach

2 days in Sintra and its region

• Visit of the Pena Palace at opening time and explore part of the gardens…
• Enjoy the historical center of Sintra
• Visit Quinta da Regaleira
• Visit the national Palace in the town center (if you did not to the Pena gardens and have the time)
• Night in Sintra – see best rated accommodations
• Visit Castle of the Moors at opening time

3 days in Sintra and its region

• Visit the national Palace in the town center 
• Visit the Monserrat Palace
• Night in Sintra –  see best rated accommodations
• Visit Quinta da Regaleira – at opening hour
• Head to Cascais and enjoy the seaside town
• Enjoy the dunes at Praia do Guincho
• Discover the forts around Cascais

Is Sintra worth visiting?

Yes, Sintra is worth visiting. This is definitively one of the most unique places in Europe. The hills and the variety of impressive palaces will leave you speechless.

Is Cascais worth visiting?

Not, if you are limited in time. I think there are more interesting town and villages to see in Portugal. However, if you are looking for an easy holiday with close access to historical sites, beaches and a main town, it could be a good options.

Is Sintra Cooler than Lisbon?

Normally yes, Sintra is cooler than Lisbon. The Sintra are has hills and elevated locations. Therefore the climate avaries more frequently and is cooler than in Lisbon.

How busy is Sintra?

Sintra is extremely busy because:

• its sites are exceptional
• it has the Unesco status
• it is very close to Lisbon, easy to visit on a day trip.

To avoid the crowds, visit in Winter or be the first ones in the morning at the most popular sites.

Should I spend a night in Sintra?

Yes, I think it is worth it. If your Portugal trip is long enough, staying in Sintra allows you to see more of the palaces and to enjoy them without the crowds when they open in the morning. Plus, the town has a unique vibe to enjoy.

Check the best rated accommodations in SINTRA

Can you visit Sintra on a Sunday?

Yes you can. The sites are open. However, Sundays are extra crowded as the weekend travelers get added to the holidayers.

Why so many palaces in Sintra?

It’s historical. The hills offer a milder climate than Lisbon. That’s why the Portuguese nobility built many residences to come and enjoy the warm summer months.

Want to see more of the best Portugal has to offer?

• 30 Most beautiful landscapes in Portugal – read article
• Best things to do in Portugal – read article
• 5 most charming villages in Portugal – read article
• The best beaches in Portugal  – read article
• Lisbon vs Porto – where to go? – read article
• Portugal 2 week itinerary (3 options) –  read article

Planning a trip to Portugal?

Check out my travel guide to help you plan:

And keep track of your own trip!

Want to see more of PORTUGAL?

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The Egyptian Traveler

Exploring The Best Of Sintra & Cascais: A 24-Hour Adventure In Portugal 🇵🇹

Sintra is is resort town in the foothills of Sintra Mountain in Portugal, it is a UNESCO site with hilltop castles and exotic gardens. It is so easy to get to Sintra from Lisbon by simply taking a 40 minute train ride, which is why it is easy to include it in things to do in Lisbon . You can spend half a day in Sintra and it would be enough, but if you want to stay for more time there are accommodation available there, you can easily find restaurants as well as transport to the castles and palaces there. It is better to buy tickets prior to going there as the ticket booths will be busy, you can either buy tickets for each palace or castle separately or you can simply book a day tour with a guide. You can buy tickets or book a tour through GetYourGuide .

Cascais is a coastal resort town near Lisbon, it is filled with beautiful white houses, flower filled streets, and amazing beaches. It is Lisbon's residents weekend or holiday escape. Cascais is connected to both Lisbon and Sintra, so it is easy to go on a day trip from any of them. It is easy to spend 24 hours in both Sintra & Cascais, but if you want to stay longer, then you can do that.

9 Things To Do In 24 Hours In Sintra & Cascais

1. cabo da roca (cape roca).

Cabo da Roca forms the westernmost point of the Sintra Mountain range as well as Portugal and Europe. There is a lighthouse at this edge that watches over the cliffs and the rough ocean. Take a walk and be prepared for a panoramic view over the Atlantic ocean. Cabo da Roca is a great place to visit whether in Cascais or Sintra, you can reach Cabo da Roca by taking bus line 403. This should take you between 15 and 30 minutes.

2. Boca Do Inferno (Hell’s Mouth)

Boca do Inferno or Hell's Mouth; is sensational location. There was a cave at that location before but it fell through which left behind a big hole in the cliffs. Because of that hole, the water nowadays hit under the arch and then explodes out of the hole, which is similar to a volcano and it's the reason it is called Hell's Mouth. It takes 20 minute to walk from the town centre to it, the best time to visit this spot is at sunset. This should take you between 15 and 30 minutes.

3. Farol Museu De Santa Marta (Lighthouse Museum Santa Marta)

The Santa Marta Lighthouse looks stunning as it is a white lighthouse decorated with blue strips, it was build on the grounds of an old fort which is now a small lighthouse museum. Opening hours varies, it is closed on Mondays, but then on the Weekend it is open from 10:00 to 13:00 and from 14:00 to 17:00, also it is open from Tuesday to Friday from 10:00 to 17:00. This should take you less than 30 minutes.

4. Palácio Da Pena (Pena Palace)

Palácio da Pena is located at the highest point overlooking the entire region, it is red and yellow and was designed back in 1854. Trees from all over the world have been imported to it to make it look exotic with the mixture of the beautiful architecture there. Since Palacio de Pena is the most famous destination in Sintra, it will be the busiest one there of course, so arriving there early is key to avoid the crowd. Entrance ticket to the park and castle cost 13.30€, the tickets can be bought at the door but it is best to buy them in advance. This should take you at least 45 minutes.

5. Castelo Dos Mouros (Castle Of The Moors)

Castelo dos Mouros is a hilltop medieval castle, it was once a military fort. Taking the stairs up to the top for an impressive view is a must, the entrance ticket to the castle cost 7.60€. This should take you between 1 and 1.5 hours.

6. Museu De História Natural De Sintra (Sintra Natural History Museum)

The Sintra Natural History Museum is located in the historic centre of Sintra, the museum is known for the quality and rarity of its exhibits. Admission is free for the museum, and besides the permanent exhibits there, you will find a room for temporary exhibits that is equipped to host different types of shows and events. This should take you at least 1 hour.

7. Palácio Nacional De Sintra (Sintra National Palace)

Palácio Nacional de Sintra or Sintra National Palace, which is also called Town Palace is a present day historic house museum. This palace is in the heart of Sintra with two huge chimneys which became the iconic view of the town. You can buy an entrance ticket to visit the rooms inside the palace for 9.50€. This should take you at least 45 minutes.

8. Quinta Da Regaleira

Quinta da Regaleira is classified as a World Heritage site by UNESCO within the cultural landscape of Sintra. It was essentially designed to hide network of tunnels, passageways, and even towers. The inverted tours there look like a well which is accessible by a spiral stair which goes down to one of the tunnels. Entrance tickets cost 8€ which can be either bought at the door or online. This should take you between 1.5 and 2 hours.

9. Palácio De Monserrate (Monserrate Palace)

The Monserrate Palace is a palatial villa, which is gothic, Arabic, and Indian in design with an exotic garden. People who visit Sintra often skips it as it is slightly off the route so it is not as crowded as other locations in Sintra. An entrance ticket cost 6.80€. This should take between 15 and 30 minutes.

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How To Get To Sintra & Cascais

To get to Sintra you can take a train from Lisbon's Rossio station, you can find a train that departs every 20 minutes from there, and the train ride only takes 40 minutes. Keep in mind that on Sundays the train leave every 1 hour instead. A one-way ticket from Lisbon to Sintra costs 2.25€ and it can be easily bought from a machine or a ticket booth or counter.

To get to Cascais you can take the train from Lisbon which takes around 30 minutes. Train leaves every 10 minutes so make sure to book your ticket at the station and hop-on as there is no seat reservation.

You can book your train through Omio , or you can do what I did which was to book a guided day tour to Sintra & Cascais, and you can do so through GetYourGuide , which is what I did, and I preferred that option.

How To Move Around Sintra & Cascais

Once you arrive in Sintra, there are two bus lines that pass by the palaces and castles, these are line 434 and line 435. You will need to decide which bus line to take prior based on the sites you want to visit. If you are going on a day trip from Lisbon where you will spend half a day, then chose one bus line, but if you plan on staying longer then you can take both to explore more sites.

You can buy bus tickets at the bus itself or at the train station, buses run every 15-20 minutes starting from 9:15 am. You can return on a hop-on hop-off bus which would cost 6.90€.

Train Station - National Palace – Moorish Castle – Natural History Museum – Pena Palace

Train Station – National Palace – Quinta Da Regaleira – Seteais Palace – Monserrate Palace

Once you reach Cascais you can explore on foot, there is no need for transportation inside Cascais, but if you love cycling then you can explore Cascais cycling. If you are arriving in Cascais by car then you will easily find a lot of suitable parking spots and continue exploring on foot.

Best Time To Visit Sintra & Cascais

In comparison to Lisbon, Sintra is a little bit cooler as it has its own microclimate. The best times to visit is from April to June, and from September to November, but keep in mind that Sintra will always be busy and crowded as it one of the best places to visit in Portugal.

Cascais is very busy during the summer times, which is why the best times to visit is during Spring specifically late spring, as well as early summer, before the holidays begin. During this time the weather will be warm and nice but the water will be cold all the time as Cascais sits at the mouth of river Tagus which is the opening of the Atlantic sea.

Accommodations In Sintra & Cascais

If you are planning to spend more than one day in Sintra, you can stay in Sintra if you want or you can simply stay in Lisbon as it would be the cheaper option and as mentioned it is easy to get from Lisbon to Sintra.

As mentioned, it only takes 30 minutes to get from Lisbon to Cascais you can easily go on a day trip from Lisbon if you are there and then go back in the afternoon. If you want to spend more that a day in Cascais then choose a hotel that is on the coastline or an Airbnb.

You can book your accommodation through Booking.com , which is the one I use the most, or if you wan to stay in a hostel you can book through HostelWorld . You can also use Agoda , Trivago , or Vrbo to book your accommodations. I know most people have a favourite website or app to use, so just choose what you prefer best.

Best Cafes & Restaurants In Sintra & Cascais

Saudade (Gluten-free options, vegan friendly cafe)

Espaco Edla (Vegan friendly cafe)

A Praca (Gluten-free options, vegan friendly)

Bacalhau Na Vila (Gluten-free options, vegan friendly, Portuguese cuisine)

Roots Cafe (Gluten-free options, vegan friendly)

Bubbles & Bites (Gluten-free options, vegan friendly)

Cafe Galeria House of Wonders (Vegan friendly)

Tanah Vegan Fun Food (Vegan friendly)

If you wan to find more cafes & restaurants to try, then you can do so through TripAdvisor .

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The Ultimate Sintra Day Trip Guide for 2024

Sintra, Portugal is a haven for palaces, castles, and ancient ruins. The town is overflowing with centuries of history and it’s well-known that taking a Sintra day trip is one of the best things to do while visiting Portugal!

Whether you’re coming from the capital of Lisbon or the nearby town of Cascais, you’ll find that it’s quite simple to get from one place to another due to Portugal’s impressive public transportation system.

In this post, you’ll find everything you need to know about taking a Sintra day trip including the best things to do, how much time you’ll need, a one day Sintra itinerary, how to get around, the best guided tours in the area, and more!

If you’re on the fence about including Sintra in your Portugal itinerary , I hope this post persuades you to visit for at least one day before moving on to your next destination.

Happy Travels!

The Ultimate Sintra Day Trip Itinerary

The itinerary below has been designed to provide you with the best things to do in Sintra in an order that will be both efficient and exciting.

Take a look at the map I have provided below the itinerary to get an idea of how much walking may be necessary.

✔️ Pena Palace and Parque de Pena

As you probably know by now, Pena Palace and its well acquainted Parque de Pena are icons of not only Sintra but also Portugal. Easily recognized around the world as a Portuguese wonder, there is no way to visit Sintra and not see the Pena Palace!

This impressive landmark opened in 1854 and still dominates the town of Sintra with its empowering hilltop location and striking towers and walls.

Built as a Romanticist Castle, Pena Palace can even be seen from as far as Lisbon on a good-weathered day and is easily the best thing to do in Sintra.

Keep in mind that though the palace looks grand in size from the outside, some of the interior corridors can actually get quite small. So, for the best experience, be sure to come early and avoid the crowds!

You’ll also need to know that you’ll want to take the 434 bus service from Sintra train station to the Pena Palace to avoid a grueling uphill trek from the city center.

✔️ Castle of the Moors

Next on our list is the famous Castle of the Moors or the Castelo dos Mouros. This Moorish castle dates back to the 8 th century during the time of the Moors’ expansion.

Built on craggy outcrops and surrounded by massive boulders, this stronghold once defended the surrounding region from invaders and was a powerful landmark for the entire region.

As centuries passed, the castle withstood countless battles and eventually was left to decay following the final push from the Christian Crusaders in the 12 th century.

Today, the ancient ruins stand as a popular tourist destination and are well worth exploring due to the limitless amount of history still left to be explored here.

✔️ Quinta da Regaleira

The Quinta da Regaleira rivals Pena Palace with its popularity owing to its unique design and endless secretive passageways throughout the property!

On top of being situated in the center of hectares of breathtaking flora and fauna, the Quinta da Regaleira is full of hidden staircases and secret doors making it one of the most fun things to do in Sintra!

If you’re like me and love being surrounded by ancient ruins and exploring hidden hallways, rooms, and learning about life for those that lived there, then the Quinta da Regaleira needs to be included on your personal best Sintra day trip itinerary.

✔️ Sintra National Palace

Also known as the Town Palace owing to its location in the Sintra town center, the construction of the medieval National Palace of Sintra began back in the Middle Ages and it has been extremely well-preserved since.

Once a royal palace for hundreds of years, the National Palace of Sintra has held the Portuguese royal family over the centuries and is now home to gothic artifacts and an interesting history.

Easily recognized for its two tall chimneys and white-washed exterior, the National Palace of Sintra should be included on your Sintra visit even if only for its convenient location.

✔️ Monserrate Palace

Similar to the Pena Palace, Monserrate Palace is also home to a stunning park full of an array of gorgeous flora and fauna.

While this palace may be smaller, it will likely take you upwards of 1-2 hours to explore to the fullest. The entirety of this building is covered in intricate details and luxurious, gold facades and the inside is beaming with beautiful rooms and sophisticated hallways.

Since Monserrate Palace is a little bit more west than the rest of the attractions, if you plan on including the Cabo da Roca on your Sintra day trip, then also include a trip to this palace since you’ll be going right by it.

The best way to access this palace is via the 435 tourist bus or a guided tour from either Cascais or Lisbon.

✔️ Cabo da Roca – *Bonus stop* if you have more than one day to visit Sintra!

As I mentioned before, the Cabo da Roca is one of the best day trips from Lisbon and should absolutely be included on your Sintra day trip!

At a mere 25 minutes away, there is no reason not to go get your picture on the westernmost point of the continent.

This piece of Portuguese coastline offers sweeping views over the Atlantic Ocean and striking, jagged cliffs that are spectacular to see.

There is also a rustic lighthouse with a museum on the property where you can learn about the history of the Cabo da Roca and the lighthouse’s purpose!

✔️ Historic Center of Sintra

After a day full of sightseeing in all of Sintra’s famous palaces, gardens, and castles, as well as standing on Europe’s westernmost point, it’s time to start strolling the historic center of town and find some food!

Portugal is well known for its unique use of local ingredients and flavorful dishes. If you enjoy seafood, you’re in for a treat!

Especially in towns close to the ocean, you’ll find endless options for seared octopus, squid ink pasta, delicately filleted salmon, steamed mussels, and even European lobster and crustaceans.

Once you have had your share of food, take to the streets of Sintra’s historic center and take a peek around for some interesting souvenirs or crafts .

Don’t forget that the best items are almost always found on the side streets surrounding a city center, never in the city center itself!

Map of Sintra Day Trip Itinerary

The map below includes all of the main sites and attractions in Sintra, but does not show the Cabo da Roca.

If you are looking to visit this bucket list destination, zoom out to view it on Portugal’s west coast!

How to Get from Lisbon to Sintra

Getting from Lisbon to Sintra is very simple. You have a few options of getting there including a guided tour like the ones I have mentioned below, the train, or driving yourself.

Since I highly recommend not renting a car due to Portugal’s highly-developed public transportation system and the fact that driving through the cities can be a hassle with pedestrians, bicycles, parking, etc., let’s assume that you’ll be taking the train.

Access the Rossio Train Station in Lisbon’s center where there are direct trains departing to Sintra every 15 minutes. You’ll need to purchase your ticket inside the station for €4.50. There is no discount for roundtrip tickets, so a one-way ticket is €2.25 ( subject to change ).

The Lisbon to Sintra train is the most time and cost-efficient method of taking a day trip with the total travel time only reaching about 40 minutes. If you were to join a guided tour with private transportation in a vehicle, then the drive would only take you about 25 minutes.

How to Get from Cascais to Sintra

The best method of getting from Cascais to Sintra is to take the bus. It only takes about 25 minutes and is the easiest method of getting between these towns. Taking a Sintra day trip from Cascais is easy, fun, and super informational!

The price ranges between €1 and €6 depending on the season and day of the week, but it’s very affordable and efficient either way.

This is why many people decide to visit both Sintra and Cascais in one day! They’re close to one another and are relatively small so you can really pack a lot into your Sintra day trip and Cascais .

Getting Around on a Sintra Day Trip

You’ll hear from almost anyone who has visited Sintra that it is a very walkable place to visit. However, just because something is technically reachable by foot, doesn’t mean it is going to be an easy journey.

If you plan on walking for most of your day in Sintra, it won’t be a surprise if you end up with some blisters and possibly calling for an expensive taxi at some point!

To avoid these disruptions on your day trip to Sintra, consider using the Sintra bus services to help get you between the further attractions.

As shown on the map above, it would take you nearly 80 minutes to walk from the Sintra train station to the Pena Palace up a grueling, windy hill. So, to avoid that unenjoyable journey in the summer heat and wasting your precious time, hop on the 434 Bus Sintra !

It starts at the Sintra train station, drives through Sintra’s historic center, and takes you up the windy road to the top of the hill where you’ll hop out and walk past the dozens of tourists looking for a place to park their rental car (they usually end up driving back down the hill, parking in the historic center, then jumping on the bus anyway)!

From here, you’ll only be a few minutes walk to the Pena Palace and just a few more to the Castle of the Moors.

If you want to visit the Monserrate Palace as we included on the above itinerary, you’ll need to get on the 435 Sintra Bus from the Sintra train station.

✔️ Pro Tip: Keep in mind that these buses operate on a one-way loop, so you will need to get on the early morning 434 bus if you plan on following the above itinerary!

To include both the Monserrate Palace and the Cabo da Roca, your best option will be to hire a day trip guide via one of the tours I have suggested below.

Where to Stay on a Sintra Day Trip

On any Sintra day trip, it’s a good idea to stay close to all the action. Since you’re going to be short on time, you won’t want to waste a lot of that time getting to the palaces and scenic lookouts.

Sintra is covered in UNESCO World Heritage Sites, so if you can swing spending a little extra time there, you should absolutely do it.

I suggest staying near the main town where you’ll have the option of staying in an affordable accommodation close to bars, restaurants, cafes, and shops. You’ll also be nearby the bus and train stations, so you’ll be able to access all of the popular sites quite easily!

Sintra Hotels in the Center of Town

Here are a few of my favorite Sintra hotels:

✔️Tivoli Sintra Hotel

The Tivoli Sintra Hotel is a four-star hotel located in the center of Sintra, close to public transportation. Rooms have air conditioning, which is a must in Portugal’s summer heat.

The onsite Miranda Restaurant offers international cuisine, and the Terrace Bar is the perfect spot to relax after a day of sightseeing. The hotel also arranges a variety of tours including wine tastings, hiking, and even sailing!

Just 1.2 miles from Pena Palace, the Tivoli Sintra Hotel is the perfect place to stay while exploring this historic town.

✔️Penha Longa Resort

The Penha Longa Resort is a luxurious five-star resort located in the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. It features a championship 27-hole golf course, three Michelin-starred restaurants (of the 9 restaurants onsite), and excellent wellness facilities, including a spa and fitness center.

Every guest room has a private balcony with stunning mountain or garden views. There are also three swimming pools onsite, perfect for cooling off in the Portuguese summer heat.

If you’re looking for luxury, comfort, and world-class amenities, the Penha Longa Resort is the place for you.

Sintra is relatively small, so most of the hotels and B&Bs will be located on the narrow cobblestone streets all around the region.

You also have the option of staying just outside of the park entrances , so if you really want to be first in line, then I recommend booking one of these spots. However, they do book up well in advance and can come at a higher price.

You also won’t be as near the town, so once all of the sites close for the evening, there won’t be much to do. You’ll need to take a bus or train back to the town for dinner and to enjoy the evening before taking a return trip back to your accommodation.

This is why I typically recommend staying in the main town, but on one of the more quiet side streets. The neighborhoods in Sintra are pretty safe , so you won’t need to really worry about which area you pick.

I prefer to stay out of the main areas since it can be quite touristy, so if you agree, then a simple spot off the main streets is a good compromise. But, if you do decide to stay as close to the park entrances as possible, then these hotels can get you there!

Sintra Hotels Near the Major Attractions

✔️sintra boutique hotel.

The Sintra Boutique Hotel is a modern and spacious hotel located just 2 kilometers from the famous Pena Palace. The onsite restaurant serves up traditional Portuguese specialties, and the Sintra Natural Park is only 5 minutes away by car.

With Praia Grande Beach being only a 20-minute drive away and the Sintra Train Station being only a 10-minute walk away, you can easily access this hotel without a car. With everything so close by, it’s the perfect place to relax after a day of exploring Sintra!

The villas are beautiful and perfect for exploring this charming town, plus the beds are comfortable and the setting is cozy, making it the ultimate place to stay for your Sintra day trip.

✔️Storytellers Villas

Looking for a charming and intimate accommodation in Sintra? Look no further than Storytellers Villas! This small and cozy hotel is just 1.2 miles away from the famous Pena Palace, and offers guests free WiFi, terrace access, and barbecue facilities.

The accommodations are perfect for travelers looking for a relaxing retreat, and the excellent daily continental breakfast is the perfect way to start your day.

With its close proximity to Quinta da Regaleira, Sintra National Palace, Olga Cadaval Cultural Center, and Sintra Natural History Museum, Storytellers Villas is the perfect place to stay while exploring this historic town on your Sintra day trip.

FAQ: Sintra Day Trip

In this section, I’ll be diving into answering some important questions for your day trip to Sintra!

What is Sintra Known For?

Sintra is well known for its iconic Pena Palace and the surrounding gardens. This grand palace has been vibrantly colored with the colors of Portugal’s flag and is most commonly recognized as one of Portugal’s best attractions!

Sintra, while within close proximity to the ocean, is actually located more inland about 17 kilometers from the coastline. Here, you’ll find lush gardens and dense forestry covered in wildflowers and stunning views around every corner.

The area is also well known for its numerous castles and ancient ruins that have been paired with endless sweeping views everywhere you look! Sintra is one of the most beautiful places to take a day trip in Portugal, so try to squeeze it into your trip if you can.

Is Sintra Worth a Day Trip?

Yes, it is absolutely worth taking a Sintra day trip! It’s 100% worth the effort and I can almost guarantee that you won’t be disappointed.

There is something for everyone here from magical castles, historic old towns, and plenty of blooming gardens to stroll through. Not to mention, you’ll also only be 25 minutes from the Cabo da Roca and 20 minutes from Cascais and Estoril!

Since Sintra is only 40 minutes away from Lisbon via train, there is no reason not to spend at least the day here.

Even if you only have a few days in Lisbon, that is more than enough time to hop on a train and even just spend a few hours in this exciting Portuguese town!

Is One Day Enough for Sintra?

While I normally recommend at least two days in a new city, one day in Sintra is enough . Most of the major sites are within walking distance or a very short tram ride away from one another, so it won’t take you long to get around the town.

That’s what makes taking a Sintra day trip so easy! You’re never far from the next castle or garden, and owing to the town’s small size, you’ll be able to include restaurants and shopping with ease.

For the most part, you’ll likely want to spend time at the iconic Pena Palace, the Castle of the Moors, the Quinta da Regaleira, and spend some time exploring the historic center of town.

If you take your time, all of this will likely take between 6-8 hours , depending on how fast you like to explore. So, one day in Sintra in enough time to include both sightseeing and leisure activities into your day!

Tips for Taking a Sintra Day Trip

If you have not visited Sintra before, I have a few tips that may make your experience go a little bit smoother… especially if you’re coming from Lisbon!

✔️ If you’re taking a Sintra day trip, try to include some time at the westernmost point of Europe – the Cabo da Roca – while you’re there!

It’s only a 25 minute drive (50 minute train ride) away from Sintra and is a bucket list experience that shouldn’t be missed!

✔️ Especially if you’re traveling from Lisbon, you should purchase the Sintra Pass if you plan on entering a lot of attractions.

It includes access to Pena Palace and the Park, the Castle of the Moors, a Lisbon Card, an audio guide of Sintra, and an audio guide of Lisbon! It will also provide discounts on other attractions in Sintra.

✔️ Wear good walking shoes

This one is a must! Sintra is covered in cobblestones, bricks, dirt, and you possibly may even stumble upon some rubble in some parts of the castles.

✔️ If you are coming from a nearby town or city, be sure to get on an early train

The lines start early and the attractions fill up fast, especially in the peak summer months, so you’ll want to be one of the first ones there if you can.

✔️ Take in the history, not just the sights during your Sintra day trip.

This fairytale town is beaming with history, so either take part in a guided tour like the ones I have mentioned below, or read up on the history of the palaces and castles before visiting.

Even if you aren’t a history enthusiast, it will make the whole experience more enjoyable and you may even learn some things you find interesting!

Can You Visit Sintra and Cascais in One Day?

While this depends on how fast you typically like to sightsee, the answer for the most part is yes .

Since Sintra and Cascais are a mere 25-minute bus ride from each other, it’s very easy to combine the two into a day trip from Lisbon.

In Sintra, you’ll find palaces, castles, and gardens, and in Cascais, you’ll find a historic old town and endless beaches. If you are comfortable with spending about an hour at each attraction in Sintra before jumping on the bus to Cascais, then one day will be plenty of time for visiting both.

If you’re planning on including Cascais on your Sintra day trip, be sure to check out the 10 Best Beaches in Cascais !

Can You Do Sintra in Half a Day?

While it is possible to get to and from Sintra from Lisbon in half a day, it’s not recommended . Likewise goes even if you are staying in the town of Sintra, since many of the sights I mentioned above could easily take you half a day on their own, like Pena Palace, for example!

If you only have half a day in Sintra, I recommend getting up bright and early to see the town (even if nothing is open yet), and making your way up to the Pena Palace at least an hour before they open.

This way, you’ll be the first one in the door and depending on how much time you spend there, you may or may not have time leftover to go and see one of the other attractions I mentioned.

They are all worth seeing, but if you only have half a day in Sintra, then it’s best to see the famous Pena Palace and the surrounding town.

Can Sintra be a Day Trip from Lisbon?

Sintra can be a great option for a day trip from Lisbon. Just a short train ride away, Sintra’s fairytale palaces and stunning landscapes provide a delightful contrast to Lisbon’s urban charm.

I will say that many people prefer to spend a whole day exploring the historical wonders, saving the town for a second day, so you may want to keep in mind that Sintra’s enchanting allure might entice you to extend your visit.

Nevertheless, if your schedule is tight, rest assured, many of Sintra’s main attractions can be comfortably visited in a single day. Whether it’s the grand Pena Palace, the Gothic Quinta da Regaleira, or the Moorish Castle, each site holds a unique appeal that makes this day trip utterly worthwhile.

Can I Do Sintra Without a Tour?

Sintra is a town that’s perfectly suited for independent exploration and can definitely be visited without a tour. With public transportation options aplenty and rich heritage sites within walking proximity of each other, you can easily navigate through the town’s enchanting pathways on your own.

Plus, ditching the tour means you can spend as much or as little time as you’d like at each site, soaking in the history and beauty at your own pace.

But remember, if you’re a fan of insider knowledge and prefer a local expert narrating the centuries of history behind these sites, a tour might be a better choice.

How Do You Get Around Sintra Without a Car?

It is definitely possible to get around Sintra without a car. In fact, most tourists avoid renting cars since it can be quite a hassle trying to find parking and navigating small, pedestrian-covered roads.

Most tourists take advantage of the local public transportation options available that make getting around Sintra simple and convenient.

From the local buses to trains leading directly into the center of the town, and plenty of local taxis, there are a variety of ways to get around the city quickly and easily.

Is Sintra a Walkable City?

Yes, Sintra is a very walkable city. With its winding streets and picturesque architecture, it is the perfect place to explore on foot. Whether you want to take a leisurely stroll through the town or see all of the major attractions, you can easily get around Sintra by walking.

I will say that if you’re hoping to take the train on a day trip from Lisbon to Sintra and don’t plan on taking any other means of transportation while you’re in the city, then be sure to wear really good sneakers or walking shoes as most of the city is uphill.

Plus, the distance between the town and Pena Palace is nearly 4 miles (about 6 kilometers) up a windy hill, so this could take you upwards of 90 minutes to complete on its own (one way!)

If you only have one day in Sintra, then plan on taking advantage of some local transportation to get between the major sites, or plan on renting bikes at the very least.

How Much Does it Cost Per Day in Sintra?

The palace is quite affordable, especially if you decide to purchase the Sintra Pass and your Sintra tickets online in advance. When it comes to things like accommodations, meals, attractions, and travel needs, I have provided you with a breakdown below.

Of course, these are only averages and may change depending on the season, day of the week, and other factors.

Accommodations

Budget Hostel : €37-50 Mid-Range Hotel : €90-120 Luxury Hotel : €200-315+

Sit-Down Restaurant in Sintra : €35-45 for two people Fast Food : €6-8 per person Budget Lunch at a Restaurant : €8-10 per person

Attractions

Pena Palace and the Parque de Pena : €12.50-14 / €49 (child/senior/adult) / family pass (2 adults + 2 kids) Castle of the Moors : €6.50-8 / €26 (child/senior/adult) / family pass (2 adults + 2 kids) Monserrate Palace : €6.50-8 / €26 (child/senior/adult) / family pass (2 adults + 2 kids) National Palace of Sintra : €8.50-10 / €33 (child/senior/adult) / family pass (2 adults + 2 kids) Quinta da Regaleira : €8-15 (child/senior/adult)

Transportation

Lisbon to Sintra by Train : €2.25 single ticket Cascais to Sintra Bus : €1-6 343 Bus to Pena Palace : €3.90

What to Pack for a Sintra Day Trip

Even if you’re only planning on spending a day or two in Sintra, and regardless if you’re coming from nearby Lisbon or are actually staying in the town, there is a list of items I would highly suggest bringing with you while you’re out exploring.

First, a good day backpack is essential. Sintra is covered in ancient ruins, medieval palaces, and endless romantic gardens, so you’re probably going to be upset if you’re trying to carry all of the following items individually.

It’s also a great place to store your wallet and any other important travel documents if you don’t trust leaving them in your accommodation while you’re taking the Sintra day trip.

I personally use and love the Osprey Fairview 40l backpack since it has plenty of pockets, is made of super durable and lightweight material, and has a shoulder and waist strap to keep all the weight distributed evenly. They also have a version for men called the Osprey Farpoint 40l !

Second, a reusable water bottle with a filter will save you a lot of money. When you’re out in the hot sun roaming around numerous palaces and ruins, you’re going to get dehydrated. Save your money on the expensive tourist water bottles (and do your part to save the planet), and instead just bring along a reusable water bottle!

I personally use the LifeStraw Go Water Bottle since it has a 2-step filtering process. I’ve used it all over the world and have never gotten sick drinking from hotel taps, streams, etc.

Third, if you’re using your phone as your primary camera, I really recommend packing a spare portable battery pack .

I use this one from Amazon, and I’ve had it for 2+ years and it still has a long battery life and can charge my phone from nearly dead to full in about 75-90 minutes! I love it, and it always comes with me whenever I travel.

Fourth, snacks are always essential . If you’re in the middle of strolling the halls of Monserrate Palace, you’re not going to want to leave to go get lunch. Have some snacks in your bag to hold you over until an early dinner! I also suggest eating a hearty breakfast before you set out for the day.

Lastly, bring an extra warm layer with you . Even in the summers in Portugal, the temperature can drop a good bit once the sun goes down. I recommend a light sweater or rain jacket to have with you, just in case.

Which is Better Sintra or Cascais?

This will entirely depend on you and what you like to see and do when you travel. Sintra and Cascais, though very close to one another, are entirely different towns and boast completely different sites and attractions.

A day trip to Cascais from Lisbon typically includes hikes along the rugged Portuguese coastline, basking in the sun on one of the dozens of white sand beaches, then enjoying seafood tapas and wine at one of the many streetside cafes and restaurants in the historic old town.

On the contrary, a Sintra day trip is likely to include visits to numerous palaces and castles, learning about the history of the ancient ruins of the region, and enjoying scenic views over dense forestry and endless blooming gardens.

So, if you enjoy relaxing on beautiful beaches, swimming in the ocean, then treating yourself to a relaxed evening in Europe with a few glasses of wine, I think you will enjoy Cascais more.

But, if you enjoy medieval ruins, gothic architecture, and ancient palaces with history surrounding Portuguese royals and famous battles, then Sintra will likely be more your style.

Can I use a Viva Viagem Card to Sintra?

Yes, you can definitely use a Viva Viagem card to get to Sintra . The Viva Viagem card has a chip in it, making it easy and efficient to buy any single journey or roundtrip ticket on public transportation in Portugal.

Just remember that the card is only valid for one person and it lasts for one year from the date of purchase. The cost of the card is only $0.50, so it’s absolutely worth it to get one for your Lisbon to Sintra day trip!

Should I Get a Lisboa Card to Go to Sintra?

Yes, if you’ll be spending time in both Lisbon and Sintra, definitely get a Lisboa Card! It offers unlimited access to various public transportation options, including trains, buses, and trams across Portugal for up to 24, 48, or 72 hours, depending on the pass you choose.

The Lisboa Card also gives you free or discounted access to many popular attractions in both Lisbon and Sintra, including 20% off at Quinta da Regaleira and 15% off at the Castle of the Moors!

Buying the Lisboa Card can be a great way to save money while exploring these two amazing cities. Just be sure to plan out your itinerary carefully so that you can make the most of your Lisboa Card during your visit.

If you don’t plan on taking public transportation and don’t have much interest in seeing the popular museums or palaces, then it likely isn’t going to be a good fit for you.

What is the Best Day to Go to Sintra?

In our opinion, the best day to go to Sintra is mid-week . Even in the peak season months of June through August, you’ll still get a small break from the tourists if you opt to visit during the middle of the week versus on the weekends.

We also recommend visiting Sintra as early as possible… early mornings are best to avoid the massive crowds, especially at the popular Pena Palace. Arrive by 8:00AM, if possible, to enjoy beautiful views, find parking, and be the first in line.

The Palace and surrounding museums typically don’t open until around 10:00AM, but you can capture some incredible, tourist-free photos of the palace and surrounding gardens if you arrive early!

Best Sintra Day Tours from Lisbon

If you aren’t planning on driving yourself around Sintra and you aren’t interested in organizing bus and train tickets to meet your schedule needs, then perhaps consider booking one of these top Sintra Tours !

By clicking on a Sintra tour from Lisbon below, you’ll be informed of exactly what’s included and what you can expect the day’s itinerary to look like.

To make things super easy, two of the below tours include free pick up and drop off at your Lisbon accommodation, and the other includes pick up in the city center of Lisbon!

✔️ Pro Tip: This is by far the easiest , no-hassle way of taking a Sintra day trip if you’re short on time or want to relax on your vacation and not have to worry about much planning. Some of these may be small group tours, while others may be rather open to a big group. You also have the option of checking out

✔️Sintra and Cascais Small Group Tour from Lisbon

• about 9 hours in duration
• Multi-Language Driver & Guide
• Live on-board commentary
• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Lisbon
• Transport by air-conditioned minivan
• Visits to the Park and National Palace of Pena, the Sintra National Palace (Palácio Nacional de Sintra), Cabo da Roca, and the historic center of Cascais
• Pass by the town of Estoril and the Boca do Inferno

✔️Private Day tour with private Guide – Palaces of Sintra & Gardens

• 8 hours in duration
• Hotel pick up and drop off from Lisbon included
• Light refreshments
• Visits to Park and National Palace of Pena, Quinta da Regaleira, and Cabo da Roca

Sintra Half Day Tours

Perhaps you only have a few hours or a half day to spare on your visit to Sintra, don’t fret! These Sintra half-day tours pack a ton of information and sights into a short amount of time, so you won’t miss out on too much.

Of course, you’ll always get to see and learn more if you have more time, but this is a great way to see and do all the big stuff while you are in Sintra!

✔️Private Tour of Sintra, Palaces, and Cabo da Roca

• 2-3 hours in duration
• Visits the Sintra National Palace, Castelo dos Mouros, Park and National Palace of Pena, Quinta da Regaleira, and the Farol do Cabo da Roca (Cabo da Roca Lighthouse)
• Bottled water is provided

✔️Sintra All Palaces Sight-Seeing Private Tour

• 2 hours in duration
• Visits either the place or viewpoint of Park and National Palace of Pena, Castelo dos Mouros, Quinta da Regaleira, Sintra National Palace, Parque e Palacio de Monserrate
• Private transportation is included

Other Helpful Portugal Resources

One Day in Lisbon: The Perfect Guide to Exploring Lisbon for a Day One Day in Porto: The Perfect 24 Hours in Porto 21 Best Portugal Packing List Items for 2023: What to Wear in Portugal Is Lisbon Safe? 21+ Tips for Staying Safe in Lisbon Portugal 9 Top-Rated Wine Tours from Porto 11 BEST Porto Boat Tours in 2023 The Complete Guide to the Supermarkets in Lisbon The Beautiful National Symbols of Portugal: Bird, Animal, Tree, Flower, Fish, & More! Does it Snow in Portugal? The Complete Guide 19 Mindblowing Hotels in Lisbon with Rooftop Pools Lagos in December: Why Lagos, Portugal is the Best European Winter Destination 9 BEST Lagos Kayak Tours to Experience in 2023 11 Incredible Lisbon Boat Tours for Your Trip to Portugal Is Algarve Safe? Top Safety Tips for Algarve in 2024

I hope this guide has answered all of your questions surrounding Sintra and that I have convinced you to enjoy at least a few hours in this incredible Portuguese town!

Sintra, Portugal is home to some of the most highly sought after attractions in both Portugal and Europe. From the medieval steps leading into the Castle of the Moors and the hidden staircase found deep within a well at the Quinta da Regaleira to the elegant facades at the National Palace, Sintra is a world-renowned destination for all!

The iconic Pena Palace also dominates the region and can be seen from miles around making it one of the best things to include on your Sintra day trip .

3 Best Hidden Gems in Portugal!

Want to escape the city of Lisbon and get off the beaten path? Me too!

​ Check out this ultimate guide where I tell you all about the best hidden gems in Portugal – from the beaches in Cascais to the vineyards of the Douro Valley… and more!

If you’re planning your Portugal vacation and don’t know where to start, this guide will get you exploring this vibrant country like a local!

Hey there! I'm Emily Concannon, a seasoned globetrotter who has backpacked her way across over a dozen European countries, immersing myself in the diverse cultures, languages, and cuisines of the region.

My passion for travel transcends personal experiences; I've spent years learning how to transform my globetrotting knowledge into personalized itineraries for fellow travelers worldwide.

With a tally of 26 countries (and counting!) under my belt, my day job involves extensive research on different countries which often leads me to booking a new adventure every chance I get!

How to Take the Perfect Lisbon to Sintra Day Trip (+ Tips for Visiting!)

On our very first trip to Portugal, taking a day trip to Sintra from Lisbon–and specifically, seeing the colorful Pena Palace–was the highest priority on our bucket list.

Ever since, we’ve remembered the glistening view of Pena Palace from the Cruz Alta viewpoint, perched improbably on its hill in the distance (scroll up for a peak at that) as one of the most memorable viewpoints in Portugal–and at this point, after living in Lisbon for more than a year, we have seen a lot of Portugal!

Many, many Sintra day trips after that first one, it’s safe to say we’ve seen virtually all sides of the town that is the most popular day trip from Lisbon.

If you’re planning a day trip to Sintra from Lisbon but are a bit confused about the logistics, from whether to book a tour to exactly how many castles and palaces it’s realistic to see in one day (hint: probably fewer than you think), this Sintra day trip guide has you covered.

This is the Sintra travel guide we wish we would have had years ago on our own first day trip to Sintra, and our hope is that it helps your one day in Sintra become as memorable as our first trip was.

Here’s everything you need to know about planning a Sintra day trip from Lisbon!

Table of Contents

Do you need a tour to visit Sintra from Lisbon?

How to travel from lisbon to sintra (and back), the best things to do in sintra in one day, 3 example one day sintra itineraries, getting around during a day trip to sintra, should you spend more than one day in sintra, tips for taking a sintra day trip from lisbon, faq for visiting sintra from lisbon, read more about visiting lisbon + portugal.

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As you sketch out your Sintra day trip, you’re likely asking yourself a very common question: is it better to book an organized day trip like this (easily one of the most popular, if not the most popular, day trips in the country) or to travel independently?

And the answer is: it depends!

There are very good reasons to book a day trip to Sintra, and plenty of compelling reasons to go it alone as, well.

The pros of taking a tour are simple: as the palaces in Sintra are far enough apart that you can’t walk between most of them, parking is very tricky, and waiting in line for the bus is a hassle, it saves you time and allows you to see more.

It also allows you to visit spots that are a bit further out, like Cabo da Roca, in the most efficient way possible.

The cons are simple too: with so many stops to make, you won’t have much time to linger.

If you’d rather travel independently, you can absolutely do that as well, though we recommend nabbing your  tickets for Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira , at a minimum, in advance.

If you do choose to book a tour…

… keep in mind that different tours cater to different focuses on Sintra!

This popular day trip (reviewed over 6,000 times and counting), for example, only includes one palace (Pena Palace), but also includes visits to Sintra’s town center, Cabo da Roca, and Cascais .

Meanwhile, this tour visits both Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira but skips Cabo da Roca in order to build in enough time to visit both palaces.

As you’ll see throughout this guide, whether you book a tour or visit independently, designing a one day Sintra itinerary is all about making hard choices: it’s simply impossible to see it all!

Book your Sintra day trip today!

Prefer a private tour?

Want to enjoy the best of both worlds, combining complete control over your schedule with incredibly simple transportation?

If so, a private tour of Sintra like this may be right for you!

While a bit pricier than a group trip, note that most private Sintra day tours charge per group or 2 or 3, rather than per person, making the cost more similar than you might think at first glance.

A private tour also gives you the opportunity to change your schedule on the fly, meaning that you’ll spend far less time watching the clock than on a group tour or independent day trip.

Book your private day trip to Sintra today!

When traveling from Lisbon to Sintra independently, by far the easiest method is to take the train.

Trains depart every 40 minutes or so (more frequently during weekday rush hour) from Rossio Station, which is located in the heart of Lisbon’s tourism district–virtually around the corner from Rossio Square in Baixa.

It takes about 40 minutes to arrive in Sintra, and when you do, you’ll be within an easy walk of stops for both of Sintra’s main bus routes that head to the palaces (more on that in the “getting around Sintra” section later).

Train tickets are inexpensive and easy to purchase at the counter in the train station, but if you happen to have a Lisbon Card , it covers your train tickets (though it needs to be activated before it can be used!).

Note that the Lisbon Card no longer covers entrance to any of the palaces.

When traveling from Sintra to Lisbon, the train is just as consistent–however, it necessitates getting back to the Sintra train station at the end of your day trip, which will undoubtedly be a bit of a haul from your last sightseeing stop.

Alternatively, Uber operates within Sintra, and it’s easy to call for a ride back to Lisbon.

In theory, it takes about 30-40 minutes to drive from Sintra to central Lisbon, but with traffic, it realistically tends to take closer to 45-55 minutes or so.

The one method of transportation you should not entertain when visiting Sintra for the day?

Driving yourself!

Parking is extremely limited in Sintra (even more than a few years ago), and on top of that, driving around the palaces and town center is a congested experience.

While there are many wonderful things to do in Sintra, we’ve focused this section on the best Sintra attractions to visit on a day trip.

Unfortunately, the reality is that even this abridged list is made up of too many things to see in Sintra in one day–aiming to enjoy 2-3 of them makes for a full, but still realistic, day trip.

We’ll cover a few more things to do in Sintra (which includes some of our offbeat favorites!) in the “should you spend more than one day in Sintra” section later on.

For now, here are the best places to visit in Sintra in one day!

Marvel at the vibrant Pena Palace.

If there is a crown jewel of Sintra, it’s undoubtedly Pena Palace.

Seeing a photo of the vibrant and whimsical Pena Palace was one of my first glimpses of Portugal, and probably one of yours, too!

Restored by the royal family in the 19th century on the site of a former monastery, Pena Palace is known for its views (don’t miss the Cruz Alta viewpoint or the palaces’ terraces), its expansive grounds, and its beautiful interior.

Pena Palace is actually technically called the Pena Palace and Park, thanks to just how expansive the grounds are, and how much there is to see on them (including the Chalet and Garden of the Countess of Edla).

Note that while you can opt for a cheaper ticket to only access the park, rather than the park and palace, that cheaper ticket does not include the palace terraces (the ticket structure used to be different, so there is some confusion online).

If you want to have access to the terraces (and you do), opt for the full park and palace ticket –and be sure not to miss your timed entrance to view the interior, if you plan to step inside!

Book tickets to visit Pena Palace and Park today!

Patrol the walls of the Castle of the Moors.

Dating to the 8th century, the Castle of the Moors (also called the Moorish Castle) is the oldest of the castles of Sintra.

And, despite the fact that all of the city’s palaces are sometimes referred to as Sintra’s castles, the Castle of the Moors is the only one that served a traditional fortification purpose, acting as a defense system for the surrounding area during Portugal’s Islamic period.

Today, the Castle of the Moors is best known for its series of battlements that offer some of the absolute best views in Sintra–which makes perfect sense, when you remember that being able to see as far as possible was a major purpose of the construction!

The Moorish Castle also has the distinction of being a reasonable walk downhill from Pena Palace, making combining the two one of the easiest ways to structure a day trip to Sintra.

Book tickets to visit the Castle of the Moors today!

Enjoy the whimsical grounds of Quinta da Regaleira.

If you’ve seen one photo of Quinta da Regaleira , it’s probably of the famous Initiation Well (of which there are actually two!).

And, if you’ve seen that photo, you’re no doubt intrigued by the idea of seeing it!

Quinta da Regaleira is (in today’s form) the brainchild of the wealthy Carvalho Monteiro and Italian architect Luigi Manini, who was responsible for transforming the property into Monteiro’s whimsical vision in the early 20th century.

Visiting the grounds of Quinta da Regaleira is a bit like falling down the proverbial rabbit hole, so to speak.

There are tree-lined paths, caves, grottos, waterfalls, flowers, towers to climb, and wells to descend into.

Plus, of course, a palace to tour (though to be perfectly honest, the interior paled in comparison to the grounds for us).

Book tickets to visit Quinta da Regaleira today!

Admire the azulejos of the Sintra National Palace.

Restored and expanded continually for hundreds of years, the Sintra National Palace is one of the (slightly) lesser-known palaces of Sintra.

The home of the Portuguese royal family at various points, the Sintra National Palace lacks the extreme views offered at Pena Palace or the Castle of the Moors, and the whimsy of Quinta da Regaleira.

In exchange, though, it offers one of the best interiors of any palace in Sintra, as well as one of the longest histories.

It’s also known for its traditional azulejos , so iconic in Portuguese culture.

The Sintra National Palace is also the closest palace to Sintra’s town center, making it one of the easier destinations to add on when trying to optimize your Sintra itinerary.

Book tickets to visit the Sintra National Palace today!

Pay a visit to Sintra’s historic center and taste traditional pastries.

Not all day trips to Sintra will leave you enough time to meander through the town center–but if yours does, it’s worth a quick look!

The entire town of Sintra is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it has all the markings of a resort-town-turned-tourist enclave: meandering streets, small shops selling Portuguese souvenirs , and many restaurants.

… Plus, this being Portugal, plenty of pastry shops!

Sintra, specifically, is known for two pastries: the travesseiro  and queijada de Sintra .

Like so many Portuguese desserts, including the iconic pastel de nata , egg yolks, sugar, and pastry dough feature prominently in a travesseiro , while the queijada de Sintra steps outside the box a bit and features sweet cheese.

To sample them from the most iconic bakeries, head to Casa Piriquita and Queijadas da Sapa (known for queijadas ).

Step off the beaten path at the Palace of Monserrate.

Built in the mid-19th century on the site of a former palace of the same name, Monserrate Palace is one of Sintra’s most off-the-beaten-path palaces… and one of my favorites.

Steeped in Romanticism from every angle, the architecture is unique, the interior worth a tour, and the grounds magnificent.

Don’t miss the Chapel Ruin when exploring the grounds!

Ethereal and otherworldly, it took me right back to visiting Angkor Wat halfway across the world and is one of my personal favorite spots in Sintra.

The upside of visiting Monserrate–other than its many charms–is that it tends to be much less crowded than the most popular palaces.

The downside is that there’s a reason for that: as the palace furthest away from Sintra’s town center of those covered in this section of our guide, it’s a bit more of a commitment to get to.

If you’d like to visit, it’s most easily paired with Quinta da Regaleira.

Book tickets to visit Monserrate Palace today!

Soak in stunning views at Cabo da Roca.

Long believed to be the westernmost point of mainland Europe, and now simply a stunning viewpoint, Cabo da Roca boasts some of the best views of the Portuguese coast that you can find close to Lisbon!

We love this viewpoint and have visited several times, but it’s located about 30 minutes by car from most of the palaces (on the western edge of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, as opposed to the eastern side where you’ll find Sintra’s town center).

For reasons of time, most travelers day-tripping to Sintra from Lisbon will only visit Cabo da Roca if they book a guided tour , though the bus system (Route 403) does technically head out there.

If your trip to Portugal doesn’t include time in the Algarve, we’d recommend placing Cabo da Roca a bit higher on your priority list than if, say, you’re headed to Lagos after Lisbon.

It doesn’t necessarily need to be from this spot, but admiring the sparkling sea from the perch of a cliff should definitely be on your Portugal bucket list!

There are two unavoidable realities when it comes to planning a one day Sintra itinerary: first, the bad news, which is you can’t see (even close to) everything.

But here’s the good news: each and every palace is unique and beautiful, and whichever you decide to visit–even if it’s only one of them–you’ll have a wonderful day and feel like you got a solid taste of what it’s like to visit Sintra.

That being said, here are a few recommended one day Sintra itineraries, structured based on organizing your day geographically.

Ultimately, any combination of 2 places to visit is reasonable, and for speedy sightseers who get an early start, 3 is doable.

When recommending an itinerary for one day in Sintra to friends and family, though, we would tend to suggest combining:

Pena Palace + Quinta da Regaleira + Cascais

One of the most classic Sintra itineraries, popular with guided tours like this who want to show travelers a little bit of everything.

Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira are the most popular palaces in Sintra, and they also simultaneously take the longest to see of the palaces and are situated more or less across town from each other.

For that reason, while you certainly can visit both in one day independently, an organized day trip is extremely helpful for managing your day with this itinerary ( especially if you’re visiting during high season when the buses get backed up).

Book your day trip to Sintra today!

Pena Palace + Castle of the Moors + Sintra Town Center

Perfect for travelers who want to soak up the views, Pena Palace and the Castle of the Moors are conveniently located within walking distance of each other (cutting down on bus time and waiting time).

Note that Pena Palace is often more crowded in the mornings (since everyone rushes there), so you can try to balance the crowds by starting with the Castle of the Moors.

That being said, you’ll then be walking uphill to Pena Palace, rather than downhill–so there are definite pros and cons to each strategy!

If your goal is to see as many palaces as possible, you might be able to squeeze in the Sintra National Palace here–but if you do, I’d skip touring the inside of Pena Palace to save time.

Monserrate Palace + Quinta da Regaleira

More interested in whimsical gardens and getting a little breathing room from the crowds than seeing the iconic Pena Palace?

If so, skipping the crowded 434 bus entirely and opting to visit Monserrate Palace and Quinta da Regaleira might be right for you!

Start at Monserrate Palace, enjoying the relatively small and peaceful interior, and the expansive gardens, before heading to Quinta da Regaleira.

Keep in mind that while the two palaces look close on the map, they’re about a 45-minute walk along a narrow road from each other, so skip the walk and hop on the bus!

Once you arrive in Sintra and choose which palaces to visit, you’re not done deciding how to get around!

Sadly, you can’t walk everywhere in Sintra, due to the distance between the palaces (the steep hills, crowds, and traffic don’t make it any more appealing to try, either).

Driving is not a good option in Sintra, either: traffic is heavy and parking is extremely limited.

During the summer high season, the road leading to Pena Palace is even closed to car traffic entirely!

Instead, opt for one (or more) of these options to navigate during your Sintra day trip.

Sintra has a handful of bus routes that are targeted specifically at tourists visiting the palaces, and are therefore easy to find (they stop near the train station) and use.

For independent travelers, this is generally the most popular way to get around Sintra.

The most popular is Route 434, which travels to Pena Palace, the Castle of the Moors, and Sintra Vila (the historic center).

You also access the Sintra National Palace from this route.

A smaller bus operates on Route 435, which heads to Quinta da Regaleira and Monserrate Palace.

You can see a map of these routes here , and purchase hop-on/hop-off tickets either at the ticket office across from the train station or from the driver.

These buses can get very crowded, so be prepared for long lines, traffic delays, and standing-room-only levels of crowds.

If you plan to visit Cabo da Roca via public transportation, Route 403 is the bus to look for.

Don’t want to navigate via bus routes?

Grabbing a taxi or Uber is another useful option–with one caveat.

Due to traffic restrictions, and traffic in general, they may not be able to drop you as close to the palaces as you would prefer (especially the most popular ones, like Pena Palace).

In recent years, tuk-tuks have become very popular with visitors hoping to get around Sintra more efficiently than via car (thanks to their small size) and more comfortably than via bus.

However, tuk-tuks are also undoubtedly the most expensive option for getting around Sintra as well.

If you opt to use one, be sure to negotiate the price very clearly before hopping in!

Overwhelmed looking at just how many things to do in Sintra there are, and wondering if you should spend more than one day in town?

You’re not alone!

The easy answer to the question is yes, of course–spending 2-3 days in Sintra is ideal, and will allow you to sample all the best things to do in Sintra in a day, and get off the beaten path, as well.

Attractions like the Capuchin Convent, Praia da Ursa (arguably one of the most picturesque beaches in Portugal), Villa Sassetti, and the Queluz National Palace (one of my favorites around town, and we had it almost to ourselves when we visited), are absolutely worth your time.

Plus, the chance to spend time in the town center and enjoy the most popular palaces at your leisure instead of constantly checking the clock is tempting, too!

Of course, the reality is that most travelers have very limited time to work with on their trip, which is why our recommended 10 day Portugal itinerary only includes one day in Sintra.

If you have 2 weeks or more in the country and Sintra is toward the top of your bucket list, I’d absolutely consider adding another day.

If you aren’t sure it appeals to you as much as some of the other incredible places to visit near Lisbon (just a few of my favorites include Cascais , Evora , Obidos , and the UNESCO monasteries of Batalha and Alcobaca), it’s safe to say that you can see enough of Sintra in one day to opt to stick with a day trip, too.

Get an early start (or stay late).

Sintra is beautiful, but it’s also ridiculously popular… and ridiculously crowded.

During the summer especially, crowds can reach theme-park levels, with what feels like lineups around every corner.

The more you can opt to avoid peak times in the middle of the day, the more relaxed your day trip to Sintra will be!

Don’t bite off more than you can chew.

Tempting as it can be to squeeze in just one more palace, the more time you have at each, the better!

Personally, we never visit more than 2 palaces in one day, and don’t think there’s anything wrong with a Sintra day trip that only features one, as long as you pick the one you’re most excited about!

For speedy and ambitious travelers, 3 is doable in one day, though you won’t have much time to linger in any one spot.

Not having time to see it all is frustrating, but then again, so is having to cut each visit short and miss cool features of the properties!

Be picky about which palaces you step inside.

With only one day in Sintra, you’ll need to be very picky about which palaces you visit–including when to go inside!

Sintra’s most popular palaces, Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira, are known for being interesting enough on the inside… but the exteriors are where they truly shine!

Despite paying for an entrance ticket (if you’re traveling independently) to one or both of these palaces, make it a separate decision whether or not to eat up precious time on your Sintra day trip going inside.

The answer is different for everyone, but having been inside both, I can confirm that as far as we’re concerned, the exteriors (and grounds) are the best parts.

For Pena Palace, note that you do need a combined Pena Palace and Park ticket to access the palaces’ terraces (which are incredible).

This is a new rule as of a couple of years ago (previously, a cheaper park-only ticket allowed you access to the terraces), so be sure to purchase the right one!

Wondering which of the Sintra palaces has the best interior?

Generally, the Sintra National Palace, with its many azulejos , is considered to hold the honor, and Pena Palace and Monserrate have their high points, too.

Be aware of the potential for motion sickness.

Sintra’s famous hills have a side effect: the roads are very windy, and thanks to the many trees (and stone walls) lining them, they don’t tend to have great sight lines, either.

Add in stop-and-go traffic, and, well… let’s just say the bus or car journey to the palaces isn’t the most fun part of the day.

If you have a tendency to get motion sick like I do, consider coming prepared with your usual remedies (I opt for Sea Bands , and non-drowsy Dramamine in a pinch).

Keep an eye on the bus schedule as you explore.

This goes for whether you’re keeping an eye out for your tour bus or for one of the public buses available to tourists in Sintra!

Whichever transportation option you choose, unless you’re on a private tour , a big part of taking a Sintra day trip is time management.

This is especially important because, given their expansive grounds, the drop-off points for various palaces and the places you’ll actually spend the bulk of your time are not necessarily right next door to each other.

As you walk into the grounds of a given palace, keep an eye on your watch to know how much time to allot on the walk back!

Be very careful when walking between palaces in Sintra!

While several of the Sintra palaces are technically within walking distance of each other, and you’ll probably want to walk between a couple of them, be sure to keep your eyes on the road!

The roads through Sintra have a tendency to be narrow, lined with stone walls, and to not leave a lot of room for pedestrians.

While people safely walk there every day, it’s not exactly a relaxing experience with tuk-tuks, buses, and cars going by, so be cautious!

Be prepared to be on your feet most of the day.

Between climbing hills and climbing staircases, you’ll get quite a workout on a standard day trip to Sintra!

This isn’t a time for casual sandals or anything with a heel: be sure to wear shoes you’re comfortable walking and standing in all day!

Sintra’s palaces are further apart than you think.

When you hear “small city in Portugal”, you’d be forgiven for assuming that many of its top attractions are within walking distance of each other–but in Sintra, that’s far from the case!

With a couple of exceptions, like walking downhill from Pena Palace to the Castle of the Moors, and walking from Quinta da Regaleira to Sintra National Palace, you’ll need to hop in a vehicle (bus, taxi, or tuk-tuk) between each palace.

The biggest limiting factor to this–other than the traffic–is that it eats into your limited time visiting Sintra.

Keep in mind that Sintra’s most famous attractions are newer than you might think.

It doesn’t make much of a difference in their whimsical nature or beauty, but it’s worth keeping in mind that several of Sintra’s most famous features are newer–and some are less royally connected–than you might think!

With the exception of the Castle of the Moors (built in the 8th and 9th centuries, indisputably the most historic of them all), none of Sintra’s castles are exactly, well, castles, either.

The bulk of the Sintra “castles” that we visit today are vacation homes of the wealthy built during the Romantic Era of the 1800s–which is, of course, exactly why they are so whimsical!

They did tend to be built on the grounds of older buildings (hence the Chapel Ruin, for example), but the iconic facades themselves aren’t particularly old.

Plan your Sintra day trip for a clear day if you can.

One of the best parts about visiting Sintra–particularly Pena Palace, Pena Park, and the Moorish Castle–is the views!

On a clear day, you can see all the way to the sea.

While spending one day in Sintra can be very rewarding on a cloudy day too (and the smaller crowds are a big perk!), it’s definitely worth prioritizing visiting on a day when the views are at their best.

Avoid weekends (and cruise ship days) when possible.

Whether we’re talking about international visitors on weekend getaways, locals, or travelers coming in on cruise ships, Sintra is a ridiculously popular place to visit.

While this is understandable, it does mean that it’s best to avoid weekend days if you can!

Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday tend to be the least crowded days to visit Sintra (though don’t confuse this with being uncrowded , unless you choose to head out on a rainy day in February).

In addition to picking the day of the week, you may want to check your schedule against Lisbon’s cruise ship arrivals –if you can opt to visit on a day when fewer (or smaller) ships are in port, your day trip to Sintra will be easier for it.

How much time is enough for Sintra?

To have a chance to enjoy all of the cool things to do in Sintra, from touring the many palaces to enjoying the area’s natural beauty, a 2-3 day visit is ideal.

However, for most people planning a trip to Portugal, taking a day trip to Sintra from Lisbon is more realistic, and it’s definitely enough time to make visiting Sintra worth the (relatively short) journey from the capital!

How long does it take to travel to Sintra from Lisbon?

It takes about 40 minutes each way to travel between Sintra and Lisbon (Rossio Station) by train.

By car, the route is theoretically about the same or a little faster, but in reality, driving often takes longer due to traffic.

Can you do Sintra in half a day?

While you won’t see a ton in half a day–in fact, for an independent traveler, we’d recommend only visiting one palace on a half-day trip to Sintra–it can definitely be worth the effort!

Many organized day trips, including this popular one , don’t actually spend all day in Sintra, instead combining it with a visit to Cascais and/or Cabo da Roca (technically part of Sintra, but far from its center).

While more time is virtually always better when it comes to appreciating a travel destination, if you only have a half-day to visit Sintra and are dreaming of seeing it, you won’t regret making the effort to go.

What are the best places to visit in Sintra?

The two most popular palaces to visit in Sintra are Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira, and they’re both worth your time.

For travelers seeking views, the Castle of the Moors is excellent.

For those wanting the best palace interior, head to the Sintra National Palace.

And to escape the crowds, Monserrate Palace or Queluz National Palace (far out of the way but very uncrowded) have a lot to offer.

What are the least crowded palaces in Sintra?

Of Sintra’s five most famous and centrally located palaces, the Sintra National Palace and Monserrate Palace tend to draw the smallest crowds.

Can you walk everywhere in Sintra?

No, you can’t realistically walk everywhere when visiting Sintra for a day.

Plan to use the bus, taxi/Uber, and/or tuk-tuk services in addition to walking.

Is Sintra worth visiting?

As one of the most famous and unique places to visit in Portugal, Sintra is worth visiting!

However, that does come with a caveat: Sintra’s popularity and proximity to Lisbon make it very crowded, and while it is a very worthwhile day trip from Lisbon, it’s not the only one.

If you have a low tolerance for crowds and little patience for lines/queues, you may prefer to peruse some of the other incredible day trips from Lisbon , which range from palaces with more elbow room to beach towns to ossuaries to monasteries and beyond!

In other words, a Sintra day trip from Lisbon is delightful, but if it’s not right for you, you certainly don’t have to visit Sintra in order to enjoy a very rewarding trip to Portugal.

Planning a trip to Portugal soon and want to keep reading?

You can browse our many Portugal blog posts here , or check out these guides:

• 21+ Hidden Gems in Lisbon: Secret Spots + Offbeat Treasures
• The Ultimate 3 Days in Lisbon Itinerary
• The Perfect 10 Days in Portugal Itinerary (+ Travel Tips!)
• 15 Exciting Things to Do in Evora, Portugal (+ Nearby!)
• The Perfect One Day in Porto Itinerary (+ Tips!)

About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

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Visiting Sintra, Portugal: What to See & Itinerary for 1, 2, or 3 Days

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: December 13, 2023

Fairytale-like Sintra is a popular day trip from Lisbon, but there is so much to see and do in and near Sintra that you can easily spend a week in the area.

In this post, we share  our best suggestions for what to see in Sintra and Sintra itinerary for one, two, or three days . We also include practical tips to help you plan your trip to one of the most visited places in Portugal.

We spent two days in Sintra during our  10 day road trip in Portugal , and could have easily spent one more. On the other hand, two days was enough time to see the main landmarks of Sintra.

If you want to visit the very best places in Sintra, one day is really short. I advise you to come for two or three days and spend one or two nights in Sintra. But don’t despair if you have just one day in Sintra. You can still see a lot. Find out!

Sintra itinerary – OVERVIEW

• 1 day in Sintra
• 2 days in Sintra
• 3 days in Sintra
• Practical information for visiting Sintra

How to See the Best of Sintra in One Day

Visiting Sintra is one of the must-do things in Lisbon ! So most people only come here for a day.

If you only have one day to visit Sintra , the best way to do it is by taking a day trip from Lisbon. There are many organized day trips . Alternatively, you can take a train and visit the main Sintra landmarks individually.

You can find more practical information for visiting Sintra below. But first – what to see and do in Sintra in one, two, or three days.

What to do in Sintra in 1 day

If you have one day in Sintra, visit the Pena Palace and the Pena Park, the Moorish Castle, and either the Palace of Sintra (Palacio Nacional de Sintra) or Quinta da Regaleira . Leave some time to explore the old town of Sintra and have a nice dinner at a local restaurant (avoid touristy places!).

I think that Pena Palace and Park, Moorish Castle, and Quinta da Regaleira and its gardens are the three absolute musts in Sintra ! However, depending on how many hours you have and how long the castles stay open, you may only have the time to visit two of them in one day.

The most popular Sintra itinerary for one day includes the visit to Pena Palace with Pena Park and the Moorish Castle. Sometimes also Palacio Nacional de Sintra (in the old town, not to be confused with Palacio da Pena on top of the hill).

In my opinion, however, Sintra National Palace is not as impressive as Quinta da Regaleira. If you have to choose between the Palace of Sintra and Quinta da Regaleira, go for the latter. On the other hand, you need more time to see Quinta, so it really depends on your schedule.

Good to know: Pena Palace now works with a timed entry system, so be sure to get your tickets in advance !

Sintra in one day – suggested itinerary

I advise starting your day in Sintra with a taxi ride to Pena Palace . This colorful castle is located on top of the hill, so it’s best to start here and walk your way downwards towards the town center. You should know that the walk from the entrance to the palace is quite steep, so wear good shoes. Alternatively, you can also opt for a shuttle (but I’d only recommend this for people with mobility issues since the walk is really not that strenuous or long).

After visiting the romantic Pena Palace, you can walk through the beautiful Pena gardens to the lower entrance of the park. Pena Park is huge and you could easily spend half a day here, but even if you don’t have much time, try to at least do this short walk.

TIP: Once again, for Pena Palace, be sure to get timed tickets in advance.

From the lower entrance of Pena Park, it’s just a couple of minutes walking back up the hill to the entrance of the Moorish Castle . However, the actual castle is located pretty far from the main road, so it’s another 10-15 minutes walk before you get there. Also for the Moorish Castle, you can get your tickets online in advance and skip the lines.

When you exit the Moorish Castle after your visit, you will see signs for Sintra historical town center. The walk is well sign-posted, easy to do, and it’s a nice relaxing way to end your day in Sintra. Alternatively, walk back to the main road where you came from, and take a taxi, a bus, or a tuk-tuk.

The above was our Sintra itinerary for the first day. Keep in mind that we arrived rather late since we were driving from Porto that day, and also got stuck in the traffic in Sintra for more than an hour. After checking in at our hotel, we only started sightseeing at around 1.30 PM.

We visited the Pena Palace and Pena Park (however only shortly). After that, we headed to the Moorish Castle, and took the stairs down to the center of Sintra.

We asked our hotel for dinner recommendations and had a really good meal at Restaurante Tulhas, just a bit outside of the main tourist routes.

If we would have had 2-3 hours more, we could have easily added one more castle to our itinerary or spent more time in the gardens of Pena.

TIP: Pack a picnic and spend the whole day on the mountain. Count at least 3 hours for Pena Palace and Pena Park and another 2 hours for the Moorish Castle. It will take you at least half an hour to walk back down to the old town of Sintra. You might still have the time to visit Palacio Nacional in the late afternoon. If you decide to visit Quinta da Regaleira on the same day, make sure that you have at least 2-3 hours for it.

If you want to see more than two major castles of Sintra in one day, make sure to arrive very early and plan to stay till the closing time in the evening. 

TIP: The best way to visit Sintra in just a day is by taking an organized tour from Lisbon.  Half-day tours focus on just the main highlights of Sintra – usually two castles. The most popular day tours include not just Sintra, but also Cabo da Roca and Cascais . You can also opt for a private tour from Lisbon .

READ ALSO: How to see the best of Lisbon in one day & The best day trips and excursions from Lisbon

Sintra Two Day Itinerary

If you have two days in Sintra, in addition to Pena Palace, Pena Park, and the Moorish Castle, you should visit Quinta da Regaleira, Monserrate Palace, and the National Palace of Sintra .

Don’t rush and take your time to discover the beautiful gardens of Pena, Quinta da Regaleira, and Palacio de Monserrate (our personal favorite!).

You don’t need a car to visit any of these places. Only Palacio de Monserrate is a bit further from Sintra, but you can get there by bus or taxi as well.

Three Days in Sintra

If you have three days in Sintra and you have a car, you can visit several more places nearby.

Some suggestions include Convento dos Capuchos , Palacio de Seteais (it’s also a wonderful hotel , so budget permitting, why not stay in this beautiful castle), Vila Sassetti , Santuario da Peninha , and the beautiful coast with Cabo da Roca , Praia da Adraga , etc.

Via the link below, you can find more information about all these places.

READ ALSO: Best Things to Do in Sintra

Practical Information for Visiting Sintra

1. organized half-day and day trips to sintra from lisbon.

Organized Sintra day trips have several advantages: you can see more in less time, you don’t have to queue for the tickets (you can avoid this by buying your tickets online in advance too), and you don’t have to worry about getting from one place to another in Sintra itself.

Entrance tickets to the castles are included in your day trip rate. It’s the best option for those who are short on time or just want to take it easy.

On top of that, many of the organized tours also visit the beautiful coast and Cabo da Roca, and some even Cascais, e.g. this highly-rated popular tour .

2. Sintra day trip from Lisbon by train

If you rather visit Sintra individually, it’s not advisable to come by car. Traffic in and around Sintra is the worst we saw during our 10-day trip in Portugal. You will lose hours in the traffic!

Instead, take a train from Rossio station in Lisbon and you will be in Sintra in less than an hour. Make sure you leave early in the morning so that you have enough time to see at least two main castles of Sintra. Trains run every 10 minutes (in summer) and cost less than 5 EUR return.

Note that the Sintra train station is located far from all the castles and from the old town. You can either take a bus, a tuk-tuk, or a taxi. In my opinion, a taxi is by far the best option. It’s cheap, it has airco, and it’s quick.

Tuk-tuk is fun to do if you are visiting Portugal with kids , but with a family, it’s quite an expensive option since they charge per person. On top of that tuk-tuk is really slow going up the mountain and is extremely noisy. We took a tuk-tuk for a short ride from Sintra old town to the upper entrance of Quinta da Regaleira. The kids loved it, so it was worth it for the experience, not so much for being the most practical solution…

3. Avoid summer weekends

Sintra is popular with Portuguese as well, so try to avoid visiting on weekends and public holidays.

The best time to visit Sintra is on a workday in the shoulder season, such as March-April or October-November. We visited Portugal in April and while it was quite lively at the Pena Palace and Quinta, it wasn’t busy at the other places in Sintra.

4. Getting around in Sintra

Although Sintra can easily be reached by train from Lisbon, the main attractions of Sintra are located pretty far from each other. So you will need to use public transport to get around.

The  Palace of Sintra is the only castle that is located in town itself, and even then it’s about 20min walk from the station. Pena Palace is located high on the hill (it’s a steep climb –  I wouldn’t advise doing it on foot), and the Moorish Castle is half-way on the same road as Pena Palace.

Quinta de Regaleira is not that far from the old town, and you can walk there (10-15 min), as is Villa Sasetti . Palacio de Monserrate , Convento dos Capuchos , Santuario de Peninha , are all located further away, and are best reached by car or public transport.

Pena Palace can be reached by car, and there is some limited parking nearby, on the side of the road. We were in Sintra by car as part of our Portuguese road trip, but after all the traffic chaos in town, we gladly left the car at our hotel.

We took a taxi to Pena Palace, and for the 5 of us, the cost was just over 5 EUR. It’s really not worth all the hassle to try and drive up the hill in your own car. On top of that, if you don’t have a car, you can better explore the area without having to return to the spot where you parked it (which is high on the hill, if you start at Pena Palace).

TIP: Since recently, there is also a new way to discover Sintra – a tiny 2-person e-car that’s easy to get around on the narrow roads in Sintra and should be easy enough to park. Please note that this is just a car rental, so you still have to get tickets to the castles.

5. Entrance tickets for the castles of Sintra

Sintra is probably the busiest and most expensive place you will visit in Portugal. Having said that, the entrance tickets for each castle individually are not that expensive, but it quickly adds up if you visit three or four castles with a big family.

So plan well and if your time or budget are limited, don’t try to see it all. It’s better to spend more time in one place, explore the gardens, and mak the best use of your ticket rather than rushing from one place to the other the whole time…

TIP:   As already said before, if you want to avoid long queues, buy your tickets online in advance. Families with 2 children are better off buying family tickets (only available here ). Family tickets will save you about 5-6 euros per palace.

For more practical information on opening times and ticket prices check these websites: Parques de Sintra  and Quinta da Regaleira .

6. What to pack for Sintra

No matter the season, sensible shoes are a must in Sintra. Cobbled streets, steep walkways, and the gardens of the palaces require sturdy footwear. I would suggest carrying a day backpack with a picnic lunch and a reusable water bottle. If you are visiting Sintra in summer, don’t forget sun protection.

7. Where to stay in Sintra

Sintra is an extremely popular destination and has limited accommodation options, so it is advisable to book well in advance. There isn’t really a good or a bad area to stay. If you have lots of luggage, you may want to stay close to the railway station. We stayed in the old town and found this location excellent for sightseeing.

There are no really big hotels in Sintra, but rather smaller hotels, B&B’s, and guest houses. There are also several nicer hotels a bit outside of town though. You can find accommodation in all price ranges , just make sure to book in advance. Sintra is one of the most popular places in Portugal, no matter the season.

If you are coming by car, parking might be tricky, so it’s best to check if your accommodation has private parking (and it’s probably better to stay a bit outside of town. Our accommodation didn’t have parking and we were lucky to find one free spot nearby, but we saw many people driving around looking for a parking place. Sintra is really not the best place to visit by car.

Here are some of the best-rated accommodations in Sintra:

• €€€€€ Tivoli Palacio de Seteais (worth visiting even if not staying here!).
• €€€€ Sintra Boutique Hotel (one of the nicest hotels in the center).
• €€€ Chalet Saudade (top pick in the mid-budget range).
• €€ Casa da Pendoa (we stayed here once. It’s one of the few places that also has family rooms and bigger apartments).

If you are coming by car (or don’t mind taking a taxi) and want to stay outside the busy tourist areas check out these beautiful resorts nearby:

• €€€€€ Penha Longa Resort (a big palazzo-style vacation resort).
• €€€€ Sintra Marmoris Palace (a wonderful 19th-century manor house, within walking distance of town).
• €€€ Pestana Sintra Golf Resort & SPA (a popular mid-budget holiday resort).

Visiting Sintra FAQ

Sintra is one of the most beautiful and most unique places in Portugal and is absolutely worth a visit. With fairytale-like castles and the most enchanting gardens, a visit to Sintra is worth your time even if you are coming from the other side of the world!

Sintra is just 28km from Lisbon city center. In theory, it takes about 30 minutes to drive to Sintra, but usually, traffic is so busy that you can lose more than an hour just in order to get into Sintra town. Coming by train, it takes a bit less than an hour and costs about 5 EUR per person.

While you can see the main highlights of Sintra in one day, we recommend at least two days in Sintra. This will allow you to see the most popular castles such as Pena Palace, the Moorish Castle, or Quinta de Regaleira, but also explore the area deeper and visit some lesser-known gems such as Monserrate Palace.

One day is enough to see the most famous castles in Sintra. If you plan well and go fast, you can see Pena Palace, the Moorish Castle, and either Palacio Nacional de Sintra or Quinta da Regaleira on the same day. We recommend the latter.

If you only have half a day in Sintra, you can visit one or maximum two castles. Pena Palace is a must. In addition, we recommend to also visit Quinta da Regaleira, and especially its beautiful gardens.

Sintra is a hilly town and since some palaces and castles are located a bit far away from each other, it’s not always possible to walk everywhere. For bigger distances, you can use local buses, tuk-tuks, and taxis. It’s not advisable to drive around Sintra town in your own car because traffic is very bad and parking is hard to find.

READ ALSO: Best Towns in Portugal

Some travel inspiration for Portugal:

• Best Things to Do in Lisbon
• Best Day Trips from Lisbon
• Portugal with Kids
• Portugal 10-day Itinerary
• Algarve 5-day Itinerary
• Top Places to See in Algarve
• Best Beaches in Algarve
• Best Things to Do in Madeira
• Best Things to Do in Sao Miguel, Azores
• for many more destinations, check out our Portugal travel guide .

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Wednesday 20th of March 2024

Hi, We will be in Lisbon for four days, and I heard from a friend that there is a "green" card pass from Lisbon to Sintra that includes two of the castles and a few museums in Sintra. Do you know anything about this? Thank you in advance!

Thursday 21st of March 2024

@Jurga, Thank you so much!

Hi Denelsa, no, I am personally not familiar with a green pass (which doesn't mean it doesn't exist). I know that the Lisbon Card includes all public transport (+ train to Sintra, Cascais, etc.) and tons of museums, plus discounts on many other attractions, but it doesn't include the palaces in Sintra. Still, it's a very good value if you are staying in the city for a longer time as it includes most of the top places and public transportation. I found this Lisbon Card + Pena Palace combo - maybe something to consider. Otherwise, you can also get this combo deal for three of the most popular palaces in Sintra (doesn't include transportation), potentially in combination with the Lisbon Card. Hope this helps.

Tuesday 25th of April 2023

Hi! We're going to Portugal and will be in Sintra for a whole day (we will get there in the evening and stay the night, and explore the whole next day before going to Lisbon). I was thinking about getting early (9.30am, first available) ticket for the Park of Pena and Palace and visit that. After that I'm still unsure. A lot of people recommend the Moorish Castle, but my GF had a fall in Indonesia recently and I'm not sure she'd be able to do all the stairs involved. I know there's the National Palace in town, and Montserrat Castle. I think Montserrat is worth the visit more than the national palace? We'd also love to see Quinta da Regaleira, where I think the Well of Initiation is?

What would you suggest? Should we maybe to Park and Palace of Pena, Montserrat Castle and Quinta da Regaleira? There's no time limit from our side, apart from the last entry of the places.

Thursday 27th of April 2023

Hi Kevin, if you start with Pena Palace and leave the gardens via the lower exit, it's just a very short walk to the Moorish Castle. That's why it's a very logical way to do it, and the views from there are amazing. However, if you have just a day in Sintra, you won't be able to see everything you mentioned anyway. So if you can't do stairs, indeed, it's probably better to skip it. You could head to Quinta and to Monserrate after that. Monserrate Palace is much quieter and Quinta da Regaleira is extremely popular, so I think it would be better to visit Monserrate after you leave Pena Palace. You can then get back to Quinta in the afternoon, when many day tourists start to leave. Just be sure to check the opening times and foresee enough time everywhere. Also, it's best to use a taxi/Uber to quickly get from one place to the other. Traffic is bad and parking is very difficult in Sintra. Monserrate is easier since it's a bit outside of town. Have a great time!

James Dieringer

Sunday 18th of September 2022

Jurga, we just returned from a trip to Portugal. Your observations are well taken, however, I would emphasize that the Pena Palace is on the top of a very high and very steep hill. A tour will take you to a parking lot which, depending upon where guards direct you to park, can involve a brief, but steep, walk to the entrance. From the entrance a shuttle bus is available for most of the steep driveway up to the shuttle turnaround area below the castle. To reach the castle another very steep walk is needed. If you do not have a skip-the-line pass there is a very long line. Those who lack good health and complete mobility may be blindsided by the physical requirements of this venue. Other than that, a wonderful place to visit.

Monday 19th of September 2022

Thanks for sharing your observations, James. It can definitely be useful for others. We never really experienced the walk to Pena Palace as challenging in any way, but indeed, if you have mobility issues, it could be a different story. In that case, people should also know that visiting the Palace itself will also require doing stairs, etc. But that's the case for pretty much any other hilltop castle or palace anywhere in Europe. I always thought that people planning to visit European castles realize that it's not quite the same as visiting Disneyland :), but I guess it doesn't harm to repeat that. Happy travels!

Ron Schinfler

Sunday 2nd of June 2019

Great info.. I plan on staying in Sintra for 1 day and I'd like to see the Pena palace,the Moorish Castle and the Quinta da Regaleira. Is there a tour in town tjhat goes to all three so I save save the time walking or taking the 434 bus from one sight to another and skip the wait to get into each sight? I'm not interested in cabe da roca or Cacais

Thanks for any help you can provide.

Hi Ron, there are so many tours to and around Sintra that it's really hard for me to research them all. There are quite a few that go from Lisbon or you can start in Sintra as well, but it's usually only private tours that give you complete flexibility. If you are already in Sintra anyway, it's much cheaper to just visit all these three castles on your own and maybe take a taxi or a tuk-tuk to get up the mountain if you don't feel like walking. Hope this helps.

Sunday 28th of April 2019

Hi Jurga Love your articles. I plan on a trip to Portugal with a 2 day stay in Sintra with a travel companion. I was informed it would be a good idea to have a guide to set up a tour to see as many of the castles as possible. Would you recommend this and if so would you have any information on guides in Sintra. Our stay in Sintra would be the September 8 and 9th 2019. Look forward to any recommendations.

Tuesday 30th of April 2019

Hi Irka, I think it's really your own personal preference how you visit the castles. Obviously, having a local guide is always nice and you learn a lot more than when you visit on your own. I found a private tour that runs from Sintra and I think it's as good as any. Most others start from Lisbon or Cascais and are more expensive, so if you are already in Sintra anyway, then this is a good option. Hope this helps.

Best Lisbon Day Trips: Tips for Sintra, Belem, and Cascais

By: Author Kim Tate

Posted on Published: January 7, 2019

Some of my favorite experiences last year were my Lisbon day trips to Sintra, Belem, and Cascais. Sintra and Belem offer amazing sites that will make anyone fall in love with architecture. Cascais is a seaside town that allows you a chance to soak up some European sun and sea. And they’re all nearby, making them perfect day trips to add to your Lisbon itinerary.

Portugal is quickly becoming a top destination to visit in Europe. My own trip last year showed me that it has a lot to offer for American tourists. You can travel to the county fairly easily, most people speak English, and it’s not too expensive. If you’re planning a trip to Lisbon, be sure to allow time to leave the Portuguese capital and visit the beautiful destinations of Sintra, Belem, and Cascais.

Affiliate links are included in this post if you make a purchase from my link I may receive a commission.

In this article:

Sintra, Portugal

Sintra was perhaps my favorite experience from last year. I already knew I loved European architecture, but getting the chance to wander around historical castles in a fairytale land made my romantic heart skip a beat.

Distance from Lisbon: approximately 30 km (18.6 mi)

How to Get to Sintra from Lisbon

I’ll start off by telling you how not to go to Sintra, don’t drive yourself. The roads are narrow and winding, and there is limited parking. We used a private driver our hotel arranged for us. He drove us to Sintra and around to the sites, then back to our hotel in Lisbon. I personally think this is the best way to get to Sintra from Lisbon if you don’t mind spending a little more money on the experience. Your hotel will likely have recommendations, but if you want to arrange in advance you can book a private car tour via Get Your Guide . You can also purchase group tours and private day tours with them.

You can also take a train from Lisbon to Sintra. From the Rossio station, trains operate every hour and half-hour (during peak times) to Sintra and only costs a few Euros. The train ride to Sintra will only take 40 minutes, however, the bigger consideration is what you’ll do once in Sintra. It’s a city with steep roads and little to no sidewalks. Once you’re off the train you’ll see tour operators and tuk-tuk drivers ready to take your money to get you to the attractions.

You can also take the 434 bus on a loop up to the hills. However, if you have a private driver from Lisbon you won’t have to worry about any of that. If you’re planning to use public transport, look into getting a Lisboa Card which works as a 3-in-1 transit card, museum pass, and discount card. You can get free entry to a lot of national monuments and unlimited use of public transit.

Things to Do in Sintra

With only one day in Sintra, you’ll have to pick and choose what you most want to do. Wandering castle grounds can surprisingly take more time that you would guess if you’re enjoying the views and taking a lot of photos.

Palácio Nacional da Pena (Pena Palace)

Definitely one of the best things to do in Sintra. I would challenge you to find any article about Sintra that doesn’t showcase the colorful Pena Palace . You can buy tickets in advance, which would be useful. We waited about 10-15 minutes to buy tickets at the booths. There were ticket kiosks for quick ticket purchases, however, they required a chip with a PIN credit card. Most US credit cards don’t have PINs with the chip.

You can buy two types of tickets for the Pena Palace, one gives you access to the grounds only and the other gives you access to the grounds and castle. If you’re just looking for great views and gorgeous photo ops, go for the grounds ticket. If you really love history and historical interior decorating, add the castle tour to the ticket. The grounds tour grants you access into the courtyard of the palace, which also allows you to walk around the turrets and castle walks. You can also add the Castle of the Moors onto your ticket purchase if you’re planning to visit both.

The Palacio de Pena is at the top of a large peak in Sintra, on the site of an old monastery. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the seven wonders of Portugal.

Quinta da Regaleira

This was by far my FAVORITE experience. Again, maybe it’s because of my romantic heart. The Quinta da Regaleira is another UNESCO World Heritage Site and another place with amazing grounds for you to wander around. In addition to the palace and chapel, you’ll also find fountains, lakes, elaborate benches, and even hidden grottos. Definitely go down the Initiation Well!

Palácio de Seteais (Seteais Palace)

This palace is an easy walk from the Quinta da Regaleira. It’s actually home to the luxury Tivoli Palacio de Seteais hotel. The grounds themselves are worth a stop. There’s a beautiful view from their back patio, and even a maze you can venture into. If you’re planning a romantic getaway, this would be a fabulous hotel for an overnight stay in Sintra.

We only had time for the three things above, but here are the other popular things to do in Sintra:

Palácio Nacional de Sintra (Palace of Sintra)

This palace is located in Sintra and was a royal residence from the 15th to 19th century. It’s most notable for its two giant cone fireplaces. You can also wander around town since the palace is in the main city center.

Castle of the Moors

Another UNESCO World Heritage Site in Sintra, this is a Moorish castle that was used by the Moors in the 8th and 9th centuries and was taken over by Christian forces in the 12th century. It’s mostly in ruins with paths and walkways around the castle which offers an amazing view of the surrounding countryside.

Cabo da Roca

If you’re a geography geek, this is one stop you’d appreciate. Cabo da Roca is a cape that marks the westernmost point of continental Europe. There’s a beautiful lighthouse on the cliff point, as well as some sandy beaches.

Tours for Sintra:

Tips for sintra.

• Pack for cool temperatures
• Wear good walking shoes
• Leave early to give yourself a full day in Sintra
• Avoid rush hour times since the Lisbon-Sintra route is a commuter route
• Buy a Lisboa Card if you’re visiting multiple attractions and/or using public transit
• Read more about Sintra from We3Travel

Belem, Portugal

Belém is one of the easiest day trips from Lisbon because it’s very close. It’s what we’d consider a suburb. Definitely worth a visit if you love old churches and gothic architecture. The main attractions are also within walking distance, making it a lovely city to tour on a blue sky day.

Distance from Lisbon: 8 km (5 mi)

How to Get to Belem from Lisbon

We took the easy way, Uber. It was by far the quickest and most efficient way from Lisbon to Belem, and it only cost about €7 one-way. You can take the number 15 tram from Lisbon to Belem but it’ll cost almost the same as an Uber and you’ll have to deal with crowds and pickpockets.

Things to Do in Belém

Jerónimos monastery ( mosteiro dos jerónimos).

This was the main thing we traveled to Belem to see. Of course, we didn’t realize at the time that there are substantial waits to buy tickets, especially on a national holiday which we unknowingly were there on. We waited probably an hour to purchase our tickets. The Monastery is joined together with the National Museum of Archaeology and you can buy your tickets into the Monastery inside the museum — it will often be a shorter line than the one into the Monastery.

The Monastery itself has a lot to explore. It has two floors and is built as a square with a central courtyard. It is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture and I found myself snapping photo after photo of the ornate arches and doorways. You’ll also find rooms that offer historical information, including one that shows the history of Portugal, the Monastery, and the world along a central timeline. The main chapel is actually free to enter and has a separate entry line, we chose to skip the chapel since we didn’t want to wait in another line.

Walking around the grounds of the Monastery is also pretty special. There are some beautiful fountains, plants, and green spaces. If we had packed a little picnic it would be the perfect spot to have lunch after touring the Monastery.

Monument of the Discoveries ( Padrão dos Descobrimentos)

From the Monastery, we headed towards the water to see the Discoveries Monument. This is quite a sculpture to see in person and again, you can stand in line to enter and take an elevator up to the top for a lookout view. Each of the people on the statue represents important people in the history of Portugal’s Age of Discovery explorers.

Belém Tower

Continuing our foot tour to the main things to do in Belém, we headed along the river to the Belem Tower. This is another attraction that you can purchase a ticket for, however, we were limited on time and decided to skip that and just admire the architecture from the outside. The tower is situated along the Tagus River near the estuary to the Atlantic. There’s also a park on site and I saw a lot of kids splashing along the river bank by the Tower (however, the water is pretty murky looking).

Pastéis de Belém

You can’t visit Lisbon without seeing pastel de nata, custard tarts, for sale around the city. Rumor has it that it all started thanks to a sugar refinery that was next to the Jeronimos Monastery. When the monastery was closed during the Liberal Revolution, a worker started selling the sweet treats to raise funds. You’ll find mixed reviews as to whether the original treats are worth the long wait. You can choose to get your pastéis to go or enjoy them inside, perhaps with a cup of coffee on the side. I can personally say that I didn’t really notice any flavor difference between the pastel de nata we got in Lisbon and this “secret recipe” version.

Those were the only things we did in Belem, but if you have extra time there are some other great museums, such as a maritime museum and art museum.

Tours for Belem:

Tips for belem.

• Beware of pickpockets – especially if you’re using public transit or in crowded tourist attractions
• Check the schedules – The Monastery and Tower are closed on Mondays
• The Jeronimos Monastery has free entry on Sundays from 10 am – 2 pm
• Uber is the easiest way to get to Belem
• The Lisboa Card grants you free entry to many of the Belém attractions, however, you won’t skip the ticket queue
• Pack your own snacks and maybe a picnic lunch – eateries are limited and most are national fast food

Cascais, Portugal

If you’re ready to escape the city and visit one of Portugal’s fishing villages, plan a visit to Cascais. While I’ll admit up front that much of the city is somewhat of a tourist trap, you’ll still find sandy beaches and a beautiful coastal path to explore. Cascais is very near to Sintra, so one option would be to stay overnight in Sintra or Cascais and tour both cities on the same trip out and back. I had an amazing stay at the Martinhal Cascais!

Related Reading:  5 Lisbon Hotels That Will Make Your Portugal Vacation Awesome

Distance from Lisbon: 31 km (19 mi)

How to Get to Cascais from Lisbon

Your easiest option is again going to be Uber. However, it’ll cost you close to €30 one way. The most economical option is definitely taking the public train. You’ll need to buy a Viva Viagem card and buy two one-way four zone tickets, which will cost you just under €5.

Things to Do in Cascais

The primary reason to visit Cascais is for a seaside escape. There are quite a few beaches around the area, just know that they might be busy depending on the season. In town directly there are two beach areas, Ribeira Beach and Praia da Conceição (Praia means beach). If you can rent bikes, catch the bus, or get an uber out of town, you’ll find better beaches. Two popular ones are Tamariz Beach (great for families) and Praia de Carcavelos, which are about 3 km and 10 km east of Cascais (respectively).

Coastal Bike/Walk

We visited in April and while we didn’t hit the beaches, we did take a bike ride along the rough, cliffed coastline to the northwest. This would be a lovely long day walk as well. One of our stops along the way was to see the Boca do Inferno, Hell’s Mouth. It’s actually just a unique cliff arch formation that is the result of erosion. Pretty dramatic name, but I’m pretty sure it wouldn’t be a great spot to fall into.

Once you’ve gone west of the city you’ll take a sharp turn north along the coast. If you keep going you can reach a popular surfing beach, Guincho Beach, and even reach the edge of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park.

Rooftop Sangria

If you’re a fan of sangria and ready to relax after a busy day of exploring, head into Cascais to the Cafe Galeria House of Wonders. It’s a restaurant but we just enjoyed a pitcher of sangria on the rooftop. It’s the perfect way to end your beach day.

Tours for Cascais:

Tips for cascais.

• Expect tourist trap shops in town
• Enjoy the natural beauty of the area
• Pack your sunscreen, sun hats, and sandals
• Public bikes are available for free at a few locations, but they run out quickly (helmets are not provided)
• Cascais is a great spot to end your Lisbon vacation, and one of the top resort towns in the Lisbon region
• Bring your camera – capture great shots of cliffs, beaches, fishing boats, and small town shops

These three Lisbon day trips will certainly keep you busy. You might choose only one or two for your own vacation depending on how much time you have in Portugal.

Don’t miss my essential Lisbon travel tips post to help you get ready for your trip!

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10 Tips for Planning a Trip to Portugal

Thursday 13th of January 2022

[…] options for day trips from Lisbon are Sintra and Belém. Both offer tourists a chance to look back at history. Sintra has the […]

Tuesday 15th of January 2019

After living for almost a decade in Berlin, I landed late March in Lisbon and found it stunning! The weather was very cold in Berlin and Lisbon treated me very well. I still remember Cascais and Belem in the sunset. Thank you for bringing so many nice memories back through this post. Safe travels :)

Thursday 17th of January 2019

Ah, fabulous! I want to go back for some of their gorgeous sunsets - so much color!

Thursday 10th of January 2019

Great article!! Lisbon has definately become one of the new European hotspots, and still has some of that old world charm that makes it so special. Take advantage of it whilst it still lasts!

I really fell in love! I'm in some fb travel groups and I've seen SO many people mentioning that they're heading to Lisbon/Portugal. Guess it'll soon be the new Iceland. :)

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Great places, yummy food & good vibes.

Sintra + Cascais – Day Trip Guide

Last updated on 19-Jul-2019

When travelling around Portugal and/or spending some time in the Lisbon area, don’t miss the opportunity to take a day trip to Sintra and Cascais . If driving from Lisbon , either town can be reached in about 30-40 minutes, but there are also excellent options to make the trip by public transit or to join a guided tour.

We wanted to visit both cities on the same day, so we decided to leave Lisbon right after breakfast and drive straight to Sintra . It was already busy when we got there, but after circling a couple of times, we managed to find a parking spot on the street (paid on the meter) near the National Palace and started exploring on foot. If visiting during the high-season summer months, beware of the larger crowds and lack of parking space in Sintra, and transit becomes an even more attractive choice.

Sintra’s historical town centre has a picturesque fairy-tale like setting, tucked in the pine-covered mountains, and captivating visitors with lavish villas and enchanting castles, ornate buildings, and elaborate gardens (click for  tourist guide ).

We walked around and were able to reach most of the attractions we had planned to visit, but the hilly landscape and distances can be very challenging. As an option, there are plenty of private car/tour operators, and tourist buses that go around the town in a one-way loop. For relatively low fares, the 434 bus route connects the train station to the historic centre and then climbs into the hills to reach the Moorish Castle and Pena Palace, and the 435 bus route connects the station to Quinta da Regaleira, Seteais Palace and Monserrate Palace.

Here are the places we had on our itinerary and recommend:

• Palácio Valenças
• Fonte Mourisca
• Sintra National Palace (Palácio Nacional de Sintra)
• Casa Piriquita (try the traditional “pillow” pastries or “travesseiros”)
• Quinta da Regaleira  and “Initiation Well” (Poço Iniciático)
• Castle of the Moors or Moorish Castle (Castelo dos Mouros)
• Pena Palace (Palácio da Pena)

In the afternoon, we walked back to the car and headed down to the coast and to Cascais (click for tourist guide ). Before we got to the city centre, we stopped at Hell’s Mouth (Boca do Inferno) and spent some time on the look-out and surrounding rocks watching the mighty Atlantic ocean. Then we continued into town to find parking near the Praia da Ribeira and explore on foot.

Cascais is a seaside town located in the area known as the Portuguese Riviera , and it has so much going for it! What was once a small fishing village and was later favoured by royalty for its proximity to Lisbon, is currently a bustling town loved by its residents, and attracts tourists from near and far to enjoy its nice beaches, the impressive architecture of buildings and monuments, and the lively cobblestone streets in the historic centre.

We suggest you go there to enjoy the beautiful surroundings, take a leisurely stroll along the beachfront promenade, and then stick around to experience the outstanding cuisine and warm Portuguese hospitality in the many cafés and restaurants, perfect for lazy and long summer days. If not driving there, Cascais is connected to Lisbon via a railway with inexpensive and frequent service, and the trip takes about 30 minutes each way.

Around Cascais, the northern beaches are windier and suited for surfing, including Guincho beach, one of the best surfing beaches in Portugal, while the eastern beaches – like Carcavelos – are much calmer and better for swimming/families.

Unfortunately, we didn’t have a lot of time left on the day, but we loved what we saw, and here are some recommendations:

• Hell’s Mouth (Boca do Inferno)
• Praia da Ribeira and promenade
• Palacio Seixas

The area around the Passeio Dom Luis I offer lots of amenities, local shops and pedestrian-only streets. With so much choice, it’s hard to select one place to try. We wanted to cool down and have some tapas instead of a heavy dinner, so we ended up at  Restaurante Pica Pica (R. Visconde da Luz), and were really glad we did. The casual and homey ambiance, friendly service, and tasty food were just what we needed after a long day of sightseeing!

On the way back, take the scenic route if possible. The N6 highway runs along the coast rewarding drivers with beautiful ocean views and going through other nice towns like Estoril (famous casino), Carcavelos, Paço de Arcos, etc. As you arrive in  Lisbon , the same road runs near the famous Belem Tower, the Padrão dos Descobrimentos, the Jeronimos Monastery, passes under the 25 de Abril Bridge, and all the way to the Comércio Square. Some great views all the way!

Have questions about Sintra and Cascais or favourites to share? Let us know in the comments below. 🙂

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The best independent guide to Sintra

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Sintra, Portugal; a tourism guide for 2024

Sintra is a charming Portuguese town situated within the cooling hills of the Serra de Sintra. Once a summer retreat for Portuguese nobility and royalty, this UNESCO World Heritage Site captivates visitors with its wealth of opulent palaces, extravagant villas, and historic sites, all set amidst lush forests and jagged hills.

These world-class tourist sights include the whimsical Palácio da Pena, the ruins of the Moorish castle, the mystical gardens of the Quinta da Regaleira, and the Arabian-inspired Palácio de Monserrate. Venturing beyond the well-trodden tourist routes, reveals an alternative side of Sintra, one with dense forests, rugged coastlines, secluded religious sites, and wondrous viewpoints—all awaiting exploration by intrepid travellers.

This variety of fascinating sights, abundance of Portuguese charm and stunning natural scenery, makes Sintra an outstanding tourist destination, which is regarded as the best day trip of the Lisbon region. A visit to this wonderful town is often a highlight of a trip to Portugal, and it will make a fantastic addition to your holiday plans. This article will show you why you must visit Sintra and how to get the most from your trip here.

What are the highlights of Sintra?

There is so much to see in Sintra, and sights which can't be missed are: The Palácio Nacional da Pena – One of Europe's finest palaces, with a vividly painted exterior, and an interior restored to how it appeared in 1910 when the Portuguese nobility fled the country ( guide here )

The Pena Palace as seen from the Cruz Alto viewpoint

The Quinta da Regaleira – A neo-gothic mansion but the real attraction are the gardens, which conceal secret passages, mystical symbolism and even a Knights of Templar initiation well ( guide here )

The Poço Iniciático well in the grounds of the Quinta da Regaleira

The Palácio Nacional de Sintra – The original medieval palace of Sintra, which was a favourite with the early Portuguese rulers.

The Castelo dos Mouros – The ancient ruins of a Moorish castle that stands atop a craggy peak and once guarded the entire region ( guide here )

Monserrate Palace – An Arabian inspired villa with intricate latticework stone carving and tranquil gardens. This is where to escape the tourist crowds of Sintra

If you are fortunate to have a car, there is also a lot to see within the hills of the Serra de Sintra. There is the stunning driving along the N247 between Almoçageme and Almuinhas Velhas, there is the forest-covered monastery of Convento dos Capuchos , the amazing viewpoint from the Sanctuary of Peninha and the Cabo da Roca cliffs - the most westerly point of mainland Europe.

The Sintra coastline also boasts many magnificent beaches, and these include the wild surfing beach of Guincho , the charming beach town of Praia das Maçãs , or the untamed natural beauty of Praia da Ursa . Most visitors only consider Sintra for a day trip, but there is an amazing amount to see and do in within the region!

The interactive map below displays the highlights of Sintra and the Sintra region. The green markers and line display what is usually seen in the first day of sightseeing in Sintra, the blue markers and line on a second day of sightseeing and the yellow pins display the best sights of the Sintra region , but a car (or guide) is needed to see them. Note: Zoom out to see the regional yellow markers

Key: 1) Palácio Nacional de Sintra 2) Castelo dos Mouros 3) Palácio Nacional da Pena 4) Quinta da Regaleira 5) Palácio de Seteais 6) Vila Sassetti 7) Palácio de Monserrate 8) Convento dos Capuchos 9) Sanctuary of Peninha 10) N247 scenic drive 11) Cabo da Roca 12) Praia das Maçãs 13) Praia do Guincho (beach) 14) Praia da Ursa (beach) 15) Praia da Adraga (beach) Related articles: Sights & attractions in Sintra

Insight: During the peak season there can be very long queues for tickets. Tickets for the main tourist attractions can be purchased prior to your day trip from Getyourguide: • Palácio Nacional da Pena (€20)

The battlements of the Moorish castle provide spectacular views over the Sintra region

• A day trip to Sintra

The majority of tourists visit Sintra as a day trip, either from Lisbon or the resort towns of Cascais and Estoril. Sintra is an enjoyable day trip, as it has a lot to offer visitors, while being suitable for all ages.

Travel to Sintra is hassle-free, as there is a regular train service between Lisbon and Sintra, or a direct bus service from Cascais and Estoril (travel details are found later in this article).

The most common route to combine the main sights in a single day of sightseeing is: • Train or bus to Sintra • Palácio Nacional da Pena (highlight of the day) • Palácio da Pena gardens • Castelo dos Mouros (optional) • Lunch in the historic centre • Explore the historic centre of Sintra • Quinta da Regaleira (or Palácio Nacional)

Most day-trippers to Sintra follow the same order, as this is the route of the 434-tourist bus. The 434 bus route connects Sintra train station to the Castelo dos Mouros and the Palácio da Pena, before returning to the train station via the historic centre of Sintra. Related articles: A day trip to Sintra – Lisbon to Sintra – 434 tourist bus Advice: Generally, we recommend Sintra as the first-day trip if you are based in Lisbon, or as the second-day trip if your holiday is to Cascais or Estoril (the first-day trip would be to Lisbon).

The decorative entrance to the Pena Palace

Two or three days in Sintra

Sintra is often visited as a day trip from Lisbon, but there are sufficient attractions to easily fill two or three days of sightseeing. Suggested itineraries for two or three days in Sintra, which follow on from the 1-day trip include: A second day in Sintra • Quinta da Regaleira and gardens (or the Palácio Nacional de Sintra) • Palácio de Seteais • Palácio de Monserrate • Vila Sassetti and gardens (optional) • Hike up the Caminho de Vila Sassetti (optional) Third day in Sintra • Convento dos Capuchos • Peninha Sanctuary and viewpoint (highlight) • Cabo da Roca • Praia da Ursa or Praia da Adraga • Chalet da Condessa D'Edla (Pena Park) • Hike to Cruz Alta (Pena Park) Note: this day trip requires a car Related articles: A second day in Sintra – Sintra’s secret sights

Why spend a night in Sintra?

If you plan to spend two or three days visiting Sintra, it is recommended to stay within the town, instead of travelling in from Lisbon each day. The main advantage of being based in Sintra is that the town can be enjoyed once the day-trippers and coach tours have left.

The key national monuments of Sintra have extending opening hours, allowing you to visit before or after the daytime rush. The town offers a fantastic range of hotels to choose from, with many of these in keeping with the style and charm of the region.

The map below shows the location of hotels and rental rooms in Sintra, and by altering the date to your holiday, the map will display current prices:

Why are there so many palaces and grand mansions in Sintra?

Historically, the reason was due to the slightly cooler climate that the hills of the Serra de Sintra provide. This enticed the nobility of Portugal to construct their summer residences here. During the 19th century, Sintra was a popular destination for Europe's wealthy artisans and elite, who built elaborate mansions following the Romanticism style of architecture.

The Quinta da Regaleira

Travel to Sintra

There are two regular and inexpensive train services that connect Lisbon to Sintra. The first service departs from Rossio station in central Lisbon, while the second departs from the Estação do Oriente. The train journey takes 40min (from Rossio) or 47min (from Oriente), and both cost €4.80 for a return. The services start early in the morning and continue late into the night, with up to three departures per hour.

Advice: Never drive to Sintra. The narrow hill roads were never designed for today's heavy traffic, and there is almost no car parking. In the summer, there is a constant traffic jam as frustrated drivers search for car parking spaces.

There are direct bus services to Sintra from the resort towns of Cascais and Estoril. The 417 service departs from Cascais bus station, takes 30 minutes and costs €4.25 for a single. From Estoril, the bus service is the number 418 route, which departs from the train station and takes 30 minutes. Related articles: Lisbon to Sintra – Cascais to Sintra – Estoril to Sintra

Sintra as part of an organised tour

There are many benefits of visiting Sintra as a part of a small group tour. Sintra is a destination where the main tourist sights are spread across a wide region of steep hills, and a tour eliminates the hassle of public transport. Portuguese tour guides are enthusiastic and knowledgeable, and the tours also cater for more worldly visitors.

An organised tour is the only way to visit both Sintra and Cascais in a single day, as taking this route by public transport does not provide enough time for sightseeing. We have worked with GetYourGuide.com for the past six years, with some of their best Sintra tours including: • Sintra Highlights Full-Day Tour (€65) • Sintra, Cabo da Roca and Cascais Full-Day Tour from Lisbon (€63) • Pena Palace and Regaleira Guided Tour from Lisbon (€65) • Sintra, Cascais and Cabo da Roca Coast Day Tour (€85)

Does Sintra Portugal get crowded with day-trippers?

Unfortunately, Sintra often gets very crowded in the summer. This can mean long queues for admission tickets, tourist buses running out of space, and even long queues in Rossio station.

Our key advice would be to start a day trip to Sintra early in the day, or try to avoid the peak visiting hours of 11am to 3pm. Admission tickets can be purchased in advance to avoid some of the queues. Another tip to avoid the crowds is to visit the Palácio Nacional da Pena in the morning, as most visitors arrive in the afternoon when following the route of the 434-tourist bus.

There are quieter monuments and attractions in Sintra, and the best is the Palácio de Monserrate. Other quieter and less touristy places to visit, include: • Convento dos Capuchos • Peninha Sanctuary • Vila Sassetti Mansion • Chalet da Condessa D'Edla • The southern side of the Parque da Pena

The Santuário da Peninha is at the highest point of the Parque Natural de Sintra and is where to go to escape the tourist crowds

The 434 and 435 tourist buses

The walk from the historic centre of Sintra to the Palácio Nacional da Pena and the Castelo dos Mouros is up a very steep hill and can be very challenging walk. The 434-tourist bus removes the need for this walk, as it connects the train station to the historic centre, then climbs the hill to the Palácio Nacional da Pena (via the Castle of the Moors ) before returning to the train station.

The ticket for the entire route cost €7.60 (and is known as the ‘Pena Circuit Round Trip’), while the 24-hour unlimited use of all Sintra buses costs €15. The bus departs from Sintra train station every 15 minutes during the summer season. Note: The 434-bus is the cheapest and best method to explore Sintra as a day trip.

The 435-tourist bus connects the train station to the Palácio de Monserrate, and passes the historic centre, the Quinta da Regaleira and the Seteais Palace. This bus is ideal for the second day in Sintra. Related articles: The 434-tourist bus

The 435 and 434 buses waiting at the train station

Our favourite attractions in Sintra

Our favourite attractions in Sintra are: 1) Palácio Nacional da Pena 2) Quinta da Regaleira 3) Palácio Nacional de Sintra 4) Palácio de Monserrate 5) Castelo dos Mouros 6) Palácio de Seteais 7) Vila Sassetti

The Castelo dos Mouros is postioned high above the old town of Sintra

The Romanticism style of architecture

The town of Sintra is regarded as Europe's finest example of the whimsical and colourful Romanticism style of architecture. This elaborate, 19th-century design style was inspired by a love of art and the mysticism of ancient cultures, creating decorative and flamboyant buildings of which the Palácio da Pena is the greatest example.

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The capital of the Alentejo region is steeped in history

A delightful fortified town, traditionally owned by the Queen of Portugal

Delightful beach town, which is a favourite with the Portuguese

Experience true Portugal in this busy fishing port

A charming town, famed for the world's highest surfing waves

The ancient stronghold of the Knights Templar

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Sintra Day Trip

Sintra second day

What can be seen in a second day in Sintra?

This bus connects all the main sights of Sintra

There are so many enjoyable day trips from Lisbon

Lisbon is on a coastline of glorious beaches

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How to visit sintra, cabo da roca and cascais in one day: day trip from lisbon.

How to visit Sintra, Cabo da Roca and Cascais in one day: travel guide to the perfect day trip from Lisbon, Portugal.

Lisbon sits in an area of great natural beauty.

Built on the mouth of the river Tagus, it is close to a beautiful stretch of Atlantic coast and lies on the edge of the protected area of Sintra and Cascais, famed for its peculiar ecosystems and culturally significant landmarks.

During our last city trip to Lisbon , we decided a stay in this area wouldn’t be complete without an excursion to some nearby attractions and organised a day trip from Lisbon to cover three of the most famed landmarks: Sintra, Cabo da Roca and Cascais.

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Table of Contents

How to choose a day trip from Lisbon

Lisbon is in the centre of Portugal and an excellent base for day trips. The most popular day trips from Lisbon are:

• Sintra : Sintra is the most popular day trip from Lisbon and it famous for being a UNESCO world heritage site. Perched on a volcanic hill, it is the home of some incredible castles dating back to medieval, Moorish times and of some more recent constructions from the XIX century. Perfect for : people interested in architecture and history. Not recommended if : you are severely afraid of heights (more about it later), you are hoping for a day on the coast (Sintra is inland)
• Cabo da Roca: this is the Westernmost promontory in Portugal and a wonderful stretch of coastline. Come here for a cliffwalk and beautiful views over the Atlantic ocean.
• Cascais : perfect for beach lovers and if you are looking for a day in the sun and delicious seafood in an elegant town.
• Obidos : one of the most picturesque towns in Portugal, a fantastic description of which can be found in this article . Perfect if you want to stroll around a walled, historical town
• Evora : a beautiful town in the region of Alentejo and famous for being the second city in Portugal in terms of concentration of monuments.  Highlights include a Roman Temple, a cathedral, prehistoric stones and the Chapel of Bones. Evora is a longer stretch from the city and it is only recommended as a day trip from Lisbon if you have a whole day and are not afraid of a bit of travel time.

For this trip, we decided to combine some of the above locations and ended up with a long yet beautiful day trip to Sintra, Cabo da Roca and Cascais.

These are our recommendations on how to visit them.

Lisbon – Sintra – Cabo da Roca – Cascais: best transport options

There are two main ways to visit this area: private car or a combination of train + bus.

If you travel by car , you have maximum flexibility however, you are up against the significant traffic bottleneck that is Sintra.

Even with a very early start, you are likely to find yourself stuck in traffic when entering the city and will have to spend time and money to find a parking spot, time that will inevitably eat into your sightseeing opportunities.

If you can, I recommend you do not drive to Sintra or, if you do, chose a tour with a driver to they can drop you/collect you at your attraction of choice.

What I believe is a better option is to go by train and bus .

Lisbon is connected to both Sintra and Cascais by an excellent train system and Cabo da Roca is on the bus route between Sintra and Cascais.

While this system will require some attention to the train and bus schedule, it is budget friendly, more sustainable than private car and very easy in terms of logistics and it is therefore the one I recommend.

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Morning: Sintra

Sintra is a very popular destination for a day trip from Lisbon and the best way to visit is getting there early in the morning.

There are very many attractions you can see in Sintra , so many I recommend you find accommodation in the area and take a few days to explore.

You can find a comprehensive guide about where to stay in Sintra here

However, on a day trip such as this one you only really have time for one thorough visit plus lunch in the town center.

The ones I recommend are below.

Good to know! Sintra is in a hilly area and can often get misty and cloudy so it is handy to have layers with you. Good to keep in mind when deciding what to pack for Portugal .

Pena Palace, Sintra’s most famous site

The most famous attraction in Sintra and, for many, the jewel in the crown is Pena Palace.

Pena palace is a bright coloured extravaganza of a castle and probably the finest example of Portuguese romantic architecture.

The palace dates back to the 19th century and was built by Dona Maria II, Queen of Portugal and Don Fernando II and his wife and opera singer the Countess of Edla.

The castle sits at the top of a steep hill and it is worth visiting both for its stunning location and its peculiar look: unlike pretty much any other castle I had ever seen, this one is a technicolor vision!

The castle walls are all painted in the brightest colors you can imagine and they are a chromatic extravaganza of yellow walls, dark red turrets and blue bastions!

This is an interpretation of romanticism like no other: the palace is loud, beautiful and fun and it is also surrounded by a beautiful park.

Its only downside is the crowds: booking skip the line tickets here is paramount.

Pena Palace highlight : for me and for many, the highlight of a visit to Pena Palace is the walk along the bastions. Very high up on the side of the castle and to be avoided if you have any issues with heights , the walk offers you stunning view over the Sintra valley and allows you to see as far as the coast. The most beautiful part of it, for me, was the belvedere in front of the castle of the moors, located just in front.

The castle of the Moors

Another gorgeous castle worth visiting in Sintra, very different from Pena Palace is the Moorish castle.

This is a medieval castle now in ruins perched on the hill in front of Pena.

The castle was built in the 10th century by North African Moors as a strategic outpost from Lisbon and to defend the area of Sintra.

The Moorish Castle remained in use until the Christians conquered the area and was severely damaged by the earthquake that destroyed Lisbon in the 18th century.

Most of what remains of the castle are its huge stone walks which are wonderful but often narrow, uneven and full of steps.

I recommend you choose the castle of the Moors if you do not have mobility issues and you prefer an older site with natural views as opposed to the more recent beauty of Pena Palace.

Like Pena Palace, the Castle of the Moors sees large crowds: you can book fast track tickets to save yourself time and stress.

Quinta da Regaleira

One of Sintra’s most peculiar landmarks is Quinta da Regaleira, an extravagant complex of palace and gardens located a few minutes from Sintra city centre.

Quinta da Regaleira has been declared UNESCO world heritage site and even the quick glimpse we got of it from outside makes clear why.

The palace was built in the 20th century and is, as such, quite recent, but the person who commissioned it stuffed every corner with symbols and mysterious references to secret orders and societies.

There are references to the Knights Templar, the Masons and dark alchemy, all hidden within the grounds.

The most peculiar and visually significant element of the estate is probably the well.

Deep and covered in moss, it conceals a passage that after descending 27 meters connects to a series of tunnels that run the length of the gardens and was used for initiation ceremonies.

The town of Sintra itself

Whichever palace you decide to visit, you still have some time to enjoy the town of Sintra.

To make the most of your time, I recommend you venture up the town’s small alleys and pick a local restaurants.

While the main town square is filled with people, it is very easy to escape the crowds and the small whitewashed alleys of this town will reward you climbing efforts with charming corners and lovely views.

Make sure you take some time to see the beautiful Sintra National Palace at least from the outside: it towers above the main square and it is said to be the best preserved Royal Palace in the whole of Portugal.

Early afternoon: Cabo da Roca

After lunch in Sintra, head to Cabo da Roca.

Cabo da Roca is the most Westerly point of continental Europe, a beautiful peninsula stretching into the Atlantic with cliff plunging into the Ocean.

It is overlooked by a lighthouse and your sight stretches all the way out to the Atlantic and to the coastline between Sintra and Cascais as you step along pathways surrounded by grass and spring blooms.

Cabo da Roca is a place of natural beauty and the main things to see here is to enjoy the expansive views of the Atlantic ocean that open up in front of your eyes.

A short cliff walk allows you to stretch your legs along the cliffs and a small concession near the bus stop is equipped with snacks, restrooms and a small souvenir shop / visitors center.

People spend in Cabo da Roca about 30 mins to an hour.

How to get from Sintra to Cabo da Roca

Cabo da Roca is 18km West from Sintra, 15km North from Cascais and 40km west of Lisbon.

It is a short drive from Sintra by private car but it is also easy to reach by bus.

The line getting here is n. 403, covering the Cascais-Sintra Route and, at the time of writing, the cost of a bus ticket to Cabo da Roca is 4.50 Euro.

Cabo da Roca with toddlers and kids : Cabo da Roca can be visited safely with kids but you do need to be cautious as the wooden fences between the path and the edge of the cliffs are not child proof. Especially with an active toddler or young kids, it is paramount to hold hands and to keep your distance from the fence (you don’t need to get too close to enjoy the view)

Late afernoon: Cascais

The last stop on our day trip and our home for the night was Cascais (we stayed in the wonderful Martinhal Cascais family resort ).

Cascais is a coastal town on the Atlantic ocean: it is a paradise for golf lovers and one of the most sought after areas to live in Portugal.

It is the place with the most expensive real estate in Portugal and for centuries has been attracting the nobility of Portugal and the rest of Europe as summer station.

The centre of the town is beautiful, clean and elegant: it reminded me closely of Monaco or the French riviera but with a more laid back and more family friendly vibe to it.

The many tourists mean you hear a lot of English and Spanish around but the glorious seafood served in restaurants and the architectural details make the town unmistakably Portuguese.

My biggest surprise in Cascais was the beauty of its coastline. The coast around Cascais comprises of a mix of wide sandy beaches and rugged cliffs.

For us, one of the highlights was a spot called ‘Boca do inferno’, a stretch of rocky coast with a peculiar geological formation.

This spot is right outside Cascais and town centre is breathtakingly beautiful: a well-preserved path lets you reach a belvedere and from here to can see the Atlantic waves crashing against the Portuguese coast and its meandering caves.

On a bright day, it is light to behold and an assault to the senses between the blinding light and the roar of the waves.

From Cascais, regaining Lisbon is easy. The train station is walking distance from the town center and the train goes at regular intervals, up to every 20 minutes at busy times.

The train leaves you back in Lisbon Cais do Sodre, well connected with the rest of the city.

I hope you enjoyed this article and it helped you decide on the best way to tackle this most beautiful day trip from Lisbon. Safe travels!

Marta Correale

Marta Correale is the creator, writer and creative mind behind Learning Escapes. A travel loving mama of two from Italy, Marta currently lives in Ireland with her husband and two kids, they take frequent trips to European destination, the US and beyond. A professional travel blogger for over a decade, Marta is passionate about traveling with kids and helping others to travel more and better as a family.

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Complete guide to planning your Lisbon family holiday

Find out what to do in lisbon with kids with our 3, 5 & 7 day itinerary ideas.

The Lisbon region in Portugal is a wonderful destination for families and you don’t have to restrict yourself to the city. I suggest adding a few days to your city break, by combining the vibrant city of Lisbon with the allure of the charming beaches of Cascais , Sintra ‘s fairytale Palace of Pena, Castle of the Moors and the utterly magical Quinta Regaleira and everything else in between. 

As a Lisbon native, I already have quite a few articles on how to explore the city with children on this blog, but I wanted to share all my tips in one guide. As a parent I understand the need to include enough time to relax, and for the little ones to have free-play, and the bigger ones to have some of their own fun too. 

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When to visit Lisbon

Yearly temperatures average a lovely 24c, and the best times to visit Lisbon are in Spring (March to June) and in Autumn (September to November) which is perfect to avoid those peak prices too!

Even in the depths of winter the sun is nearly always out, with bright blue skies and a killer sunset. Of course most visit Lisbon in the Summer months, but with temperatures rising in Europe year-on-year, let me suggest you visit during the off season, when temperatures are milder, the landscapes greener, and the prices lower.  If you’re travelling with small children I would avoid the months of July and August as thermostats can go over 35c which can be too much for little ones and will restrict what you can do. To find out more have a look at our month by month weather guide to Lisbon .

Family-friendly Accommodation in Lisbon 

Lisbon is known as the city of 7 hills, which lends itself to breathtaking views, but difficult to navigate with a stroller after a day of sightseeing. Charming neighbourhoods like Alfama may sound perfect, but steep hills, cobbled streets and nearly non-existent sidewalks are a logistical nightmare for parents travelling with small children. Areas like Chiado are still hilly, but much more manageable and with everything within easy reach, and the slightly further Belém is full of things to do and see, is flat and has plenty of gardens for the children to unwind.

I’ve got a couple of guides on where to stay in Lisbon with children, where I share my tips on the the best  neighbourhoods in Lisbon to stay with kids , and give hotel, serviced apartments and airbnb suggestions.

Child-friendly restaurants in Lisbon and Cascais

If you’re looking for family-friendly restaurants in Lisbon , I’ll just say that unless you’re going fine-dining, children are welcome in most restaurants, and Portuguese traditional food is child-friendly. Although the Portuguese don’t do ‘children’s menus’ most will have a ‘ meia-dose ‘ option on the menu, which means half plate (and usually enough for one adult!).

Portuguese food is very child-friendly too; there is usually the staple Bitoque (steak with rice and chips), a selection of grilled fish on the menu, which comes with potatoes and salad/vegetables, soup which they can blitz for you if your child doesn’t like ‘bits’ (ask for it to be “passada” for smoothness.

I have a post dedicated to some of my favourite family friendly restaurants in Lisbon .

Here are some handy Portuguese phrases that will help you when ordering at the restaurant:

Bitoque – Steak with rice, potatoes and salad and sometimes a fried egg (ovo estrelado)

Filetes de peixe com arroz – deep fried fish (like fish in chips) with rice

Sopa de legumes – vegetable soup /

Can you blitz it please? – Pode passar a sopa se faz favor?

3 Day Family Itinerary for Lisbon & Cascais

Heads up – this 3 day itinerary is busy! Look up some of the places and pick and choose what you fancy, so you don’t end up needing a holiday from your holiday. Having said that, it’s doable for those with older kids, especially if you’re just walking around and not going into museums, etc.

Depending on when you arrive in Lisbon, head to your hotel and try to fit in dinner in one of the city’s many sunset-worthy esplanadas (especially if you find a rooftop). 

Morning: Alfama, Castelo S Jorge, Sé (Cathedral)

The first few hours of your first morning in Lisbon should be spent hunting down your local pastelaria (café) for breakfast, ordering a great meia de leite (flat white) and eating one of our many pastries. To avoid the queues, aim to visit the Castelo S. Jorge as early as possible, catching the traditional tram number 28 to skip the hills and get a few thrills! Kids will love running around the castle, climbing the walls and overlooking the city – can they spot the hotel or the 25 de Abril bridge?! 

From the castle, you can roam down Alfama’s quaint and labyrinthian streets – get lost a few times while you do it, it’s all part of the fun. Try to stop at Miradouro Santa Luzia on your way down, a small viewpoint from which you get to look over the city’s red roofs, spires and of course, the river Tagus. Little known fact: my sister got married at the little chapel! 

If you’ve got some time left, stop at Lisbon’s Sé (cathedral) on your way to lunch.

There are several restaurants in Alfama, but they’re quite touristic, but not necessarily bad… However, for lunch with a view at a great (legendary) spot head to Chapitô à Mesa , a restaurant that is attached to a circus school. Book in advance by calling +351 218 875 077.

Afternoon: Baixa, Chiado & Principe Real

From Alfama wander down to Baixa, starting in Praca do Comércio to admire the 18th century traditional commercial area of Lisbon, that was masterfully rebuilt by the Marques de Pombal after the Great Earthquake of 1755. If your kids have a scooter this is the time to let them go wild. I also suggest exploring this historical stores guide .

If you are fond of city hop on, hop off buses , this is a good spot to start your journey. If you opt to continue by foot, I suggest you slowly make your way up the streets of Baixa, making your way to Rua do Carmo towards Chiado . Stop at Santini in Rua do Carmo for a post-lunch ice cream break – one of Lisbon’s most famous ice-cream spots. 

Spend the afternoon exploring Chiado’s wonderful architecture and shops, and if you have time (and energy) head to Carmo Convent, a Gothic convent destroyed by 1755 earthquake. It may seem like there is nothing to see, but it’s definitely worth a visit inside.

Chiado was the intellectual hub of turn-of-the-century Lisbon, with the city’s most prominent writers, poets and lawyers meeting here regularly to discuss the what-ifs of life. You can see a statue of Portugal’s most famous poet, Fernando Pessoa, outside the iconic Brasileira Café. If you’d like, have a coffee there, but eat at Tartine , a nearby bakery full of beautiful cakes and drinks. The neighbouring Bairro Alto district is traditionally a night-time hotspot, but is full of character in the daytime and worth a visit.

Depending on the age of your children, you may want to call it a day here and head for dinner, maybe somewhere where you can see the sun set. But in case you skipped some of the spots above, or your older children are still full of beans, keep on reading…

From here, you’ll want to continue your journey upwards towards Principe Real, one of Lisbon’s coolest (in an upmarket way) neighbourhoods. This is also where the Natural History Museum is found, and the Lisbon’s Botanical Garden (I love it there, it’s a true gem, and a great place to relax and escape the city’s noise, although the paths are steep, so beware if travelling with little ones).

Morning: Principe Real and/or Jardim da Estrela

Another day in Lisbon, another set of gorgeous (and rich!) pastries to choose from for your breakfast… Perhaps you’ll go for a Pao de Deus today?

Once you’re ready, if you skipped the Principe Real area the previous day, I suggest you begin here (see day 1). If somehow your legs managed to keep going, then head to the gorgeous  Jardim da Estrela  ( tram 28 stops here) and visit one of the city’s most beloved parks and the nearby church (the Basilica da Estrela). It’s a great place to see locals just going about their day, and somewhere I hold many special memories from my own childhood. When in Lisbon you can often find us in Estrela on a weekend.

From there, stroll up to Campo de Ourique for some unique and local shopping experiences in independent boutiques.

Lunch: Campo de Ourique

This is a lunchtime wander in a traditional Lisbon neighbourhood, but if you spent the morning in Principe Real, this may now be your afternoon, in which case I suggest you go straight to Belem. 

Indulge in a delicious meal at one of the neighbourhood’s charming cafés or restaurants, such as A Trempe for some traditional fare, or for a casual lunch, I highly recommend the burger kiosk at Jardim da Parada – treat yourself to a juicy burger and an Imperial (glass of beer) while you take in the people-watching scene, and the kids can run around, or go to the small playground. If you’re in the mood for something different, make a quick two-minute walk to Mercado de Campo de Ourique, a market with a diverse range of dining options.

Tip: If you’d like to savor a Pastel de Nata without the crowds of Belém, give the ones at the local Pastelaria Aloma a try – they’ve won awards and, in my opinion, surpass the ones in Belém in taste. 

Afternoon: LX Factory and/or Belem

Those with teens may want to have a pit-stop in LX Factory – catch a taxi as it’s very close. This formerly derelict warehouse area has been rejuvenated and is now home to some great street-art, stacks of independent cafés, excellent restaurants, start-up businesses and very cool shops. A must-visit if you like to roam hip urban environments. If not, feel free to skip ahead!

From LX Factory, you can catch the tram number 15 to Belem , or if travelling from Campo de Ourique, you’ll want to jump on a taxi as there is no direct public transport. 

Exit at the Palácio de Belém stop, to explore a historic area that includes the Monastery of Jerónimos, the beautifully landscaped Gardens of Belém, the MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology), the Cultural Centre (inc. Museum of Modern Art). If you have the extra time and like mature (slightly derelict) gardens, then a visit to the Ajuda Botanical Gardens  is always one of my favourite spots.

Take one of the foot-bridges or the underpass (located right in front of the Discoveries Monument either side of the train tracks) to cross over to the waterfront, where you can have a leisurely stroll along the vibrant-blue River Tagus, the Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Discoveries Monument), pictured just above that features Portugal’s great explorers, the Tower of Belém, and the War Memorial. Well worth a stop is the café/bar A Margem , which offers unparalleled views over the Tagus and a chilled-out vibe, although a sometimes over-relaxed service.  It’s particularly nice at sunset, but it does get busy so be prepared to wait for a table. 

Enjoy dinner overlooking the river…

Day 3 

On your last day in Lisbon, I recommend catching up with anything you didn’t have time for, or head to Lisbon’s most modern area (Parque das Naçoes, former home of Expo 98) towards the city’s very impressive aquarium, or Oceanário ( pre-book tickets here ). We visit each time we’re in Lisbon, and it never fails to impress. It’s a large structure that deserves time to be properly explored, so reserve at least a few hours.

The area is also home to the excellent Science Museum , and generally just a great place to wander around and do some last minute shopping at the Vasco da Gama Shopping Centre. 

You’ll want to squeeze in every bit of Lisbon, so I recommend booking a yacht sunset cruise to add a cherry on top. An alternative is catching the commuter ferry at Cais do Sodré towards Cacilhas , and eating a sunset dinner overlooking Lisbon from the other side of the river. Nothing quite beats it.  

5 Day Family Itinerary

So you have 5 whole days to spend in Lisbon… you’re in for a treat.

I suggest taking the previous 3 days a little bit more slowly if you’ve got the time, and to that add a day out in Cascais and/or Sintra.

Day out from Lisbon to Cascais and Sintra

If you want your day out to be as hassle-free as possible, then I recommend joining a small-group tour so you don’t have to think about how to get from A to B. I’m not a huge fan as it doesn’t allow for wrong-turns and time just relaxing, but it does make sense when with littler ones. 

If you want to DIY-it, then continue reading…

How to get to Sintra and Cascais from Lisbon

If travelling by public transport , you can either buy an all-in Cascais and Sintra one day ticket which gives you access to train and bus routes, or if you want to buy individual tickets (considerably cheaper) you can do it at the station. 

Lisbon to Sintra by train

From Lisbon’s Rossio station (near Baixa), you can get a train to Sintra, which will take you there in about 40 minutes. 

Sintra to Cascais by bus

From Sintra, you’ll want to catch bus number 1623 for the quickest route (30 mins) to Cascais, or the 1624, which stops at Cabo da Roca, Europe’s most western point (worth a go, but it’s a 1hr journey). Both buses depart in the bus station and will drop you off at the shopping center Cascais Villa, which is located in the centre of town, by the train station.

Sintra from Cascais by bus

Catch the train to Cascais from Cais do Sodré (near Baixa), Belém or Algés. It’s a beautiful journey by the sea, and at around 40 minutes, the best way to travel from Cascais to Sintra. 

How to spend a day in Sintra and Cascais

Tip: You can swap around the journey as you wish, but Sintra gets very busy, so be prepared with some pre-bought entrance tickets, and go early to avoid most of the crowds and tour buses.

Begin your day in Sintra , a place where fairy tales come to life. Begin your day by exploring the town’s winding roads, stopping for a little coffee and one of Sintra’s traditional pastries – the Queijadas de Sintra. From here, you can either catch a tuc tuc, a bus, taxi or for those who like a hike, you can wander up to the Castelo dos Mouros , a fortified castle dating to VIII, and at 412m above sea-level, it offers panoramic views over the forest and the ocean beyond. From here continue towards the iconic Palácio Nacional da Pena, perched majestically atop the Sintra Mountains. Its vivid colors and whimsical design are stunning, and again, you’ll be treated to those views once again.

If you have time, I highly recommend a visit to Quinta da Regaleira, with its mystical gardens and hidden tunnels it’s a truly enchanting place. Make your way back to Sintra to catch the bus to Cascais.

The bus will drop you off in the centre of the city, and if you didn’t get lunch in Sintra, I suggest you head to the Mercado da Vila, a bustling market with some great options for a bite. After lunch, stroll along the cobbled streets of the centre of Cascais , before making your way to the Casa das Histórias Paula Rego which offers a captivating glimpse into the world of contemporary art. The museum is by the city’s biggest park, Marechal Carmona , which perfect for little ones to blow off some energy before relaxing on one of the town’s cute beaches.

7 Day Family Itinerary 

With two more days in Lisbon, this is the perfect opportunity to take things slowly, and add some beach time if you’re travelling in the summer months, or another day out from the city. 

I have a guide to my favourite beaches around Lisbon , which will help you choose which is best for you. If the beach is not for you, and you’d prefer a full day out exploring, then keep reading…

Day out in Obidos from Lisbon

How to get to Obidos by public transportation

You can take the express bus which takes around 1hr from Lisbon’s Campo Grande bus station towards Obidos. Check here for a timetable .

Alternatively, you can choose to hire a car which allows you to make other stops along the way, and travel back to Lisbon by the coast, which is well worth doing if you can.

Spending a day in Obidos

Escape the bustling streets of Lisbon for a day of in the medieval town of Óbidos . Nestled within ancient walls, Óbidos exudes a fairy-tale atmosphere with its cobblestone streets, whitewashed houses adorned with vibrant bougainvillaeas, and charming artisan shops. Start by exploring the iconic Óbidos Castle, a historic gem that offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Wander through the narrow streets, stopping to sample the Ginja liqueur, a local specialty.

The town’s unique blend of medieval and Moorish influences creates a fun ambiance that transports you back in time, including little ones.

After immersing yourself in Óbidos’ medieval charm, venture towards the rugged coastline of Adraga, stopping at the surf town of Ericeira on the way. If you have time, a stop at Azenhas do Mar is also well worth your time.

Arriving at Praia da Adraga, you’ll be greeted by dramatic cliffs, golden sands, and crashing waves. It’s an ideal spot for an afternoon, whether you choose to soak up the sun or take a refreshing dip in the sea – the water here isn’t the calmest, but there are lots of coves to explore at low-tide. The beach Adraga Restaurant is renowned for its fresh seafood, one of my favourites, perfect for a dinner with the sun setting behind.

As the day draws to a close, consider making a brief stop at Cabo da Roca, continental Europe’s westernmost point. The rugged cliffs and endless expanse of the Atlantic Ocean create a poignant atmosphere. 

Maria Belfort

I am a mum, marketer, travel blogger & photography enthusiast. I love slow travel, finding detail in cluttered environments and trying new foods. Currently living between Brighton and Lisbon, follow me for blog updates & travel inspiration ✈

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Best Day Trips From Lisbon

TomasSereda / Getty Images

Lisbon is well situated roughly in the middle of the Portuguese coast and, with good train and bus connections, is a good place to base yourself for exploring central Portugal.

Let's take a look at some of the most popular day trips from Lisbon.

The Best Excursions From the Portuguese Capital

Can you go to porto as a day trip from lisbon.

The place everyone most wants to visit from Lisbon is perhaps the most awkward, due to the two-and-a-half-hour train ride, but connections to Porto are easy so it is quite doable.

The Golden Triangle of Sintra, Cascais, and Cabo da Roca

A more realistic day trip (or trips) is the sights to the west of Lisbon, especially Sintra. Transport connections are good between all of these sights, so you can easily combine two or even three in a day.

Evora and Other Wine Regions in Portugal

Evora is a world heritage site, with Roman ruins and a chilling bone chapel (Capela dos Ossos). And, as it is situated in the Alentejo wine region , there are also some great wineries to visit too. 

Both train and bus take around 90 minutes to get to Evora from Lisbon.

North From Lisbon: Fatima, Obidos, Nazare, Batalha, and Coimbra

Fatima is an important Catholic pilgrimage site due to reports of the apparition of the Virgin Mary back in 1917. The main attraction is the Sanctuary of Fatima, which commemorates the reported event.

Fatima is often combined with a tour of some other religious sights in the area.

The university town of Coimbra has a wonderfully idiosyncratic student tradition (take a walking tour to learn about it). It takes just an hour and a half to get to Coimbra by train from Lisbon.

Join the Dots

Fatima and Coimbra are in the same direction, but as there is no train station , you'd need to travel by bus to include Fatima

You'd be ill-advised to visit both Fatima and Coimbra in a day. but if you are traveling light, Fatima could be a convenient stepping stone to Coimbra, with the logical next step being onward to Porto. Suddenly, there's an itinerary emerging!

How to Get From Lisbon to Sintra, Cascais, Estoril, and Cabo da Roca

TripSavvy / Jamie Ditaranto

Some of the best sights outside Lisbon are so close to the capital and to each other that they can be visited all in a single day.

What to See and Do in Each

• Sintra  The three palaces of Sintra and the area's natural parks are the Lisbon region's biggest attractions.  
• Cascais  A lively beach town, famous for its high-society shenanigans during the early 20th century.
• Estoril  A slightly quieter beach town with a picturesque castle.
• Cabo da Roca  The most westerly point in Portugal, Europe, and Eurasia.

How to Get from Lisbon to...

• Sintra The train from Lisbon to Sintra takes about 40 minutes from the Rossio Station and costs about 5€ for a round trip. 
• Cascais and Estoril Take the scenic train line from the Cais do Sodre Station to both destinations. The journey takes about 40 minutes and costs under 2.50€.
• Cabo da Roca Take the 403 bus from either Cascais or Sintra. Buses run every hour.

All buses are operated by  Scotturb ,  while train info is available at   Cp.pt . ​

How Many Could You (and Should You) Visit in One Day?

Sintra is, for a many, a day trip in itself. But if you tend to tire easily and would prefer to combine your trip with a few hours at the beach, you can easily combine it with some time in Cascais or Estoril. Alternatively, an excursion to Cabo da Roca is a good way to break up your day.

If you're on a beach vacation, you'll probably choose Estoril or Cascais as your base and perhaps head over to the other for a change of scene (or to check out Cascais' more extensive nightlife), which is easy by bus, taxi or (during daylight hours) walking.

But three or four in a day? There is little point in packing two beach towns into such a long day, so drop Estoril. But even then, you'll be hard-pressed to make such a trip by yourself. 

How to Travel Between Sintra, Cascais, and Cabo da Roca

The 403 bus here is your friend. It departs hourly, going from Sintra to Cascais via Cabo da Roca and takes around an hour. If you're in a hurry, the 417 bus misses out the cape but gets you between Sintra and Cascais in half the time.

Estoril to Cascais and Sintra 

Estoril and Cascais are just five minutes apart by train (you can even walk). To get from Estoril to Sintra, take the 418 bus.

Fatima, Obidos, Nazare, Batalha

On this page, you'll find transport information for getting from Lisbon to Fatima, Obidos, and Nazare by guided tour, bus, train, and car.

Lisbon to Obidos

The bus takes one hour from Lisboa-Campo Grande. Check schedules at Rodotejo . 

Lisbon to Fatima

The bus from Lisbon to Fatima takes 1h30 and costs about 10€ each way. Book from Rede Expressos . 

The closest train station is 10 km outside the town and requires a bus transfer.

Visiting Nazare

There are regular buses by Rede Expressos  to Nazare from Lisbon, taking around two hours.

Connecting up These Sights 

Bus connections are poor or impossible between these sights, so your only option is a guided tour or driving.

Guided Tour : There are many guided tours from Lisbon to Fatima. Some take you directly to Fatima or you can combine other sites with Fatima.

By Car : It takes around an hour to get from Lisbon to Obidos. The onward trip to Fatima - via Nazare - takes a little over an hour. The return journey to Lisbon then takes around an hour and a half. Better still, finish your day in Coimbra, a 50-minute drive from Fatima.

Visiting Evora From Lisbon

Looking to visit Portugal's Alentejo wine region? Then you'll most likely want to head to Evora, the capital. 

Though Evora is a little further from Lisbon than most Day Trips from the Portuguese capital, it is still well connected by both bus and train, making it a popular destination for sampling Portugal's under-appreciated wines.

Evora en Route From Spain to Lisbon

If you are coming into Portugal from Spain, you may prefer to stop in Evora before making your way to  Lisbon . It takes just over an hour from Badajoz or two hours from Merida . Note that Portugal is in a different time zone to Spain, which may mess with some booking websites' travel time estimates.

Best Way to Travel Between Lisbon and Evora

The bus and train take a similar amount of time and cost about the same. The train will be more comfortable, but if you are staying close to the bus station, it may be more convenient to just take the bus. 

Bear in mind that if you want to visit a winery, it will be much easier to go by guided tour.

Lisbon to Evora by Guided Tour

There are guided tours from Lisbon to Evora. The tour should include a visit to the chilling Chapel of Bones in the St. Francis Church, as well as sights such as the Cathedral of Évora, the Roman Temple, and the Almendres Cromlech.. 

If you are staying in Evora for a few days, you may prefer to do a tour that begins in the city.

Lisbon to Evora by Train and Bus

The train ride from Lisbon to Evora takes 1h30 and costs about 15€ one way.

The bus from Lisbon to Evora takes a bit over 1h30 and costs about 20€ round trip (or around 10€ one way). Book from  Rede Expressos .

Lisbon to Evora by Car

The 130 km drive from Lisbon to Evora takes about one-and-a-half hours.

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Cascais-Portugal.com

The best independent guide to Cascais

Cascais Intro - Cascais Sights - 1 Week in Cascais - Cascais Beaches - Day Trip to Cascais - Lisbon to Cascais

Cascais to Sintra

Sintra is a fascinating town of lavish palaces and stunning natural scenery, which creates a fantastic day trip from Cascais. Cascais is the finest resort town of the Lisbon coastline and is the most easily accessible beach, for visitors based in Sintra.

Both towns are connected by a direct bus service, and this means that there is no need to travel into Lisbon. This guide will detail how to travel from Cascais to Sintra (or conversely Sintra to Cascais) using public transport, and includes fares, timetables and station information. Related artilces: Sintra Introduction - Day trip to Sintra

The beautiful Palácio Nacional da Pena

The Castelo dos Mouros, set amidst the hills of Sintra

Cascais to Sintra by Public transport

Sintra lies 17km north of Cascais and is connected by both rail and road public transport. The rail route is impractical as requires two journeys; one from Cascais to Lisbon and a second from Lisbon to Sintra. The Cascais Sintra bus route is direct and is the recommended means of travel between the two tourist towns.

Cascais to Sintra by Bus

There are two bus services which connect Cascais to Sintra, service number 1623 and 1624. Both routes start at Cascais bus station (Cascais Terminal) and terminate at Sintra train station (Sintra Estação). The 1623 bus route is faster, but the 1624 is more scenic, following the coastline and passing the Cabo da Roca cliffs.

The 1623 bus takes 30 minutes to travel from Cascais to Sintra while the 1624. takes a whole hour. The single fare costs €2.60 and the ticket is purchased from the driver on boarding the bus. The bus services are operated by Carris Metropolitana and the latest timetables can be seen on their website: 1623 - www.carris metropolitana.pt /horarios/? linha=1623 1624 - www.carris metropolitana.pt /horarios/? linha=1624 (link opens new tab)

Insight: All bus services in the metropolitan area of Lisbon (including Sintra and Cascais) are operated by Carris Metropolitana. This changed from Scotturb in Jan 2023, and may still be mentioned in some tourist guides. Scotturb still operates all of the tourist bus services in Sintra, such as the 434 to the Palácio Nacional da Pena.

The 1624 bus on the way to Sintra

The 1624 bus service terminates at Sintra train station

Bus Stations

In Cascais the bus departs from the main bus station (Cascais Terminal), which is located below the Cascais Villa shopping centre, ( GPS: 38.700, -9.418 ). For visitors arriving in Cascais, this is close to the town centre and a 5-minute walk to the Praia da Duquesa, the main beach of the town.

In Sintra both bus services terminate at the Sintra railway station (Sintra Estação - GPS: 38.79870, -9.38646). The train station is 1.5km from the historic centre and for visitors new to Sintra, it is not always clear which way to head. We suggest catching the 434 tourist bus (€11.50, single loop), as this connects the train station, the historic centre of Sintra, the Pena Palace and the Moors Castle, in a one directional loop. The 434 bus departs from the train station and there is a service every 20 minutes. During the summer, when Sintra is swamped with tourists, there can be long queues for this bus service.

For those who wish to walk, it is a pleasant route from the train station to the historic centre, but it is a very challenging uphill hike to the Pena Palace and Moors castle. Related articles: 434 tourist bus guide

Can I see Sintra and Cascais in one day?

Certain visitors who will be reading this article will be planning a trip to both Sintra and Cascais in one day. Don’t do it. There is too much to possibly see in one day, and a significant portion of the day will be spent waiting for public transport. Even worse would be to drive to Sintra, as the narrow roads are not designed for the heavy tourist traffic and there is simply no car parking.

These are both historic and wonderful towns with a vast amount to see, and give them the justice that they deserve (Sintra two days, Cascais one day). If you are really pushed for time consider joining an organised tour, but do not plan both destinations in one-day trip!

Cascais Sintra, Cabo da Roca Bus Stop

Along the 1624 bus route are the Cabo da Roca cliffs. This headland is the most westerly point of mainland Europe and was thought to be the end of the known world in the 14th century. The region is of dramatic landscapes, 150m high cliffs fall away to raging seas and the entire region is buffeted by strong winds. Cabo da Roca is a beautiful location for people who appreciate natures raw beauty and is a wonderful place to watch sunset, but unfortunately the bus times do not allow for this.

The jagged cliffs of the Cabo da Roca coastline

There is a powerful lighthouse at the Cabo da Roca

Driving from Cascais to Sintra

Do not consider driving from Cascais to Sintra if you planning to visit the historic centre or the major tourist sights of the Moorish castle or Pena Palace as it is notoriously difficult to park. The ancient and narrow roads that wind through the hills were never designed for high traffic volumes and parking is almost non-existent.

Up by the Pena Palace there is less than ten parking spaces while down in the town hordes of tourist make driving difficult especially at the weekend. Driving in Sintra becomes essential to explore the Sintra-Cascais National park and sight not on the common tourist trails such as the Convent of the Capuchos the Quinta da Regaleira.

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