More about: Day Trips to Sintra and Cascais from Lisbon
The trip to Sintra is a must. Just half an hour away from Lisbon is this municipality dominated by the Pena Palace, one of the most important centers of European Romantic architecture.
There are different ways to get to Sintra. Which one you choose will depend on what you want to see and how much time you have. Here are the best options:
Sintra, Cascais and Cabo da Roca Day Trip from Lisbon
The most popular and comprehensive tour, at the best price
If you want to enjoy the charm of Sintra, Cascais, and Cabo da Roca while seeing the exterior of the Pena Palace, this is the most economical option.
A visit to Sintra during your trip to Lisbon will allow you to learn a little more about the neighboring country and enjoy landscapes with a unique charm.
To begin with, there are tourist attractions in the vicinity of Sintra that are worth visiting. This is the case of the municipality of Cascais or the impressive Cabo da Roca, from where you can enjoy wonderful views of the Atlantic Ocean. This day trip to Sintra, Cabo da Roca, Cascais, and Regaleira is designed to allow you to enjoy the contrasts of the Portuguese landscape.
And, of course, at the top of the Sintra mountains is the spectacular Pena Palace, built in the 19th century by a German architect for Ferdinand of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. On this tour of Sintra, you will be accompanied by an expert guide who will reveal its history to you.
Why I like this option: The best thing about this excursion is that it is the most comprehensive in relation to its price. It also includes pick-up and drop-off from different meeting points.
Recommended if... you are looking for an affordable, high-quality option to spend a different kind of day during your trip to Lisbon, seeing the region's highlights.
Sintra and Cascais Small Group Day Trip from Lisbon
Explore Sintra, Cascais, and Cabo da Roca with an expert guide and admission to the Pena Palace
If you want to make the most of your trip and don't want to miss out on seeing the inside of the charming Pena Palace, this is the best option, as it includes admission to this monument.
By now, you must be convinced that Sintra is a must-see during your trip to Lisbon, so all that's left is to choose the option that best suits you. The main attraction of this beautiful city is undoubtedly the Pena Palace, so on this excursion to Sintra and Cascais from Lisbon, you won't want to miss its beautiful rooms, taking advantage of the fact that you have an expert guide who will tell you all the historical details.
You'll start the day in Sintra, where, in addition to visiting the historic center, you'll see the Town Hall (also known as Queluz Palace) and stop at Casa Piriquita, a legendary pastry shop where you can taste the typical sweets of the area, Travesseiros and Queijadas.
You will also visit Cabo da Roca and its spectacular views of the Atlantic, before heading to the famous Pena Palace, where you will have an hour and a half to explore it in depth.
Why I like this option: for a slightly higher price than other tours, this one includes an expert guide and admission to the Pena National Palace, giving you a much more complete experience.
Recommended if... you want to enjoy a more premium experience than other tours that do not include admission to the monuments along the way.
Sintra Private Day Trip from Lisbon with Pena Palace Tickets
Discover Sintra with a private tour from Lisbon
Enjoy a personalized experience to discover Sintra with an expert guide and private transportation from your accommodation in Lisbon.
On this private excursion, you will have an air-conditioned vehicle at your disposal to pick you up and take you back to the Portuguese capital. You can explore Sintra with all the comfort and flexibility that an exclusive tour offers.
You will visit iconic places such as the historic center, the National Palace of Sintra, and the Castle of the Moors, enjoying the explanations of your local guide. In addition, the visit includes admission to the Pena Palace, where you can explore its impressive rooms and terraces with panoramic views.
The tour also leaves you free time to discover Sintra at your own pace, strolling through its charming streets or sampling the local cuisine.
Why I like this option: because it's a comfortable and exclusive way to get to know Sintra, without worrying about transportation and with admission to the Pena Palace included.
Recommended if... you're looking for a private and personalized experience to discover Sintra at your own pace.
In summary, we compare the options
The most popular and comprehensive tour, at the best price
If you want to enjoy the charm of Sintra and see the outside of its famous Pena Palace, this is the most economical option. It also passes through Cascais and Cabo da Roca.
Sintra, Cascais, and Cabo da Roca with a guide and admission to the beautiful Pena Palace
If you want to make the most of your trip to Sintra and see its star attraction from the inside, take advantage of this tour, which, for a little more than the previous one, takes you on a guided tour of its rooms with explanations from the guide.
Private tour to Sintra with tickets to the Pena Palace
Discover Sintra in comfort and style with this private tour from Lisbon. Includes transportation, expert guide, and tickets to the Pena Palace.
What you will see on the excursions to Sintra and Cascais
Any guided tour you book to Sintra and Cascais will cover the main points of interest in Sintra and Cascais; some will focus more on the historic center, others on the surrounding area, and others on the landscape. Many of them include tickets, but be sure to check when booking. Here's what you won't want to miss on this essential getaway from Lisbon:
The highlights of Sintra
- Pena Palace: The jewel of Sintra, with yellow and pink walls and a 19th-century romantic design. More details on how to visit Pena Palace.
- The National Palace of Sintra: With white walls and orange roofs, it stands out for its medieval, Gothic, and Renaissance elements.
- Quinta da Regaleira: An enchanted castle with towers and sculptures. Admission varies between €8 and €16 depending on the type of ticket.
- The Castle of the Moors: At the top of the mountain, it offers spectacular views of the Atlantic after climbing its stone stairs.
Highlights of Cascais
- The historic center of Cascais: Cobbled streets, boutiques, galleries, and seaside restaurants in this former fishing village turned elegant coastal retreat.
- Boca do Inferno: A spectacular cliff where the Atlantic waves crash with force, creating a dramatic landscape perfect for photos.
- Cabo da Roca: The westernmost point of continental Europe, with breathtaking views of the ocean and an iconic lighthouse.
- Guincho Beach: Golden sand and strong waves make this beach a paradise for surfing, walking, and enjoying the Atlantic breeze.
When to go to Sintra and Cascais
Like Lisbon, Sintra and Cascais welcome tourists all year round. During the high season (June to August), the city is livelier, but there will also be longer queues to visit the Pena Palace and ticket prices for tourist attractions will be higher.
As for the climate, it is good at any time of year as there are no low temperatures that prevent you from visiting the city, and in summer Sintra is always cooler than Lisbon. The ideal month to visit the city is September, as the weather will be perfect and you won't find the summer crowds at the tourist spots.
How to get to Sintra from Lisbon on your own
If you're not a fan of guided tours (although I always recommend them when going on excursions or visiting the most emblematic spots in a city), you can also get to Sintra quickly and easily on your own.
The train to Sintra leaves from Rossio station in Lisbon, located in the city center between the botanical garden and the Santa Justa elevator. The journey takes approximately 40 minutes, trains leave every half hour and cost around five euros (with the Lisbon tourist card, you don't have to pay for the train).
You can also get to Sintra by rental car from Lisbon, but the train works so well that I don't recommend it unless you plan to continue your journey around the capital. Once you arrive in Sintra, you can get around on foot or by bus 434, which connects the historic center with the Pena Palace.
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Sintra is not the only attractive place you can visit during your trip to Lisbon without having to travel long distances. The surroundings of the Portuguese capital are fascinating, and if you haven't booked your plane ticket yet, I recommend adding a couple of extra days to your vacation so you can explore them all.
The Algarve, Fátima, Sesimbra, Nazaré, Óbidos, Arrábida, Evora... if you're not familiar with these places after visiting Lisbon, you're sure to have heard of them several times. In this article on 11 Best Tours and Day Trips from Lisbon you will find all the information you need about what you can see during your trip.