Sintra is the most beautiful day trip from Lisbon: a green mountain of palaces, forests and gardens 40 minutes from the city. It is also very popular, and a bad plan can mean long queues and hours in traffic. Here is how to do it well.
Go early, and go by car
The palaces open around 9:30. Arriving at opening time makes a huge difference, especially in summer. The roads up the mountain are narrow and parking is very limited, so a private driver who drops you at each entrance is by far the easiest way.
The right order
- Pena Palace first: the colourful palace on the top of the mountain, with terraces looking over the Atlantic. Book a timed ticket.
- Moorish Castle (optional): walls built in the Islamic period, with great views – good for active families.
- Quinta da Regaleira: gardens, towers, grottoes and the famous Initiation Well, a spiral staircase going down into the earth. Children love the tunnels.
- Lunch in the village, then the travesseiro pastries of Sintra.
Back by the sea
In the afternoon, drive through the hills to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe, then down the coast to Cascais. Walk along the marina, enjoy an ice cream and watch the sunset before returning to Lisbon.
Good to know: Sintra is cooler and often misty, even in summer – bring a light jacket. Shoes with a good grip are essential in the parks.
Our private Sintra and Cascais day trip follows exactly this plan, with an Arabic-speaking guide on request.
Lisbon city guideThings to do, hotels we recommend, halal restaurants, tours and tips.
