Sintra 1 Day Tour from Lisbon Visit Sintra Palaces

Sintra Tours From Lisbon Itinerary

• 1 Visit Sintra Centre

  Visiting the center of Sintra is a delightful experience, as it offers a charming mix of historical sites, picturesque streets, and cultural attractions. Here's a guide to exploring the center of Sintra:
  
  National Palace of Sintra (Palácio Nacional de Sintra): Start your visit at the National Palace of Sintra, located in the heart of the town. This iconic palace features distinctive twin chimneys and a blend of Moorish, Gothic, and Manueline architectural styles. Explore the interior rooms adorned with intricate tilework, beautiful ceilings, and historical artifacts.
  
  Sintra Town Center: Wander through the narrow cobblestone streets of Sintra's town center, lined with quaint shops, cafes, and restaurants. Admire the traditional Portuguese architecture, colorful facades, and decorative azulejos (tiles) that adorn many buildings.
  
  Cultural Attractions: Visit other cultural attractions in the town center, such as the Sintra Museum of Modern Art (MU.SA) showcasing contemporary Portuguese art, and the Anjos Teixeira Museum dedicated to decorative arts and furniture.
  
  Historical Landmarks: Discover historical landmarks within the town center, including the Church of Santa Maria, a medieval church with a beautiful rose window, and the Sintra Town Hall housed in a historic building dating back to the 20th century.
  
  Local Cuisine: Take a break from sightseeing and indulge in local cuisine at one of the many restaurants or cafes in the town center. Try traditional Portuguese dishes such as pastéis de nata (custard tarts), queijadas de Sintra (cheese pastries), or local seafood specialties.
  
  Exploring the center of Sintra allows you to immerse yourself in its rich history, vibrant culture, and scenic beauty. Don't forget to take your time to wander around and soak in the atmosphere of this enchanting town.

• 2 Visit Pena Palace

  Pena Palace (Palácio da Pena) is one of Portugal's most iconic and colorful landmarks, located in the town of Sintra, just a short distance from Lisbon. Here's an overview of this enchanting palace: History and Architecture: Pena Palace is a Romanticist castle that was built in the 19th century on the ruins of an old monastery. It was commissioned by King Ferdinand II and designed by the German architect Baron Wilhelm Ludwig von Eschwege. The palace's design combines various architectural styles, including Moorish, Gothic, Renaissance, and Manueline, creating a whimsical and eclectic appearance.
  
  Colorful Facade: The most striking feature of Pena Palace is its colorful facade, which is adorned with vibrant shades of yellow, red, and blue. The palace stands out against the lush greenery of the surrounding Sintra Mountains, creating a fairytale-like atmosphere.
  
  Interior: The interior of Pena Palace is equally impressive, with elaborately decorated rooms featuring ornate furnishings, intricate tilework, and beautiful stained glass windows. Visitors can explore various rooms, including the King's and Queen's quarters, the Ballroom, the Chapel, and the Arab Room with its intricate ceiling.
  
  Surrounding Park: Pena Palace is surrounded by a vast park known as the Pena Park (Parque da Pena), which covers over 200 hectares of lush forests, winding pathways, and scenic viewpoints. The park is home to diverse flora and fauna, including exotic plants and trees imported from around the world during the palace's construction.
  
  Terrace and Views: From the palace's terrace, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the town of Sintra, the Moorish Castle, and the distant Atlantic Ocean. The terrace offers an ideal vantage point for taking photographs and admiring the stunning scenery.
  
  Pena Palace is not only a symbol of Portugal's rich architectural heritage but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site that attracts visitors from around the world with its fairy-tale charm and breathtaking beauty. A visit to Pena Palace is a must for anyone exploring the enchanting town of Sintra.

  • The guide accompanies the visit inside the Palace of Pena
  • Tickets are not included in the Tour Price
• 2 Visit Quinta da Regaleira

  Quinta da Regaleira, which seems to have come out of a fairy tale, is full of mysteries, labyrinths and surrounded by the Serra de Sintra, which makes the setting even more surprising. The place, full of rooms, corridors, lakes, portals, fountains and secret passages have a mix of architectural styles: Renaissance, Gothic and Romantic.
  
  Because of this, Quinta da Regaleira, in Sintra, is considered a true classic of world architecture.
  
  The great attraction of Quinta da Regaleira is the Initiatory Well which, in addition to being an impressive construction, is full of mysteries and legends. In the past, it was believed that the site was used for Freemasonry initiation rituals. The place is, in fact, an underground gallery with an extensive spiral staircase, supported by carved columns, which gives access to the bottom of the well.

  • The guide does not accompany the visit to the interior
  • Tickets are not included in the Tour Price
• 4 Visit Cabo da Roca

  Cabo da Roca is a rugged and picturesque headland located in the westernmost point of mainland Europe, near the town of Sintra in Portugal. Here's an overview of this stunning natural landmark:
  
  Geography and Location: Cabo da Roca is situated on the Atlantic coast of Portugal, approximately 40 kilometers west of Lisbon. It marks the westernmost point of mainland Europe and is characterized by dramatic cliffs that rise up to 140 meters above the sea.
  
  Scenic Views: The headland offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding coastline, making it a popular destination for visitors seeking stunning natural scenery. On a clear day, visitors can see the vast expanse of the ocean stretching out to the horizon.
  
  Lighthouse: At the tip of Cabo da Roca stands a historic lighthouse, known as the Cabo da Roca Lighthouse (Farol do Cabo da Roca). The lighthouse was built in the 19th century and serves as a navigational aid for ships passing through the waters off the coast of Portugal.
  
  Visitor Facilities: There are visitor facilities at Cabo da Roca, including a small gift shop, cafe, and parking area. Visitors can enjoy refreshments while taking in the stunning views or purchase souvenirs to commemorate their visit to this iconic landmark.
  
  Historical Significance: In addition to its natural beauty, Cabo da Roca holds historical significance as a point of interest for explorers and navigators throughout history. Its designation as the westernmost point of mainland Europe has made it a symbolic landmark associated with maritime exploration and discovery.
  
  Visiting Cabo da Roca provides a memorable opportunity to experience the beauty of Portugal's coastline and to stand at the edge of Europe, where the land meets the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean.

• 5 Visit Boca do Inferno

  Boca do Inferno, which translates to "Hell's Mouth" in English, is a dramatic cliff formation located near the town of Cascais, Portugal, just a short drive from Lisbon. Here's what you need to know about visiting this stunning natural wonder:
  
  Location: Boca do Inferno is situated along the scenic coastal road that connects Cascais to Guincho Beach. It's easily accessible by car, and there's parking available nearby. Additionally, you can reach Boca do Inferno by walking along the promenade from the center of Cascais, enjoying beautiful ocean views along the way.
  
  Natural Formation: Boca do Inferno is a unique geological formation characterized by a collapsed cave and a series of cliffs that overlook the Atlantic Ocean. The crashing waves and sea spray add to the dramatic atmosphere, especially during high tide and stormy weather.
  
  Spectacular Views: The main attraction of Boca do Inferno is the breathtaking view of the ocean and the rugged coastline. Visitors can walk along the cliff's edge and admire the powerful waves crashing against the rocks below, creating an awe-inspiring sight and sound.
  
  Visitor Facilities: While Boca do Inferno is primarily a natural attraction, there are a few amenities available nearby, including parking, benches, and a small cafe where you can grab a drink or snack while taking in the views.
  
  Visiting Boca do Inferno is a must-do experience for anyone exploring the coastal region near Cascais and Lisbon. Whether you're a nature lover, a photography enthusiast, or simply seeking a memorable adventure, the dramatic beauty of Boca do Inferno is sure to leave a lasting impression.

• 6 Visit Cascais

  Visiting Cascais is a delightful experience, offering a charming blend of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and seaside charm. Here's a guide to exploring this picturesque coastal town:
  
  Cascais Old Town: Start your visit by exploring the historic center of Cascais, with its cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and quaint squares. Wander through the narrow alleyways lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants, and admire the traditional Portuguese architecture.
  
  Cascais Marina: Stroll along the waterfront promenade to the Cascais Marina, where you can admire the boats and yachts docked in the harbor. Enjoy views of the Atlantic Ocean and watch the fishermen at work as they bring in their daily catch.
  
  Beaches: Cascais is known for its beautiful beaches, perfect for relaxing in the sun or enjoying water sports. Some popular beaches include Praia da Conceição, Praia da Rainha, and Praia do Tamariz. Whether you prefer swimming, sunbathing, or surfing, Cascais has a beach for you.
  
  Cultural Attractions: Discover Cascais' rich history and cultural heritage by visiting attractions such as the Cascais Citadel (Cidadela de Cascais), a historic fortress that now houses a cultural center and art exhibitions. Don't miss the Casa das Histórias Paula Rego, a museum dedicated to the renowned Portuguese artist.
  
  Shopping: Cascais offers plenty of shopping opportunities, from boutique stores selling local crafts and souvenirs to upscale fashion boutiques. Explore the shops along Rua Frederico Arouca and Rua Afonso Sanches to find unique treasures to take home.
  
  Visiting Cascais offers a wonderful opportunity to experience the beauty, history, and culture of Portugal's coastline. Whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure, or cultural immersion, Cascais has something for everyone.

• 7 Passage through Estoril

  Return to Lisbon following the entire coast, passing through Estoril, Carcavelos admiring the immense beaches that the coast offers us and that welcomes us to Lisbon but that announces the end of a unique day, spent in our company. This is how we end the Tour to Sintra Cascais.