Sintra – Cascais Walking Holidays

From Lisbon airport, there are convenient public transport options to Sintra (approx. one hour). However, we do offer the option of a private taxi transfer directly to your accommodation.

Today's route explores the most prominent monuments of Sintra: Castelo de Mouros, Palacio de Pena and the Palacio National. Start with a steep ascent to the Moorish castle and colourful palace of King Ferdinand, followed by a tour of the spacious palace grounds, before joining the path that descends sharply via Vila Sasseti to the town centre of Sintra, where the National Palace stands.

475 ascent/descent, mainly on good paths, the descent is rather steep. Est. walking time 4 - 4.5 hours.

Note: you can avoid the steep ascent and descent by taking the bus (approz. €5).

Venture further out of the town with a transfer to the austere 16th century Franciscan monastery of Convento de los Capuchos, of which you have time to explore the grounds before setting off on today's walk.

Today's route leads you through enchanting Mediterranean woodland, scattered with hillside menhirs and the shrine dedicated to the Virgin Mary of Peninha. The path then descends to Azoia, where the taxi is waiting; you may also wish to stop off at Azoia for a typical Portuguese lunch before returning to Sintra.

425 ascent/descent, mainly on good paths, the descent is rather steep. Est. walking time 4.5 hours.

Today's route delves into some of the more impressive and noteworthy palaces and manor houses of Sintra.

Within a few square kilometres, you have a collection of extravagant buildings open for exploration, starting with:

"Quinta da Regaleira", a romantic, and quite ominous early 20th century palace built by an eccentric Brazilian coffee farmer and Freemason. He constructed a series of spiraling underground tunnels connected to the palace for his groups' secretive masonic rites.

"Palacio de Setais", a 18th century Neoclassical palace, which is now a hotel where the extensive gardens are open to visitors.

From here, you can take the 435 bus, or walk 2.5km along the road to reach.

"Palacio de Montserrat", a Romantic building with Indian and Arabic influences, built by a Portugeuse-English Viscount and industrial magnate.

Sintra's grand palaces are left behind with a route that stretches out through fields, vineyards and pine forests to the picturesque fishing village of Azenhas do Mar. You stay overnight on the "Praia Grande" in Arribas, in a hotel that comes with its own large saltwater and smaller freshwater swimming pools.

300m ascent/ 500m descent. Est. walking time 4.5 hours.
You can also take a shorter route via the 19th century tram to Azenha (runs Thursday to Sunday) and walk just the last few kilometres, or take the bus directly to the Praia Grande (line 439), where you can stay 2 nights in the renovated "Arribas" beach hotel. All rooms have a terrace and sea views, with a range of restaurants nearby.

From Hotel Arribas you follow the long distance walking path - the GR-11 "Costa Atlántica" - that travels south along the fisherman's trails of the coast to the village of Ulgueira. From here, you can walk to Costa to Roca and back, or loop back to Praia Grande via a different route.
475m ascent/ 550m descent. Est. walking time 4.5 - 5 hours.

Transfer to Azoia, where your join the GR-11 as it follows the coastline to the 17th century fortress of "Fortaleza de Guincho", now a luxury hotel with views over Praia do Guincho. You have the option of leaving the route halfway (at approx. 7.5km) and taking the bus directly to Cascais, or walking an additional 9.5km to your hotel (footpath between the road and beach).
175 or 275m ascent/375 or 475m descent. Est. walking time 3 - 5.5 hours. Bus to Cascais (Line 415 or 405).

After breakfast, you have the option of travelling back to Lisbon via public transport (one hour). Alternatively, we can arrange a private transfer.