Highlights
- Have a beach day in the glamorous seaside town of Cascais
- Trek through the Sintra Mountains to the hilltop Peninha Sanctuary
- Hike to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point in mainland Europe
- Visit three of Sintra's famous 19th-century palaces
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Lisbon & Gourmet Food Tour | Lisbon |
| Day 2 | Transfer from Lisbon to Cascais | Cascais |
| Day 3 | Hike from Cascais to Azóia | Azóia |
| Day 4 | Complete the Azóia Loop | Azóia |
| Day 5 | Hike from Azóia to Colares | Colares |
| Day 6 | Colares to Sintra Hike & Palace Visit | Sintra |
| Day 7 | Tour of Sintra Palaces & Sintra-Cascais Natural Park | Sintra |
| Day 8 | Transfer from Sintra to Lisbon & Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Lisbon & Gourmet Food Tour
Welcome to Portugal! Medieval castles, cobblestone villages, captivating cities, and golden beaches await. But first, a driver will greet you at the Lisbon airport and transfer you to your hotel. Spend your free afternoon resting or visiting sights like Castelo de S. Jorge (St. George Castle) and Praça do Comércio, the city's main square.
When evening hits, take part in a gourmet food tour of Lisbon—a great way to experience the city for the first time! Meander through a series of winding alleys, tasting the incredible flavors of Portuguese gastronomy in the neighborhood of Campo de Ourique.
Day 2: Transfer from Lisbon to Cascais
Early in the morning, a driver will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to Cascais. Once a sleepy fishing village, this town is now an upscale beach resort. As it's only about a thirty-minute drive from Lisbon, people from the capital often come here to enjoy the refreshingly cold water of the Atlantic Ocean.
Flush with gorgeous urban beaches and dramatic rock formations, Cascais entices you to take long strolls along the coast. Pull yourself away from the sea long enough to visit the charming old town, where colorful flowers hang from balconies over pastel houses. For dinner, try delicious local specialties like octopus or fresh seafood.
Day 3: Hike from Cascais to Azóia
Enjoy a hearty breakfast before transferring to Guincho Beach, where your hiking adventure begins. You'll be traversing the scenic Estoril Coast. As you hit the trail, experience a wide-open shoreline between dunes, valleys, and small villages.
Your destination is the beautiful Convent of São Saturnino, situated at the head of a secluded valley in Azóia where the sea meets the mountains. Go back in time and experience this restored 17th-century convent, where you have the chance to stop and recover your strength. Drinks, massages, and a pool are available for those needing a break.
Hiking distance: ~ 6 miles (10 km)
Day 4: Complete the Azóia Loop
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
This morning, take in the quiet melodies of nature as you fuel up for the day with a delicious breakfast. Then, prepare to complete the scenic loop trail in the Sintra Mountains. The range was once called the "Moon Hills" because legend claimed that Diana, the Roman goddess of the moon, came here to rest and hunt.
Your trail ascends about 1,600 feet (488 m) to the Peninha Sanctuary. When you reach the top, take a moment to rest and admire the breathtaking panoramic view. Up here, you will be surrounded by elegant paths within the forest and stunning vistas of the sea. Once you've recovered your breath, continue back to the beginning of the trail.
Hiking distance: ~ 5.5 miles (9 km)
Day 5: Hike from Azóia to Colares
Today's hike will begin early. Walk up coastal cliffs until you emerge onto an unforgettable viewpoint where the ocean stretches as far as the eye can see. Continue to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe. Here, you can see the iconic lighthouse that has been illuminating this coast since 1772. Cool off in the wild and beautiful Ursa Beach.
Once hunger hits, make your way to nearby Adraga Beach, a perfect lunch spot. Have a bite, relax on the sand, and splash in the waves. Then, head on to the pretty village of Colares, where you will stay for the night. At dinner, consider indulging in delicious, freshly caught seafood paired with a glass of local wine.
Hiking distance: ~ 8 miles (13 km)
Day 6: Colares to Sintra Hike & Palace Visit
Fairy-tale romance awaits you on the trail today. Start your hike on forest trails outside of Colares. Take in the verdant splendor of the area's woods as you make your way to the town of Sintra, known for its numerous castles and palaces.
The hike will end in Sintra's impressive Monserrate Palace, a neo-Gothic mansion that is a brilliant example of Romantic architecture. Wander the grounds, admire the unique detailed façade, then indulge in the visual feast of its interior. Beams of sunlight illuminate elaborate sculptures, beautifully preserved busts, and intricate cupolas. Afterward, stroll around the historic center of Sintra.
Hiking distance: ~ 7.75 miles (12 km)
Day 7: Tour of Sintra Palaces & Sintra-Cascais Natural Park
Spend the morning touring two of Sintra's famed palaces. Walk around Pena Palace, known for its unusually colorful facade. Perched on top of a hill, it is the town's most iconic landmark. Next, visit Quinta da Regaleira, an opulent 19th-century estate. The neo-Gothic palace certainly draws attention, but it's the gardens that fascinate people with their elaborate spiral wells and secret cave passages.
Both of these palaces are part of the expansive Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. Your guide will take you to other points of interest within the area, like the large Cresmina Dune and the Stone Age dolmen of Anta de Adrenunes, or you can head back to spend some more time at the popular spots of Cabo de Roca and Guincho Beach.
Day 8: Transfer from Sintra to Lisbon & Depart
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