A scenic drive to Sintra is the must-do day trip. It is described as Disneyland for adults! Pick up a hire car and drive along the picturesque Estoril Coast. See the fishing port of Cascais Bay and stop at Cabo da Roca- Europe’s most western point.
Once you have had your fill of the stunning coastline, head inland to the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. Explore the park’s lush mountain valleys and wooded hillsides. Then uncover the hidden fairy-tale town of Sintra at its heart.
Santa Marta Lighthouse and Museum, Cascais. Photo by: Premium Collection/Adobe Stock
The Coastal Road
The Estoril coastline is a spectacular stretch of the Atlantic coast. It is said to be one of the most beautiful in Europe. Marvel at its rugged cliffs, crashing waves and near empty stretches of sandy beach.
The first stop at Cascais is just 45 minutes away. Simply drive along the N6 coastal road from Lisbon. The seaside town is the perfect place to sample some of Portugal’s best seafood. Try delicious local delicacies such as the goose barnacle! We haven’t had the pleasure of trying one at Zest Car Rental, but it is an acclaimed favourite of foodie aficionados. If you love fresh seafood it is bound to be a memorable treat!
Other coastal pit-stops include Praia do Guincho and the famous Cabo da Roca. Both sit at 20 minute intervals along the N247 coastal road. Praia do Guincho is a large sandy beach and a hotspot for surfers. They always make the most of the east coast waves.
Cabo da Roca however is a headland with stunning panoramic views from the cliffs. Don’t get too close to the edge though! They fall away sharply to the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean below.
Besides being a national landmark, Cabo da Roca is one of the main features of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. It also marks the second leg of your scenic drive.
Cabo da Roca lighthouse. Photo by: Emi Cristea/Adobe Stock
The Sintra-Cascais Natural Park
The Sintra-Cascais Natural Park is an extraordinary landscape. It contains beautiful scenery and enchanting architectural heritage. The park encompasses sand dunes, vineyards, and wooded hillsides with the town of Sintra at its centre. The road from Cabo da Roca to Sintra will take you through the heart of the park. Enjoy a drive through the rich green forest. Admire the area’s impressive historic chapels, palaces and mansions.
Sintra
Sintra’s spires and palaces will emerge through the greenery of the mountain peaks. Sintra is a mysterious dreamlike town. It is built upon layers of history, fairy-tale woodland, and architectural whimsy. Sintra has been the summer residence of Portuguese Royals and European aristocrats for over 6 centuries. It is also home to some extraordinary architectural designs and exotic gardens. A UNESCO World Heritage site, its reputation as a must-see attraction precedes it.
Sintra’s glittering palaces, colourful mansions and country estates are a treasured architectural collection. They are the country’s finest examples of Moorish, Arabic, Gothic and Portuguese romanticism. You could easily spend a few days touring these architectural wonders. We have however narrowed down the choice to our two main highlights: the Pena Palace and the Quinta da Regaleira.
Pena National Palace, Sintra. Photo by: Sergii Figurnyi/Adobe Stock
Pena Palace is an architectural fantasia and one of Portugal’s seven wonders. It sits high on a peak overlooking the rest of the town. It is undoubtedly Sintra’s crown jewel. Gaze in awe at its multi-coloured towers, turrets and crenellations. The site originally belonged to a monastery. The creative palace that we see today was actually the brain-child of King Ferdinand II. Once inside, the extravagant designs continue. Each room is an ornate display of past wealth and riches. Saunter through grand entryways and view the ostentatious handmade furniture and luxurious colourful wall hangings!
The Quinta da Regaleira estate is equally whimsical. This house is another impressive architectural display. The real attraction is the estate gardens though. It is a Gothic-Romantic extravaganza! It comprises of a labyrinth of paved footpaths, inverted towers and secret gardens, grottoes. Wander through the hidden follies, ornate fountains and streams strewn with water lilies.
Considered the most fantastic site in Sintra, the garden is something straight out of a fairy-tale. It is a place where the statues come alive at night and fey people bewitch its visitors. It is guaranteed to enchant you.
From Sintra it’s just a 30 minute drive back to reality, I mean Lisbon!
Plan your Portugal trip now
If you are looking for more ideas on thing to do in Portugal we’ve got a more ideas here. Or, if you’ve visited Sintra and its fairytale palaces we’d love to hear what you thought. Just leave us a comment below!
Get a quote for car hire in Portugal now.
Make sure you follow us on Twitter and Facebook for the latest travel tips and news. Remember to sign up to our newsletter below for the latest deals.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Want our blogs emailed direct to you? Sign up below to get updates featuring our blogs and car hire top tips. Receive the best deals on car hire straight to your inbox.
Is this an easy drive?
Hi Kenny,
The drive around Sintra from Lisbon is fairly straightforward. There are a lot of narrow winding roads if you plan to drive to Pena Palace, although they shouldn’t be too tricky. Your biggest issue may be parking however, available parking spots can be tricky to get on busy peak days.
Hope this helps,
Jake