Lisbon, the beautiful capital of Portugal, has so much to see, do and eat, but there are also some beautiful places nearby that are worth a day trip. For a break from Pasteis del Nata and colorful tiles, be sure to visit Sintra in the Portuguese mountains or Cascais by the sea. Both Sintra and Cascais can be reached on a day trip from Lisbon and are essential to any perfect Portugal itinerary.
Perfect day trip from Lisbon
sintra portugal
Located less than an hour from Lisbon, the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sintra is like the setting of a real-life fairy tale. Perched high in the lush mountains, Sintra is best known for its magnificent palaces, pastel-colored mansions, quaint shops, and beautiful gardens. Sintra’s mystical and romantic charm has even been described as “Disneyland for adults.” No one can really resist those words. The cool, mountainous climate has attracted Portugal’s nobility and royalty for centuries, building some of the most beautiful mansions and palaces in all of Portugal.
things to do in sintra
Sintra National Palace: Located in the heart of the old town, the vast National Palace is characterized by its unusual conical chimney, which has become the town’s symbol. It was built as a summer residence for the Portuguese royal family from the early 15th century and remained in use until the late 19th century. The whitewashed exterior and Gothic architecture make for impressive photos.
Moorish castle: This ruined castle is the oldest structure in the city. Dating back to the 9th century, the castle was originally built by the North African Moors to protect the town of Sintra, but fell into disrepair after the Christian conquest of Portugal. The crumbling ruins offer panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Pena Palace: The most spectacular and famous place in Sintra is the colorful and spectacular Palacio da Pena, built on one of the highest mountains. This brightly painted summer residence stands out like a lighthouse, contrasting with the lush contrast of the surrounding mountains. Its architectural style is one of the most impressive and unusual in the entire country. Weather permitting, the view from the palace over the entire region is one of the best in all of Portugal. Unfortunately, when we visited, Palacio da Pena was completely covered in dense clouds and we unfortunately missed it.
Historic town center: Sintra’s charming historic town center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors should spend time exploring the cobblestone maze of quaint shops and cafes that winds along the hilltop. Be sure to try the famous Sintra pastries here: “queijada” (cheese pastry) and “traveceiros” (egg and almond pastry).
Things to do in Cascais, Portugal
Rather than returning directly to Lisbon from Sintra, follow the scenic road along mainland Europe’s rugged golden coast, stopping in the charming seaside town of Cascais. Once a sleepy fishing village, Cascais has transformed into a favorite holiday destination for many Portuguese and other Europeans, and many now consider it one of Lisbon’s most sophisticated destinations.
things to do in cascais
Cascas beaches: Cascais’ main attraction is its incredibly varied golden beaches, offering something for everyone.
Citadel of Cascais: Cidadela de Cascais is an imposing fortress overlooking the marina and harbor. A striking landmark in the town, it has now been transformed into a luxury hotel and cultural center.
Plaza Luis de Camões: This is the historic center of Cascais, with a lively atmosphere and a square full of cafes, restaurants and trendy bars.
Marina: Cascais’ marina has space for over 650 boats. Stroll along the docks and admire the expensive yachts.
Free museums: One of the great things about Cascais is that all of its interesting museums and buildings are free to enter. There are many interesting exhibits hidden throughout the city, so feel free to wander around.
Eat fresh seafood: Cascais restaurants serve the region’s freshest fish, sourced directly from fishermen’s boats in the town’s small port. There are many great seafood restaurants scattered throughout the city.
