Hiking from Sintra to Cascais: From palaces to Atlantic cliffs

Program

Day 1

Sintra
Your first accommodation on arrival in Sintra is a family-run business located just outside Sintra town center. It features a tranquil terrace with splendid views of the city and hills, and is ideally located opposite the train station and a number of nearby restaurants.

Day 2

Sintra Palace (9km)
Walking tour of Sintra’s three most important monuments: Castelo de Mouro, Palacio da Pena and Palacio Nacional. You’ll start with a steep climb to the Moorish castle and King Ferdinand’s colorful dream palace, followed by a stroll through the palace’s vast park and finally a steep descent through Vila Sasseti to downtown Sintra, home to the national palace. Overnight in Sintra.

You can also take a circular route via São Miguel de Odrinhas, which is a little shorter for very hot days.
– Sintra Palace: 9 km, 4 hours, 475 m ascent and descent.
– São Miguel de Odrinhas: 6 km / 3.5 mi, 2 hours, 235 m ascent and descent

Day 3

Convento dos Capuchos – Azoia
Today, you leave the crowds behind with a transfer to the Convento dos Capuchos, a classic example of an austere 16th-century Franciscan monastery, which you can visit before setting off. Your hiking route takes you through mystical Mediterranean forests, past hillside menhirs and the sanctuary dedicated to the Virgin Mary of Peninha. Return to Azoia and transfer to Sintra. Overnight in Sintra.

It’s possible to make a nice loop around the village of Carvalhal on very hot days.
– Convento dos Capuchos: 13 km / 8 mi, 5 hours, 425 m ascent, 500 m descent.
– Loop around Carvalhal: 11.5 km / 7 mi, 4 hours, 350 m ascent and descent.

Day 4

Sintra Manor Houses – (5 km; +250 m; -300m) or (7km; +375 m; -425m)
In the 19th and early 20th centuries, the winds of romance blowing across Europe were strongly felt in Sintra.
Within a few square kilometers, you’ll find extravagant palaces and mansions built by noblemen and wealthy merchants, most of which are still occupied or used as luxury hotels. You’ll have the opportunity to visit them. End of the tour and overnight in Sintra.

Day 5

Praia Grande (16 km)
Today, you leave behind the wealth and romance of Sintra and walk north through fields, vineyards and pine forests towards the rugged coast.
In the pretty fishing village of Azenha do Mar, you pick up the GR-11 and follow it south to the 1970s hotel “Praia Grande” in Arribas, with its huge saltwater pool. Overnight at Colares Praia.

A more entertaining and hilly route can be taken from Amoreira.
– Itinerary from Sintra: 15 km / 4.5 – 5 hours, 300 m ascent, 500 m descent.
– Route from Amoreira: 16 km / 10 mi, 4.5 – 5 hours, 300 m ascent, 500 m descent.

Day 6

Loop around Praia Grande (13 km: +500m; -500m)
From the Hotel Arribas, take the GR-11 “Costa Atlantica” long-distance hiking trail, which heads south along fishermen’s paths to the village of Ulgueira. Beautiful views of Cabo de Roca – the most westerly point on the European continent – and a lovely sandy beach along the way. After a drink or ice cream at the Casa Doña Maria in Ulgeira, you’ll return to Praia Grande via a different route that passes through the authentic village of Almoçageme.

Day 7

Azoia – Guincho (Cascais) (8km; +175m; -375m) or (17km; +275m; -475m)
Your final day’s walk begins with a transfer to Azoia, where you pick up the GR-11 and follow it along the coast to the 17th-century fortress of “Fortaleza de Guincho”, now a luxury hotel overlooking Praia do Guincho. You can stop halfway (after 8 km and around 2.5 to 3 hours’ walk) and take the bus directly to Cascais, or walk a further 9.5 km to your hotel (path between the road and the beach).

Day 8

Cascais
End of the stay after breakfast. Return to Lisbon by public transport (1 hour) or private transfer.