Sintra vs Cascais: Which Day Trip from Lisbon?

Sintra and Cascais are the two most popular day trips from Lisbon, and they’re only 30 minutes apart, but they’re completely different. Sintra is fairy-tale palaces in misty hills; Cascais is a sunny seaside town. Here’s how to choose, and how to do both in a day.

Quick answer: choose Sintra for palaces, castles and gardens (Pena, Regaleira, the Moorish Castle). Choose Cascais for beaches, a relaxed seaside town and coastal walks. Both are about 40 minutes by train from Lisbon. To do both in one day, take a tour or use the bus via Cabo da Roca.

Sintra: best for

• Palaces: Pena (from €20, timed entry), Quinta da Regaleira, the Moorish Castle and Monserrate.
• Atmosphere: misty forests and romantic gardens.
• Getting there: train from Rossio (about 40 minutes), then the 434 bus up the hill. See Lisbon to Sintra.
• Watch out: crowds, queues, steep hills and traffic restrictions. Book tickets ahead and go early.

See Sintra in one day and visiting Sintra.

Cascais: best for

• Beaches: sheltered town beaches, plus wild Guincho nearby.
• A relaxed day: seafood lunches, the marina and a stroll along the promenade to Estoril.
• Coastal walks: to Boca do Inferno.
• Getting there: train from Cais do Sodré along the coast (about 40 minutes).

See things to do in Cascais.

Doing both in one day

• On a tour: the classic Sintra, Cabo da Roca and Cascais day trip. See the best Sintra tours.
• By public transport: train to Sintra, see one or two palaces, take bus 1624 via Cabo da Roca (now a ticketed visitor area) to Cascais, then the train back to Lisbon. A long but brilliant loop.
• Tip: pick just one palace in Sintra if you’re doing both.

Staying overnight

Sintra is magical in the evening once the crowds leave; Cascais is great as a beach base with easy trains to Lisbon. See where to stay in Sintra and where to stay in Cascais.

With kids

Kids love Quinta da Regaleira’s tunnels and the Moorish Castle walls in Sintra, and the beaches and park peacocks in Cascais. See Lisbon with kids.

From our sister blog: 11 day trips from Lisbon, including secret spots on Sunset Travellers.

Prices and details change, so please double-check before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us in the groups.