Best day trip from Lisbon
One of the best things we did while visiting Lisbon was taking a day trip to Sintra and Cabo da Roca.
Sintra is only 40 minutes from Lisbon, but it feels like a completely different world. Hilltop palaces, misty forests, whimsical gardens, and some of the most unique architecture in Portugal.
My favorite stop was Quinta da Regaleira, famous for its spiral Initiation Well you can walk down into, underground tunnels, hidden caves and massive gardens.
Cabo da Roca is absolutely stunning. Dramatic cliffs overlooking sea views as far as the eye can see. Plus I’m a sucker for a lighthouse.
I couldn’t recommend this experience enough. There are several options to get there:
- Catch a 40 minute train from Lisbon to Sintra.
- Take an uber.
- Rent a car (although some of the roads can be a little tricky).
- You can take a day tour that includes all of the locations above. Comment “Palace” and I’ll send you link for a great tour, and get 5% off using discount code CYDRED5 at @getyourguide .
If you’re planning a trip to Lisbon, I highly recommend setting aside a day for this.
#portugaltravel #travel #travelcreator #sintra #portugalguide
Portugal Lisbon Sintra National Palace of Pena Quinta da Regaleira Cape Roca
Having visited Lisbon myself, I can wholeheartedly recommend taking a day trip to Sintra and Cabo da Roca as an enriching contrast to the vibrant city life. Sintra truly feels like a step into a fairy tale, with its colorful Pena Palace standing out as a highlight. Arriving early to avoid crowds enables you to appreciate the enchanting gardens and the palace’s unique architecture, which combines Gothic, Renaissance, and Moorish styles. One of the most memorable experiences was exploring Quinta da Regaleira. It offers an incredible mix of mystique and adventure with its spiral Initiation Well, secret passageways, and lush gardens. Walking through its underground tunnels and hidden caves felt like uncovering a real-life mystery. Allocating at least two hours here is advisable to fully experience all its wonders. After the palatial visits, heading to Cabo da Roca is like reaching the edge of the world. The dramatic cliffs provide panoramic ocean views that are breathtaking, especially at sunset. The lighthouse there adds to the charm and makes for perfect photo opportunities. For those who enjoy nature and coastal landscapes, this spot is unparalleled in mainland Europe. Transportation options are flexible: taking the train from Lisbon to Sintra is budget-friendly and convenient, while renting a car offers more freedom but requires caution on some winding roads. Joining a day tour can be a hassle-free way to cover all major sights efficiently, and I found that pre-booking with a discount code can save money. Don’t miss the opportunity to taste local pastries like travesseiros in Sintra and enjoy fresh seafood near Cabo da Roca to complete your day. This trip offers a perfect blend of culture, history, nature, and authentic Portuguese experiences, making it truly one of the best excursions when visiting Lisbon.
