Discover the palaces and beaches of the Portuguese Riviera on this 8-day walking tour
The 8-day Sintra to Cascais Walking Tour is a spectacular adventure that will sweep you up in a fascinating whirlwind of Portuguese history while immersing you in the natural beauty of the Portuguese Riviera. This mesmerizing walking tour in central Portugal will guide you from regal Sintra to sun-kissed Cascais, inviting you to explore the region's coastal trails and breathtaking landscapes at your own pace.
For decades the families of Portuguese nobility flocked to Vila de Sintra (Sintra), spending their summers in opulent royal palaces and majestic medieval castles. Today, the area is still populated by some of Portugal's most wealthy, but the historic center of Sintra has now become an exceptional place to explore on foot.
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sintra is famous for its nineteenth-century Romanticist architecture on full display in its multitude of historic estates, villas, and gardens. You'll visit Sintra's three most prominent monuments on this tour, taking in the beauty and splendour of the Castelo de Mouro, the Palacio da Pena, and the Palacio Nacional.
Leaving the glitz and glamour of Sintra behind, you'll enjoy scenic routes through vineyards, pine forests, and charming fishing villages along the coast. Enjoy overnight stays in Sintra and at lovely seaside accommodations in Colares and Cascais.
If luxurious palaces, beautiful natural landscapes, and a cool sea breeze sound like your ideal setting for an epic walking adventure, then the Sintra to Cascais Walking Tour won't disappoint. Book your spot on this tour today!
Highlights of the Sintra to Cascais Walking Tour
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Sintra to Cascais Walking Tour
Day 1 Arrive
Your tour begins in Sintra, where you’ll be welcomed at your pleasant family-run hotel, just outside the historic town center.
After you’ve settled in, enjoy views of Sintra and the surrounding rolling hills from the hotel’s peaceful terrace and perhaps set out on a little walk to acquaint yourself with the whimsical town.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Sintra
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Explore the Sintra Palaces
Prepare to be awe-struck, as today’s walk will introduce the former summer getaways of Portugal’s royals and nobility.
Up first, a steep ascent leads you to the Castelo de Mouro (eighth to twelfth-century), an impressive Moorish castle that lords over Sintra, built strategically on a rocky outcrop. Next, you’ll explore the Palacio da Pena, followed by the Palacio Nacional.
You may find yourself in a daze of luxury following the palace visits, so enjoy some fresh air as you explore the vast palace grounds, home to remarkable gardens. A final descent via Vila Sasseti will guide you back into the center of town.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Sintra
Distance: 4.5 hours, 9km, 150m of ascent, 400m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Convento dos Capuchos and Azoia
This morning, following a short transfer, you’ll kick off the day with a visit to the Convento dos Capuchos. In this sixteenth-century Franciscan monastery, you’ll appreciate the tranquillity of the serene setting.
Next, you’ll navigate magical Mediterranean woodlands leading you to a final descent to Azoia. From Azoia, catch the bus back to Sintra.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Sintra
Distance: 5 hours, 11.5km, 425m of ascent, 500m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Explore the Sintra Manor Houses
Like so many other countries in Europe, the nineteenth and twentieth centuries in Portugal were influenced by the sweeping winds of the Romantic era. Today, you’ll see this fact on full display as you explore the luxurious interiors of some of Sintra’s romantical style mansions, built by nobles and the wealthiest merchants. Some of the homes are still occupied by residents today, while others have been converted into super-luxe hotels.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Sintra
Distance: 3 hours, 4.5km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Walk Northbound to Arribas via Azenha do Mar
Say farewell to the wealth and romance of Sintra this morning as you head north through sprawling fields, vineyards, and pine forests toward the dramatic coast.
Reaching the pretty fishing village of Azenha do Mar, you’ll join the GR-11, taking it south to your seaside hotel in Colares. Enjoy a dip in the hotel’s gigantic saltwater pool to top off an exciting day on foot.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Colares
Distance: 5 hours, 15km, 225m of ascent, 485m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Praia Grande Loop
Set out from your hotel this morning, joining the long-distance walking path GR-11, also known as Costa Atlantica. The gorgeous coastal path will guide you south as you trace ancient fishermen’s trails until you reach the village of Ulgueira.
The trail continues, granting you beautiful views of the Cabo de Roca and the beach-lined coast as you continue the loop back to Praia Grande, via the village of Almoçageme.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Colares
Distance: 4 hours, 11km, 50m of ascent, 650m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Bound for Cascais
Your final day of walking begins with a transfer to Azoia, inviting you to pick up the GR-11 again and follow it along the coast. On the way, you’ll encounter the seventeenth-century fortress of Fortaleza de Guincho, which has since been converted into a luxury hotel.
You have the option to end today’s walk after 8 kilometres, taking a bus to Cascais instead of walking the full 17.5-kilometre route.
Once in Cascais, enjoy this lively beach town, where you’ll have no trouble finding a suitable spot for tonight’s farewell dinner and drinks!
Overnight Location: Hotel in Cascais
Distance: 5 hours, 17.5km, 275m of ascent, 475m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 Depart
This morning, your walking tour comes to an end. Check out of the hotel and head to the airport to depart.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
The departure is available on any day of the week. Prices below are per person:
Departures from November 1st to 30th, 2023:
- Solo traveler: $1,075 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $995 USD
- Sharing a double room: $595 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $650 USD
Departures from December 1st to 20th, 2023:
- Solo traveler: $1,175 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $1,095 USD
- Sharing a double room: $650 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $725 USD
Departures from December 21st to 31st, 2023:
- Solo traveler: $1,275 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $1,195 USD
- Sharing a double room: $725 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $775 USD
Departures from January 1st to March 24th, 2024:
- Solo traveler: $1,175 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $1,095 USD
- Sharing a double room: $650 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $725 USD
Departures from March 25th to 31st, 2024:
- Solo traveler: $1,495 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $1,425 USD
- Sharing a double room: $795 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $850 USD
Departures from April 1st to May 25th, 2024:
- Solo traveler: $1,425 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $1,325 USD
- Sharing a double room: $750 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $850 USD
Departures from May 26th to June 25th, 2024:
- Solo traveler: $1,495 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $1,425 USD
- Sharing a double room: $795 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $850 USD
Departures from June 26th to September 30th, 2024:
- Solo traveler: $1,750 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $1,675 USD
- Sharing a double room: $925 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $975 USD
Departures from October 1st to 31st, 2024:
- Solo traveler: $1,425 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $1,325 USD
- Sharing a double room: $750 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $850 USD
Departures from November 1st to 30th, 2024:
- Solo traveler: $1,175 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $1,095 USD
- Sharing a double room: $650 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $725 USD
Departures from December 1st to 20th, 2024:
- Solo traveler: $1,275 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $1,195 USD
- Sharing a double room: $695 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $795 USD
Departures from December 21st to 31st, 2024:
- Solo traveler: $1,425 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $1,325 USD
- Sharing a double room: $750 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $850 USD
Accommodation on the Sintra to Cascais Walking Tour
This tour is based in 2-star and 3-star hotels. All accommodations offer private rooms with ensuite bathrooms and basic amenities.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. The price for a single room or solo traveller is as indicated above.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Nova Sintra Hotel in Sintra ★★
This bright and cozy hotel has been run by the same family for over 70 years and is a charming blend of traditional and modern. A beautiful sun terrace boasts lovely views overlooking the Sintra mountains.
Arribas Sintra Hotel in Colares ★★★★
The most Western hotel in Europe, located in the middle of Praia Grande, on the magnificent coast of Sintra.
Hotel Baía in Cascais ★★★
The Hotel Baía Cascais is a family hotel located in the village of Cascais, right by the sea.
What’s included in the Sintra to Cascais Walking Tour?
Meals
7 breakfasts are included on this tour.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 7 nights are included on this tour.
Transportation during the Tour
All transfers according to the itinerary are included on this tour. Luggage transportation according to the itinerary is included on this tour on Days 5 and 7. Airport transfers are not included, but can be arranged in advance as a supplement.
Also Included
- Detailed route maps
- GPS tracks and waypoints
- 24-hour phone assistance
Not included
- Flights
- Extra transfers
- Visas if required
- Meals or drinks and snacks not previously mentioned
- Tourist taxes if applicable
- Travel insurance
Optional Extras
- Activities and excursions unless otherwise mentioned as included
- Single room supplements
- Airport transfers
Frequently Asked Questions about Sintra to Cascais Walking Tour
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