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Sintra Meet the locals

Our most recommended Sintra Meet the locals

Sintra: Jeep Safari, Sunset Hike, and Tapas at the Beach

1. Sintra: Jeep Safari, Sunset Hike, and Tapas at the Beach

Set off from the meeting point in a convertible Jeep and enjoy great views of the sights and palaces of Sintra as you drive through the town. Head off-road down an unmarked trail and you will reach the westernmost point of continental Europe – the incredible cliffs of Cabo da Roca. Here you’ll start to see the sun going down. From here you begin the hike down to the secret beach It’s a steep route with some twists and turns, but after a half-hour walk you’ll reach the soft, golden sand. Relax on the beach and enjoy some traditional Portuguese ‘petiscos’ (tapas) such as cheese, chouriço, bread, and more. Take a swim in the Atlantic Ocean, or sit back on the beach with a couple of glasses of wine and enjoy the stunning sunset over the ocean.

Sintra: Monserrate Palace and Park Skip-the-Line Ticket

2. Sintra: Monserrate Palace and Park Skip-the-Line Ticket

Four kilometers from Sintra’s historic center is the unique Monserrate Palace, located in the center of a beautiful 30-hectare park. The Park and Palace of Monserrate were included in the Cultural Landscape of Sintra, which was been classified by UNESCO as World Heritage Site in 1995. The 19th-century castle is known not only for its unique Moorish-Gothic-Indian style architecture but also for its surrounding gardens.  Over the years, the gardens have welcomed plant species from all over the world. In the various gardens, you will find surprisingly contrasting scenery, from tree ferns from Australia and New Zealand, to agaves and yuccas from Mexico. Seek out the Himalayan rhododendron and the bamboo-fringed Japanese garden abloom with camellias. Enjoy a stroll along the paths and discover ruins, lakes and waterfalls. 

Sintra: Rural and Coastal 4x4 Tour

3. Sintra: Rural and Coastal 4x4 Tour

The adventure begins through the countryside following the centenary tram line, inside Sintra’s rural area towards Colares. You will have the opportunity to see the simplicity of our typical villages, and as proof of this, we will show you the oldest Wine Cellar in the country, where you can get to know a little of Portugal’s winemaking traditions, which remain intact, from the ancient times to the present day. (not available on Sundays) From the wine cellar, we head to the coast to one of our favourite beaches, considered the “Santorini of Portugal”, – a small village found between the ocean and the cliffs – a heavenly location with a natural pool and stunning views. Continue on the coastline towards the most famous beaches in the area, and as we are getting there ahead of the crowds, we are lucky enough to enjoy the vast ocean avoiding the vast “ocean of people instead”. Through paths and trails, on top of the cliffs, we continue of adventure taking you to our secret location, which can only be reached with the help of a 4×4 jeep so off-grid that even most of the locals are unaware of. Try not to lose your breath as this magnificent setting shows you breathtaking landscapes, that we are sure you will never forget! Cross the mountain on an off-road trail and raise some dust on your way to Sintra Center getting to our last visit of the day: the most iconic palace, with the best postcard-like views of the country: Pena Palace.

Sintra: Countryside Gastronomic Tour in a Vintage Car

4. Sintra: Countryside Gastronomic Tour in a Vintage Car

Uncover the beauty and flavors of the countryside surrounding Sintra on this tour in a vintage car. Take some free time to explore the cobble stone streets in the seaside village of Ericeira.  Meet your guide at the Portela de Sintra train station and sit back and relax in a stylish classic car on the drive to a hidden waterfall in the mountains. Have some time to snap some pictures before heading to a rural village.  Sit down in a picturesque country village and breathe in delicious aromas. Immerse yourself in local cuisine while taking in views of the unique landscape.  See the sights along the main street of Mafra city and admire the “Convento de Mafra” palace. Make your way to the seaside village of Ericeira, a world surf reserve. Take some free time to walk in the center of the village before returning to you meeting point in Sintra.

Lisbon: Evening City Tour with Dinner and Live Fado Show

5. Lisbon: Evening City Tour with Dinner and Live Fado Show

After being collected from your accommodation, begin your relaxing evening tour through Lisbon's charismatic streets. Appreciate the beauty of the major landmarks of Lisbon, including the Marques de Pombal Square, Rossio Square, the 25th of April Bridge, and the Monument to the Discoveries. Absorb the light of historical UNESCO-listed sites, such as the Jeronimos Monastery and the Belém Tower. Following that, marvel at panoramic views of Lisbon from its many viewpoints. Finally, travel to a typical neighborhood in the city center - Alfama, to dine whilst accompanied by the sounds of live Fado. At the end of your dinner and show, your tour concludes with your guide returning you back to your hotel.

From Lisbon: Half-Day Private Tesla Tour to Sintra

6. From Lisbon: Half-Day Private Tesla Tour to Sintra

Following pickup from Lisbon, begin by visiting the 18th-century National Palace of Queluz and its beautiful gardens. Following that, embark towards the village of Sintra. There you can enjoy a magical atmosphere as you walk around the historical center and discover the Sintra National Palace. Whilst in the village, take the time to try the famous pastries: Queijadas of Sintra and Travesseiros. Climbing among the mystical forests of Sintra, reach the top of the hill to discover the 19th-century Pena Palace. The palace is well adorned with the best pieces of decoration that the royal family left there. Throughout your 4-hour tour from Lisbon to Sintra your independence and autonomy are guaranteed. If you wish to change your route and take an alternative road, simply tell your accommodating driver. Your entire experience is conducted aboard a fantastic Tesla, a totally sustainable and eco-friendly vehicle in which you can save tons of CO2 emissions entering the atmosphere. At the conclusion of your day out, your friendly driver returns you back to your accommodation in Lisbon.

Mountain & Ocean Wonders: Jeep & E-Bike Tour

7. Mountain & Ocean Wonders: Jeep & E-Bike Tour

1st - You will be pedaling throughout the fishing village’s cobble streets and classy surroundings, catching sight of the best white sanded beaches! Cycle past the coastline and feel the Atlantic breeze, the stunning Boat Marina, the iconic scent of the former fish market and don’t worry about feeling tired or pedaling too much, the ebikes are ready to assist! Center Beaches (lot’s of them) Boat Marina Secret Museum Boca do Inferno Fish-bay 2nd - Sit back and enjoy the ride, while we navigate inside the mountain, past stunning beaches and breathtaking views! Get your batteries charges with a 100% local lunch, at a traditional Portuguese restaurant at a unique picturesque village Off-track, off-grid routes, non-touristic stops, and the most western point of Europe! Guincho Dunes and beach Cabo da Roca Local Restaurant Sintra/Cascais Natural Park 3rd - Our fairy tale-home: Sintra! Glaze upon its unique monuments and eccentric properties lost inside its stunning natural immensity and visit it’s a most precious gem: Pena Palace (princess palace crowning the mountain)! Pena Palace Sintra Histórical Center Local Winery Non-touristic viewpoints Don't miss out on the "must see places near Lisboa" but be unique doing it!

Sintra World Heritage and Cascais Village Tour

8. Sintra World Heritage and Cascais Village Tour

Visit Sintra and Cascais in a single day. Enjoy a great combination of the best natural sights and historical places with a knowledgeable and experienced local guide.   Discover one of the most remarkable historical cities of Portugual: Sintra Village, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll also see the romanticist Pena National Palace, standing at the top of a peak in the Sintra mountains.   Then, travel through a densely forested mountain and its medieval villages to reach the immense Portuguese coastline. Here, you’ll find astonishing landscapes, dramatic cliffs by the ocean and long beaches with beautiful sand dunes. You’ll feel the breeze on the coastline of the westernmost extent of mainland Portugal, continental Europe and the Eurasian land mass. Here, you’ll visit the ancient fishing village of Cascais and its picturesque architecture and narrow streets. Enjoy this tour’s unique opportunity to expand your knowledge with this unique day trip experience!

Lisbon and Sintra Combo: Tuk Tuk and Van Private Tour

9. Lisbon and Sintra Combo: Tuk Tuk and Van Private Tour

Explore Lisbon's historical center and discover the best viewpoints on this private two-hour electric tuk-tuk tour, crossing Alfama, Chiado, Bairro Alto, Graça and Mouraria districts. Each tuk-tuk can take up to six people and are the perfect solution for touring the narrow and hilly streets of Lisbon. With an amusing guide, you will learn everything you need to know about the city, its history, culture and best spots to hang around and have fun. On the next day, take a day trip in a luxurious van to the beautiful and fairy-tale Sintra, Cabo da Roca, Cascais and Estoril. Feel like you are a part of the Portuguese royalty when you visit the romantic Pena Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with stunning views over Sintra, the Moors Castle, and the natural park. Take photos of breathtaking views of Cabo da Roca's cliffs, the westernmost point of continental Europe. Dazzle yourself with the wonderful Guincho Beach, a paradise for surfers. Follow the Atlantic coast, passing by the rock formation Boca do Inferno until you reach Cascais. Admire the glamour of the charming and trendy city of Cascais and take a stroll at the bay or along the city’s elegant cafes. On the way to Lisbon, pass by Estoril, where Ian Fleming was inspired to create the James Bond 007 character.

Frequently asked questions about Sintra

What top attractions are a must-see in Sintra?

What are the best day trips and excursions from Sintra?

The best day trips and excursions from Sintra are:

Cascais

Other Sightseeing Options in Sintra

Want to discover all there is to do in Sintra? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Sintra

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 92 reviews

Surprising the rural walk along the coast and mountains with a lot of contact between history and nature. Guide Alexandre knows a lot of local history and important tips.

Nuno provided excellent advice and insight and he took really great photos. Nice and comfortable vehicles.

Lovely experience with a wonderful guide. Strongly recommend. See beautiful, off the beaten track views.

It is a magnificent site, especially for plant lovers. I recommend going there in the spring!

Super easy way to buy a ticket for Montserrat - we arrived and just breezed through the gate