Cascais or Sintra for Bonus day?

Posted by m.urbas on 07/11/26 08:14 PM

Hi and thanks in advance for opinions. I am joining a group tour in Lisbon first week October. The tour visits both Sintra and Cascais but only for a couple of hours each. I’d like to fly in a day or two before the tour meets in Lisbon; I was thinking about Sintra OR Cascais, both close to Lisbon and I’d like to keep it simple. I’ll just hire a driver from airport to whichever town and then same to get to Lisbon so not worried about public transportation schedules.

I have nothing in particular that I’d like to see or do in either; want to relax, get over jet-lag, just wander. I window shop but I don’t buy souvenirs so shopping isn’t a consideration. Just pretty streets, nice casual restaurants (?) I’ll likely end up with only 2 nights/1 full day, arriving mid or late afternoon day 1 and leaving mid-morning day 3.

Does anyone have an opinion as to which town might give me a better introduction to Portugal? Which is calmer, charming, quaint or whatever? Thanks very much.

Posted by kathrynj

Cascais, Portugal

07/12/26 06:47 AM

2059 posts

If relaxing is your goal, I would say Cascais. In October, the tourists have decreased and it’s lovely to wander, either in the old town or along the water. Lots of restaurants in a variety of cuisines. Of course, I’m just a bit partial since I’ve lived here for eleven years.
There is more to see and do in Sintra, but it has many more tourists year round. And, it’s just a bit inland so no walking along the sea without driving.

Take a look at pictures of the actual towns, not just the palaces in Sintra, to see your preference. I’m thinking there will be other responses that differ from mine.

Posted by Carolynn

Denver area

07/12/26 02:25 PM

32 posts

You will be tired from the long flight... but since you will be flying in Polaris (according to your other postings) you should be able to get in a few good hours of sleep!
Have you considered just staying in Lisbon for those extra 2 days vs going on to Sintra or Cascais? Depending on what your arrival time is into Lisbon, you could easily check into the hotel (maybe do what we do - book the hotel for the night before so we have immediate access), take a quick shower - and then do a wander of the streets in Lisbon. The next day take your private driver - or even a private guide to Sintra - busier for sure. Or take the train to Cascais - and wander. For me - having to extend my travel day/time by continuing on and then back tracking is not for me.

Just my thoughts!

Posted by m.urbas OP

07/12/26 03:19 PM

4 posts

Thank you Kathrynj and Carolynn; I appreciate these opinions/relies. The tour group I’m meeting will be in Lisbon for three days so I am inclined to stay 2-3 nights elsewhere to start, but still considering all options. Depending on when my flight arrives to Lisbon (haven’t booked yet) perhaps staying in Lisbon at least that arrival night is not a bad idea.

Since I posted this initial question, I have found tour guides that will take me from Lisbon on just a day trip to either place…so that’s an idea I’m visiting now too. I’ve also watched a couple of YouTube videos and despite being more touristy, I think Sintra is more my style than Cascais. My tour will include other seaside destinations, so I am not concerned about missing the shore.

Can I ask another question. My tour group will be staying at Aurea Hotel in Lisbon. I believe it is near the cruise port. If I stay in Lisbon a night or two before the tour, it makes sense for me to book those extra nights at that hotel so I don’t have to move midstream. Will that be a safe area in which to walk around alone at night; I am a 70 yr-old solo female. ???

Thank you so much.

Posted by Kay51

Minnesota

07/12/26 08:02 PM

196 posts

We were recently in Cascais, Sintra, and Lisbon in May. We decided that the next time we go to Portugal we would take an uber from the airport directly to Cascais and have time there to get over jet lag. It is lovely. We stayed at Hotel Albatroz with a sea view room and a balcony. Any hotel there with a sea view would be nice. We walked to see the Santa Marta Lighthouse and Boca da Inferno sea caves as well as the promenade along the waterfront to Estoril.

We also liked Sintra and took an uber there from our hotel in Lisbon. If you are already going to Sintra with your tour, that may be enough time there.

This will be a great trip. We loved Portugal!