Day trip question about Sintra

Posted by Megan (Seattle, Washington, United States) on 06/03/24 12:03 AM

This will be our first trip to Portugal. We are an active family of 3. We are dividing time between Lisbon (3 nights), the Algarve (4 nights) and the Azores (1 week).

Many people have recommended Sintra as a day trip from Lisbon. It looks interesting but I’m getting a little worried about the crowds. We will be in Lisbon from 6/21-24 and I imagine it might be getting quite busy then.

My plan as of now is to make a last minute decision on whether or not to go to Sintra. However someone recommended booking a tour ASAP. I’m torn on what to do. It sounds like quite a big hassle but it does look intriguing.

We will have a car that we plan on parking at our hotel in Lisbon and the alternative to Sintra would be a day trip to Cascais.

Thanks for any feedback!

Posted by kathrynj

Cascais, Portugal

06/03/24 06:18 AM

1883 posts

Three nights in Lisbon means two full days. I wouldn’t spend one of those going to Sintra. It is always crowded and there is more than enough to do and see in Lisbon for the time you are here. But, full disclosure - I don’t go to Sintra anymore because of the crowds. Someone who really loves Sintra and doesn’t mind the hordes of people might have a very different opinion.

Posted by Carrie

Chicago

06/03/24 12:47 PM

3441 posts

As you are interested in both Sintra and Cascais, consider this tour that I took in March that includes both:

https://lisbonriders.com/group-tours/sintra-cascais/

I really enjoyed it and it was nice not having to worry about the transportation logistics.

Crowds are just a part of traveling nowadays. I wouldn’t let that deter me from going somewhere. That being said, with just 2 days in Lisbon, I might opt for a day trip to Belem instead. Or like kathrynj suggested, you could stay in Lisbon the entire time and have plenty to see and do. I really enjoyed the castle and just walking around the different neighborhoods, especially the Alfama district.

My trip report might give you some ideas:

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/solo-in-lisbon-portugal-my-trip-report

Have a great trip!!

Posted by Lisa

Calgary, AB, Canada

06/05/24 03:33 AM

606 posts

I liked Sintra very much, but had 2 nights there and it was in April, so possibly less crowds. With only two full days in Lisbon I would prioritize that, and not plan any day trips. It has enough to see and do.