Five days in Sintra

Since there is almost nothing there, you will have to explain the attraction of being in Sintra for five days. I guess I would do a lot of hiking. I thought the train from Lisbon ended at Sintra so anything you would do would require returning to Lisbon.

About a 10-minute walk outside of town is the Quinta da Regaleira - a mansion and gardens dating from the early 1900's. There are also some nice beaches about half an hour west of Sintra, which are accessible by bus - Praia Grande & Azenhas do Mar are both nice. On the way to the coast, buses stop in the little wine village of Colares. Further south is the overrated Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of continental Europe. It's a nice spot to watch the sunset, but there's not much else other than a lighthouse, plaque and tourist shop where you can get an I've been there certificate. Check with the Tourist office in Sintra for bus schedules and routes to these locations.

There are buses that go to Cascais. You can also take the bus to Guincho beach - between Sintra and Cascais. I also don't think there is enough in Sintra for five days, but taking the train back to Lisbon would also be very easy.

Thanks everyone!
The reason I'm staying in Sintra for that long is that I'm meeting with my friends from California who are planning to spend a week in the resort near Sintra. They've been to Portugal twice and just want to relax this time on a beach.
Before I get to Sintra I will spend two days in Lisbon.

Sinatra is worth about one day. There is a lot to see in South-central Portugal. Obidos is a great little walled city. Bathala Cathedral is another.

Evora is an ancient Roman city on the east side of Lisbon.
http://www.getty.edu/art/collection/objects/200408/francis-frith-bathala-cathedral-portugal-from-the-south-english-about-1850-1865/

I enjoyed Sintra and think it'd be a nice spot to stay in July. Cooler, with more trees and gardens. You can easily day trip to Lisbon for one or two if you do get bored. We walked up to Sao Pedro for some great non- touristy restaurants. People staying at our B and B had been able to get a tour to Cascais and Estoril. There is also a Hertz rent- a- car, you could pick up a car for a day and explore.

Cascais is about a 45 minute municipal bus ride from Sintra. You can use the bus stop in front of the station for the Lisbon train. I have forgotten the number of the bus that makes the most direct run to Cascais, but I think you will be able to figure that out looking at the schedule posted at the bus stop.

If you have not already spent a lot of time in Lisbon, I suggest that two days is not enough. Lots of things to do in Lisbon, not too much to do in Sintra.