Full day in Sintra + dinner by the ocean: Is this plan doable or too ambitious?

Hi Anna,

I believe it's doable but you have to plan precisely and be open to make adjustments as the day proceeds in case there are large crowds around these sights or rain comes in the forecast. You want to utilize the time efficiently. Souvenir shopping in Cascais is a good idea. Always have a plan B if your plan A don't go smoothly. That birthday lady is lucky to have a special friend like you to plan this for her. It's a very romantic birthday day celebration. I hope all goes well Anna.

Take care

oh, thank you RJean! You made me smile and definitely feel good! The lady will be ...83 years old! So, I want her to have a memorable experience. And for us coming form the land of the rising sun...it'd be wonderful to see the sunset in Portugal!

I totally agree Anna. The sunsets at Cabo da Roca are magical, with the sun disappearing behind the vast ocean. Cabo da Roca is a popular tourist location being the most westerly point of main land Europe but sun set is the best time to visit.

Arigato Tomodachi

If you visit Monserrat, you might be ok on your time. Monserrat is lovely but be aware there is a small ‘bus’ that will take you from the ticket office to the house. Be sure to wait for that. It’s quite a walk for an 83 year old.

Going into Cascais wouldn’t be a long drive from Furnas, but parking can be challenging. If it’s not summer, it will be easier. The closest parking to shopping would be the Baia garage. It’s maybe 10 minutes from Furnas into Cascais and the views are lovely. Be sure to drive the Guincho road as it’s pretty spectacular. Or, if you don’t want to go all the way into Cascais, Casa da Guia is a great spot for coffee. The parking is easier, too.

FYI - Furnas do Guincho is one of my favorite restaurants for a celebration dinner.

Arigato, RJean! Thank you Kathrynj!

I am looking forward to visiting Cabo da Roca and the coast at sunset! I am still debating whether I should try to do just one of the palaces (Quinta de Regaileira) . I'm kind of starting to think maybe this is going to be an overload with 2 palaces (and gardens), horse carriage ride, Cabo da Roca, (possible free time in Caiscais while killing time before dinner. I was glad to hear you love the restaurant. How I wish it would open earlier than 7.30pm! It would definitely make things easier for us.

Couple of questions:

How long would you say we need at Quinta de Regaileira ?

In mid-September, is it still pleasant (warm enough / not too windy) to have dinner al fresco by the ocean?

This is one of the things I'd like to arrange -- a table setting by the water (preferrably outside rather than inside the restaurant).

Is Monday a crazy day to visit Sintra? I understand that many sites are closed in Lisbon on Monday which probably means more people in Sintra.

Restaurant question:

Initially I wanted to do Cervejaria Ramiro for seafood. If we do Furnas do Guincho Restaurant (seafood by the ocean), I think we'll have to skip Ramiro (neither of them is cheap so I think we'll just have to pick one ;)) . I know Ramiro is more famous becuase of Anthony Bourdaine (and it really looks so yummy in videos!) Any thoughts on these two?

Also, accidentally I came across the following restaurant (even though the name says Bar ;)) Bar do Fundo Av. Alfredo Coelho, 2705-329 Colares, Portugal. https://bit.ly/2JtzxZF

The good thing about this place is that they seem to be open 12.00pm till 10pm. Which means we don't have to wait till 7.30pm to start dinner. The loctions on google maps says about 25min from Cabo da Roca and the same from Sintra. Of course on a bigger bus it'll be longer. The food gets great reviews. And IF we can sit outside, the views seems to be wonderful.
It's is a bit hippier place but my ladies like to experience different settings, so that might be a plus.

It is a little further away from LIsbon in terms of getting back, but after a long day and lots of wine at dinner, we'll just sleep on the bus either way.

Just a thought.... So, wanted to run by this place and see whether anyone has tried it or has any opinions. If we do this one, then for Lisbon we can keep Ramiro perhaps.

I still haven’t made it to Ramiro, mainly because they don’t do reservations and I haven’t been motivated to stand in line!

I actually just visited Bar do Fundo a couple of weeks ago for the first time. It’s quite nice but the outside seating is on tables with benches rather than proper tables. And, they stopped serving outside by the time we left. Watching the sunset from there was very nice though. It also sounds as though you might be on a big bus. If so, I’m not certain a big bus could get down the small road to the restaurant. If not, it would be quite a walk for your ladies after a long day.

Regarding Quinta da Regaleira - the best thing about it is the grounds - the spiral well, etc.

And, if you decide on Furnas, request a table outside. There are proper tables and chairs instead of benches. It’s definitely not too cool to eat outside, especially that early.

Thank you Kathrynj, I've been waiting to hear from Bar do Fundo. So far they haven't replied. I've checked their Instagram (very good quality photos ;) . Looks lovely and so.... foreign! I mean definitely not a place you can find in Tokyo.

I see what you mean about the benches... THere is a photo of a nicely set table outside, but the chairs are wooden and wiht no cushons on them. Not ideal but not too bad. The road though could be a problem. I guess I need to ask the restaurant and also the bus company if they can access the beach area there.

Oveall it looks really nice though. The reviews are pretty glowing! Did you love the food?