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Sintra DYI

Posted by (Memphis) on

Hello!

I am arriving in Lisbon on March 2, 2025 for 3 days before heading to Azores. Super excited!

I am planning a DYI day trip on the 3rd to Sintra and few near by ocean side spots. Here are few question I have.

  1. What are your favorite places in the area? I heard good things about Regalreira and mix reviews about Pena. Among Azenhas do Mar, Cape Roca, Cascais I honestly have no clue what to pick. I just want to see a nice view. It first time visiting Portugal. I am in need for some help ^^*

  2. Here are few options I have considered. Will appreciate your thoughts.

Option 1: Regalreira - Cascais only. My intent is to hit the best spots and relax
Option 2: Regalreira - Cape Roca or Azenhas do Mar - Cascais.
Option 3: Regalreira - Pena - Cascais or Cape Roca if Pena is must to visit

I am planning to take Bolt once I get to Sintra by train.

Thank you!

Posted by
80 posts

I can only comment on Sintra, since we didn't go to any of the seaside towns. The gardens in Quinta da Regaleira are interesting and extensive, the palace/mansion less so. Not that many rooms are open, and quite a few crowds. For buildings, my favorite was Palacio de Monserrate, with Palacio Nacional a close second . We just saw the outside of Pena, and it is just a fun building. Very foggy the day we went, so no view.

Posted by
4888 posts

If you just want to relax then Cascais is a beach town and fits the bill but other than that it's dull, and I thought a disappointment based on what I'd previously read. Pena was OK but I thought entirely missable, I wish we would have done Regaleira instead. The highlight of Sintra was the Moorish Castle.

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