Hello planning our first family trip to Portugal in July. 2 adults, and 2 kids 10 & 13 We will have 7 full days flying in and out of Lisbon on Delta. I'm thinking about renting an apartment in either Sintra or Caiscas and using it as a base camp to explore the area, We could do the countryside/beaches by rental car and use the train for trips into Lisbon (will not drive in Lisbon). Curious for opinions on if that is a better idea then breaking up the stays and actually renting an apartment in Lisbon for part of the trip? Also any opinions about which town would be better to rent an apartment (Sintra or Caiscas or a 3rd alternative) . I'm thinking Sintra would be a relaxing place to spend a few evenings after taking daytrips into Lisbon on the train. Also Sintra crowds would be much less in the evening. Thanks!
Posted by
Bay Area
3551 posts
I believe staying in Lisbon is the best as there is alot to see and do in the city itself. Then venture to the beach in between. The convenience of staying in is huge imo. For meals, and just plain tired after a day of sight seeing.
The waterfront in lisbon is fantastic. Hopefully u have a RS guidebk to indicate all the wonderful things to do. Lisbon is not a hectic city. Find a well located apt and enjoy, relax. I have enjoyed Portugal and Lisbon many times and it is a great value.
Posted by
Ottawa, Canada
695 posts
My opinion on having done both.
With teenagers I would stay in Cascais\Estoril (altough pricey), spend the mornings and afternoon at the beach and daytrip to Lisbon or other places late afternoon and evening, or early mornings.
I loved staying in Lisbon, but I am a adult, and even I get tired of museums.
Last September we spent 4 nights in Carcavelos and daytrip to Cascais, Sintra, Cabo da Roca and Lisbon.
We spent all afternoons at the beach. It was a great vacation. I had been to Lisbon before so I had seen a lot already. Not that much interesting things for teenagers.
I suggest Cascais since there is lots of restaurants and shops, everything you need is close by.
Carcavelos was a good base for us, since we had a car, but I think Cascais has a lot more “cachet”.
You can take the train and be in the city in 30 minutes.
No beach is walking distance in Sintra. Although very pretty. I read on a forum somewhere that Sintra gets more rain than Cascais. We visited the Peña castle and it was a great visit, make sure to hike to the cross thought since the grouds are spectacular.
All the beaches are nice in that area, so if Cascais area is too pricey, anywhere on the coast from Cascais to Carcavelos is a good base with a car.
Hope you love Portugal as much as we do.
Posted by
Cascais, Portugal
1826 posts
Lisbon in July will be very crowded and likely very hot. Be sure to get AC if you go that route. Cascais can also be somewhat crowded but if you stay a bit out of the centro area, it’s better. And, we get breezes off the sea in the summer which keeps most apartments cool. There are a number of small beaches in Cascais and Estoril for your kids that they might enjoy rather than staying in Lisbon. And, the city of Cascais plans festivals and events almost every weekend that time of the year.
I’m not a huge fan of Sintra, so can’t give you opinions of it. Other than to say, the palaces, especially Pena and Quinta da Reguleira would be great places for your children.
Day trips into Lisbon are quicker from Cascais, especially if you go before 10 a.m. and can take the ‘express’ trains.
But, I’m obviously very partial to Cascais. If you decide to spend time here, feel free to PM me for restaurant recommendations, best areas to stay, etc.
Posted by
Porto, Portugal
80 posts
Hello cwwilson88,
Yes, if you're taking two kids maybe Lisbon won't be the best place to stay since it's crowded and beaches are not close by... Cascais is a better option (because of the beaches) and you can take the train to visit Lisbon and go to Oceanário (if you and your kids enjoy the sea life)...
Sintra is one of the most beautiful places in Portugal and you must visit it! If you're not that into beaches, then I'd advise you to stay here - visit the historic centre, the amazing Quinta da Regaleira, Pena National Palace - you're kids will love them both because of the mystery and charm and other aspects ;) ... there are other places to visit like the Monserate Palace and the Pena Park - great place to stroll for a little.
You can then drive further away and go to Cape Roca, Azenhas do Mar and enjoy the seascape ;)
I hope you love your stay in Portugal :)