A day trip to Sintra from Lisbon is a must whenever you are in Lisbon and short on time. Rich with history and architectures, Sintra is a spot you do not want to miss.  Located outside Lisbon with only 30 minutes- drive, Sintra is a perfect day trip. Sintra can be reached by a rental car, a train or a tour/shuttle from Lisbon.

Here is an itinerary for a day trip to Sintra from Lisbon

1. Hike to Pena Palace

This colorful mountain top palace was used as summer retreat for King and Queen of Portugal.

We parked our car at parking lot at the bottom of the palace then hike all the way to the top. There’s a shuttle that will take you to the front gate if you are not in shape to hike.

As you enter the Pena Palace, you will be welcomed by beautiful Neo Manueline style gate.

Then when you look up, you will see stunning detail on the ceiling influenced by Moorish Architecture style. Each room is decorated well to display how Portugal Royal family lived back in the day.

All that mention, Pena Palace is absolutely gorgeous. The detail on the wall and ceiling were crafted with perfection, the mixed architecture between Neo Manueline and Moorish style, created a stunning one of a kind Palace.  Since it is located on the top of the mountain, you can also see the view as far as Atlantic Ocean from the terrace of the palace.

You can tour entire ground and palace. This is a must see on a day trip to Sintra from Lisbon.

• Hike all the way to Moorish castle

Once upon a time, Moors ruled the Iberian Peninsula (mountainous region of Spain and Portugal) for over 700 hundred years. While Moors has no longer occupied the region, the trace of Moorish architecture can be easily found anywhere in Portugal. The most prominent one is Moorish castle or best known as Castelo dos Mouros.

This 10^th century castle can be seen from Pena Palace. It will take you 15 minutes to walk from Pena palace. Since the walkway is uneven, watch for your step and wear hiking shoes.  The hiking offers panoramic view of Atlantic Ocean and Pena Palace.

• Visit Quinta da Regaleira

Moving on to the next stop. We parked the car in downtown Sintra. Walked past the Sintra national Palace toward Quinta da Regaleira. Along the way, we stopped to enjoy the view. We walked past town square, the small garden and waterfall.  The walk itself was quite a treat.

You need a ticket to enter Quinta da Regaleira. This 20^th century palace is also a museum and it has a chapel on a beautiful ground. The garden surrounding the palace will also charm you with flowers and shrubs meticulously planted along the walking path.

• Explore Magical Forest of Sintra

The tunnel and underground passages where you can encounter the small waterfall dripping from above surely will captivate you. It is enchanting to see the stone bridge across the tiny pond covered by green plants where you can cross to the other side and hop back on the stones above the water to your initial spot. And the color, how vibrant the mixed of color between the stone and the plants makes this forest so magical.

Definitely, check this forest out when you visit Quinta da Regaleira. It is a short walk and still in the same complex so the same ticket covers this spot too.

• Explore Masonic Initiation Well

The masonic Initiation well was never used as water resources. The place itself looks more like an underground tower with spiraling stairs that take you to the bottom where secret rituals were performed.

 The entire estate of Quinta Da Regaleira including initiation well were built by Antonio Augusto Carvalho Monteiro, a wealthy businessman, who was a well- known freemason. All over these four hectares estate, you can find many symbols which are linked to masonry, the knight templar and tarot mysticism.

For some reasons, I find this place quite captivating and it is a highlight of a day trip to Sintra. So, don’t miss it.

• Stop at Cabo da Roca

Cabo da Roca is the western most point of mainland Europe and Portugal. It offers the sweeping view of Atlantic Ocean. Ample parking, public restrooms and a café that serve small bites and drinks make Cabo da Roca a perfect quick stop when you do a day trip to Sintra from Lisbon. Besides, what a cool spot to capture on your camera. Not everyday you get a chance to stand on the western most point of Portugal. Back in the day, people bought Cabo da Roca post card to remember their trip to this memorable location, but now in 21^st century, all you need to do is to turn on geotagging on your camera.

• Stop at Praia do Guincho

Praia do Guincho or Guincho beach is best known as location for James bond’s movie. The beach is located on Portugal Estoril coast, between Cabo da Roca and resort town of Cascais. The beach is an easy access from Route N247. It also offers salt- water swimming pool blended beautifully with the ruins of 17^th century fortress that was transformed into a hotel.

• Grab an early dinner at resort Town of Cascais

Portugal is famous for its sardines, so what is best place to eat sardines but the famous resort town of Cascais.  Since we skip lunch to explore more of Sintra, having early dinner is a way to go. The sardines are really fresh and tasty and the beautiful view of Cascais  will complete your day trip to Sintra from Lisbon.