Sintra Castles & Coast

This charming small town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, enjoys a spectacular setting and is a popular day trip from Lisbon. Your accommodation will be in a family run business just outside Sintra’s town centre that has a quiet terrace with splendid views of the town and hills and is conveniently located opposite the train station and with a few restaurants nearby.

Overnight: Sintra

Distance: 9 km | Ascent/Descent: 475 m | Walking time: 4½ hrs approx.

The first day’s walking is through dense woodlands, high above the sea. This route takes in the three most prominent monuments of Sintra. Beginning with a steep ascent to the Castelo de Mouro (constructed by the North African Moors who ruled over the region between the 8^th to 11^th century), winding along two ridges of the Serra de Sintra, then continuing on to the colourful dream palace that is the Palacio da Pena, a flamboyant example of Portuguese romantic architecture. Enjoy a walk in the exotic gardens before the steep descent via Vila Sasseti to the town centre of Sintra, where the Palacio Nacional stands.

Overnight: Sintra

Distance: 11½ km | Ascent: 425 m | Descent: 500 m | Walking time: 5 hrs approx.

Today you leave the crowds behind with a transfer to the Convento dos Capuchos, a bewitching 16^th century Franciscan monastery hidden away in the mystical woodlands. From here, the woodland trail leads you past hillside menhirs and the shrine dedicated to the Virgin Mary of Peninha. Then you descend to the village of Azoia and get the bus back to Sintra.

Overnight: Sintra

Distance: 4½ or 7 km | Walking time: 2  or 3 hrs, with time for visiting the palaces

In the 19^th and early 20^th centuries a Romantic wind blowing through Europe was strongly felt in Sintra. You will find extravagant palaces and pastel coloured villas nestled among the forested hills. These were built by nobles and wealthy merchants, and most are still occupied or in use as luxury hotels.

Overnight: Sintra

Distance: 15 km | Ascent: 225 m | Descent: 485 m | Walking time: 5 hrs approx.

Leaving Sintra behind, today’s walk takes you north through fields, vineyards and pine forests toward the rugged Atlantic coast and the pretty clifftop village of Azenhas do Mar, with its whitewashed fisherman’s houses. Here you join the GR11 coastal route and follow it south to the 1970’s hotel on “Praia Grande” in Arribas, with its huge saltwater pool.

Overnight: Arribas

Distance: 11.3 or 12.6 km | Ascent/Descent: 500 or 575 m | Walking time: 4½ to 5 hrs approx.

From Hotel Arribas you continue south along the GR11 coastal route, following old fisherman’s trails to the village of Ulgueira. Breathtaking views await you at Cabo de Roca, the most westerly point on the European mainland. Reward yourself with a cool drink in Ulgeira before returning to Praia Grande via an inland route that passes through a pine forest and the traditional village of Almoçageme.

Overnight: Arribas

Distance: 8 or 17½ km | Ascent: 175 or 275 m | Descent: 375 or 475 m | | 3 hrs – 5 hrs approx.

After a short transfer to Azoia, you join up once more with the GR11 and follow it along the coast to the 17^th century fortress of “Fortaleza de Guincho”, now a luxury hotel with views over Guincho’s long golden beach and sand dunes.

Option to stop part-way (after 8 km and approximately 2½ to 3 hours walking) and take the bus directly to Cascais or walk the rest of the way along the beach (an additional 9.5 km).

Overnight: Cascais

Your trip comes to an end today after breakfast. You can travel back to Lisbon by public transport (40 mins approx.), or we can also arrange a private transfer.