Sintra and Cascais are two of the finest destinations in the Lisbon region, yet they offer profoundly different experiences.

Sintra is a town of fairytale and fantasy, rising from the lush, forested hills of the Serra de Sintra. This is a landscape of whimsical palaces, ancient castle ruins, and mist-veiled forests, with the colourful Palácio da Pena being its crowning jewel.

In contrast, Cascais is a vibrant, sun-drenched coastal resort that was once the summer playground for Portuguese royalty. It boasts a stunning coastline of sheltered, golden-sand beaches, a lively holiday atmosphere, and the elegant 19th-century villas built by the nobility.

While both are outstanding in their own right, they cater to very different types of visitor. The simple answer to ‘Sintra or Cascais?’ is:
Sintra is the better destination for a day trip, but Cascais is the better location for a holiday.

Sintra offers a greater density and variety of world-class monuments, making it the undeniable choice for a packed day of sightseeing. Cascais excels as a holiday base, with its classic resort atmosphere, wider selection of restaurants and bars, and a more relaxed pace.

This guide will compare the two towns, helping you decide which destination is the perfect fit for your travel plans.
Related articles: Guide to Sintra - Guide to Cascais

Insight: If you are considering a day trip to Sintra and Cascais, never try to combine them in a single day. Both towns need at least one day of sightseeing to fully appreciate, and two days could be easily spent in Sintra.

 

 

Palácio da Pena

Crowning the highest peak of the Serra de Sintra, this is a fairy-tale palace brought to life. A masterpiece of 19th-century Romanticism, it is a vibrant fantasy of domes, battlements, and vivid colours that fuses Gothic, Moorish, and Manueline styles. The interior offers a fascinating glimpse into the final days of Portugal's monarchy, preserved as it was in 1910.

Quinta da Regaleira

An enigmatic estate where the true magic lies within its mystical gardens, which are filled with esoteric symbolism related to the Knights Templar. Explore a landscape of hidden tunnels, grottoes, and waterfalls, all connecting to the legendary Initiation Well. This subterranean "inverted tower" spirals deep into the earth and is thought to have been used for secretive rituals.

Castelo dos Mouros

The oldest historic site in Sintra, this ancient Moorish fortress stretches across a high ridge of the Serra. In stark contrast to the palaces, this is a formidable military stronghold dating from the 8th century. Walk along its windswept stone battlements and climb the fortified towers for commanding panoramic views that sweep from the Pena Palace down to the historic town.

Cascais beaches

Cascais is famed for its beautiful town beaches, such as the expansive Praia da Conceição and picturesque Praia da Rainha. Their soft golden sands and calm, sheltered waters create an ideal setting for families to relax and swim right in the town's heart.

The Paredão Promenade

Stretching along the waterfront, the scenic Paredão promenade is a beautiful coastal path perfect for a leisurely stroll. This popular route connects the main beaches and is lined with lively bars and cafes, offering the perfect spot to socialise while enjoying sea views.

Cascais’s grand villas

Discover Cascais’s aristocratic past, born when it became a royal summer retreat. Portugal's nobility followed, building the magnificent 19th-century mansions that line the coast and creating an elegant playground, with the Condes de Castro Guimarães being the finest example.

Sintra is widely regarded as the best day trip from Lisbon, offering an unrivalled collection of sights that can easily fill a packed day of exploration.

It is the sheer density of these world-class attractions that makes Sintra the ideal choice for a day trip. Within its hills, you can explore the vibrant, Romanticist Palácio da Pena, the mystical gardens of the Quinta da Regaleira, and the ancient battlements of the Castelo dos Mouros. This is in addition to a charming historic centre and numerous other grand villas, such as the exotic Palácio de Monserrate and the theatrical Palácio Biester.

The inevitable downside of this popularity, especially in the peak season, is the crowds. Its fame leads to long queues for everything, from the tourist bus up the hill to the entrance of the palaces themselves. Popular time slots for key monuments, such as the Palácio da Pena and Quinta da Regaleira, sell out well in advance.
Related articles: Sights of Sintra - A day trip to Sintra

The confusion, queues and traffic outside the Pena Palace on a quiet Monday in October, the low season. For your day trip in the peak season, you will want to start early in the day to avoid this.

Cascais provides a completely different yet equally enjoyable day trip, centred on its vibrant seaside charm and elegant history. The town is a delightful blend of its authentic fishing heritage and its past as the summer playground for Portuguese royalty, all infused with the buzz of a modern resort.

A day in Cascais is a chance to explore a fantastic mix of natural wonders and cultural gems. You can witness the raw power of the Atlantic at the Boca do Inferno, a dramatic collapsed sea cave. This wild coastline contrasts beautifully with the town's charming historic centre and its sheltered, golden-sand beaches, such as the picturesque Praia da Rainha.

The town is also dotted with grand 19th-century villas, a legacy of its aristocratic past, including the extravagant Museu Condes de Castro Guimarães. Overlooking the fishing harbour is the formidable Cidadela de Cascais, a historic fortress that has been transformed into a vibrant cultural hub with artisan galleries and studios.

While Cascais may not have a single monument with the scale of Sintra's Pena Palace, its appeal lies in its wonderful variety and relaxed atmosphere. The experience combines dramatic coastal scenery, beautiful beaches, and an elegant town centre, offering a sun-drenched and refreshing alternative for a day trip from Lisbon.
Related articles: Sights of Cascais - A day trip to Cascais

The historic centre of Cascais

Insight: The recommended order for day trips from Lisbon is:
1) Sintra (two days), 2) Cascais, 3) Obidos & Peniche, 4) Setubal, 5) Evora, 6) Mafra and Ericeira, 7) Nazaré, 8) Sesimbra & Serra da Arrábida 9) Cristo Rei statue and the Costa da Caparica
Note: Nazaré and Evora involve long journeys and are best visited by car.

While a day trip is possible, it barely scratches the surface of what Sintra has to offer. The town and its surrounding hills are home to a wealth of opulent palaces, ancient castles, and mystical villas. To fully experience the region, many visitors choose to spend a night, dedicating two days to exploration.

The primary advantage of staying overnight is the ability to sightsee outside of the hectic peak hours (roughly 10:30 am to 3:00 pm). This allows you to experience the main attractions when they are far less crowded and more atmospheric. You could visit the Palácio da Pena first thing in the morning when it is at its quietest, and explore the enchanting gardens of the Quinta da Regaleira late in the afternoon as the day-trippers begin to depart.

This strategy frees up the middle of the day to discover beautiful but less-crowded sights, such as the exotic Palácio de Monserrate or the vast, forested grounds of the Parque da Pena. An overnight stay also gives you the chance to experience the charm of the historic centre in the evening, long after the tour buses have gone.

Insight: When a day trip from Lisbon might be better. Despite the benefits, an overnight stay in Sintra isn't for everyone. If you are already based in Lisbon, the frequent and early train services make a long day trip very manageable. For some travellers, the time and effort of changing accommodation for just a single night may outweigh the advantages of being based in the town itself.

The map below shows the location of hotels and rental rooms in Sintra. By altering the dates of your trip, the map will display current prices and availability.

Booking.com

With its wealth of sights and good train connections, basing an entire holiday in Sintra can seem tempting. However, the town is not well-suited for a longer stay, primarily due to its size and its focus on high-end tourism.

The historic centre is compact, offering a limited selection of hotels, restaurants, and shops. Those that are here tend to cater to the luxury market, making them significantly more expensive than in Lisbon or Cascais. This leaves very few choices for travellers seeking budget or mid-priced options for either accommodation or dining.

Once the day-trippers have left, the town also becomes very quiet in the evenings, lacking the lively atmosphere and broad choice of bars or nightlife expected of a holiday destination.

For these reasons, it makes much more sense to base yourself in Lisbon for a holiday of three days or more and take day trips to Sintra. The capital offers a huge range of accommodation for all budgets, a world-class restaurant scene, and a vibrant nightlife, providing a more rounded and affordable holiday experience.
Related articles: Lisbon guide

Cascais excels as a holiday destination, offering the perfect blend of a classic beach resort with easy access to the world-class sights of Lisbon and Sintra.

For many travellers, a summer holiday based entirely in a major city, such as Lisbon, can feel too intense and draining, especially when travelling with children. This is where Cascais offers an ideal alternative. It provides the quintessential European beach holiday experience, with a beautiful coastline of sheltered, sandy beaches and a buzzing, welcoming atmosphere. The town itself is a delight to explore, featuring a charming historic centre packed with shops and restaurants, all set against a backdrop of grand 19th-century villas.

What truly sets Cascais apart is its unique position. You can spend the morning sightseeing in Lisbon, which is just a short and direct train ride away, and be back in the afternoon to relax on a golden-sand beach. Few destinations can so seamlessly combine a relaxing beach holiday with proximity to one of Europe's most vibrant capitals and the enchanting palaces of Sintra.

Insight: We rate Cascais as one of the best summer holiday destinations in Portugal, along with Lagos (Algarve), Tavira (east Algarve) and Vila Nova de Milfontes (Alentejo coastline).

Our most popular guides to Sintra