Day 1
You can start the day with the trail to Pena Park and Palace.
The Pena Park and Palace, in the Sintra Mountains, are the fruit of the creative genius of King Fernando II, are the greatest expression of 19th century Romanticism in Portugal, with architectural references of Manueline and Moorish influence.
The park has several points of interest that you can enjoy on a hiking trails or using Hop On-Hop Off electric vehicles. You can choose to take a carriage ride at Pena Park, a veritable travel through time on a route between the Vale dos Lagos and the Countess of Edla Chalet, passing Quinta da Pena and the Countess of Edla Garden.
This visit will take up most of your morning, so upon your return choose one of the restaurants in São Pedro de Penaferrim for lunch.
After lunch, head towards Quinta da Regaleira. This is one of the most emblematic places of Sintra, full of symbolism and mysticism. Take your time to discover the amazing Initiation well, the guardians’ gate, the palace and the chapel.
After the visit, head towards Colares. This first day may end in a seaside restaurant, enjoying the sunset. Choose a restaurant at Maçãs Beach, Grande Beach or Adraga Beach.
Day 2
Start the day in the historic centre by visiting the Sintra National Palace with majestic chimneys seen from the inside of the renovated palatial kitchen and the beautiful swan room with windows overlooking the Moorish Castle and the interior courtyard. Note that the palace houses the largest collection of Spanish-Moorish in situ azulejo tiles in Europe (www.parquesdesintra.pt).
In the historic centre, visit some museums, such as the Ferreira de Castro Museum, the Sintra Myths and Legends, the Sintra Natural History Museum and the News Museum. Or visit them all. You won't regret it.
Have lunch in the historic centre or walk to the Estefânia area, by Volta do Douche, enjoying the landscape and the Sculpture Exhibition - Sintra Public Art, with several works exhibited along the way.
After lunch, head to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of the European continent, located at the far end of the Sintra Mountains, undoubtedly one of the most emblematic places in Portugal. As a testament to their presence in such a charismatic place, visitors can acquire a certificate at the local Tourism Office. And stay to watch the stunning sunset over the Atlantic Ocean.
Note: Taking into account traffic changes in the historic centre, start your trip at Portela de Sintra, park your car at one of the available car parks and use public transport: take the 434 bus to visit the historic centre.
