Sintra & the Portuguese Coast – Independent
The Sintra-Cascais Natural Park has been appreciated and enjoyed by people for centuries for the contrast it provides within such a small area: pristine sandy beaches, mountains, forests, cliffs, sand dunes, architecture and exotic gardens. This trip incorporates it all.
Walk the dramatic coastline west of Lisbon making detours inland through the Serra de Sintra, distinguished by its variety of flora and fauna. The walk also takes in the Cabo da Roca, the most westerly point in mainland Europe and the summer retreats of Cascais and Sintra neatly bookend the route. Along the way, enjoy fresh seafood and world-famous Colares wine.
Sintra, with its UNESCO world heritage status, is a wonderful end to the trip; elegant palaces, romantic gardens, medieval streets and shops.
Duration: 8 days
Itinerary
A fashionable resort with a marina, smart shops, elegant restaurants and one of the best (and cleanest!) surfing beaches in Europe. Optional exploratory walk (2 hours).
Since Middle Ages, Cascais lived from fishing, maritime commerce (a stop for ships sailing to Lisbon) and agriculture (producing wine, olive oil, cereals and fruit). Due to its location close to the Tagus estuary, it was also seen as a strategic post in the defence of Lisbon. In 1870 Cascais became a holiday destination amongst the Portuguese royalty, transforming this sleepy fishing village into a popular tourist spot.
On Cascais bay in the heart of the quaint fishing village
Luxury boutique hotel in stunning seaside location
A 'promenade' walk along the coast, past lighthouses and interesting cliff formations (6.6 miles, 3 hours); or a choice of inland routes (shorter 7.4 mile/4 hour walk or longer 11.1 mile/5.5 hour walk) through the Serra and down to Guincho Beach (extensive views!), one of Portugal's best windsurfing locations.
This sandy beach is exposed to strong winds. The World Surfing Championships were held here in the 90s and the beach remains a mecca to surfers and windsurfers. Your hotel here is set within a 17th century fortress with fine sea views and a Michelin-starred restaurant.
17th century fortress with sea views; Michelin * restaurant
Upgraded rooms are larger with ocean view
Follow coastal paths before heading inland into the Serra de Sintra. Opportunity to visit the interesting Convento dos Capuchos (Capuchin monastery) (+2 hours), before returning through the Serra up to the spectacularly situated 14th century Peninha Chapel. Paths then lead down to your hotel near the coast (9.3 or 12.7 miles, 5 or 6.5 hours).
Village situated a short distance from Cabo da Roca, a cape that forms the westernmost point of Europe. The cliff rises out of the Atlantic Ocean to approximately 140 metres above sea level. Relax in an agriturismo with a spa and pool offering views over vineyards towards the Atlantic beyond.
Agriturismo with pool and magnificent views
A cliff-top walk with spectacular views leads to Cabo (Cape) da Roca, the most westerly point of Portugal – and mainland Europe. Continue inland through the vineyards of the famous ‘Colares’ wine before returning to the coast and past dramatic cliff formations to the beach of Praia Grande, with its world-famous swirling waves (7.8 miles, 4 hours).
This is one of the largest stretches of golden sand on the Portuguese coast and best known for its surf.
Modern, cliff-top hotel with sea views
Continue along the coast to the small seaside resort of Azenhas do Mar, with its pretty whitewashed houses perched on a cliff; then past more fine beaches before heading inland to the curious church of São Mamede, ‘protector of the animals’. Animals were freely allowed to enter until recent times. Minor roads then lead to Colares, famous for its wine (8.6 or 12.1 miles, 4 or 6 hours).
The centre of wine production in the area. Whilst here, it is possible to visit the Adega Regional de Colares - the main cooperative where Colares wine is produced and sold. Tastings are available for groups of 2 or more. Or you can simply visit the winery, where there is also the opportunity to purchase the wine.
Converted country house with pool
Follow a Roman road before joining wide forest paths passing through the Serra to the ‘Romantic’ Palace of Monserrate, with exotic gardens and follies. Continue through the Serra and a short section of road brings you to the arch of the old west entrance to Sintra (8.1 miles, 4 hours).
Situated in the cooling hills, this Unesco-listed town has a lot to offer. The 10th-century castle is a relic from the days when the Moors occupied the Iberian Peninsula. Walk the parapets that wind along the ridge for spectacular views. The Pena Palace is also worth a visit and crowns the hill above Sintra. There are also plenty of galleries, churches, museums and cobbled medieval streets lined with boutique shops and cafés.
Modern, boutique hotel in very central location
Elegant hotel – ‘the oldest on the Iberian Peninsula’ – with spa.
Described by Byron as a ‘glorious Eden’, and boasting UNESCO World Heritage status, Sintra is a visitor’s paradise, with magnificent palaces, gardens, galleries, churches, museums, and cobbled, medieval streets lined with boutique shops and cafés. For highlights take the optional Sintra city walk. Note: The city’s famous market is on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of every month.
Modern, boutique hotel in very central location
Elegant hotel – ‘the oldest on the Iberian Peninsula’ – with spa.
Trip Planner
Walking & Terrain
Walking: Easy to moderate. The length of each day varies from 3 to 6 hours of walking, with shorter and longer walking options available on 2 days. Hours of walking, which may vary from individual to individual, means hours of actual walking and do not include stops for lunch, sightseeing – swimming!
Terrain: The route follows well-established coastal paths with detours inland through vineyards, forests and rugged mountains. There are a few rocky and steep sections of path, so good firm walking boots with ankle support are recommended and walking poles are recommended.
All ATG trips include facilities and options so that you can arrange to walk as much or as little as you like – or not at all - and your Route Manager will be able to advise you on public transport or taxi options.
Walking & Terrain
Walking: Easy to moderate. The length of each day varies from 3 to 6 hours of walking, with shorter and longer walking options available on 2 days. Hours of walking, which may vary from individual to individual, means hours of actual walking and do not include stops for lunch, sightseeing – swimming!
Terrain: The route follows well-established coastal paths with detours inland through vineyards, forests and rugged mountains. There are a few rocky and steep sections of path, so good firm walking boots with ankle support are recommended and walking poles are recommended.
All ATG trips include facilities and options so that you can arrange to walk as much or as little as you like – or not at all - and your Route Manager will be able to advise you on public transport or taxi options.
Additional activities available locally
This is a wonderful area offering additional local experiences - some can be booked to fit in with the itinerary, whilst for others you may wish to customise your trip to have an extra leisurely day or two to enjoy.
Additional activities are paid for locally and where needed can be booked via your Route Manager who will contact you 2 weeks prior to departure.
Cascais - there is lots to do in Cascais and it’s worth an extra day to visit the local market, beach, art exhibitions & museums.
In Guincho, the information centre at the Cresmina Dunes gives information about flora and fauna of the 66 hectares of beautiful natural dunes
Surf lessons are available at Praia Grande Surf School from 50€/person
Wine tasting in Colares, from 15€/person
Horse riding in Janas (4 miles from Colares), from 35€/person (30 minutes)
Activities for the Free day in Sintra:
Visit the Sintra National Palace, the oldest palace in Portugal. Entry tickets from 15€/person
Visit the Quinta da Regaleira Palace and park with lakes, grottos and fountains. Entry tickets from 15€/person
ATG also offers a city walk in Sintra to take in the sights
Your Personal ATG Route Manager
Born and raised in Lisbon, I have lived for the past 20 years in Sintra. I love travelling to different parts of the world, but I also love my own country, so it is a great pleasure to help other travellers see and experience the best of where I come from. I find that what clients love the most about this route is the difference in each location and the variety on offer: vibrant towns, spectacular coastal walking, exotic gardens, Moorish architecture, the nature in Sintra Natural Park…I could go on!
“The real gem of the trip was Paula Reis, our Route Manager! She is knowledgeable, friendly and very sympathetic. She provides exceptional service, and she ensured that my birthday was very special. Her support really enhanced our trip!”
“Paula's (Route Manager) help and attentiveness greatly enhanced our trip. She is proactive and engaging with very good restaurant recommendations.”
Route Book
The ATG Route Book is a detailed, day-to-day guide. The book anticipates your needs with easy-to-follow instructions, maps, plans and other information that will guide you to discover the best that the area has to offer and is the key to the success of an independent holiday with us.
Walking App
Your Route Manager can provide you with a link to download an app to your smartphone. This app provides the GPS track for your route on your phone. You can use this digital support to find your position and navigate the route, even without an internet connection or mobile phone reception.
Accommodation & Meals
You can expect each hotel to be one of the most characteristic, comfortable and best located for travellers on foot, with the character and sometimes the standard varying from place to place.
Star ratings indicate official classification, although many delightful places have no star rating. In more remote areas hotels may be of a generally lower standard in relation to their ‘star ratings’.
Single travellers are accommodated in double rooms for single occupancy for a supplemental charge.
On this route, upgraded accommodation is available at some overnight stops, as specified on the itinerary.
Breakfast is included and there are suggestions in the Route Book about where to buy provisions for a picnic lunch, as well as restaurant recommendations. Dining options often include a choice of restaurants that can be pre-booked for you by your Route Manager.
Food & Wine
Similar to Mediterranean cuisine, Portuguese dishes are rich, filling and full-flavoured, often featuring a sprinkle of spice hinting back to the country’s colonial past. This is a seafaring nation, so fish is a highlight on every menu, in particular bacalhau (cod). Traditional desserts are mostly rich, egg-based and flavoured with cinnamon or vanilla. Wine enthusiasts must sample Colares wine, one of the oldest wines in Portugal. The vines are grown in sand dunes, which have helped it to withstand pests over the centuries. The Route Book contains a section on the cuisine and wines of the region, and a list of recommended restaurants en route. The Route Manager will be pleased to help you with any queries, requests or advice.
Flora & Fauna
The Sintra-Cascais Natural Park boasts a remarkable variety of plant and animal life due to a unique combination of sandy terrain, sea cliffs, a special microclimate and a long history of habitation. Keep your eyes peeled for polecats, weasels, stone martens and the elusive Peregrine Falcon. Our Route Book provides further detail while apps such as ‘LeafSnap’, ‘Flora Incognita’, ‘ChirpOMatic’ and child-friendly ‘Seek by iNaturalist’ can identify the flora and fauna en route.
Travel arrangements
Travel arrangements, including flights, for ATG Independent Footloose trips should be made independently.
Outward travel to Cascais: Take the metro to the centre of Lisbon (25 minutes) if you wish to explore the city, or to Cais do Sodré train station for regular onward trains to Cascais.
Return travel from Sintra: Trains leave regularly from Sintra station to the centre of Lisbon, from where you can catch the metro back to the airport.
Trip Options & Prices
Overview
This 8 day independent walking tour in central Portugal follows the dramatic Atlantic coastline from Cascais and offers 5 days of walking. Enjoy a combination of great walking, coastal views and an unforgettable stay in Sintra, taking in the sights of this Unesco listed town.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Cascais*
Day 2: Cascais to Guincho*
Day 3: Guincho to Azóia
Day 4: Azóia to Praia Grande
Day 5: Praia Grande to Colares
Day 6: Colares to Sintra*
Day 7: Sintra* - free day
Day 8: Departure
*The upgrade price option includes upgrades at these locations
Prices (per person)
Our Independent Footloose itineraries have the flexibility to be customised if you would like to spend more time in any of the places en route; perhaps to incorporate some of the add-ons available locally or just to create a more relaxed pace to your holiday.
If you wish to build your own itinerary please complete our customise form and our Sales team will provide you with a bespoke quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
On each route there is an ATG Route Manager, who is there to take care of all the practicalities and ensure the success of your trip. Route Managers have all been ATG-trained, speak English and the language of the country fluently, and live in the local area. Your Route Manager will make contact with you a couple of weeks prior to departure (usually by email) and will then meet you at the start of your trip and will be available during your trip to move your luggage from hotel to hotel, provide local information, make restaurant reservations and do everything possible to ensure that you derive maximum enjoyment from your holiday.
Please let us know about any dietary restrictions or allergies in advance so that our Route Manager can ensure that you are catered for during your holiday. Most dietary restrictions do not present a problem on our trips and the Route Manager can discuss your requirements in more detail with you at the start of your trip.
The walks are graded according to difficulty but you can walk as much or as little as you like.
Easy: walking along well-established paths and tracks with some short ascents/descents. These trips are suitable for most people who enjoy occasional exercise.
Easy to Moderate: walking along well-established paths and tracks. Occasional loose (gravel) surfaces. Ascents/descents up to 1 hour. These trips are suitable for most people who have a reasonable level of fitness.
Moderate: walking along a variety of paths and tracks. Occasional uneven areas. Ascents/descents 1-2 hours. These trips are suitable for those who have a reasonable to good level of fitness.
Moderate to Challenging: walking along varied paths and surfaces, occasionally challenging, with ascents/descents of 2-3 hours. These trips are suitable for more experienced walkers who have a good level of fitness.
If you are planning to take an Independent trip as a single traveller, we would ask you to consider the potential dangers of walking alone before making a booking and if necessary discuss this with our Sales team.
Single travellers will be booked into a double room which will carry a single occupancy supplement.
Flights are not included in the price of your ATG holiday and should be booked independently.
The trips in our Independent programme make ideal family holidays for those with children who are old enough (and keen enough!) to enjoy a walking holiday or young enough to be carried in a backpack.
You would need to consider costs for lunches (either a picnic style lunch or lunch in a café as you prefer) and evening meals. Where an evening meal is included at a hotel this is indicated on the trip page. For evening meals not included, the route book provides restaurant recommendations to suit a wide range of budgets. You would also need to factor in any entrance fees to museums, churches, galleries and other sightseeing costs, items of a personal nature, shopping expenditure and transport if you choose to not to walk on some days.
Tourist Tax
This tax is charged per guest per night and the rate is determined by the local council based on the star rating of the accommodation. The rate usually varies from €2 up to €5 per person per night, although the rate can be higher in major cities. This tax is not included in the price of your holiday but where applicable will be payable direct to your hotel in cash.
We are delighted to book extensions for you at either end of your trip. We only book hotels with which we have an established relationship and where we can ensure a high level of service and enjoyment. If you would like an extension hotel booking please indicate this during the booking process and we will contact you with pricing information.
ATG does not provide any form of insurance cover. However, it is a condition of booking that you have fully comprehensive insurance cover, including:
Cancellation/curtailment up to the cost of the holiday (preferably including flights)
Medical emergencies and repatriation
Travel delay / missed departure
Lost or stolen personal belongings
Personal liability
Legal expenses
Natural Disasters
Although most credit card companies offer travel insurance as something that is included when paying the balance with the card, it may be advisable to check that the cover offered is what you expect it to be. Very few companies include cancellation and curtailment or medical expenses. Whatever the insurance policy you have taken out, please read the documentation carefully. Please ensure also that you take it with you on your trip and refer to it in the case of any claim or emergency.
Yes, please click here for what to bring. A packing checklist is also included with your booking confirmation.
Sustainability
ATG was founded on principles of conservation and sustainable development. It was the first company to win the tourism industry’s two top awards: Tourism for Tomorrow (UK) and the World Legacy Award (National Geographic and Conservation International USA) and also the first to have an accredited Environmental Management System.
Everyone who walks with ATG contributes to the ATG Trust, which funds projects that benefit local communities in the regions visited. By supporting these initiatives, ATG promotes sustainable tourism. Past projects have included heritage restoration projects, environmental conservation and educational projects.
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