Lisbon: Pena Palace, Sintra, Cabo da Roca, and Cascais Daytrip

Are you planning a day trip to Lisbon? This vivid and vibrant coastal capital of Portugal offers so many exciting places to visit, see, and explore. But with only 24 hours to fill, how do you make sure that you can cover as much of the stunning city as possible?

In this guide, you will be given some information on how to make the most of your day trip in Lisbon. We’ll cover the key attractions, such as the Pena Palace, Sintra, Cabo da Roca, and the nearby town of Cascais. Plus, you will also be given some useful advice on how to plan your day for maximum exploration time!

Overview

The city of Lisbon is home to some of the most iconic landmarks in Portugal, from the beautiful castle of Pena Palace to the grandiose old-villages of Sintra and Cascais. Whether you’re after history or mysticism, there’s something for everyone. Plus, with its stunning coastal areas, there’s something for the outdoors enthusiast too!

The Pena Palace is a 19th-century romantic castle situated in the town of Sintra, 25 km away from Lisbon. The complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and houses picturesque surroundings just waiting to be explored. At the Cabo da Roca (also known as “The Edge of the World’), you can stand on a dramatic headland and absorb some of the grandest views in Portugal.

Finally, you can stroll through the nearby town of Cascais and discover its colourful villages. Or if you prefer, why not take a dip in its refreshing Atlantic waters for some much-needed time out!

How to Make the Most Out of Your Day Trip To Lisbon

With just 24 hours to fill, it’s important to make sure that you get to see as much as possible and there are a few key tips that can help make this possible. Firstly, depending on the time of year you are visiting, it is advisable to book tickets for any attractions before you go. Not only does this save time but also money in some cases. For example, Pena Palace is free on the first Sunday of every month (otherwise the entry costs €10).

Secondly, consider doing a guided tour. You can easily book these online and they work out great value for money. Such tours are a great way to see all the major attractions in one go. Plus, you’ll get some invaluable information on the sites you’re visiting which helps accentuate the experience even more!

Once you’ve planned your tour and booked any tickets, it’s time to decide on the best way to get around on the day. If you’re in Lisbon for more than 24 hours and have a few days to explore, then hiring a car is highly recommended. Alternatively, there are local buses and trains which depart from the airport which can be used during the day.

However if you plan on just doing this one day trip then there are several tour companies available who specialize in all kinds of tours from, day trips to more traditional style tours of Portugal. Many companies have Lisbon as part of their itinerary, with guides who know all of the best places to visit and can take you there in comfort and style!

What to See During Your Trip

Pena Palace

The first stop of your day trip has to be the captivating Pena Palace which stands proudly atop a hill in Sintra. Dating back to 1836, this magnificent castle has been adorned with an eclectic mix of styles, from gothic revivalist and Manueline architectures to Gothic revivalist and Moorish interiors. At the Pena Palace you’ll find landscaped gardens surrounding vibrant courtyards and intricate spiral staircases leading up into stunning neo-Manueline towers.

If you don’t have time to explore every inch of this vast complex then don’t worry as there are plenty of guided tours available including those which provide access through the restricted areas not usually accessible to the public. Alternatively, why not take a walk around its beautiful grounds or admire it from a distance? Not only will this help save time but you will also be able to take in some breathtaking views across Sintra and its surroundings!

Cabo da Roca

Located just 40 minutes from Pena Palace is Cabo da Roca – which is considered by many to be Europe’s most westerly point. This dramatic headland is home to breathtaking landscapes and dramatic cliffs with stunning views across the vast Atlantic Ocean. Not only does this area offer some truly stunning vistas but during the warmer months it can become quite busy with locals who come here for its accommodation or enjoy its vast beaches.

If you have time then why not climb along its rugged cliffs or take a boat trip around its rocky shoreline? There are so many activities available here that you’ll never be short on things to do!

Cascais

The final stop of your day trip has to be the nearby town of Cascais which lies just 20 km away from Lisbon and is easily accessible by bus or train (15 minutes). Here you’ll find a charming village packed with narrow cobbled streets and picturesque housing whose multi-coloured walls depict centuries-old architecture. Visit some of Cascais’ unique shops or take a stroll along its fashionable boardwalk as you absorb some of its timeless beauty.

At low tide, explore some of its beautiful coves located either side of the bay for some added tranquillity or simply enjoy the sunshine on one of its many sun-kissed beaches. If the thrill of city life is more up your street then why not visit one of its bustling markets with their array of local produce or take in some live music at one of its popular night spots!

Conclusion

A day trip to Lisbon promises an exciting day out with plenty to see and do no matter what your interests may be! From admiring magnificent castles like Pena Palace to taking in stunning views at Cabo da Roca or exploring charming villages like that of Cascais; there truly is something for everyone here!

Plus, if you plan your day right then you can ensure that you make the most out of your 24 hours in this exciting city! After all, life is short – so why not make it count?

Planning your Lisbon getaway? Take advantage of GetYourGuide’s Lisbon’s sites and neighborhoods daytrip for easy Google ranking and maximum enjoyment!