Lisbon to Sintra: Pena Palace Gardens, Quinta da Regaleira & Cabo da Roca Day Trip

Summary

Sintra’s wild gardens, pastry stops & windswept Atlantic views

You’ll wander Sintra’s lush palace gardens with a local guide, sample legendary queijadas fresh from Casa do Preto, explore mysterious tunnels at Quinta da Regaleira, and stand on windswept cliffs at Cabo da Roca. Expect laughter over lunch in Colares and moments of quiet awe where history meets wild nature.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the colors of Pena Palace to feel so unreal up close — like someone painted them just that morning. Our guide, Sofia, grinned when I said it looked like a cake. She led us through the gardens instead of the crowded royal chambers (honestly, I was relieved), letting us wander under mossy trees and past hidden statues while the air smelled faintly like wet stone and pine needles. At one point, we paused on a terrace where you could see all the way to the Atlantic — it was windy enough that my hair kept sticking to my face, but I didn’t care.

We tried queijadas from Casa do Preto before heading into Sintra proper. They’re these little pastries with a caramelized top — warm, sweet, slightly chewy. Sofia told us about the founder’s nickname (“Preto”), which made me laugh because she said everyone in town still remembers him just for his pastries. There was a moment at the Sabuga Fountain where an older man filled his bottle and nodded at us; he didn’t say anything, but it felt like some quiet local approval.

Quinta da Regaleira was honestly wilder than I expected — tunnels twisting under the gardens, light filtering down into the Initiation Well in this kind of soft green haze. It felt like being inside someone’s dream. My friend tried to pronounce “Regaleira” properly and failed; Sofia laughed and then told us a story about secret societies (she swore she wasn’t making it up). After lunch in Colares — grilled fish and vinho verde, nothing fancy but perfect — we drove out to Cabo da Roca. The wind there is something else: salty, sharp, almost too much if you’re not ready for it. Standing at what they call “the end of Europe,” you really do feel tiny in a good way.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Sintra's highlights and landscapes

• Arrive at Serra de Sintra mountain range
• Taste Queijada pastry at Casa do Preto
• Visit Sabuga Fountain and relax
• View Moorish Castle from outside
• Tour Pena Palace gardens and terraces
• Explore Quinta da Regaleira grounds
• Drive through Colares village and have lunch
• Visit Cabo da Roca viewpoint

Top questions

How long does the Lisbon to Sintra day trip last?

The tour is a full-day experience departing from Lisbon and includes several stops around Sintra before returning in the evening.

Is entry to Pena Palace included?

The tour includes guided access to Pena Palace’s exterior gardens and terraces but not entry into the royal chambers.

Are pastries or food included on this tour?

You’ll stop to try traditional queijadas from Casa do Preto and have lunch at a typical Portuguese restaurant in Colares.

Does this day trip visit Cabo da Roca?

Yes, you’ll visit Cabo da Roca for panoramic Atlantic views as part of the itinerary.

Is transportation provided from Lisbon?

Yes, transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle with pickup is included for small groups up to 8 people.

What languages is the tour conducted in?

The tour is conducted in English.

Is this Sintra day trip suitable for children?

Yes, child and baby seats are available upon request; all ages are welcome.

Will we visit Quinta da Regaleira?

You’ll explore Quinta da Regaleira’s gardens, tunnels, and Initiation Well with your guide during the tour.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from Lisbon by air-conditioned minivan for a small group (up to 8), guided visits through Pena Palace’s parklands and Quinta da Regaleira’s grounds with all insurance covered. Bottled water is provided along with stops for traditional pastries and lunch at a local restaurant before returning after seeing Cabo da Roca.