Queluz Palace, Mafra Monastery & Ericeira Day Tour from Lisbon

Summary

Private Day Trip: Queluz, Mafra, Ericeira & Sintra Castles

You’ll wander royal palaces, climb ancient castle walls with ocean views, explore a massive monastery library, and soak up coastal vibes in Ericeira—all in one relaxed day with local stories guiding every step.

What’s the experience like?

The morning air felt a bit crisp as we pulled up to Queluz National Palace—there’s something about the way sunlight bounces off those pale pink and blue walls that makes you pause. Our guide, Ana, pointed out the intricate stonework above the main entrance and shared how this place was once a summer escape for Portugal’s royals. I still remember the faint scent of boxwood hedges drifting in from the gardens as we wandered through gilded halls and past old portraits. The palace has this mix of rococo flair and neoclassical calm—one minute you’re gawking at gold leaf ceilings, next you’re peeking into rooms where Queen Maria I spent her last years. If you listen closely, you can hear the distant hum of fountains outside.

After a short drive through winding roads lined with pine trees, we reached the Moorish Castle perched high above Sintra. The climb up is worth it—the wind picks up as you walk along ancient stone walls, and suddenly there’s this sweeping view over forests all the way to the Atlantic. Our guide explained how these ruins date back to the 9th century; I found myself tracing my fingers along weathered stones near St. Peter’s chapel. There’s an old cistern inside too—rainwater still collects there after a storm.

Mafra was next on our route. The sheer size of the National Palace hits you first: over a thousand rooms and endless corridors echoing with footsteps. We caught part of a bell rehearsal in the basilica—the sound just fills every corner. Ana showed us the library (it smells faintly of old paper and beeswax), home to more than 36,000 books stacked floor to ceiling behind ornate iron gates. It’s wild to think monks once walked these same halls.

By afternoon, we rolled into Ericeira—a fishing village turned surfer haven where whitewashed houses tumble down towards rocky cliffs. You’ll spot fishermen mending nets by hand or surfers waxing boards near Praia dos Pescadores. The salty breeze mixes with grilled sardines from open windows; honestly, it made me hungry just walking around. We ended our day at José Franco’s miniature village—a quirky spot where tiny clay figures act out scenes from early 20th-century life in Portugal. Kids love it, but so did I.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Queluz Palace and Sintra Castles

• Visit Queluz National Palace
• Explore Moorish Castle ruins

Day 2 — Mafra Palace and Ericeira Village

• Tour National Palace of Mafra
• Discover Ericeira fishing village

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for travelers with limited mobility?

Yes, all transportation and sites are wheelchair accessible and infant seats are available if needed.

How long do we spend at each stop?

It varies—usually about an hour at each main site so there’s time to explore without rushing.

Are meals included?

No meals are included but there are plenty of local restaurants in Ericeira for lunch or snacks.

Will there be free time to explore on our own?

Yes, you’ll have some free time at each location to wander or take photos at your own pace.

What’s included

Your private ride comes with air conditioning and WiFi onboard for comfort between stops. Wheelchair access is sorted throughout, plus service animals are welcome and infant seats can be arranged if you let us know ahead of time.