Sintra & Cascais: E-Bike Tour with Train from Lisbon

Summary

Cycle Sintra’s palaces, wild beaches & secret forests by e-bike

You’ll cycle from Sintra’s fairytale palaces through lush forests to windswept Guincho beach on this day trip from Lisbon—with e-bikes making those hills friendlier! Taste real Sintra cheesecake, share laughs with your guide over lunch in Azóia village, and end along Cascais’ coast before heading back by train.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the first surprise to be a pastry. Our guide Tiago handed us these little cakes—queijadas—right under the big white chimneys of Sintra National Palace. He said every local has a favorite bakery, but this one “tastes like home.” I tried to say “obrigado” with my mouth full (not my best look). The air smelled sweet and a bit earthy, and you could hear the train whistles echoing through the old streets. It was already nothing like Lisbon.

We started pedaling out of town, gliding past mossy walls and those storybook palaces—Quinta da Regaleira looked even stranger up close, all towers and hidden corners. Tiago pointed out a fountain where people still fill their bottles; he joked it keeps you young if you believe hard enough. The e-bikes made the hills feel almost easy (almost), especially as we climbed through the forest toward Monserrate Palace. There was this moment when sunlight broke through the trees and everything smelled like pine needles and wet stone. I remember thinking, “I could just stop here for hours.” But then someone’s bell rang and off we went again.

Lunch in Azóia was noisy in that good way—plates clattering, people arguing gently about football scores. I ordered something I couldn’t pronounce (Tiago helped), and it came with grilled fish so fresh it tasted like the sea itself. After that, we cycled higher—to Peninha Sanctuary—and honestly, I had no idea Portugal could look so wild from up there. Wind everywhere, hair in my eyes, ocean on both sides if you squinted just right. We all went quiet for a minute at the top. Not sure why exactly—it just felt big.

The last stretch down to Guincho beach was fast and a little reckless (in a fun way). Sand blowing across the road, surfers out on the waves even though it looked freezing. We followed the bike path into Cascais with legs tired but happy. The sun was low by then; locals were out walking tiny dogs or just watching us roll by like some weird parade. And then suddenly we were back on the train to Lisbon—salty, dusty, kind of proud of ourselves.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — E-bike tour from Lisbon to Cascais

• Briefing on bike use in Lisbon
• Train from Rossio to Sintra
• Visit Sintra National Palace area
• Cycle past Quinta da Regaleira
• Pass by Seteais Palace hotel
• Visit Monserrate Park and Palace
• Arrive at Colares vineyards
• Cycle to Penedo and Urgueira villages
• Lunch break in Azóia village
• Cycle through ancient forest to Peninha Sanctuary
• Enjoy panoramic views from Peninha
• Cycle downhill past Pena Palace
• Option to visit Guincho wild beach
• Cycle along bike path to Cascais
• Return to Lisbon by train from Cascais

Top questions

How long is the e-bike tour from Lisbon to Cascais?

The tour lasts around 8 hours including train travel between Lisbon and Sintra/Cascais.

Is lunch included on the Sintra-Cascais e-bike tour?

Lunch is not included but there’s a stop in Azóia village with several restaurant options.

Are entry fees to palaces included?

No, entry fees to palaces are not included; visits are optional depending on group interest.

What’s included in this day trip from Lisbon?

The tour includes train tickets, use of Bosch e-bike with helmet, bottled water, local guide, and a traditional queijada pastry tasting.

Do I need to be very fit for this e-bike tour?

You should have moderate fitness; e-bikes help on hills but there are some climbs.

Can children join this cycling tour?

Yes, specialized infant seats are available; check when booking for age suitability.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is Largo da Severa in Mouraria (central Lisbon), followed by Rossio station for the train ride to Sintra.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip train tickets between Lisbon and Sintra/Cascais, use of a Bosch-powered e-bike with helmet provided for comfort and safety, bottled water along the way, guidance from a friendly local expert who shares stories as you ride—and an authentic queijada de Sintra pastry tasting before you hit those legendary hills together.