Sintra: Self Drive Tour All Monuments & Coast Route

Summary

Drive Sintra’s winding hills and coast at your pace with GPS help

You’ll drive your own electric car through Sintra’s winding streets and lush hillsides, with GPS guidance and instant support from local guides whenever you need it. Pause for palaces or coastal views as long as you want—nobody hurries you here. Expect laughter over pronunciations and a real sense of freedom behind the wheel.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was how tiny the Renault Twizy actually is — you squeeze in next to your travel buddy and it feels a bit like riding a toy, but in a good way. Our guide João handed us the keys with this grin that said he’d seen plenty of nervous drivers before. He helped us set up the GPS route for all the main spots: Pena Palace, Moorish Castle, Quinta da Regaleira. It felt weirdly freeing not having anyone else dictate the schedule. The air smelled faintly of eucalyptus as we zipped off — Sintra’s hills are steeper than they look on Google Maps, by the way.

I’ll admit we got lost near Seteais Palace (the roundabouts here seem to multiply when you’re not paying attention), but João was quick to reply on WhatsApp when we messaged for help. You really do get to explore at your own pace — we lingered at Monserrate longer than planned because the gardens were just so green after last night’s rain. There’s this moment when you park up and step out: birds going wild in the trees, distant bells from town, and that mossy stone smell everywhere. I tried to pronounce “Azenhas do Mar” properly and my partner cracked up; pretty sure I butchered it.

The drive down to Praia Grande made me wish I’d packed an extra sweater — wind off the Atlantic can be sharp even when it’s sunny. We ended up eating sandwiches overlooking those whitewashed houses clinging to cliffs at Azenhas do Mar. Honestly, I still think about that view sometimes. No rush, no crowds piling off buses; just us, our little car parked awkwardly but legally (parking really is easy with these things), sand in our shoes and salt on our lips. That’s what stuck with me most — being able to stop wherever felt right, even if it wasn’t part of any official itinerary.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Self-drive tour of Sintra and coast

• Pick up electric car
• Drive to Pena Palace
• Visit Moorish Castle
• Explore Quinta da Regaleira
• See Seteais Palace
• Visit Monserrate Palace
• Drive to Praia Grande beach
• Stop at Praia das Maças beach
• End at Azenhas do Mar village

Top questions

How many people fit in the electric car for this Sintra tour?

The Renault Twizy fits two people side by side.

Does this self drive Sintra tour include GPS navigation?

Yes, a GPS route plan is included and set up for you before departure.

Is there support if I get lost during the day trip?

You can contact your local guides via WhatsApp Messenger anytime during your tour.

What monuments can I visit on this self drive tour?

You can visit Pena Palace, Moorish Castle, Quinta da Regaleira, Seteais Palace, Monserrate Palace, Praia Grande, Praia das Maças, and Azenhas do Mar.

Is parking difficult in Sintra with these cars?

No, parking is much easier thanks to the small size of the electric cars.

Are tickets for attractions included?

No, but your guides will help you buy tickets if needed before you go.

Is lunch included in this Sintra self drive experience?

No meals are included; you choose where and when to eat along your route.

Is insurance provided for the electric car rental?

Yes, insurance is included with your vehicle rental.

What’s included

Your day includes a Renault Twizy electric car rental for two people with full battery and insurance, a detailed vehicle briefing before departure, personalized GPS route planning for all major Sintra monuments and coastal stops, ongoing support via WhatsApp from local guides throughout your trip, plus assistance buying attraction tickets if needed—so you’re never really on your own unless you want to be.