Lisbon to Sintra along the Cascais coast
From Belém’s monastery and tower along the Marginal to Cascais, the wild Guincho coast, Cabo da Roca, Azenhas do Mar and the palaces of Sintra.
- Distance
- 67 km (42 mi)
- Driving
- 0 h 56 min
- Suggested days
- 2
- Stops
- 9
- Countries
- Portugal
- Updated
- July 30, 2026
At a glance: 2-day road trip of about 67 km (42 mi) with 9 stops, from Lisbon to Sintra. About 0 h 56 min of driving in total.
More road trips in Portugal · More road trips from Lisbon
Route description
Start in the Belém district, 6 km west of central Lisbon, where the Jerónimos Monastery, the Belém Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries stand along the Tagus. Both monuments are closed on Mondays. Parking is easier here than in the city centre, and a riverside cycle and walking path follows the water. The famous custard tarts are sold near the monastery.
From Belém, follow the N6 Marginal along the coast through Oeiras and Estoril to Cascais, about 20 km, passing forts and small beaches. Cascais is a former fishing village turned resort with a marina and a citadel. Just west of town, the coast road passes Boca do Inferno, a sea cave where waves explode in winter storms. Beyond it the N247 runs along a wild, rocky shore.
Guincho beach is open to the Atlantic wind, better for watching kitesurfers than for swimming. The N247 then climbs to the turn-off for Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe, with a lighthouse on cliffs about 140 m high. Continue north through Colares, a small wine area of vines planted in sand, to Azenhas do Mar, a village on a cliff with a natural sea pool.
Sintra lies 10 km inland. The town is very crowded in summer and traffic is restricted on the narrow roads up to the palaces, so park at the edge of town or at the station and use the tourist bus or walk. Visit Quinta da Regaleira, the Moorish Castle and the Pena Palace with timed tickets booked ahead. The whole route is only about 60 km, but allow two days.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Lisbon
Portugal - 28 km
Jerónimos Monastery
HistoryLisbon, PortugalA Manueline monastery of carved limestone built with spice-trade wealth, with Vasco da Gama’s tomb in the church. Closed on Mondays; buy tickets ahead and expect queues at midday.
- 31 km
Belém Tower
HistoryLisbon, PortugalA small 16th-century fortress on the Tagus that guarded the harbour entrance, now a symbol of the Age of Discoveries. The riverside path leads to the Monument to the Discoveries; parking along the avenue.
- 422 km
Cascais
Portugal - 51 km
Boca do Inferno
NatureCascais, PortugalA collapsed sea cave where Atlantic waves crash and spray in rough weather, beside the coastal road west of Cascais. Free viewing platforms and a small car park.
- 67 km
Guincho beach
NatureCascais, PortugalA wide beach of dunes under the Serra de Sintra, known for strong wind, surf and kitesurfing. Swimming can be dangerous; car parks line the N247.
- 77 km
Cabo da Roca
ViewsSintra, PortugalThe westernmost point of mainland Europe, with a lighthouse above 140 m cliffs.
- 89 km
Azenhas do Mar
ViewsSintra, PortugalWhite houses stacked on a cliff above a natural sea pool. The classic photo is from the viewpoint on the road north of the village; parking is very limited, so avoid summer weekends in a large vehicle.
- 910 km
Sintra
Portugal
Suggested stages and overnight stops
2 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Lisbon → Boca do Inferno · 33 km · 0 h 27 minOn the way: Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower, Cascais.Overnight nearby, for example: Orbitur Guincho (5 km); Lisboa Camping (20 km).
- Day 2: Boca do Inferno → Sintra · 34 km · 0 h 28 minOn the way: Guincho beach, Cabo da Roca, Azenhas do Mar.Overnight nearby, for example: Lisboa Camping (18 km); Orbitur Guincho (12 km).
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–June and September–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and December–March. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
Practical notes for the road
- Portugal: Electronic tolls by number plate. Some motorways only have electronic tolls; register your plate or rent a transponder. Motorway limit for cars: 120 km/h.
- Lisbon: Low-emission zone. Older vehicles may be banned, and foreign vehicles often have to register before entering.
Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.
FAQs
How long is Lisbon to Sintra along the Cascais coast?
2-day road trip of about 67 km (42 mi) with 9 stops, from Lisbon to Sintra. About 0 h 56 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Lisbon to Sintra along the Cascais coast?
We suggest 2 days: about 0 h 56 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Lisbon to Sintra along the Cascais coast start and end?
It starts in Lisbon and ends in Sintra.
Which countries does Lisbon to Sintra along the Cascais coast pass through?
Portugal.
Where can you camp along Lisbon to Sintra along the Cascais coast?
OpenStreetMap lists 29 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: Lisboa Camping, Fábrica do Braço de Prata and Orbitur Costa da Caparica.
When is the best time for Lisbon to Sintra along the Cascais coast?
The most pleasant months are usually April–June and September–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and December–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
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