Visitors to Lisbon will easily find reasons to stay in the city, but just a few kilometres from the capital, Sintra offers a complete change of scenery, with palaces, gardens, beaches and views over the Atlantic. By hiring a car in Lisbon, you gain the freedom to include Sintra in your itinerary without being tied to fixed timetables and transport connections.
What to visit in Sintra from Lisbon
Sintra is an excellent option for a day trip from Lisbon, but it can also be the starting point for a weekend by the coast. Travelling by car allows you to tailor your route to your interests and the time you have available.
You could start the morning in Lisbon, head towards Sintra to visit the palaces and the historic centre, and, at the end of the day, carry on to the coast to watch the sunset by the Atlantic. You could also split the itinerary over two days and explore areas that are usually left off the quickest routes, such as Monserrate, Colares or the region’s beaches.
The flexibility of hiring a car for these occasions is particularly useful for those travelling with family or friends. You can carry everything you need for the day, take breaks whenever you like and adapt your plans should the weather, traffic or opening times of the attractions force you to alter your route.
Pena National Palace
The Pena National Palace is one of Portugal’s most famous landmarks and a popular choice for first-time visitors to Sintra. Situated at the top of the hills, it combines Romantic architecture, gardens and sweeping views over the region. A visit inside the palace requires booking a specific date and time when purchasing your ticket. It is important to plan your itinerary in advance and arrive in good time.
Moorish Castle
The Moorish Castle is an excellent option for anyone wishing to combine heritage, scenery and a walk in the fresh air. You can include it on the same day as your visit to Pena Palace, provided you allow enough time for travel and walking.
Quinta da Regaleira
Close to the historic centre, Quinta da Regaleira offers a more mysterious and immersive experience. The gardens, grottoes, lakes, towers and the Initiation Well make this one of the most popular destinations for visitors to Sintra. You can also combine your visit with a stroll through the historic centre, where you can stop off to sample the traditional “travesseiros” and “queijadas”.
Monserrate Palace and Park
If you’re looking for a more peaceful experience, visit Monserrate Palace and Park. This is a particularly interesting option for those staying in Sintra for more than a day or wanting to escape the busier routes. This palace stands out for its architecture and gardens, which make the visit a blend of culture and nature.
Sintra, Cabo da Roca and Cascais
Hiring a car in Lisbon allows you to go beyond a simple trip to the centre of Sintra. After visiting the previous suggestions, you can continue your journey through the mountains, discover Colares and head for the coast. The route between Sintra, Cabo da Roca and Cascais is one of the best ways to explore this region.
If you have more than one day, you can spend the first day exploring the centre of Sintra and its monuments, and set aside the second day for Monserrate, Colares, Azenhas do Mar, the beaches and Cabo da Roca.
A trip tailored to your needs
With Hertz, you can pick up a car in Lisbon and choose the option that best suits your type of trip. A compact car can be a practical choice for couples or a short getaway, whilst a family car or SUV offers more space and comfort when travelling with children or friends. Hiring a car in Lisbon allows you to turn a simple visit to Sintra into a more complete experience.
Discover Sintra with Hertz
Visiting Sintra from Lisbon is an opportunity to explore palaces, gardens, historic villages and Atlantic coast scenery all in one itinerary. By hiring a car in Lisbon, you can set off whenever you like, choose the places that interest you most and extend your trip to the coast, to Cabo da Roca or to Cascais.
Book your car in Lisbon and discover Sintra, the mountains and the coast at your own pace.
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