Coastal Portugal – How to Spend A Week Around Lisbon & Sintra

Discover the best of Portugal’s scenic coastline with a week exploring Lisbon’s vibrant city life and the enchanting palaces of Sintra. This itinerary blends iconic sights with coastal charm and local culture.

Itinerary Overview

Destination: Lisbon & Sintra, Portugal

Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights

Base Location: Lisbon City Centre

Airport: Lisbon Humberto Delgado (LIS)

When to Go

Spring and early autumn offer mild weather and fewer tourists, ideal for sightseeing and coastal walks. Summers are warm but can be crowded, especially in Sintra.

Transport

Use Lisbon’s efficient metro and tram network for the city, and trains or rental cars for day trips to Sintra and the coast.

Budget Range

Mid-range destination with options from budget-friendly guesthouses to upscale boutique hotels. Dining ranges from affordable local eateries to refined seafood restaurants.

Local Cuisine to Try

Sample bacalhau à brás (salted cod with potatoes and eggs), pastéis de nata (custard tarts), fresh grilled sardines, and ginjinha, a cherry liqueur popular in Lisbon.

Best For

Historic city exploration
Coastal scenery and beaches
Cultural landmarks and palaces
Day trips and hiking
Food and wine experiences
Photography and scenic views
Relaxed city breaks

Trip Highlights

Belém Tower & Jerónimos Monastery – Explore these UNESCO World Heritage sites showcasing Manueline architecture.
Sintra’s Palaces & Castles – Visit Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, and Moorish Castle for fairy-tale settings.
Tram 28 Ride in Lisbon – Experience the city’s historic tram route through its most charming neighbourhoods.
Cascais & Estoril Coastline – Relax on sandy beaches and stroll coastal promenades.
Time Out Market – Sample a variety of Portuguese dishes under one roof.
Miradouros (Viewpoints) – Enjoy panoramic views from spots like Miradouro da Senhora do Monte.
Fresh Seafood Dining – Savor the catch of the day at local seaside restaurants.

Coastal Portugal 7 Day Itinerary Summary

Lisbon and Sintra combine rich history, stunning architecture, and beautiful coastal landscapes. Over seven days, explore the capital’s vibrant streets, historic trams, and local markets before venturing out to Sintra’s whimsical palaces and nearby beach towns. This itinerary balances cultural immersion with relaxation and offers plenty of opportunities for memorable photos.

Day 1: Explore Lisbon’s historic centre and iconic trams.
Day 2: Discover Belém’s monuments and sample local treats.
Day 3: Full day in Sintra’s palaces and gardens.
Day 4: Coastal day trip to Cascais and Estoril.
Day 5: Cultural museums and markets in Lisbon.
Day 6: Hiking and nature around Sintra-Cascais Natural Park.
Day 7: Last-minute shopping and views before departure.

Day By Day Itinerary

Day 1: Discover Lisbon’s Historic Neighbourhoods

Morning

Ride Tram 28 through Graça, Alfama, and Baixa districts.
Visit Sé Cathedral and Praça do Comércio.
Coffee at Café A Brasileira in Chiado — historic café with strong Portuguese coffee and a lively atmosphere.

Afternoon

Explore Chiado’s shops and boutiques.
Snack on a pastel de nata at Manteigaria.
Walk to Miradouro de Santa Catarina for panoramic city views.

Evening

Dinner at Taberna da Rua das Flores — traditional Portuguese dishes with a modern twist.
Drinks at Park Bar, a rooftop bar with city skyline view

Day 2: Belém’s Historic Highlights and Flavours

Morning

Visit Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower.
See the Monument to the Discoveries.

Afternoon

Try pastéis de nata at Pastéis de Belém — the original custard tart bakery.
Visit the MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology).

Evening

Seafood dinner at À Margem overlooking the Tagus River.
Nightcap at Pensão Amor — a quirky, intimate bar in Cais do Sodré.

Day 3: Fairy Tale Palaces of Sintra

Morning

Train to Sintra – Take the early train from Lisbon Rossio Station (about 40 minutes) to maximise your time.
Pena Palace – Visit this vibrant, hilltop 19th-century Romantic palace with its colourful towers and sweeping views. Get there early to avoid crowds.
Walk through the Parque da Pena – Stroll through this lush, fairytale-like forest park surrounding the palace.

Afternoon

Quinta da Regaleira – Explore the mystical gardens, secret tunnels, and the famous Initiation Well of this eccentric 20th-century estate.
Lunch at Tascantiga – A cosy spot near the castle walls serving traditional Portuguese petiscos (small plates) with a modern twist.
Sintra Historic Centre – Wander cobbled lanes, browse artisan shops, and try a travesseiro (local pastry) at Piriquita, a historic bakery.
Optional: Visit the Moorish Castle – If you have time, climb the ancient stone ramparts for panoramic views over Sintra and the Atlantic.

Evening

- Dinner at Incomum by Luís Santos – Elegant, modern Portuguese cuisine just a short walk from Sintra Station.
- Return to Lisbon – Take the train back to the city and unwind at your hotel or enjoy a quiet drink at Cinco Lounge, a low-lit cocktail bar in Principe Real with a relaxed vibe.

Day 4: Sun and Sea in Cascais & Estoril

Morning

Take the train to Cascais (about 40 minutes).
Relax on Praia da Rainha or Praia da Ribeira.
Grab a coffee and pastry at House of Wonders with sea views.

Afternoon

Walk the coastal promenade to Estoril.
Visit the Casino Estoril gardens and the Casino itself.

Evening

Dinner at Mar do Inferno — renowned for fresh seafood.
Drinks at Bar do Fundo, a beachside bar with a relaxed vibe.

Day 5: Museums, markets and neighbourhood vibes

Morning

Visit the National Tile Museum or Calouste Gulbenkian Museum.
Coffee at Fábrica Coffee Roasters.

Afternoon

Explore Time Out Market’s food stalls — try dishes from several vendors to sample local flavours.
Shop along Avenida da Liberdade.

Evening

Dinner accompanied by live Fado music at Clube de Fado in Alfama.

Day 6: Nature trails and dramatic coastal views

Morning

Hike trails around Cabo da Roca, Europe’s westernmost point.
Visit Guincho Beach for dramatic cliffs and surf views.

Afternoon

Picnic or lunch at Restaurante Azenhas do Mar, perched on cliffs overlooking the ocean.
Optional visit to Monserrate Palace and gardens.

Evening

Relax back in Lisbon with dinner at Sea Me — contemporary seafood spot mixing tradition and innovation.

Day 7: Views, souvenirs and a relaxed goodbye

Morning

Shop for souvenirs and local crafts in Baixa and Rossio Square.
Visit Miradouro da Senhora do Monte or São Pedro de Alcântara for final panoramic views.

Afternoon

- Light lunch or coffee at Pois Café — a cosy spot popular with locals.
- Transfer to Humberto Delgado Airport for departure.

Photo Inspiration

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Itinerary Map

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Recommended Hotels

My Story Hotel Rossio

Budget

Charming and modern hotel right by Rossio Square with stylish interiors and welcoming staff. A perfect base for exploring Lisbon’s historic center on foot.

Praça Dom Pedro IV 59,

1100-200 Lisbon