Being home to a variety of landscapes, Portugal nestles some of the world’s most gorgeous places. Bordered by the ocean under a warm sun, this European country is laid-back and welcoming. Many tourists flock to Portugal to escape crowds and immerse themselves in the beauty of their cities. To explore more Portuguese gems, you can go for a road trip from Lisbon to Sintra. Once occupied by Romans and Moors, Lisbon still shows traces of its ancient history in narrow alleyways woven throughout the Alfama district. No trip to Lisbon is complete without a ride on one of its iconic, colorful tram cars clattering up the lamp-lit streets. After exploring Lisbon, pick up a rental car and go for a full-fledged Portugal road trip, exploring the tranquil woodlands and glittering coast in the capital city’s backyard.
This road trip itinerary will take you from Lisbon to Sintra. Head up from the central Estremadura region and along the steep coastal cliffs to Sintra- the city of fairy tales castles. Do not limit yourself to trying all the urban delights – explore the full wonder of Portugal with the comfort of your rental car. What are you waiting for? With this road trip guide, let’s get the show on the road.
Lisbon to Sintra Road Trip Guide
Start your trip from Lisbon
Millions of tourists come to Portugal every year, and almost all of them choose to visit and explore Lisbon. This capital city is filled with old-world charm, from its iconic historical landmarks to traditional restaurants, and specialty clubs. Visit the Gothic Castelo de São Jorge and the terraced Largo das Portas do Sol for stunning viewpoints. Explore the Belém neighborhood, where you can find the UNESCO World Heritage sites Mosteiro dos Jerónimos and the Torre de Belém. Dive into the city’s Roman history by taking a free tour of the underground tunnels at Núcleo Arqueológico. Art lovers are in for a treat here with 20th-century Portuguese pieces at the Centro de Arte Moderna.
Where to eat
- Rosa dos Mares: serves Portuguese cuisine
- Santo António de Alfama: traditional and affordable dishes
- Tavares Rico: gourmet menu with 18th-century opulence
Where to Stay
- Radisson Blu: centrally located, modern hotel
- Corinthia Hotel: rooms with Aqueduct and Monsanto Park
- Avenida Palace: luxury rooms
Head to the medieval city of Obidos
- 84 km from Lisbon
After Lisbon, head to Óbidos, whose greatest attraction is its well-preserved architecture. Take a stroll through the walled city center, taking in the pristine whitewashed houses, magnificent castle skyline, and majestic stone pillories. Be sure to make a stop at the exquisitely tiled Igreja de Santa Maria, where the future Alfonso V married his child bride Isabel in the 15th century. Óbidos has also been popular with artists, like Josefa of Óbidos, whose work you can find in Santa Maria and at the Museu Municipal. Outside the city center, you’ll also find the venerable Santuário do Senhor da Pedra, crafted in the Baroque style.
Where to eat
- Pousada Castelo Óbidos: serves seafood dishes
- Restaurante Alcaide: serves rustic Portuguese meals
- Petrarum Domus: traditional dishes with great ambiance
Where to Stay
- Estalagem do Convento: great rooms with a 19th-century convent setting
- Pousada do Castelo: 15th-century castle with ornate architecture and décor
- Casas das Senhoras Rainhas: cozy, comfortable, boutique hotel
Onto Coast Resort of Nazare
- 41 km from Obidos
The next destination on this road trip is the beachside Nazaré that has everything you could want in a coastal resort. There are plenty of sightseeing opportunities on these cobblestone streets. The Alcobaça neighborhood is home to the 12th century Mosteiro de Santa Maria de Alcobaça. Mosteiro de Santa Maria de Vitória also offers a similarly tantalizing glimpse into medieval times. Beautiful as the town’s monasteries are, its beaches are the real draw for travelers. Try surfing or climb up to Sitio for a worthy view over the bright village of closely-knit fishermen cottages. Head a few miles south of town to São Martinho do Porto for some seaside fun. The golden sands here are popular with families because of the safe, sheltered bay.
Where to eat
- A Restaurante A Tasquinha: serves crab, mussels, clams, and shrimp
- Rosa dos Ventos: serves fish in the traditional grilled style.
- Sitiado: tapas-style meals with a Portuguese flavor
Where to Stay
- Hotel Mare: centrally located
- Vila Turística Conde Fidalgo: with an eclectic tiled courtyard
- Hotel Praia: clean and modern accommodations
Explore Sintra – the land of fairy tales castles
- 132 km from Nazare
Finish your road trip in the hilltop town of Sintra. One will feel like Alice in Wonderland at the Quinta da Regaleira, a neo-Manueline manor with labyrinthine gardens and artful décor spread throughout the villa. The Palacio Nacional de Sintra is just as fairy tale-esque a setting, with Moorish influences amid its traditional Renaissance-era ceramic tilework. Get a glimpse of Portugal’s Moorish history at the Castelo dos Mouros. Also, explore Monserrate Park, whose romantic gardens are sculpted in the 18th century English landscaping style along with a small waterfall and a ruined chapel. You can also drive on the hairpin curves of the roads leading into the Serra, for stunning coastal views and remote attractions. The 16th-century Franciscan monastery Convento dos Capuchos, the spectacularly tiled chapel Peninha, and the lonely cliffside lighthouse Cabo da Roca all will make great stops for an awesome road trip.
Where to eat
- Tulhas: known for its bacalhau com Natas
- Nau Palatina: serves Portuguese food with a North African twist
- Restaurante da Adraga: serves grilled fish and octopus
Where to Stay
- Penha Longa: luxury hotel
- Residencial Sintra: a remote place with great views
- Lawrence: Portugal’s oldest hotel