Sintra, the Estoril Coast, and the Setúbal Peninsula
We’ve compiled the best of the best in Sintra, the Estoril Coast, and the Setúbal Peninsula - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
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21. Castelo dos Mouros
The battlemented ruins of this 10th-century castle still give a fine impression of the fortress that finally fell to Christian forces led by Dom Afonso Henriques in 1147. Panoramic views from the serrated walls explain why the Moors chose the site. It's visible from various points in Sintra itself, but for a closer look follow the steps that lead up to the ruins from the back of the town center (40 minutes going up, about half that coming down). No cars are allowed, but you can save your legs by catching SCOTTurb Bus 434 or taking a tuk tuk ride from town.
View Tours and ActivitiesSintra, Lisbon, 2710, Portugal219 237 300Sight Details
Rate Includes: €8 -
22. Convento dos Capuchos
The entrance to this extraordinarily austere convent, 13 km (8 miles) southwest of Sintra, sets the tone for the severity of the ascetic living conditions within. From 1560 until 1834, when it was abandoned, eight friars—never any more, never any less—prayed in the tiny chapel hewn out of the rock and inhabited the bare cells, which were lined with cork in attempt to maintain a modicum of warmth. Impure thoughts meant a spell in the Penitents' Cell, an excruciatingly dark space.
Sintra, Lisbon, 2710, Portugal219 237 300Sight Details
Rate Includes: €7 -
23. Costa da Caparica Beach
When young Lisboetas want to go to the beach, they'll often head to the Costa da Caparica, which is packed in summer and exudes a more youthful vibe than Cascais and Estoril. Formerly a fishing village, the town itself is rather lacking in charm these days, but the beachfront is lively with cafés and bars catering to a relaxed, surf-loving clientele. Avoid the crowds by heading south toward the less accessible dunes and coves at the end of the peninsula. Each beach is different: the areas nearest Caparica are family-oriented, whereas the more southerly ones tend to attract a younger crowd (there are some nudist beaches, too). Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (fee); showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: partiers; sunset; swimming; walking.
Costa da Caparica, Setúbal, Portugal -
24. Igreja do Convento de Jesus
This 15th-century Church of Jesus, perhaps Portugal's earliest example of Manueline architecture, was built with local marble and later tiled with simple but affecting 17th-century azulejos. The architect was Diogo de Boitaca, whose work here predates his contribution to Lisbon's Mosteiro dos Jerónimos (Jerónimos Monastery). Six extraordinary twisted pillars support the vault; climb the narrow stairs to the balcony for a closer look at the details, which would soon become the very hallmark of Manueline style. Outside, you can still admire the original, although badly worn, main doorway and deplore the addition of a concrete expanse that makes the church square look like a roller-skating rink. The church's original monastic buildings and Gothic cloister—on Rua Balneário Paula Borba—house the Museu de Setúbal, a museum with a fascinating collection of 15th- and 16th-century Portuguese paintings, several by the so-called Master of Setúbal. Other attractions include azulejos, local archaeological finds, and a coin collection.
Praça Miguel Bombarda, Setúbal, Setúbal, 2910, PortugalSight Details
Rate Includes: Free (€1 suggested donation), Closed Mon. -
25. Mercado do Azeitão
Vila Nogueira de Azeitão's agricultural traditions are trumpeted on the first Sunday of every month, when a country market is held near the center of town. Apart from the locally produced wine, you can buy several kinds of local cheeses with an amanteigado (butterlike) texture.
Rua de Frederico Franco de Paiva 26, Vila Nogueira de Azeitão, Setúbal, 2925-585, Portugal -
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26. Museu dos Condes Castro Guimarães
Visitors to this grand mansion dating back more than a century can get a peek into how local aristocracy once lived while admiring an impressive display of 18th- and 19th-century paintings, ceramics, and furnishings. The canary-yellow building makes a dramatic backdrop to the small beach next door, which is open to the public and attracts groups of swimmers and sunbathers on hot days.
Av. Rei Humberto II de Itália, Cascais, Lisbon, 2750-319, Portugal214 815 304Sight Details
Rate Includes: €5, Closed Mon. -
27. Parque do Marechal Carmona
Take respite from the crowds at this relaxing park next to the palacial Museu dos Condes. There's a tree-shaded spots for picnickers plus a large lawn for sunbathers (expect strolling ducks and peacocks for company). There's also a playground and a pleasant café.
Av. da Republica, Cascais, Lisbon, 2750-475, Portugal -
28. Parque Natural de Sintra-Cascais and Cabo da Roca
A favorite destination for runners, hikers, cyclists, and triathletes, Sintra-Cascais Natural Park is renowned for its well-marked trails across the forest-covered slopes of the Serra da Sintra. It's also known for its wild beaches, towering sand dunes, and its abundant flora and fauna The bleakly beautiful Cabo da Roca and its lighthouse mark the continent's westernmost point and are the main reason that non-athletes make the journey to Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. The cliffs tumble to a frothing sea below, and on the cape a simple cross bears an inscription by Portuguese national poet Luís de Camões.
View Tours and ActivitiesEstrada do Cabo da Roca s/n, Azoia, Lisbon, 2705-001, Portugal -
29. Praça da República
Facing the tourist information office, this pretty square is anchored by the 16th-century Palácio de Tavora (Tavora Palace), which is not open to the public but has an interesting history. In the 18th century, the Marquês de Pombal accused the Duke of Aveiro, who owned the palace, of collaborating in the assassination plot against the king. Subsequently the duke was executed by the marquês, and the Tavora coat of arms was erased from the Sala das Armas in Sintra's National Palace.
Praça da República, Vila Nogueira de Azeitão, Setúbal, 2925-585, Portugal -
30. Praia do Ribeiro do Cavalo
The wild, hard-to-reach Ribeiro do Cavalo has dazzling white sands and crystal-clear water in several shades of turquoise. Curiously formed rocks jutting out of the water are encircled by all manner of colorful fish, so bring your snorkel gear. During the summer, regular boat services speed sunseekers to and from the beach and Praia do Ouro in Sesimbra (a 5--10-minute ride), but for the rest of the year it can only be reached by private boat, kayak, or by a half-hour walk along a very rough track. Look out for the purple markings on the rocks that indicate which way to go. Amenities: none. Best for: snorkeling; swimming.
Praia do Ribeiro do Cavalo, Sesimbra, Setúbal, Portugal -
31. Quinta da Bacalhôa
The jewel in the crown of this winery set in a late-16th-century mansion is its box-hedged garden and striking azulejo-lined paths. Visitors can tours the building, gardens, and wine cellars (advance bookings are advised). Among the highlights are three pyramidal towers, including the so-called Casa do Fresco, which houses the country's oldest azulejo panel. Dating to 1565, it depicts the story of Susannah and the Elders. Scattered elsewhere are dramatic bright blue sculptures, Moorish-influenced panels, fragrant groves of fruit trees, and enough restful spots to while away an afternoon.
N1, Vila Nogueira de Azeitão, Setúbal, 2925-901, Portugal212 198 060Sight Details
Rate Includes: €8
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