We will either base out of Cascais or Sintra. We're leaning towards Cascais because we like sunshine and seashore. Does anyone know if train transportation to Lisbon is quicker and more frequent out of one or the other? From what I've been reading, it appears to be equal.

Cascais is certainly a sunshine-and-seashore town, but I do love Sintra. There's a lot to do right in the Sintra area, and the town itself is lovely. If you're going in the summer, Sintra is cooler, as well, which I found to be a plus. Cascais gave me more the feel of a typical beach town, whereas Sintra (old town part) is more a "living history" type.

Here's some pix (sorry they aren't all labeled yet) that include the Capuchin monastery and the palaces around Sintra: http://travel.webshots.com/album/573141561jJeiOR

Italy - Not sure about public transportation, but I vote for Cascais for sunshine and seashore too. I love reading European history and Cascais keeps coming up as a watering hole, and later a refuge, for defrocked royalty in the first half of the 20th century. Portugal remained “neutral” during WWII while sympathizing with the Allied cause. Their palatial villas still remain in Cascais and surrounding towns. It’s a beautiful area.

Cascais. It does not lack charm either and train ride to lisbon is shorter than from Sintra, only 30-35 minutes, and the trains are frequent. You can make a day trip to Sintra, that is what we did last May.

Cascais is best for access to Lisbon. They are completely different so you should visit Sintra as a day trip.

We did a 2-centre last year, 5 nights Sintra followed by 7 Cascais, and that was perfect. You might not have the time to do that though.

That you everyone. We're happy to hear that the train ride to Lisbon from Cascais is shorter than from Sintra. We'll base out of Cascais, but of course visit Sintra. Thank you for sharing your photo album, Amy, your images are beautiful.

I totally missed the charm of Cascais...a seaside place to escape from Lisbon heat for a few hours! Crowded, small beach with some huge rocks,narrow short walkway near the beach,typical tourist shops and restaurants.Ready to tackle the very crowded train back to Lisbon after a couple of hours.
Sintra was beautful,unique-could have stayed there a few days.
Another important fact is that Sintra trains leave from the centrally located and beautifully restored Rossio station.The Cascais station is not so well located and a bit seedy.