MyBaggage I think I commented on quite a few of your planning threads, we seem to have similar tastes in adventures!

It wasn't that long ago that I visited Portugal but there are many post-COVID trip reports to look at. A week to cover both of those places should be fine. They are not that far apart.

I enjoyed both Lisbon and Sintra, Portugal is more to my tastes than northern Europe (I liked Spain also but that was a looooong time ago).

Depending on your flight arrival time, if it is late at night I'll mention that there are a few hotels you can virtually walk to from the airport, and the next morning it's easy to take the train from the station at the airport if you want to go to Sintra first. I stayed at the Star Inn Lisbon Airport, worked out great.

If you are going around Easter you probably want to lock in hotels soon. Be sure to read Melnq8's recent report since her trip included the holidays and it was very crowded with some sites closed

https://www.fodors.com/community/eur...isbon-1708685/

Such a fantastic report! Thank you for all of the details. Are you glad you stayed in Sintra versus doing a day trip there?

Thank you so much for this wonderful report. Getting ready for our trip in May & it has been so helpful!
We plan to do an overnight in Sintra as well & I just booked Chalet Saudade after reading your TR!

Loved Your Report! Here’s What I’d Add as a Sintra Local
 

Hi! 😊
I really enjoyed reading your trip report — it brought back so many memories! I live nearby and work as a local guide, and I always love seeing how travelers experience Lisbon and Sintra for the first time.

Your impressions of Sintra are spot on — the beauty of Pena Palace, the mysterious charm of Quinta da Regaleira, and even the crowds you faced (they're real!). One tip I often give to visitors is to go early in the morning or late afternoon, especially for Regaleira, to avoid the peak tourist rush and get better photos.

Also, for anyone planning a visit and feeling overwhelmed by all the options, a tuk tuk tour can be a great way to see the town efficiently — especially if you're short on time or want some historical context along the way. Some of the lesser-known spots like the Seteais viewpoint or hidden trails around the Moorish Castle are absolutely worth it and often missed!

Thanks again for sharing your experience — posts like this really help future travelers get a feel for what to expect.
Warm regards from Sintra,
Daniel Ponce