A perfect plan for a day out in Sintra if your friends and family are visiting

Looking for the perfect way to explore Sintra with a mix of adventure, sightseeing, and great food? This plan has it all—a scenic hike, iconic landmarks, and a delicious dinner to wrap up the day.

The hiking route will take 2,5-3 hours to complete. Along the way, you'll pass by some of Sintra’s most famous landmarks, including the Moorish Castle, Pena Palace, Santa Eufémia viewpoint, and finish at a charming Portuguese restaurant. It’s an ideal plan if you have friends or family visiting and want to show them the magic of Sintra in one day.

The route starts from the center of the town. If you arrive by train, you can start the hike directly from the station. First, head to Santa Eufémia viewpoint, you will pass by some nice streets and roads and can experience the vibe of Sintra town, a bit away from main tourist routes. After a climb up to a viewpoint, you will find yourself by the old chapel that once was a popular pilgrimage destination. On the Northern wall, you can find ancient footprints that serve as a proof of the apparition Santa Eufémia here. Make sure to take a pass behind the chapel to visit a viewpoint with almost 360 degrees view. If the weather is nice, you will get to see Cascais, Ericeira and even Lisbon.

Coming down, the pass will take you to Pena Palace and Moorish Castle. If you want to visit, make sure to add 1.5-2 hours to the route. After Moorish Castle take a pass through the forest. it is really unusual experience. One of the passes that goes down to the Sintra old town have several photos of the women in white representing a ghost that leaves here. Overall, it feels like the forest keeps many stories with magic involved.

Passing by Sintra old town, you will see multiple souvenir and craft shops which is very handy when you have visitors with you. Then you will head to the starting point, and not far away from the train station, you will find the restaurant Incomum by Luís Santos. This place offers contemporary Portuguese cuisine and intimate atmosphere. The menu is focusing on locally sourced ingredients and expertly crafted dishes. Besides the restaurant they have wine gallery with options from all over Portugal.