Sintra & Cascais - Where Portugal’s Magic Meets the Sea

Sintra and Cascais for Families

Plan a calm base just outside Lisbon where palaces, gardens, and the Atlantic fit every pace, with plenty of play built in. This pocket of Portugal 30 minutes from Lisbon blends fairytale architecture with breezy seaside energy, perfect for everyone in your group.

Sightseeing with a twist
In Sintra, pick two highlights per day so energy lasts. Pair a timed palace visit with a mystical palace and garden like Monserrate or Regaleira, then add something playful. Visit the Countess of Edla Chalet in the Pena Palace Park Gardens, wind your way through the fern gardens spotting fairies and other mystical creatures as you make your way along the forest trail to the Pena Palace, and stop for a picnic beneath the giant ferns. In Cascais, wander the old town, visit the lighthouse museum, then watch waves at Boca do Inferno before a relaxed sunset walk along the sea.

Nature and adventure
When the hills run warm, coast time cools the day. Book beginner friendly surf lessons on sheltered beaches, or swap to SUP in Cascais bay on calm mornings. On breezier days, explore tide pools, climb sandy tracks near Guincho, or take an exhilarating Jeep 4X4 tour in the Sintra Cascais Natural Park. Families who like light thrills should not miss the Rib Boat Dolphin Watching Tour or Kayaking Tour in Cascais Bay.

Family friendly activities
For rainy days take the kids to one of the many indoor activity parks or jump centers around Cascais. The Marechal Carmona Park (also known as chicken park) is the perfect spot to relax and let kids play on the newly renovated playgrounds while adults grab a drink at the nearby cafe. Wander through the forest paths following newborn chicks and make your way to the Cascais Marina to explore the Citadel.

Restaurants
Cascais and Sintra offer a rich mix of traditional Portuguese cuisine and modern dining in uniquely Portuguese settings. In Cascais, restaurants with indoor/outdoor tables serve fresh seafood alongside trendy cafes and international options. Wind your way through the town proper to Bubbles and Bites for feijoada de marisco and grab a gelato before returning home. In Sintra, known for its cozy taverns and elegant manor restaurants, order authentic tapas and fresh fish dishes. Check out Romaria de Baco Sintra for polvo em tempura and caril de gambas. If you are staying the night be sure to check out the Moorish Castle at night, lit up along the hills, a truly spectacular sight. In the morning, try the traditional travesseiros and queijadas. Order one new dish for the table so brave eaters can explore and cautious eaters stay happy.

Accommodations
Choose beach hotels near the promenade for stroller naps and evening walks, or garden villas and historic houses in Sintra for the full fairytale mood. Check out the Marmoris Camelia in Sintra if you are looking for large connected rooms with lots of space for the whole family and an excellent breakfast. In Cascais, consider a stay at the Pestana Cidadela set inside the Cidadel walls along the Portuguese Riviera Marina. Or opt to stay in Estoril, just a quick 5 min train ride from Cascais for a quieter more authentic stay at the Hotel Palacio Estoril, a former royal palace estate.

Why base here
Short transfers from Lisbon, cool microclimates, and a deep mix of sightseeing, fun adventure, and kid friendly dining make Sintra and Cascais an easy win. Plan one anchor sight, one playful activity, and one relaxed meal each day. That rhythm leaves space for giggles, sea air, and the kind of memories you came for.