What you get on this adventure : Transfers from and to Lisbon Airport before and after the tour Transfers between hotels for the duration of the tour Welcome briefing Pre-departure information pack & digital information book GPS with navigation app Breakfasts on days 2-7, lunch on day 3, dinners on days 5 & 6 Hotel accommodations for the duration of the tour Liability and personal accident insurance What’s not included : Transportation to Portugal All services and activities not included in the itinerary All meals not indicated in the itinerary Drinks & tips City taxes* *Some locations might require you to pay a tourist tax ($5 USD per person per night). The tourist tax is payable only locally, in cash. Please note that all tours are dependent on the proposed hotels’ availability. If the proposed hotels are not available, your guides will offer an alternative with an adjusted quote.

How fit do I need to be?

The best thing about this Sintra-Cascais hiking tour is that it is beginner-friendly. You will be walking for 5-10.5 miles (8-17 km) a day for 5 consecutive days across hilly, but not overly steep trails. You will follow coastal trails, forested trails, and dirt roads. Also, this is a self-guided tour, so you can hike at your own pace. For more hiking adventures in Portugal, click here !

What do I need to bring?

Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring: Hiking daypack Small individual bag for personal documentation (Passport valid for a minimum period of 6 months) Appropriate hiking shoes or boots Hiking sticks — optional Hiking pants and/or shorts (depending on the season) Hiking t-shirts, short and long sleeve Raincoat Comfortable jacket (to wear at the end of the day) Hat Water reservoir or water bottle (2L minimum) Sunblock — SPF 30 minimum Sunglasses Bag with hygiene material (toilet paper) and your personal medication (include medicine for stomach aches or diarrhea) First aid kit GPS Device (can be provided by guide) Digital camera (phone camera is also an option) Slippers Towel Swimsuit Energy bars Your guides can rent a GPS device for you. However, you are welcome to bring your own GPS device and your guides will provide the tracks. Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

What is a self-guided tour?

A self-guided tour is an independent exploration without a formal guide leading the way. Instead of being part of a group with a tour leader, you will navigate the tour yourself, using resources provided by the operator, such as maps, guidebooks, audio guides, or digital apps. Your guide will also take care of other parts of the tour, such as 24/7 support, accommodation, transportation, and some meals.

Are you able to accommodate special dietary requirements (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free…)?

On this tour, all breakfasts, lunch on day 3, and dinners on days 5 and 6 are included. Hotels nowadays are more sensitive to special dietary requirements and always provide a wide variety of food. However, upon sending your booking request you should always provide this information so that your guides can warn the accommodations beforehand. If dinner is included on a specific day, your guides will have the same process and consult the restaurant on this issue, requesting an adequate meal for you.

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and pricing There is no maximum group size for this trip. You can participate in this tour alone. However, the trip is subject to a solo traveler supplement fee , which you have to check upon booking. Please note that your chosen dates for the tour are not guaranteed until confirmed by the guide. If the guide is unable to secure your preferred dates/accommodation, you’ll get a full refund! Hiking in Sintra-Cascais can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements. Min. age requirements If you are older than 18, you’re good to go. Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian. If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Getting there and meeting location

The starting point of your Sintra-Cascais hiking tour is Lisbon, Portugal. To get there, most people fly into Humberto Delgado Airport in Lisbon. You will meet your guide at the airport at a pre-arranged time, and you will be transferred to your hotel in Santa Cruz, the starting point of your tour.

Safety measures and insurance

We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection . To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible , simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner ! Redpoint tailors its protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program that is available even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, and primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered. Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!

CASCAIS | PORTUGAL

Self-Guided Hike & Food Tour in Sintra-Cascais, Portugal

5.00

Self-Guided Hike & Food Tour of Sintra-Cascais, Portugal

Cascais town square and the promenade in Portugal

Backpackers near an ancient building in Sintra, Portugal

Woman looking at a bay in Cascais, Portugal

A forest in the Sintra Cascais Nature Park, Portugal

From $2,820 ()

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Duration

7 days

Season

Year-round

Accommodation

Luxurious historical hotels

Self-guided tour

A pre-trip information pack, digital information book, navigation app, local support number

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Intro
Itinerary
Brochure
Accommodation
Reviews
Things to know

What do you get when you combine delicious food, lavish hotels, and some of the greatest trails on the Atlantic Coast? This self-guided hiking getaway in Sintra-Cascais National Park! We will hike along golden beaches, lush forests, and panoramic hilltops, we will stay in charming hotels that perfectly blend tradition and luxury, and we will taste the greatest gastronomical wonders of Portugal – including a visit to a Michelin-star restaurant! Get ready for a cultural & culinary hiking adventure you’ll remember for a lifetime.

Adventure highlights

Explore the wonders of Portugal’s West Coast

From hills & forests to the stunning Cape Roca, experience the impressive biodiversity of Sintra-Cascais
Immerse yourself in local culture & cuisine

Wander the beautiful town of Cascais and taste local delicacies, including a Michelin-star dinner
Stay in charming historical hotels

Unwind in beautiful, luxurious accommodations right in the heart of nature

Itinerary

Download itinerary

Explore the magical blue coast of Sintra-Cascais Natural Park on a week-long hiking adventure. Explore wide bays of golden sand and breathtaking cliffs. Experience hiking inland, crossing the Sintra Forest and its hilltops capped by luxuriant vegetation. Explore charming hotels, delicious gastronomy, and an incredible UNESCO World Heritage site. Experience culinary perfection in a Michelin-starred restaurant.

Welcome to Portugal!

One of your guides will transfer you to Santa Cruz and introduce you to the great trip that awaits you. Areias do Seixo is a unique and charming hotel located along the beautiful coastline of Portugal. Nestled amidst the dunes and overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, this eco-friendly retreat offers a one-of-a-kind experience for those seeking a blend of luxury and nature. The perfect beginning for your trip!

Accommodation: Areias do Seixo
Transfer to Santa Cruz: 1h 30min
Day 2 will start with a transfer to Vimeiro, where your first hike begins.

Get ready for views of a wide open coastline between dunes, valleys, and small villages. You will feel a rural atmosphere with a touch of luxury, a representation of the past uniting with the present. Heading to the wild ocean, your goal today is to reach your hotel back in Santa Cruz. Enjoy magnificent panoramic views of the beaches of Porto Novo and Santa Rita. The ridge towards your hotel will offer excellent vistas along the cliffs of the Maceira Valley, the Alcabrichel River, and the Miradouro/ Baloiço do Pitagudo.

Meals: Breakfast
Distance: 8 km / 5 mi
Elevation gain/loss: + 120m / 395 ft
Accommodation: Areias do Seixo
Renowned for its natural beauty, Magoito Beach boasts a mix of golden sands and pebbles set against a backdrop of rugged cliffs and dunes. With its relatively untouched atmosphere, Magoito Beach is a picturesque destination that combines the tranquility of nature with the thrill of Atlantic surf. Today, you will be heading south to Praia Grande Beach, which translate to “Big Beach,” a stunning coastal gem on the western edge of Portugal. Along your journey, you will also have a chance to enjoy the beaches of Azenhas do Mar and Maçãs, or “Apples” in English.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Distance: 9 km / 5.6 mi
Elevation gain/loss: +120m / 395 ft
Accommodation: Sintra Marmòris Palace
Day 4 is reserved for exploring the hills above the village of Sintra and enjoying the vast architectural patrimony set on the mountain. Such is the grandeur and importance of these buildings and monuments that Sintra’s cultural landscape was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995. Visit the Moorish Castle and the fabulous Pena Palace, with its exuberant and exotic gardens. Today, you will feel like a king or queen, finishing the evening with an exquisite dinner at the village center.

Meals: Breakfast
Distance: 8-12 km / 5-7.5 mi
Elevation gain/loss: +300-400m / 985-1,315 ft
Accommodation: Sintra Marmòris Palace
After a delicious breakfast, you will emerge into a scenery over the cliffs where the ocean stretches as far as your eyes can see. You will start your journey with a short transfer to Our Lady of Peninha Chapel. Perched on a hilltop, the chapel offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, showcasing the natural beauty of the Sintra region. You will explore impressive beaches nestling between cliffs, artistically sculpted by the power of nature.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Distance: 18 km / 11.2 mi
Elevation gain/loss: +100 m / 330 ft
Accommodation: Fortaleza do Guincho
Today is your last hiking day. You will be heading towards Cascais, a charming coastal town and popular resort destination located on the Portuguese Riviera, just west of Lisbon. This town is known for its beautiful beaches, historic charm, and vibrant atmosphere, boasting a well-preserved historic center with narrow streets, colorful houses, and a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants. The Citadel of Cascais is a notable landmark. Make sure to visit Boca do Inferno, or “Mouth of Hell,” a natural rock formation, a dramatic cliffside spot where waves crash against the rocks, creating a spectacular display.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Distance: 17 km / 10.5 mi
Elevation gain/loss: +200 m / 656 ft
Accommodation: Farol Hotel
That’s it! Your splendid tour comes to an end.

We hope the memories and experiences you have created and shared stay with you forever. Come back soon to discover more of Portugal’s spectacular trails!

Meals: Breakfast
Transfer to Lisbon: 45 min
Please note that accommodations are subject to availability and it may not be possible to book the exact accommodations listed day-by-day in the itinerary (in case there is a detailed list).
Also note that your chosen dates for the tour are not guaranteed until confirmed by the guide. If the guide is unable to secure your preferred dates/accommodation, you’ll get a full refund!

Self-Guided Hike & Food Tour in Sintra-Cascais, Portugal

Adventure Brochure

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If you have questions or need help with planning a trip, schedule a call with one of our adventure experts.

Meet your guide

5.00

Portugal Nature Trails

Portugal Nature Trails is a local adventure and nature tourism company, offering travelers from all over the world the most outstanding hiking and cycling tours in the country. They launched Portugal Nature Trails in 2004, with the belief that other travelers would share the same aspiration for adventure tourism, within a culture of respect for nature and people. At that time, they had nothing more than a love for travel and adventure, with a conviction that Earth is a great place to discover and respect.

Accommodation

Charming historical hotels

During this tour, you will be spending your nights in luxurious, well-equipped, and modern hotels, often with spectacular views of the Atlantic and top-notch restaurants. You will stay in standard double rooms equipped with private bathrooms.

5.00(3 reviews)

Christine B.

A perfect introduction to hiking in Portugal
I cannot say enough good things about this trip! When we decided to book a hiking trip in Portugal we looked at several companied before deciding on Portugal Nature Trails. Their itinerary looked fun and the price seemed reasonable. I am so glad that we chose this company. From booking to transport back to Lisbon at the end of the hike, the staff did an outstanding job of making sure everything was seamless for us. The accommodations were superb and our luggage was transported for us each day. We hiked from Cascais to Sintra over the course of 5 days using a GPS site on our phones. The hiking as absolutely beautiful (and the pastries were AMAZING!) We hiked along stunning coastlines and through beautiful quiet forests, mostly on trails or quiet roads, ending in the city of Sintra. There were many cool sites to visit along the way, and of course Sintra is filled with amazing palaces.

Bonnie S.

A hiking we will go
An all around excellent adventure. Portugal Nature Trails organized a self guided hike for us from Cascais to Sintra and it was fabulous! Guided by a Garmin gps that they had programmed with our daily hikes we hiked from hotel to hotel, moving every two days while our bags were delivered by PNT. They could not have been nicer or more competent. The hotels, especially the convent we stayed in, were very nice and the varied scenery along the hikes was exceptional.

Tex

Amazing tour
This is my 4th tour with Antonio and his company he has never disappointed me from his great service and hospitality he offers great value and a true adventure so no need to look elsewhere Portugal nature trails are outstanding.

Show all reviews

Christine B.

Bonnie S.

Tex

Things to know

What you get on this adventure:
- - Transfers from and to Lisbon Airport before and after the tour
  - Transfers between hotels for the duration of the tour
  - Welcome briefing
  - Pre-departure information pack & digital information book
  - GPS with navigation app
  - Breakfasts on days 2-7, lunch on day 3, dinners on days 5 & 6
  - Hotel accommodations for the duration of the tour
  - Liability and personal accident insurance
What’s not included:
- - Transportation to Portugal
  - All services and activities not included in the itinerary
  - All meals not indicated in the itinerary
  - Drinks & tips
  - City taxes*
*Some locations might require you to pay a tourist tax ($5 USD per person per night). The tourist tax is payable only locally, in cash.
Please note that all tours are dependent on the proposed hotels’ availability.
If the proposed hotels are not available, your guides will offer an alternative with an adjusted quote.
The best thing about this Sintra-Cascais hiking tour is that it is beginner-friendly. You will be walking for 5-10.5 miles (8-17 km) a day for 5 consecutive days across hilly, but not overly steep trails. You will follow coastal trails, forested trails, and dirt roads. Also, this is a self-guided tour, so you can hike at your own pace.

For more hiking adventures in Portugal, click here!
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
- - Hiking daypack
  - Small individual bag for personal documentation (Passport valid for a minimum period of 6 months)
  - Appropriate hiking shoes or boots
  - Hiking sticks — optional
  - Hiking pants and/or shorts (depending on the season)
  - Hiking t-shirts, short and long sleeve
  - Raincoat
  - Comfortable jacket (to wear at the end of the day)
  - Hat
  - Water reservoir or water bottle (2L minimum)
  - Sunblock — SPF 30 minimum
  - Sunglasses
  - Bag with hygiene material (toilet paper) and your personal medication (include medicine for stomach aches or diarrhea)
  - First aid kit
  - GPS Device (can be provided by guide)
  - Digital camera (phone camera is also an option)
  - Slippers
  - Towel
  - Swimsuit
  - Energy bars
Your guides can rent a GPS device for you. However, you are welcome to bring your own GPS device and your guides will provide the tracks.
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
A self-guided tour is an independent exploration without a formal guide leading the way. Instead of being part of a group with a tour leader, you will navigate the tour yourself, using resources provided by the operator, such as maps, guidebooks, audio guides, or digital apps. Your guide will also take care of other parts of the tour, such as 24/7 support, accommodation, transportation, and some meals.
On this tour, all breakfasts, lunch on day 3, and dinners on days 5 and 6 are included. Hotels nowadays are more sensitive to special dietary requirements and always provide a wide variety of food. However, upon sending your booking request you should always provide this information so that your guides can warn the accommodations beforehand.

If dinner is included on a specific day, your guides will have the same process and consult the restaurant on this issue, requesting an adequate meal for you.
Group sizes and pricing
- - There is no maximum group size for this trip.
  - You can participate in this tour alone. However, the trip is subject to a solo traveler supplement fee, which you have to check upon booking.
  - Please note that your chosen dates for the tour are not guaranteed until confirmed by the guide. If the guide is unable to secure your preferred dates/accommodation, you’ll get a full refund!
Hiking in Sintra-Cascais can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

Min. age requirements
- - If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  - Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
The starting point of your Sintra-Cascais hiking tour is Lisbon, Portugal. To get there, most people fly into Humberto Delgado Airport in Lisbon.

You will meet your guide at the airport at a pre-arranged time, and you will be transferred to your hotel in Santa Cruz, the starting point of your tour.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!

Redpoint tailors its protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program that is available even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, and primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!
Deposits

You can secure one of the set dates with a 30% deposit upon booking. The remaining 70% of the trip price is to be paid 90 days prior to departure, at the latest.

Cancellations
Booking fees are non-refundable in all cases. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options:

Basic
- - In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
  - For cancellations 90 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a 70% refund of the trip price.
  - For cancellations 0-89 days before the trip, there is no refund.
Flexible
- - In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
  - For cancellations 90 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund of the trip price.
  - For cancellations 60-89 days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.
  - For cancellations 0-59 days before the trip, there is no refund.
Super Flexible
- - In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
  - For cancellations 60 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund of the trip price.
  - For cancellations 0-59 days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.