Riviera and romance
Luxury hotels in Cascais & Sintra
The old royal coast west of Lisbon. Cascais has seafront hotels and long lunches by the Atlantic; Sintra hides palaces and gardens in misty forest. Together they make an elegant base close to the capital.
- Oceanfront suites 30 minutes from Lisbon
- UNESCO palaces of Sintra
- Golf, sailing and the wild Guincho coast
- Best time
- May to October
- Arrival
- Lisbon Airport, 30 to 40 minutes
The story of Cascais & Sintra
Riviera and romance
For more than a century, Portuguese royalty and exiled European kings spent their summers on this coast. They left behind a Riviera of seafront villas in Cascais and Estoril and, in the misty hills of Sintra, a fairy-tale landscape of palaces, gardens and castles that UNESCO protects as a cultural landscape.
Today the two places complement each other perfectly. Cascais is all salt air, long seafood lunches and evening strolls along the marina; Sintra is moss, ferns and romantic architecture, best explored early before the day-trippers arrive.
Between them lies the wild Guincho coast and Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of continental Europe, where the Atlantic crashes against the cliffs. It is a scenic drive best enjoyed with someone else at the wheel.
The 5 hotels we recommend in Cascais & Sintra
Cascais & Sintra · Cascais
Hotel Albatroz
A former royal summer residence perched right above the bay of Cascais.
Cascais & Sintra · Cascais
Farol Hotel
A design hotel on the rocks by the Cascais lighthouse, with ocean views everywhere.
Cascais & Sintra · Sintra
Penha Longa Resort
A vast estate in the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, with a 14th-century monastery and championship golf.
Cascais & Sintra · Estoril
Palácio Estoril Hotel, Golf & Wellness
The legendary 1930s hotel of exiled royals and wartime spies on the Estoril coast.
Cascais & Sintra · Cascais
Grande Real Villa Itália Hotel & Spa
The former residence of Italy's last king, on the Cascais seafront.
Signature experiences
What to do in Cascais & Sintra
Sintra before the crowds
Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira with a private guide at opening time.
Guincho and Cabo da Roca
The cliff road to Europe's westernmost point, with a seafood lunch overlooking the waves.
Golf on the Atlantic
Tee times at Penha Longa and the coastal courses, with transfers arranged.
Sailing from Cascais
A private yacht along the coast to the mouth of the Tagus.
A perfect day
A day in Cascais & Sintra, with your driver
- Morning
Private early entry to Pena Palace and its gardens.
- Midday
Lunch at a quinta in the Sintra hills or seafood on the Guincho coast.
- Afternoon
Cabo da Roca, then a walk along the Cascais seafront.
- Evening
Sunset cocktails on a terrace above the ocean and dinner in old Cascais.
Private chauffeur drive times
| Lisbon Airport | 30–40 min |
| Lisbon centre | 30 min |
| Sintra–Cascais | 25 min |
| Comporta | 1 h 30 |
Approximate times by private Mercedes-Benz, outside rush hour.
Good to know
Planning a luxury stay in Cascais & Sintra
Should I stay in Cascais or Sintra?+
Stay in Cascais for the sea, restaurants and an easy pace; stay near Sintra for gardens and palaces. With a driver, you can enjoy both from either base.
Can I visit Sintra as a day trip from Lisbon?+
Yes, but an early private start makes all the difference to avoid crowds.
Is the coast good for families?+
Very: calm bays, safe beaches, gardens and castles to explore.
Begin your journey
Plan your Cascais & Sintra journey
Tell us your dates and wishes. We reserve the hotels, a private Mercedes-Benz with your own driver, and every table and experience in between.