6 Best Treks And Hiking Tours In Sintra

The hiking trails of Sintra combine natural wonders with fascinating history at every turn. These well-marked paths wind through mystical forests and along dramatic coastlines, connecting the area’s most impressive palaces and castles. The most rewarding tours include the coastal sunset walk (featuring local wines and snacks) and the historic circuit linking Pena Palace to the Moorish Castle. I especially like the half-day palace-to-palace tours – they’re perfect for visitors who want to maximize their time and energy. For a real workout with spectacular payoffs, the challenging trek to the Castle of the Moors delivers breathtaking views of the Portuguese countryside. Let’s explore the best hiking tours Sintra has to offer.

Key Points

• The Sunset Hike Experience offers an off-road jeep ride, moderate hike to a secluded beach, and stunning sunset views over the Atlantic Ocean.
• The Sintra: Hike & History Tour provides a private 6-hour guided tour, including visits to Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira, and a hike through Sintra’s hills.
• The Guided Hike to Sintra’s Highlights is a 3-hour trek showcasing iconic landmarks like the Castle of the Moors and Pena Palace, with a knowledgeable Dutch guide.
• The Sintra: Half Day Trekking Tour is a 3.5-hour activity exploring Sintra National Park, passing by the Moorish Castle and Palacio da Pena, with stops at local cafes.
• The Coastal Hiking Tour is a 5-hour guided hike from Cabo da Roca to Praia das Maçãs or Azenhas do Mar, offering scenic views of cliffs, dinosaur footprints, and geological formations.

Sunset Hike, Tapas & Wine at Secret Beach

The sunset hike to Ursa beach, replete with tapas and wine, offers travelers a delightful immersion in Sintra’s natural splendor.

This highly-rated tour whisks adventurers on an off-road jeep ride along the coastline, followed by a moderate hike from the Cabo da Roca clifftops to the secluded Ursa beach.

Guests can expect stunning sunset views over the Atlantic, accompanied by authentic Portuguese tapas and wine.

The experience also includes a visit to the charming fishing village of Cascais.

With its 96% recommendation rate and Badge of Excellence, this tour provides an exceptional way to explore Sintra’s breathtaking landscapes and savor local flavors.

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Sintra: Hike & History Private Tour Incl. Pena & Regaleira

On this immersive Sintra: Hike & History Private Tour, travelers embark on a captivating journey through the enchanting UNESCO World Heritage site.

Priced at $581.38 per group (up to 4 participants), this 6-hour tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Sintra’s highlights, including guided visits to the Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira.

Along the way, you will hike through Sintra’s verdant hills, discover underground tunnels, and savor local pastries.

Travelers can reach the starting point via a 40-minute train ride from Lisbon.

With free cancellation and the option to reserve now and pay later, this tour provides a flexible and enriching experience for those seeking to uncover Sintra’s rich history and natural beauty.

Read our full review: Sintra: Hike & History Private Tour Incl. Pena & Regaleira Review
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Hike to Sintras Highlights With a Dutch Guide!

Although the Sintra region is renowned for its grand palaces and castles, one of the best ways to experience its natural beauty is through a guided hike.

The “Hike to Sintra’s Highlights With a Dutch Guide” offers a 3-hour trek that showcases the area’s iconic landmarks, including the Castle of the Moors and Pena Palace, while also providing stunning views of Lisbon, Cascais, and beyond.

Led by a knowledgeable Dutch guide, the hike covers 6.5 km with a 330-meter elevation gain, allowing visitors to enjoy Sintra’s myths and legends.

Priced from $31.71 per person, this tour is a must-do for those seeking an active and enriching exploration of this enchanting Portuguese destination.

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Sintra: Half Day Trekking Tour

One of the best ways to experience the natural beauty of the Sintra region is through the Sintra: Half Day Trekking Tour.

This 3.5-hour activity costs $100.42 per person and is limited to 10 participants. Hikers will explore Sintra National Park, passing by the Moorish Castle and Palacio da Pena, and discovering breathtaking views on rarely used paths.

The tour includes the opportunity to stop at local cafes for traditional cakes. Booking is recommended at least 5 days in advance, and a minimum of 2 participants is required.

Comfortable shoes, sporty clothing, and water are recommended. Based on a 5/5 rating from a previous reviewer, this tour offers great value for money.

Read our full review: Sintra: Half Day Trekking Tour Review
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Sintra: Adventure Hike Around Sintras Most Popular Castles

This adventure hike takes travelers on an immersive journey through Sintra’s most iconic landmarks.

The 3-hour, 8km trek features moderate to challenging terrain with stunning views. Hikers will pass by the Castelo dos Mouros, Palácio da Pena, Quinta da Regaleira, and Sintra National Palace, learning about the region’s rich history from the guide.

There’s a 30-minute break in Sintra’s historic village for coffee and local pastries.

The tour is led by English and Portuguese-speaking guides Maya and Miguel, who offer personalized experiences.

While not suitable for those with mobility issues or respiratory problems, the hike can be customized for varying fitness levels.

Free cancellation and reserve now, pay later options are available.

Read our full review: Sintra: Adventure Hike Around Sintras Most Popular Castles Review
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Sintra: Coastal Hiking Tour

Scenic coastal landscapes and geological wonders await adventurous hikers on the Sintra: Coastal Hiking Tour. This 5-hour guided hike takes visitors along stunning cliffs and headlands from Cabo da Roca to Praia das Maçãs or Azenhas do Mar.

Participants can expect to see dinosaur footprints, high cliffs, rock formations, beaches, rivers, vineyards, and Roman ruins, while the guide shares local legends and stories. The tour is suitable for active individuals and includes snacks, water, and hotel pickup and drop-off.

Private group options are available, and there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Comfortable sports shoes are required, and large bags aren’t allowed.

Read our full review: Sintra: Coastal Hiking Tour Review
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Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Safety Precautions Recommended for the Hikes?

Hikers should wear proper footwear, bring sufficient water and snacks, and stay on marked trails. They should also inform others of their hiking plans and be aware of weather conditions. Following safety guidelines helps ensure an enjoyable and safe hiking experience.

Are There Any Special Clothing or Equipment Requirements for the Tours?

For the hiking tours, participants should wear proper hiking boots, lightweight clothing, and bring a backpack with water, snacks, and sun protection. Some hikes may require trekking poles or other specialized equipment, so it’s best to check with the tour operator beforehand.

Can the Tours Be Customized to Accommodate Individual Fitness Levels?

Yes, most tour operators offer customized options to accommodate individual fitness levels. They’ll work with you to adjust the pace, distance, and difficulty of the hike to match your capabilities.

What Are the Policies Regarding Cancellations and Refunds for the Hikes?

The cancellation and refund policies vary by tour operator, but most offer flexible options. Customers should check the specific terms when booking to understand any fees or deadlines for cancellations or changes to their hiking reservations.

Are There Any Age or Physical Ability Restrictions for the Trekking Tours?

The trekking tours generally don’t have age or physical ability restrictions, but some may not be suitable for young children or those with mobility issues. Hikers should check with the tour operator to ensure the trek matches their fitness level.

The Sum Up

Sintra offers a variety of hiking tours and treks that allow visitors to explore the region’s natural beauty and historical landmarks. Whether you’re seeking a sunset hike, a guided tour, or a coastal adventure, there’s a suitable option for every level of hiker. These tours provide an engaging and immersive way to experience the enchanting landscapes and rich heritage of Sintra.