Sintra has many more varied sights and attractions than Cascais, which makes it the best choice for a day trip. Cascais is a lively resort town with a much wider selection of restaurants, bars and shops, and it tends to be less expensive.
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Many first-time travelers wonder whether it is better to stay in Lisbon or Cascais. But for those who are interested in waking up to the sound of the waves crashing on the shore, the small town of Cascais is the perfect place to stay.
In the 19th century Sintra became the first centre of European Romantic architecture. Ferdinand II turned a ruined monastery into a castle where this new sensitivity was displayed in the use of Gothic, Egyptian, Moorish and Renaissance elements and in the creation of a park blending local and exotic species of trees.
Cascais is one of the towns in Portugal with the best quality of life. Not only is it a beautiful coastal town, but it is also surrounded by green parks and forests. Being able to breathe fresh air and stroll in the many parks is said to be one of the secrets of the longevity and happiness of the Cascalenses.
Cascais prides itself - and rightly so. It currently has 16 museums, two urban parks and they can all be visited by foot. On the center there are old family houses transformed into museums, royal palaces, and buildings designed by Pritzker prize winnners and a cultural center with exhibitions.
The best way to get from Sintra to Cascais without a car is to line 1623 bus which takes 29 min and costs €2 - €4. How long does it take to get from Sintra to Cascais? The line 1623 bus from Av Álvaro Vasconcelos to Cascais takes 29 min including transfers and departs hourly.
However, Sintra is often filled with day trippers, making is somewhat miserable if you're one of them. Instead, I'd recommend a one or two night stay, so you can enjoy all of the palaces and surrounding areas of Sintra. David and I chose to stay two nights during our road trip through Portugal.
Cascais to Sintra by Public transportThe rail route is impractical as requires two journeys; one from Cascais to Lisbon and a second from Lisbon to Sintra. The Cascais Sintra bus route is direct and is the recommended means of travel between the two tourist towns.
A picturesque beach, Praia da Rainha is a 50-meter beach that is a cozy treasure nestled in the heart of Cascais. It earned its regal name when Queen Amelia of Portugal made it her beloved spot. With its crystal-clear waters and soft sand, it's an ideal place for a rejuvenating swim or a laid-back sunbathing session.
The best time to go to CascaisSea temperature ranges from 138°F to 154°F. The rainiest months are: february, december and november. We recommende the month of april, may, june, july, august, september, october, to visit Cascais.
In Sintra, you can get around by walking, by bus, or by taxi. If you're just in Sintra for 24 hours, walking will take up too much time. With that amount of time, it's best to take the train from Lisbon to Sintra, and then use Sintra's bus lines or taxis to get around.