Portugal Palaces and Coast Walk

Make your own way to Sintra and your hotel, located just outside Sintra’s town centre. Sintra is a picturesque town in the pine-covered hills of the Serra de Sintra. In 1995, UNESCO classified the area a World Heritage Cultural Landscape, the first to receive this category in Europe. Overnight Sintra. Note: Reception at our usual hotel is open until 7pm - if you are arriving later than this time please let us know at the time of booking.

Your walking tour today takes in the three most prominent monuments of Sintra: Castelo de Mouro (Castle of the Moors), Palacio da Pena and the Palacio Nacional. To start, there's a steep ascent to the Moorish castle and the colourful palace of King Ferdinand, followed by a walk in the vast palace grounds. You then descend steeply and continue via Vila Sasseti to the town centre of Sintra, where you'll find the Palacio Nacional, the main residence of Portugal's royal nobility from the 15th to the 19th centuries. Overnight Sintra. 9.3km/5.8mi, +475m/1558ft -475m/1558ft

Today you leave the crowds behind, with a transfer at 9:30am to the Convento dos Capuchos, a classic example of an austere 16th-century Franciscan monastery, which you can visit before heading off for your walk. The walking route leads you through mystical Mediterranean woodlands, past hillside menhirs and the shrine dedicated to the Virgin Mary of Peninha. You then descend to Azoia where you can stop for lunch and transfer back to Sintra and your hotel. 11.5 km/7.8 mi, +425m/1394ft -500m/1640ft

In the 19th and early 20th centuries a Romantic wind blowing through Europe was strongly felt in Sintra. Within a few square kilometres you will find extravagant palaces and mansions built by nobles and wealthy merchants, three of which can be visited: the Palacio Biester, Quinta Regaleira and Palacio Montserrate. Take extended strolls to the palaces and through their gardens. 5-7.5km/3.2-4.7mi, +250-375m/820-1230ft -300-425m/984-1394ft

Today you leave the wealth and romance of Sintra behind as you walk north through fields, vineyards and pine forests toward the rugged coast. You can walk directly from Sintra to your hotel in Praia Grande, or transfer north to Amoreira (bus or taxi, payable locally) from where the walk is more hilly and adventurous, with less paved road and an extra 4km of coastline. Both routes meet in the pretty fishing village of Azenha do Mar, from where you pick up the GR11 trail and follow it south to your beachfront hotel on the "Praia Grande" in Colares. 14.9km/9mi or 16km/10mi, +300m/984ft -500m/1640ft

From your hotel you follow the long-distance walking path, the GR11 "Costa Atlantica", heading south along fishermen’s trails towards the village of Ulgueira. There are beautiful views of the Cabo de Roca - the westernmost point of the European continent - and nice sandy beaches along the way. After a drink or ice cream in Ulgeira, return to Praia Grande and your hotel via an inland route which passes through the authentic village of Almoçageme. 13.5km/8.4mi, +475m/1558ft -550m/1804ft

Your last walking day begins with a transfer at 9:30am to Azoia, where you again pick up the GR11 and follow it along the coast to the 17th-century fortress of "Fortaleza de Guincho", now a luxury hotel, with views over Praia do Guincho. You can stop off part way (after 8km, 2.5-3 hrs walking) and take the bus directly to Cascais, or walk all the way to your hotel (on a footpath between the road and beach). Cascais is a lovely seaside town with cobblestoned streets lined with restaurants and shops. Overnight in Cascais. 16.6km/10.3mi, +275m/902ft -475m/1558ft