There’s so much to be seen in Lisbon and beyond, dedicating some days to the area outside the city is very worthwhile. We began in Cascais, for some sun and bike riding along the coast.

Cascais

We spent two days in Cascais, prior to the start of the Lisbon Marathon, which starts in Cascais and ends in Lisbon. A sunny, small coastal city, Cascais allows you to sink easily into your relaxed Portuguese vacation. We began by taking ourselves on a bike tour, visiting the Boca do Inferno, the Santa Marta and Guia Lighthouses, Casa de Santa Maria, and a lot of great murals throughout the downtown area.

Bicycling Along the Coast

Santa Marta Lighthouse

Artwork throughout Cascais

One fantastic thing in Cascais, and in Portugal overall, is all the artwork. Murals, tiles, paintings, everywhere!

Around Town

Farol da Guia, Guia Lighthouse

This was a fun bike ride to see the sunset in a quiet and relaxing spot.

Sintra

Definitely on the tourist radar for a reason, Sintra is the fairytale fantasy you’ve heard so much about. If wandering in and out of towers, turrets, and forest hideaways sounds fun to you, you’re in luck. Its a lot of stairs, you’ve been warned.

There’s so much we didn’t get to see, even spending an entire day here – next time we’ll take extra time to make sure we get to the Capuchos Convent, Park and Palace of Monserrate, Parques de Sintra-Monte da Lua, Chalet of the Countess of Edla, and Castelo dos Mouros.

Inside Quinta da Regaleira

Exploring the Gardens: Gruta do Labirinto, Torre da Regaleira, & Capela da Quinta da Regaleira

The Initiation Well, Poço Iniciático

Parque e Palácio Nacional da Pena (Park and National Palace of Pena)

These views. This palace. We’re going back in the summer and I can’t wait.

Around Sintra town