Sintra is a paradise for hikers and outdoor explorers. Its lush forests, rugged coastlines, and scenic vistas make it a natural choice for anyone who loves a good trek. Whether you’re after a sunset beach walk, a challenging mountain climb, or a trail that takes you past historic castles, Sintra’s outdoor options are diverse and rewarding. We especially like the Sunset Hike, Tapas & Wine at Secret Beach because it combines a scenic coastal hike with delicious local food and wine, offering a relaxed yet memorable experience. The blend of adventure and local flavor makes it a standout for travelers looking to enjoy Sintra’s natural beauty with a touch of sophistication.
Some tours focus on the coastal cliffs and hidden beaches, like the Lisbon: Hike on the Edge of Europe, which leads you to the continent’s westernmost point and the wild Praia da Ursa. Others, like the Discover Sintra’s Hidden Trails, offer a more intimate, less touristy experience with small-group hikes through forests and valleys. For those wanting a mix of history and outdoor activity, the Sintra: Adventure Hike around Sintra’s most popular castles combines scenic trails with visits to iconic castles. Whichever your style, these tours make exploring Sintra’s terrain both practical and exciting.
1. Sunset Hike, Tapas & Wine at Secret Beach
At number 1, this 5-hour tour is perfect for those who want a relaxing yet active day. It kicks off with a jeep ride along the beach shores, giving you a taste of Sintra’s wild coastline before heading to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe. From there, you’ll hike down to Ursa beach, a quiet spot often missed by the crowds. As the sun sets over the Atlantic, you’ll enjoy tapas and local wines in Cascais, listening to soft music and soaking in the scenery.
What makes this tour stand out is the combination of off-road coastal adventure and cultural experience. The guide is praised for being friendly and knowledgeable, with reviews commenting on how they easily adapted plans when weather turned rainy. The hike from the cliff to the secret beach offers a manageable challenge with rewarding views. The trip is best suited for those who enjoy a mix of rugged nature, scenic vistas, and relaxing food stops. The price reflects a high-quality experience, especially with the included wine and tapas.
Bottom line: This tour is ideal for travelers who want a flexible, scenic day combining coastal hiking, local cuisine, and sunset views—perfect for couples or groups seeking a memorable outdoor outing.
2. Sintra: Sunset Hike, Tapas & Wine at Secret Beach
Ranking closely with the first, this 5-hour adventure cuts in from Lisbon and offers a similar vibe but with more focus on hiking down to a secret beach and watching the sunset. The experience includes marveling at Sintra’s palaces from a restored convertible 4×4, along with a picnic on the sand at the hidden beach. Guides are lauded for being professional, well-prepared, and able to handle surprises like weather changes efficiently.
This tour’s strength lies in its personalized, intimate feel. Many reviews highlight the small, cozy group sizes and the informative guides who share local stories. For around $101, you get a full-day experience—jeep safari, coastal hike, beach picnic, and sunset—at a reasonable value considering the scope of activities. The hiking to the beach is gentle enough for most, and the scenic drive through Sintra adds a touch of luxury.
Bottom line: Perfect for those who want a comprehensive day, including sightseeing, a guided hike, and a relaxing beach sunset. It’s especially good for travelers who appreciate personal attention and local storytelling.
3. Discover Sintra’s Hidden Trails: A Unique Hiking Experience
At number 3, this small-group tour (max 10 people) offers a chance to explore Sintra’s lesser-known paths—away from the crowds. The 3 to 4-hour hike is designed for those who want to go off the beaten track and see parts of Sintra often missed by standard tours. Led by a local guide, you’ll walk through lush forests and scenic landscapes, learning about the region’s natural and cultural features.
One of the key benefits is personalized attention and moderate difficulty, making it suitable for hikers with a reasonable fitness level. The tour focuses on natural wonders and hidden corners, providing a more authentic experience. Reviews mention how friendly and knowledgeable the guide was, and how the views and quiet trails made it worthwhile. The price of about $77 offers good value for a private, guided nature walk.
Bottom line: This trip is best for travelers wanting a more intimate, nature-focused hike with a local guide, and those eager to escape tourist crowds for a few hours.
4. Sintra Private Hiking Adventure Tour
The number 4 spot goes to this private, 3-hour hike led by a local Sintra resident. The tour is customized to your interests, taking you through Sintra’s lush landscapes and secret spots not included in typical group tours. Starting at Queijadas Sapa, a famous bakery, you get a chance to try traditional queijadas before heading into Sintra’s scenic trails.
The guide’s deep local knowledge includes hidden paths and stories that bring the landscape to life. The tour’s focus on lesser-known trails means you’ll see stunning vistas, forests, and historic ruins that most visitors miss. The reviews praise the personalized experience and flexible timing, which makes this ideal for couples or small groups wanting a more tailored adventure. At just over $115, the price reflects the exclusive, private nature of the experience.
Bottom line: If privacy, customization, and discovering hidden parts of Sintra are your priorities, this private hike delivers a unique and memorable outing.
5. Lisbon: Hike on the Edge of Europe
This 4-hour tour extends your exploration beyond Sintra to hike along coastal trails reaching the westernmost point of mainland Europe, Cabo da Roca. You’ll hear local legends and enjoy spectacular ocean views as you walk about 5 km along stunning cliffs. The highlight is reaching Praia da Ursa, a wild beach known for its rugged terrain and clear waters.
The tour’s appeal is its combination of scenic walking and cultural storytelling. The small group size and knowledgeable guide make it easy to ask questions and get a deeper understanding of the area’s geology and folklore. The price of $59 makes it a budget-friendly option, ideal for travelers who want a moderate hike with impressive views without a full day commitment.
Bottom line: This is a great choice for travelers eager to see the edge of Europe and enjoy an ocean hike, especially for those with a moderate fitness level and interest in legends.
6. Cascais: Hiking in Sintra-Cascais Natural Park
Number 6 features a 4-hour hike through Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, starting at Largo da Estação. The tour includes stops at Peninha Sanctuary, a scenic viewpoint, and the Cresmina Dunes, where you can relax and enjoy the ocean breeze. It’s a balanced mix of forest trails, coastal views, and relaxing breaks.
The guide’s attention and local knowledge earn praise, with reviews mentioning how the walk through the dunes is a highlight. The route suits those interested in nature, panoramic views, and a taste of local scenery. The price of around $57 offers good value for a relaxed, scenic walk with opportunities for photos and refreshments.
Bottom line: This tour is perfect if you want a gentle hike through diverse landscapes, combining forest, dunes, and ocean views in a manageable 4-hour outing.
7. Sintra: Adventure hike around Sintra’s most popular castles
For the 8 km hike lasting roughly 3 hours, this tour takes you past Castelo dos Mouros, Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, and Sintra National Palace. The route offers a blend of outdoor walking and castle views, with short stops to admire each site.
The guide ensures a smooth pace and shares interesting stories about Sintra’s castles and palaces. Many reviews highlight how the paths aren’t too difficult and how the storytelling makes the experience lively. The tour is suitable for active travelers who want to see multiple sights without losing the outdoorsy feel. At $74 per person, it offers a good balance of scenic walking and sightseeing.
Bottom line: Ideal for history and castle buffs who want a moderate outdoor adventure with the opportunity to see multiple landmarks in a few hours.
8. Private Sunset Hike, Tapas & Wine at Secret Beach
This private group experience is a 5-hour journey that combines an exploration of Sintra’s coastline with sunset views, tapas, and wine. Led by passionate storytellers, the tour is designed to offer a personalized and memorable experience, with a maximum of six people.
Unique in its private, intimate setting, it emphasizes storytelling and local flavors. The sunset at the coast is a special highlight, making it perfect for romantic couples or small groups. The price of over $800 per group reflects its exclusivity, but many reviews note how the storytelling and personalized touches elevate the experience.
Bottom line: Best suited for those seeking a luxurious, private experience with an emphasis on storytelling, sunset views, and fine local wine.
9. Cascais: Wild Coast Hike to a Secluded Swim Spot
This 4-hour private hike explores Cascais’ untamed coastline, leading to a secluded ocean spot. Its main allure is the chance to swim away from crowds and possibly try cliff jumping if you’re adventurous. The route is flexible and tailored, accommodating different fitness levels.
The tour’s focus on privacy and adventure makes it stand out. The reviews note the beautiful, wild scenery and the option to swim or jump. It’s perfect for travelers who want a customized, active day by the sea without the crowds.
Bottom line: Excellent for adventurous souls or those craving a private, off-the-beaten-path coastal experience.
$103 per person
10. From Sintra, Mafra, or Ericeira: Hike and Wine Tour
Finally, this 5-hour tour takes you to Cheleiros, a historic wine village. After a guided hike through the valley, you’ll visit Mata Pequena and the remains of a volcano. The highlight is the wine tasting of six different wines, paired with local cheese, olive oil, and bread.
The guide’s in-depth knowledge enhances the experience, especially during the tour of the Manzwine winery. The combination of hiking and wine tasting makes this tour ideal for those who enjoy both outdoor activity and gourmet experiences. The price of around $97 is reasonable considering the included tastings and cultural insights.
Bottom line: Perfect for wine lovers who want to combine nature walks with a wine tasting in a scenic, historic setting.
$97 per person
How to Choose the Right Hiking Tour in Sintra
When selecting the best tour for your trip, consider your fitness level, interests, and time availability. If you love coastal scenery and sunset views, the Sunset Hike, Tapas & Wine at Secret Beach is a fantastic choice. Want a more private and tailored experience? The Sintra Private Hiking Adventure or the Private Sunset Hike could be perfect. For those wanting to combine historic sites with outdoor activity, the Adventure hike around Sintra’s castles offers a comprehensive outdoor experience.
Budget-conscious travelers might prefer the Lisbon: Hike on the Edge of Europe or the Cascais: Hiking in Sintra-Cascais Natural Park for their affordability, while those seeking a luxurious outing should consider the Private Sunset Hike. It’s wise to book early, especially in high season, as these tours can fill up fast.
In summary, Sintra offers a wide variety of hiking and trekking experiences that cater to different tastes and fitness levels. Whether you prefer a guided walk to castles, a coastal sunset, or a quiet forest trail, there’s something for all. Two standout choices are the Sunset Hike, Tapas & Wine at Secret Beach for a relaxed, scenic day, and the Adventure hike around Sintra’s castles for a more active, historical outing. Whichever you pick, early booking is advised to secure your spot and make the most of your outdoor adventure in Sintra.