Why this road
In a little over an hour of driving you get a royal summer town full of palaces, cool forest, wind-swept cliffs and long Atlantic beaches. The road over the Serra and down past Guincho is a joy to drive, with the ocean always in view. Time it so you are at Cabo da Roca for sunset and finish with dinner in Cascais.
The route
- ALisbon
Leave the city westwards on the IC19 towards Sintra. The first part is suburbs and fast road.
- 1Sintra
A town in the hills full of palaces and gardens. Park at the edge and walk or take the bus to the sights, the roads up are narrow and partly closed to cars.
- 2Cabo da Roca
A lighthouse on high cliffs and a monument marking the westernmost point of mainland Europe.
- 3Praia do Guincho
A long, wild beach beloved by surfers and kitesurfers. From here the coast road runs south along the rocks.
- BCascais
An old fishing town turned seaside resort, with a marina and a lively centre.
Stops worth it
An hour for a stroll through the old town and a view of the Pena Palace. Seeing the palaces properly takes a whole day.
Twenty minutes on the cliffs. At sunset it is busiest and most beautiful.
Light and the best time
The coast faces west. In the late afternoon the sun is over the ocean, so the cliffs at Cabo da Roca are backlit and the sea glows; it is the classic sunset spot. On the coast road south to Cascais the sun is on your right. In summer, sea fog often hangs over the Serra de Sintra and the cape, while Cascais is sunny. Leave Lisbon in the afternoon, about three hours before sunset.
Spring and autumn are best: March to June and September to October, with mild weather and fewer people. July and August are hot and very crowded in Sintra, and traffic on the coast road is heavy at weekends. The road is open all year.
By vehicle
The Serra road and the Guincho coast are perfect with the roof down. Bring a jacket, the Atlantic wind at the cape is strong.
Curvy forest road over the Serra and a fast coast road. Watch for sand on the road near Guincho and for tourist traffic.
Easy, but parking in Sintra is tight. Leave the car at the edge of town and walk.
Good to know
The route can be done without tolls via the IC19; the A5 motorway between Lisbon and Cascais is a toll road (current prices on the operator's website). In Sintra the roads around the palaces are narrow, partly one-way and partly closed to visitors' cars, so use the car parks and buses. Parking at Cabo da Roca and Guincho fills up on sunny weekends. Fuel is available everywhere along the way.
Route checked against OpenStreetMap on 2 November 2026. Roads, closures and rules change: always check before you go and follow local signs.
Questions
How long does the drive from Lisbon to Cascais via Sintra take?
About 1 h 15 without stops. With Sintra and Cabo da Roca, plan at least half a day.
Can I drive up to the Pena Palace?
The roads up to the palaces are narrow and partly closed to visitors' cars. It is easier to park in town and take the bus or walk.
Is Cabo da Roca worth it?
Yes, especially at sunset: high cliffs, a lighthouse and the open Atlantic at the westernmost point of mainland Europe.
Is there a toll from Lisbon to Cascais?
The A5 motorway is a toll road. This route via the IC19 and the coast is toll-free.