The air in Lisbon smells like promise. It’s a mix of roasted coffee, damp limestone, and the salty breeze coming off the Tagus. But if you want to find the true edge of the world, you have to leave the city behind. You have to head into the mist of Sintra, and then, push further west until the road simply stops.
Connecting the mystical palaces of Sintra with the jagged cliffs of Cabo da Roca is a rite of passage for any traveler in Portugal. But let’s be honest: the logistics can be a headache. You’ve probably seen the photos of the Pena Palace and wondered, "How do I get from there to the ocean in one day without renting a car?"
The answer lies in a specific bus number, a pair of sturdy walking shoes, and a willingness to let the wind dictate your schedule. Here is everything you need to know to stitch this incredible journey together, focusing on the life-saving Bus 1624.
Phase 1: The Morning Mist in Sintra
Start early. I mean really early. Take the first train from Lisbon’s Rossio Station. The ride takes about 40 minutes, and as the train climbs into the hills, the urban sprawl gives way to verdant forests. When you step onto the platform in Sintra, the air changes instantly—it’s cooler, heavier, and smells of wet ferns and eucalyptus.
The Strategic Choice: Quinta da Regaleira
While the colorful Pena Palace is the Instagram darling, I recommend Quinta da Regaleira for a day trip that combines architecture with adventure. It’s located a short (but steep) walk from the town center. This estate is a Masonic playground featuring hidden tunnels, grottoes, and the famous Initiation Well—a spiraling staircase that descends into the earth.
Why it fits the "Day Trip" vibe: It’s dense with secrets. You can explore it for 90 minutes and still feel like you missed a hidden door. It fuels the imagination before you head to the raw nature of the coast.
📍 Location Deep Dive: Quinta da Regaleira
Address: Rua Barbosa do Bocage, 5, 2710-567 Sintra, Portugal. It is situated about a 15-minute uphill walk from the Sintra train station. You can also take the local bus 434 (hop-on-hop-off), but walking is often faster due to traffic.
Hours: Typically open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM (last entry usually 45 minutes before closing). Hours extend to 6:30 PM during the summer peak.
Prices: General admission is approximately €12.00 for adults. Crucial Tip: You must book your time slot online in advance. Walk-ups are frequently turned away.
Visitor Count: Over 1.2 million visitors annually. Arriving at 10:00 AM sharp is your best defense against crowds.
Phase 2: The Logistics of the Leap (Bus 1624)
Now, you need to leave the mountains for the sea. This is where most travelers panic. You have two options: the Scotturb Bus 1624 or a private transfer. If you are reading this guide, you are likely looking for the authentic, budget-friendly route. That means the bus.
The Sintra to Cabo da Roca Bus 1624 is not a high-speed coach. It is a winding regional route that cuts through the forests of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, passes through the charming village of Colares, and eventually spits you out at the Atlantic.
📍 Location Deep Dive: The Bus 1624 Departure Point
Address: The bus stop is located directly outside the Sintra Train Station (Sintra Estação Ferroviária), on Avenida Dr. Miguel Bombarda. Look for the yellow Scotturb kiosk or the digital timetable poles.
Schedule & Frequency: This is the tricky part. This is not a metro service. In the shoulder season (October–May), buses run roughly every 90 minutes. In the summer (June–September), frequency increases to every 60 minutes. The first bus usually departs around 9:00 AM, and the last return bus from Cabo da Roca leaves around 7:00 PM (summer) or 5:30 PM (winter).
Travel Time: Expect the journey to take between 45 to 60 minutes depending on traffic in Colares. It is a scenic drive, not a sprint.
Price & Payment: One-way fare is approximately €5.50 per person. You can pay the driver directly in cash (Euros). Drivers usually carry change, but having exact change speeds up the boarding process significantly.
⚠️ The "Bus 1624" Reality Check
Please write this down: Check the Scotturb website for the current timetable the morning of your trip. Bus schedules in Portugal, especially for regional routes, are subject to change without notice on Google Maps. If you rely solely on an app, you might find yourself waiting an hour or more in a town with limited shelter.
Phase 3: Arriving at the Edge of the World
The bus will drop you in a parking lot. You will hear the ocean before you see it—a low, thunderous rumble. A short walk up a paved path brings you to the Cabo da Roca Lighthouse and the monument marking the westernmost point of continental Europe.
The cliffs here are sheer and imposing. The wind is relentless. It’s a sensory overload. There is a small visitor center with a gift shop and a café. I highly recommend buying a hot chocolate (or a glass of Vinho Verde if it’s that time of day) and sitting on the terrace. Watching the waves crash against the rocks is hypnotic.
📍 Location Deep Dive: Cabo da Roca
Address: Estrada do Cabo da Roca, 2705-001 Colares, Portugal.
Hours: The cape itself is open 24/7. The Farol do Cabo da Roca (Lighthouse) is generally not open to the public for climbing, but the grounds are accessible. The gift shop and café usually operate from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, extending to 7:00 PM or 8:00 PM in the summer months.
Significance: It is the most westerly point of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. The rock monument features the coordinates (38°46'N, 9°30'W) and a quote by the poet Camões: "Here... where the land ends and the sea begins..."
Accessibility: There is a ramp leading to the viewpoint, making it accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, though the wind can be a challenge.
The "Secret" Detour: Azenhas do Mar
If you have managed your time well (and the sun hasn't set yet), you need to walk or take a 5-minute taxi/Uber to Azenhas do Mar. This is a cliffside village that looks like it was carved directly out of the rock. White houses cling to the cliff edge, and a natural ocean pool fills with seawater at high tide.
Many travelers skip this, but it is arguably the most photogenic spot in the region. It is the perfect place to wait for sunset if you are worried about the exposed winds at the Lighthouse.
📍 Location Deep Dive: Azenhas do Mar (Parking & Access)
Address: Azenhas do Mar, 2705-213 Colares, Portugal.
Parking Tips: Parking at Azenhas do Mar is notoriously difficult because the streets are incredibly narrow. Do not attempt to drive into the village center unless you have a very small car and immense patience. Instead, park at the designated paid lots on the cliff top above the village (accessible from the main road).
The "Hack": If you drove from Sintra and parked at Azenhas do Mar (to avoid Cabo da Roca parking), you can actually walk the coastal path to Cabo da Roca. It takes about 40 minutes along a scenic trail, though it involves some elevation change.
Dining: The restaurant Mar à Vista offers incredible seafood with views over the pool. It is an ideal spot for a late lunch if you skipped eating in Sintra.
The Return Journey: Don't Get Stranded
As the sun dips, the temperature drops rapidly. You need to be heading back to the bus stop.
The Bus 1624 Return: The last bus from Cabo da Roca back to Sintra usually leaves around 7:00 PM in summer. If you miss it, you are looking at a very expensive taxi ride (€60+) back to the train station. Set an alarm on your phone for 30 minutes before the last bus.
The Train Home: Once you are back at Sintra station, the train to Lisbon runs until late (past midnight). However, the ticket lines can be long. If you bought a round-trip ticket in the morning, you can just hop on. If not, use the ticket machines (they have an English option) to save time.
Summary: The Perfect One-Day Itinerary
- 07:30 AM: Depart Rossio Station, Lisbon.
- 08:15 AM: Arrive Sintra. Grab a Pastel de Nata at Piriquita.
- 09:00 AM: Walk to Quinta da Regaleira (opens at 10:00).
- 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM: Explore the gardens and Initiation Well.
- 12:00 PM: Quick lunch (Bifana at Tascantiga).
- 12:45 PM: Wait at the Sintra Station bus stop for Bus 1624.
- 13:30 PM - 14:30 PM: Arrive Cabo da Roca. Walk to the lighthouse.
- 15:00 PM - 17:30 PM: Explore the cliffs, visit the cafe, walk to Azenhas do Mar.
- 18:00 PM: Watch the sunset at Azenhas do Mar or Cabo da Roca.
- 19:00 PM: Catch Bus 1624 back to Sintra.
- 20:00 PM: Train back to Lisbon.
"The journey from the manicured gardens of Sintra to the wild, unkempt cliffs of Cabo da Roca is a journey from civilization to the sublime. It is a reminder that for all our building, the ocean always has the final word."
Final Pro Tip: If the weather forecast predicts rain, do not cancel the trip. Sintra looks incredible in the mist, and the moody grey skies over the Atlantic make for dramatic photos. Just pack a waterproof jacket and waterproof shoes. The adventure is always worth it.