Budget Bliss: Exploring Agualva-Cacém & Sintra

Discover the charm of Portugal's Agualva-Cacém without breaking the bank!

21 June 2023

Agualva-Cacém, Portugal is a budget-friendly destination perfect for travelers looking for a mix of history, nature and beach. Spend your days exploring ancient palaces and castles, hiking in the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park or soaking up the sun on the nearby beaches. Stay at one of the affordable guesthouses in town and enjoy delicious Portuguese cuisine at local restaurants without breaking the bank.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Exploring Agualva-Cacém

  • Check-in at the Coimbra Hotel, a budget-friendly option with clean rooms and a central location.
  • Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Café Central, a local favorite spot for coffee and pastries.
  • Visit the historic Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição and admire its stunning baroque architecture.
  • Walk around the charming streets of Agualva-Cacém and soak up the local atmosphere.
  • Stop by the Mercado Municipal for a taste of the freshest seafood and local produce.
  • End your day with a sunset picnic at the Parque Urbano da Ribeira das Jardas, a scenic park featuring a small lake and plenty of greenery.
Day 2

Day Trip to Sintra

  • Catch the train from Agualva-Cacém to Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site just 20 minutes away.
  • Visit the Pena Palace, an iconic 19th-century castle nestled atop a hill with breathtaking views of the town below.
  • Stop by the Quinta da Regaleira, a whimsical estate featuring a mystical garden and underground tunnels.
  • Enjoy a traditional Portuguese lunch at Os Sabores da Avó Maria, a cozy restaurant serving up hearty dishes.
  • Explore the historic center of Sintra, filled with colorful buildings and charming alleyways.
  • Don't miss the chance to try the famous queijadas de Sintra, delicious local pastries made with cheese and sugar.
  • Agualva-Cacém may be a small town, but it's rich in history and charm. Whether you're exploring its streets or venturing to nearby Sintra, there's plenty to discover and enjoy.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Agualva-Cacém by plane is to fly into Lisbon Portela Airport and from there take the train to Agualva-Cacém, which takes about 25 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or shuttle from the airport, which takes about 20-30 minutes depending on traffic.

Car

If you prefer to drive, you can rent a car from Lisbon Portela Airport or from various rental companies in the city center. The journey to Agualva-Cacém takes about 20-30 minutes via the A16 motorway.

Train

Agualva-Cacém has its own train station and is well-connected to other major cities in Portugal, so taking the train is a convenient option. The quickest route from Lisbon is taking the Azambuja line and getting off at Agualva-Cacém station. The journey takes approximately 20-25 minutes.

Boat

As Agualva-Cacém is located inland, there are no direct boat routes to the town. The nearest marina is Marina de Oeiras, which is about 20-25 minutes away by car. From there, you can take a taxi or bus to reach Agualva-Cacém.

Bus

Taking the bus is a budget-friendly option to get to Agualva-Cacém. The route from Lisbon is served by various bus companies and takes about 30 minutes depending on traffic. The bus stop is located near Agualva-Cacém train station.

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