Guide to Route 1624: from central Cascais to Cabo da Roca and Sintra station

Guide to Route 1624: from central Cascais to Cabo da Roca and Sintra station

Route 1624 turns the journey between Cascais and Portela de Sintra into an itinerary along the Atlantic coast, passing through markets, historic heritage sites, traditional villages, beaches and one of Portugal’s most iconic viewpoints.

Starting at the Cascais Terminal and ending at Portela de Sintra, the route first crosses central Cascais and the Cidadela area before continuing to Malveira da Serra, Charneca, Biscaia and Azóia. It is a journey that alternates between urban areas, coastal roads and mountain landscapes, with long stretches marked by the wind, vegetation and views of the Atlantic.

The highlight of the route is Cabo da Roca, located between the stops dedicated to the Cabo da Roca Road and the stop identified simply as “Cabo da Roca”. The bus then continues through Ulgueira and Almoçageme, a village with a strong agricultural and community identity, before entering the urban area of Sintra via Avenida Nunes de Carvalho.

Once near the destination, the route serves the Portela de Sintra area and allows passengers to continue on foot to the historic center, where the National Palace of Sintra, Parque da Liberdade and other points of interest in the town are located.

Notice: the distances shown are approximate and estimated from the route coordinates and the locations of the stops, and may vary depending on the walking route chosen, the direction of travel and the exact boarding point. The reported frequency is 22 departures in the Cascais–Portela de Sintra direction on weekdays, 20 on Saturdays and 20 on Sundays and public holidays; in the Portela de Sintra–Cascais direction, there are 42 departures on weekdays, 19 on Saturdays and 19 on Sundays and public holidays. The fare was not provided in the data for this route.

Mercado da Vila de Cascais

Mercado da Vila is one of the best starting points for beginning a trip along route 1624. Located in central Cascais and served directly by the “Av. D. Pedro I (Mercado)” stop, the space combines the traditional function of a market with an increasingly strong gastronomic focus.

Among stalls selling fruit, vegetables, fish, meat and flowers, visitors will find restaurants, shops and spaces dedicated to local products. It is an especially interesting stop for anyone who wants to have a coffee, buy something for a picnic or try Portuguese flavors before continuing toward the hills and the coast.

• 📍 Location: Rua Padre Moisés da Silva, in central Cascais.
• 🚏 Nearest route stop/section and approximate distance: Av. D. Pedro I (Mercado), about 100 to 300 meters away.
• 🏷️ Category: Market, shopping and gastronomy.
• ⭐ Distinguishing feature: It brings together a traditional fresh-produce market and a selection of restaurants and shops in the same space.

Cidadela de Cascais

The “Av. Eng. Adelino Amaro da Costa (Cidadela)” stop leaves passengers practically at the door of one of Cascais’s most notable historic complexes. The Cidadela began as a defensive structure and preserves the atmosphere of a fortification facing the sea, among walls, courtyards and historic buildings.

The site is also home to Pousada Cidadela Cascais and the so-called Art District, with galleries, artworks, shops and dining spaces. It is an option for combining architecture, history and a leisurely walk before continuing along the route or exploring the city’s waterfront area.

• 📍 Location: Avenida D. Carlos I, beside Cascais Bay.
• 🚏 Nearest route stop/section and approximate distance: Av. Eng. Adelino Amaro da Costa (Cidadela), about 100 meters away.
• 🏷️ Category: Historic heritage, art and leisure.
• ⭐ Distinguishing feature: It combines a 16th-century historic fortification with a hotel, galleries, creative businesses and spaces dedicated to culture.

Cabo da Roca Lighthouse

Cabo da Roca is the main tourist destination on route 1624 and one of the most impressive points along the journey. The “Cabo da Roca” stop is next to the promontory where the Sintra Hills meet the Atlantic, at the westernmost point of mainland Europe.

The lighthouse, in operation since 1772, stands out for its tower covered with white tiles and its red balcony. The complex also now has an interpretation center open to the public, dedicated to the history of the lighthouse and the importance of maritime signaling. Outside, the scenery is dominated by cliffs, wind and sweeping views of the ocean. The café and viewpoints complete the visit, but it is important to stay away from the edges of the cliffs and follow the signs.

• 📍 Location: Cabo da Roca, on the Sintra coast.
• 🚏 Nearest route stop/section and approximate distance: Cabo da Roca, about 100 meters from the lighthouse and viewpoints.
• 🏷️ Category: Tourist attraction, maritime heritage and viewpoint.
• ⭐ Distinguishing feature: It brings together the westernmost point of mainland Europe, a historic lighthouse and one of the region’s most iconic coastal landscapes.

Almoçageme Farmers’ Market

The “Almoçageme (Mercado)” stop leads to the heart of one of the most traditional villages on the Sintra coast. The Farmers’ Market is a local landmark and features products connected to the region’s agriculture, such as vegetables, fruit, flowers, bread, honey, preserves and other locally produced goods.

The village itself is also worth visiting. Almoçageme preserves quiet streets, religious heritage, memories of Roman occupation and a close relationship with Colares wines and the agricultural landscape. It is a good place to pause between visiting Cabo da Roca and arriving in Sintra, especially for those who prefer to discover a destination that is less monumental and more connected to everyday life.

• 📍 Location: Largo Dr. Virgílio Horta, Almoçageme, Colares.
• 🚏 Nearest route stop/section and approximate distance: Almoçageme (Mercado), about 100 to 300 meters away.
• 🏷️ Category: Market, local shopping and gastronomy.
• ⭐ Distinguishing feature: It brings visitors closer to local products, regional agriculture and flavors associated with saloia tradition and Colares wines.

Adraga Beach

Although it is not next to the road directly served by the route, Adraga Beach is one of the best extensions to the trip from Almoçageme. The distance between the village and the beach is relatively short, but it requires a walk or another additional mode of transport, estimated at about 2.5 kilometers from the market stop.

Framed by cliffs and rock formations, Adraga offers an Atlantic landscape that is visually more sheltered than other points along the Sintra coast. The visit can be combined with a stop in central Almoçageme, creating an itinerary that begins at the market and ends facing the ocean. As along any cliff-lined coast, it is essential to follow access routes and signs and to respect sea and wind conditions.

• 📍 Location: Adraga Beach, between Praia Grande and Cabo da Roca, in the municipality of Sintra.
• 🚏 Nearest route stop/section and approximate distance: Almoçageme (Mercado), about 2.5 kilometers away, with additional access on foot.
• 🏷️ Category: Beach, nature and coastal landscape.
• ⭐ Distinguishing feature: It combines an Atlantic beach, cliffs and natural formations with the proximity of the historic village of Almoçageme.

Parque da Liberdade, in Sintra

Upon arriving at Portela de Sintra, passengers can continue on foot toward the historic center and find Parque da Liberdade, a green area along the Volta do Duche. The space serves as a leafy break between the station, the tourist streets and the town’s monuments.

It is a pleasant choice for resting after the long coastal journey, walking among trees and gardens or simply beginning to explore Sintra without immediately entering the palace circuit. The distance from the station is estimated at between 1.2 and 1.5 kilometers, depending on the route chosen.

• 📍 Location: Volta do Duche, beside Sintra’s historic center.
• 🚏 Nearest route stop/section and approximate distance: Portela de Sintra (Estação), about 1.2 to 1.5 kilometers away.
• 🏷️ Category: Urban park and leisure.
• ⭐ Distinguishing feature: It offers a central, peaceful green area between the railway station, the historic center and Sintra’s main tourist attractions.

National Palace of Sintra

The National Palace of Sintra is the main historic attraction near the end of the route. From the Portela de Sintra stop, it can be reached on foot via the historic center, along a route estimated at 1.5 to 1.8 kilometers. Those who prefer can supplement the journey with other urban transport available at the station.

Recognizable by its two large conical chimneys, the palace spans approximately a thousand years of history and brings together traces of different periods, notably Gothic, Manueline and Mudéjar-influenced elements. The rooms, tiles, courtyards and gardens make the monument a particularly comprehensive visit for those arriving in Sintra by public transport and wishing to focus their trip on the town’s historic core.

• 📍 Location: Largo Rainha D. Amélia, in Sintra’s historic center.
• 🚏 Nearest route stop/section and approximate distance: Portela de Sintra (Estação), about 1.5 to 1.8 kilometers away.
• 🏷️ Category: Historic heritage, architecture and cultural tourism.
• ⭐ Distinguishing feature: It is Portugal’s oldest palace and preserves a unique architectural complex, characterized by monumental chimneys and Hispano-Moorish tiles.

Route 1624 is especially interesting for those who want to use the bus as part of the outing, rather than merely as a means of transport. Boarding at the Cascais Terminal, it is possible to visit the Cidadela and Mercado da Vila, cross the landscape of Malveira da Serra, stop at Cabo da Roca, discover Almoçageme and continue to Sintra station before proceeding on foot through the historic center. As services are less frequent at some times and the journey is long, it is worth checking the return departure before starting the more distant stops.

Sources

• Visit Cascais — Mercado da Vila
• Visit Cascais — Cidadela de Cascais
• Parques de Sintra — Cabo da Roca Lighthouse
• Parques de Sintra — Cabo da Roca Lighthouse Interpretation Center
• Sintra Municipal Council — Adraga Beach and Almoçageme
• Sintra Municipal Council — Estates and Parks
• Parques de Sintra — National Palace of Sintra