Sintra–Cascais Natural Park: Trilho dos Moinhos de Vento

The Trilho dos Moinhos de Vento (Windmills Trail) begins at Largo Rainha Dona Amélia in central Sintra, a short walk from the Sintra train station, making it reachable without a car. No permit is required to walk the trail, which loops for roughly 9km through the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park with about 320m of cumulative elevation gain and loss. The route climbs gradually on packed dirt and forest track through eucalyptus and pine woodland before opening onto exposed granite ridgelines near the old windmill ruins that give the trail its name, where wind exposure increases sharply and shade disappears. Waymarking follows the natural park's yellow-and-red trail signs, though sections through denser forest can be easy to lose in low light, so daylight starts are recommended. Key landmarks include the restored stone windmills partway around the loop and several viewpoints over the Sintra hills and, on clear days, the Atlantic coastline near Cascais. There are no water sources, refuges, or shelter along the route, so hikers carry all supplies from Sintra. A reasonable turn-around point for those wanting a shorter outing is the first windmill viewpoint, roughly a third of the way around, cutting the walk to about 3km round trip. The terrain is uneven underfoot in places with loose gravel on the descents, requiring sturdy footwear rather than casual sneakers.