The Sintra Tram
A rickety, charming 1904 tram that rattles 13km from Sintra through wine country to the Atlantic beach. One of Portugal's last heritage trams.
The Electrico de Sintra has been running since 1904, connecting the hills of Sintra to the Atlantic coast at Praia das Macas. It's narrow-gauge, vintage, and slow — which is entirely the point. The 45-minute journey passes through the Colares wine region, rural villages, and ends at a sandy Atlantic beach. It's not useful for visiting palaces, but as a transport experience and a route to the coast, it's wonderful.
Tram Facts
Built
1904
Route
Sintra → Praia das Macas (13km)
Journey time
~45 minutes one way
Fare
~€3 each way
Schedule
Limited — primarily weekends and summer. Check efrfrente.pt
Gauge
Narrow gauge (1000mm)
Status
Heritage/tourist tram — not a regular commuter service
Sintra to the Sea
Sintra (Ribeira de Sintra)
Starting point — near Portela de Sintra, not the main train station. 15-minute walk or short taxi from central Sintra.
Galamares
Small village. No major attractions but pleasant rural scenery.
Banzão
Quiet residential area. The route enters more open countryside.
Colares
Wine country — the Colares wine region with its sandy-soil vineyards. Worth a stop if you're into wine.
Azenhas do Mar
No direct stop, but the village is visible from the route. Closest stop is Praia das Macas.
Praia das Macas
End of the line — Atlantic beach town. Natural ocean pool, seafood restaurants, and a sandy beach.
Making the Most of the Tram
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but on a limited schedule. The Electrico de Sintra runs primarily on weekends and more frequently in summer (June-September). It's a heritage tram service, not a regular commuter line. Check efrfrente.pt or ask at the Sintra tourist office for current schedules. Service can be suspended for maintenance — always verify before planning around it.
From Ribeira de Sintra (near Portela de Sintra, not the main tourist center) to Praia das Macas beach — 13km through the Colares wine region and Atlantic countryside. It's a scenic ride, not a palace-visiting transport. The journey takes about 45 minutes each way.
As a transport experience, absolutely. It's one of the last historic trams in Portugal outside Lisbon, running since 1904. The route passes through rural countryside with Atlantic views. As practical transport, less so — it doesn't go near the palaces and the schedule is limited. Think of it as a side trip, not a way to get around Sintra.
The Sintra terminus is at Ribeira de Sintra, near Portela de Sintra. This is NOT the main Sintra train station — it's about 1.5km away. From the Sintra train station, it's a 15-minute walk or short taxi ride. The stop is not well-signposted — look for the narrow-gauge track and small shelter.
Yes, as a half-day addition. Visit palaces in the morning, then catch the tram to Praia das Macas for a beach afternoon. Return by tram (or taxi if you miss the last tram). It works best in summer when both the tram schedule and beach weather align.