I don’t think many Americans make a point to visit waterfalls when visiting Portugal. We are unique Americans…we found a few waterfalls. One of them, Cascata De Fervença, required a bit of effort transportation-wise, to visit. Cascata de Pisões requires a bit of a longer walk, but is easier to get to using public transportation.

We visited Lisbon in December, which honestly was an enjoyable time to visit. The temperatures were comfortable, though the area did get hit with strong storms a few of the days. We decided to head out to Sintra, which is a popular destination outside Lisbon. You can take a train to Sintra, with many options from Lisbon. It’s about an hour train ride or 30 minutes by car.

Once you get to Sintra, it’s a short walk to the falls down some of the roads in Sintra. The walk to the falls was very enjoyable. When you arrive at the falls, it’s a small waterfall, but it is interesting to visit. There may be other waterfalls in Portugal that are more interesting to visit. This is a waterfall, though, that is in a popular location with many other attractions to visit.

Directions:

1. As I mentioned, we started out in Lisbon. Lisbon has what is called the Lisboa Card, which allows for unlimited travel on the subway/metro, bus, tram, and trains. We purchased the 72 hour option, and then use the metro to get to the train, and the train to get to Sintra.
2. When you get off the train in Sintra, it will be helpful to use your GPS/smart phone to help navigate some of the winding roads.
3. You’ll pass through the main square of Sintra, and then end up on N375 heading west. The waterfall will be on the left.

Accessibility: 10/10 (easy)
Height: 10′
Length of Hike: 1.2 miles round-trip

Where in the World is Cascata de Pisões?