sintra self guided tour

Explore the Enchanting Castles of Sintra: A One-Day Self-Guided Tour

Sintra is one of those destinations which seems too magical to believe it’s real. It’s a charming town full of fairytale castles, historic battlements and a rich tapestry of cutesy stores and gourmet cafes. There is much to do here, but many only have one day to spend. I remember when I was researching day trips to Sintra from Lisbon, I felt overwhelmed by the choices and options and didn’t know how much time I would need or how many things I could fit into my one day. After finally deciding on what we wanted to see and working out the kinks for myself on our trip out there, I’ve compiled what I think is the best itinerary for your day trip to Sintra.

Sintra Castles Itinerary

This itinerary features all the great sights, some time to relax, the best ways to avoid the crowds (as much as possible) and have fun exploring along the way! The itinerary takes us first to  Pena Palace , then through the lush palace gardens, which lead us up to the ruins of the medieval  Moorish castle . After touring these ancient stone walls, we head to the “millionaires manor,” the  Quinta da Regaleira . Once thoroughly mindblown by these fantastical castles, it’s time to wander through the old town of Sintra, where we’ll stop for dinner and dessert before heading back to Lisbon. The blog post is broken up into each section of the itinerary, so if you want to skip to a specific portion, there are links below.

How to Get to Sintra

Sintra is easily accessible from Lisbon by trains leaving from  Rossio station . The trip requires no transfers and takes around 40 minutes. The round-trip journey costs just 4.50€, making it one of the most cost-efficient day trips. While trains are out to Sintra almost every 40 minutes, I highly recommend getting the train before 8 am. The train schedule changes slightly throughout the year, so I didn’t want to give you an exact time but leaving before 8 am means you’ll arrive before 9 am giving yourself plenty of time to get to your first destination with some time to spare before it opens.

Sintra seems to explode with tourist buses as the morning wears on, so early really pays off. Any chance of being tired is worth it for the experience of arriving at Pena Palace without having to wait in huge lines and fight the enormous crowds to see what’s around you. Also, have a metro card loaded with funds to tap on and off the train or buy your train tickets in advance. Even super early in the morning, there was a lineup at the ticket counter. We were happy to have our pre-loaded metro cards, which meant we could just tap right on them, ensuring we made it onto the train in time. It was surprising how critical those few minutes were in the outcome of our day.

Purchasing your tickets in advance for  Pena Palace  and the  Moorish castle  is recommended. Adult tickets to  Pena Palace  are 14,00€ for exterior and interior tours or 7.50€ for the park and exterior of the palace only. The  Moorish Castle  costs 7.60€, but you’ll save 5% when you buy online. By taking care of this step in advance, you’ll save on time upon arrival and booking online also gets you 5% off!

Tickets are valid for the entire year, so even if you buy them and plan on visiting one day, which gets rained out, you can easily change things around without being beholden to ticket dates and times. You can also purchase them on your phone and show the e-ticket, no need to print out the physical document. The  Quinta da Regaleira  ticket line is significantly less busy, and you can buy those tickets at the gate. Since it’s the last destination of the day, it’s nice to leave it as an option in case you’re too tired or decide to spend more time elsewhere. Tickets into  Quinta da Regaleira  costs 8€.

Admission Options for Pena Palace

There are two options for  Pena Palace admission.  One is to tour the palace’s exterior and royal gardens. The other option will get you entry into the interior of the castle. If you are confident you’ll arrive early and are keen on seeing the rooms inside, go ahead and buy that ticket. But the lineup to get inside can get insanely long. They need to control the number of people who enter the buildings (something which isn’t monitored outside), so this often results in lengthy queues.

We were there as close to the opening as possible, and even we had to wait about 20 minutes to get inside. When we left, the line looked to be almost 2 hours long. While I thoroughly enjoyed touring the interior, there is no way it’s worth 2+ hours of waiting in line. If you think you can miss the interior, the gardens, and the exterior ticket is an excellent option since I think the best parts of the castle are the exterior anyway. It will save you a few euros and potentially a lot of time. If you did purchase a ticket for the interior tour but the lineup to get inside is gigantic, I would advise coming back right before closing when the crowds have cleared out.

When to Visit Sintra

Sintra is always busy. Yes, the winter will most likely be the least busy, but it’s also chilly and can be a bit grey. Since most of the things to see are outside, it’s not always the most comfortable time to explore. The height of the summer holidays is equally as miserable but instead because of the intense heat and crowds. Springtime is the happy medium of pleasant weather and medium crowds. Monday-Thursday is the best chance you’ll see a small group reduction.

Avoid holidays when possible, as these bring in Portuguese tourists. As mentioned before, the earlier in the morning you arrive, the better chance you’ll have at beating the bus tours, which are the most significant crowd control issue. Always the most comfortable time to explore.

Pena Palace

Pena Palace is open all year round except December 25th and January 1st. During the Summer ( March to October ), the palace is open from  9:45 am until 7:00 pm  (last entry 6:15), and the park is open from  9:30 am until 8:00 pm  (last entry 7:00 pm). In the Winter ( October to March ), the palace & park are open from  10:00 am until 6:00 pm.

Moorish Castle

The Moorish Castle is open all year round except December 25th and January 1st. Last entry 1 hour before closing time. In the Summer ( March to October ), the hours are  9:30 am until 8:00 pm , and in the Winter ( October to March ), the hours are  10:00 am until 6:00pm.

Quinta da Regaleira

Quinta da Regaleira is open all year round except for December 24th and 25th, and January 1st. On December 31st, the opening hours are limited. During the Summer ( April to September ), the hours are  9:30 am to 7:00 pm , and in the Winter ( October to March ), they are  9:30 am to 6:00 pm.

Arrival in Sintra

There are two (well, three) options for getting around in Sintra. The first is to take the public buses, primarily  bus #434 , which services most of the tourist attractions you’ll be visiting in Sintra. This bus tends to have big lines up at the train stop since everyone getting on needs to purchase their day ticket, which slows things down. But once you have your pass, it’s super easy to jump on and off throughout the day. Tickets for this bus cost 5€ for a 24-hour pass.

Ubering to the Palace

The second option is jumping in an  Uber . Ubers are a great way to get around Sintra but be warned that because some of the streets are one-way, up a long and winding hill, some drivers might take a while to get to you or might cancel frequently. The Uber ride from the train station to Pena Palace is around 6€ depending on the time of day and the weather. If you’re travelling with 3 or 4 people, Ubers can save you money compared to the bus pass. You don’t need to use transportation more than twice in this itinerary. If you haven’t used Uber before,  download the app  and use my referral code,  rds9f , to get $5 off your first ride!

Walking Option

The third option is to walk. Walking from the train station to Pena Palace is a long journey, but if you’re keen on hiking, this is a great opportunity. Just leave yourself some extra time to hike up to the castle and still arrive at the gates at 9:30 am. Walking to and from the other points in our tour is a great way to save time and see some beautiful things along the way. While some of this tour will be on foot, it’s been tested with people of all fitness levels and ages, so there is no need to worry. If you feel like you need to take a break, remember that taking a seat, literally anywhere in Sintra, will always result in one of the most spectacular views you can get anywhere in the world.

Pena Palace  opens at 9:30 am. Even before this, the crowds lined up outside the gates to get inside this magnificent dwelling. Looking at this sumptuous and over-the-top architectural masterpiece, it’s hard to imagine that this site was once where a very modest monastery once stood.

History of Pena Palace

The Hieronymite monastery was built in 1503 in honour of the Virgin Mary, who is said to have appeared at the top of the mountain in a vision. After falling to ruins over the years due to religious upheavals,  King Ferdinand II,  who had been in love with this spot since he was a child, decided to buy the buildings and the surrounding lands. Construction of the new royal estate began in 1838.

Ferdinand was obsessed with romanticism in art and architecture. He wanted his contemporary summer house to feel like something out of a storybook. Oddly enough, the palace’s construction was taken on by a mining engineer,  Wilhelm Ludwig von Eschwege . Perhaps this was because the Prince and his wife wanted their full say in the castle’s design. Yet they needed Eschwege’s planning prowess to help them achieve the look of a castle sprung forth from the rocks. There really is no one style to be found here. Instead, it’s a patchwork quilt of influences and themes. Ferdinand wanted to include Medieval and Islamic elements and Neo-Renaissance, Neo-Gothic, and Neo-Manueline. The Manueline architecture was the most iconic style in Portugal at the time. It was the millennial pink of its time.

Entrance to the Palace

While the entry gates are just off the roadside, the palace is a fair bit uphill from the main entrance. There is a mini-bus which runs up to the top, but it costs 3€ and more than the money, the line you need to wait in to get onto the bus is a huge inconvenience. Although a little long, the walk-up is actually quite enjoyable. If you have mobility issues, just take it slow and spend the extra time resting between spurts admiring all the beautiful flora and fauna in the garden.

At the top of the hill, the golden yellow walls, blue tile and red-painted exterior of the palace begin to emerge from the trees. Seeing this palace in real life is nothing like seeing the pictures. I really don’t think they can do it justice. Walking up those cobblestone steps makes you feel like you’re walking into a fantasy.

Door of Alhambra

The entryway into the castle is called the  Door of Alhambra . It was inspired by the Alhambra Door of Justice in Granada, Spain. The doorway is covered in brightly painted tiles and decorated with various elegant leaves. Ferdinand wanted this gateway to be where his visitors left the real world behind and stepped into his dream world.

Open passing through the archway, we step into the ‘ Coach Yard .’ This was as far as horses and carriages could come, and guests would make their way to the palace on foot. Standing here, we can look up at the ‘ Monumental Gateway .’ The gateway’s design is a blend of architectural elements found all over Lisbon and which the Prince wanted to see incorporated into his palace.

The facade is covered in diamond-shaped stones, referencing the  Casa dos Bicos  in Alfama. On either side of the top of the gateway, we have arched domes, completed with rope-like decoration; the same was on the famed  Tower of Belem . The exterior is finished in a series of round balls reminiscent of the  Cunhal das Bolas  in Barrio Alto. In the centre of the arch, on the very top, is a pair of crossed swords atop a knight’s helmet, with a plume of lush feathers springing out of the top.

Upper Courtyard

Step through the archway and make your way around the swirling passageway to the upper courtyard. It’s here you’ll finally have the chance to study the tiles which make up the exterior hue of this building. Tiles, or  Azulejos  as they are called in Portuguese, have a strong history in Portugal, dating back to the 13th century. The Moors brought them here, who invaded much of Spain and Portugal in the 1200s. The word azulejo in Arabic means “ small polished stone .” In Islam, they believed in  aniconism , the avoidance of images of sentient beings in art. As such, geometric shapes became the most popular form of decor. As such, most of the tiles brought with them from Islam continue this tradition. The geometric and natural forms are striking, and their colours haven’t faded significantly over the years.

The Triton Portico

The Triton Portico  is one of the most impressive elements of Pena Palace. Triton is meant to serve as an allegorical of the world’s creation. The facade is divided into two factions, the aquatic world below and the terrestrial world above. They are separated by Triton, a monster half man and half fish but a part of both worlds. Bits of corals surround Triton’s feet; above him, you can see the carved grape vines and leaves blossoming wildly. The Portuguese were a seafaring nation, and aquatic symbolism was always an important aspect of their artistic culture.

Interior Tour of Pena Palace

After studying the first courtyard, you can visit the interior if you buy a ticket. This part of the tour often gets very crowded, and the line can get long, so best to do it right away when the line is shorter. The palace’s interiors are located inside the old Hieronymite convent. As such, the layout follows the design of the former convent exactly. As you enter, you’ll step right into the open cloisters. Look up and see how the open-air hallways continue on both palace floors. This place is covered in azulejos, and ghastly faces stare down at you, carved in the gargoyles above.

Dining Room

The dining room is one of the most impressive rooms on the first floor. The dining room has the most remarkable ceilings made of intricate ribbed vaults and lined with tiles. The table is set like they’re still awaiting their visitors. Each piece of furniture was made for this exact space, the images of Portuguese animals of the forest carved into the backs of the chairs.

Plaster and paint were used to create illusions throughout the interior. This technique is called ‘ Trompe-l’ œil ,’ French for “to deceive the eye.” Objects in three dimensions are here created in a two-dimensional forced perspective. In King Carlos’ studio, we find a painting of Nymphs and Satyrs playing in the Park of Pena, which is believed to have been painted by the King himself.

Interior Ornamentation

Stucco was used to decorate the ceilings of the interior, some designed in the shapes of pine cones, leaves and branches. In other rooms, we find the ceilings patterned with Islamic designs in the stucco. Walking from room to room, you feel like you’re entering another world.

One of my favourite parts of touring the interior was all the personal touches, decorations, knickknacks and treasures. The little things which make a house, a home. They were those fascinating treasures that made the castle feel like someone really lived there.

Upstairs, the  Noble Hall  is one of the most impressive spaces. Compared to the relatively small sizes of the bedrooms, this reception hall was where the King took advantage of space. It was here where large parties were thrown, and the who’s who of Lisbon’s high society would come during the summer. The Noble Hall was inspired by the Ottoman Court. Iron replicas of Turkish kings are on either end of the room; they hold huge golden torches. Comfortable red leather sofas on either side of the hall were designed with mirrored canopied behind them to make the room appear much larger. It was also an excellent way for the elite to spy on those around them!

The last room you’ll see is the old kitchen, a real hit with chefs and foodies. Here are all the original kitchen utensils, pots and pans and other antique items found in the antiquated Portuguese kitchens. The kitchen felt enormous when the rooms were all rather small, but it must have taken an army to feed the tremendous parties which were no doubt held here.

Arches Yard

After exiting the interior, you have the chance to now tour the opposite side of the outside of the palace. Walk underneath Triton’s arch out to the  Arches Yard . This is where you’ll find the beautiful golden-yellow Moorish arches, which create a window onto the village of Sintra and across the countryside below.

There is nothing to compare this view to; it seems to go on and on forever on a clear day. From atop this peak, you can spy on all the rich estates below, one of which is actually owned by Madonna, the queen of pop herself! Sintra is still where the rich and famous come to escape the city and live in some of the most lavish properties in the world.

Convent of the Order of Christ

Take the chance to turn your eyes away from the incredible view and look toward one of the ornate windows on the main facade. This piece was inspired by the chapter house window in the  Convent of the Order of Christ  in Tomar. The window is surrounded by alchemical symbols, some of which seem to have a mystical aura. Much of Sintra’s more obscure lore lies in its prominence as a Masonic hub. The Convent of the Order of Christ was a 12th-century stronghold for the Knights Templar. Once its order was disbanded, it is said that the Masonic Temple was formed to continue its mission. It is rumoured that King Ferdinand was himself a grand master of the Masonic Order and, as such, influenced much of Sintra’s history as a Masonic centre of power.

Standing guard over the Arches Yard is the sizeable red clock tower atop the old monastery chapel. The chapel’s steeple is embellished with white and emerald green tiles, which beautifully contrast the red and yellow walls and the blue (or grey, in our case) sky.

The chapel remains unchanged from its 16th-century design. 22 monks would come to pray here during their time at the monastery. The walls are entirely covered in green and white polychrome tiles, which still shine inside the darkened chapel. In a small alcove are the ornate alabaster and black marble altar made by  Nicolau de Chanterene  in 1532. The expressions he managed to carve out of the solid marble defy earthly conventions making it feel all the more holy.

Opposite the altar is one of the few remaining original stained glass windows from the monastery. The coloured used within this design is so striking, and it’s hard to believe this piece is a few hundred years old. I loved how quiet it was inside the church; most people skipped it as they rushed in those group tours. But I was glad to have stopped inside as it was a wonderful moment to pause and reflect on the beauty around me.

The Wall Walk is just down the stairs from the chapel, a small passage leading you around the back of the palace. While the narrow walkway looks over a steep hillside, the brave will be rewarded with one of the most incredible views across Sintra. Standing on this side of the palace, you can see the Moorish Castle on the other side of the forest.

After touring the castle, the cafe on the terrace is a great spot to grab lunch. Although the restaurant here is rather expensive, the cafe is surprisingly cheap, with a selection of delicious Portuguese pastries, sandwiches and more. If you brought your lunch, this is also a good opportunity to break out the picnic. While there might be better places to eat in town, it would take ages to get there and back, so instead, enjoy the great atmosphere around you while enjoying a simple lunch.

Gardens of Pena Park

Follow the map at the bottom of this post to find the pathway through the  Gardens of Pena Park,  which will take us toward the Moorish Castle. The map they give you when you enter is really confusing, and honestly, as long you’re headed down, you’re probably on the right path. Just keep your eyes open for signs of Moorish Castle. The Gardens of Pena Park have dozens of hidden secrets you’ll stumble upon. Stone couches, glass-walled greenhouses, tiny Islamic gazebos, and dozens of flowers. Compared to the hundreds of people at the palace, these pathways around the gardens feel empty. We were often the only ones there, and despite the confusing map, we had a blast exploring and getting lost all along the way.

The gardens cover over 200 hectares of land around the castle. If you love hiking, you should definitely try to come out here and explore the entirety of the park. This could take you all day and is certainly not for those in a rush, but if you have the time to space, there are many amazing things to discover. We only saw a tiny part of the gardens, but even that was absolutely incredible.

Variety of Flora and Fauna

King Ferdinand wanted this garden to not only exemplify the beauty of Portugal but also plants and flowers from all over the world. You’ll spot everything from Magnolias, Japanese Cryptomeria, Chinese Ginko, American Sequoia, Cypress, Red Cedar, and tree ferns from New Zealand and Australia.

No matter what time of year you come, something is almost always blooming. Finding your way toward the exit can be challenging since the park was designed as a labyrinth. But as long as you’re headed toward the Pena Garden entrance, you’re on the right track!

Upon exiting the Gardens of Pena Park, walk about 10 minutes uphill toward the entrance to the  Moorish Castle . The Moorish Castle is a stark contrast to Pena Palace. There are no colours to be found here, only the natural grey of the rocks and bright greens of the forest around it. While the entrance to the castle is right off the side of the road, the journey towards the original entry is about a 15-minute walk from there. You’ll stroll along a rolling pathway leading you around the castle walls’ exterior. Look up as you examine the old stone walls above the steep hillside around you.

History of the Moorish Castle

The Moorish Castle is one of the oldest parts of Sintra. It was built in the 8th and 9th centuries by the Moors. The term “Moors” was a general term used to name the Muslim inhabitants of Portugal. They brought with them their rich architectural histories, which generations would continue to be inspired by. In 1147, the Christian forces of the  Reconquista  fought the Moorish people and took the castle for themselves. It was used for military defence during the 14th century. But eventually, it feels like ruins when it is no longer needed for security. Over the next few hundred years, it became almost completely abandoned. With earthquakes, fires and neglect, many thought the castle would be lost to the ages.

But when King Ferdinand II bought Pena Palace, he also took some interest in the Castle of the Moors. Ferdinand really did have a passion for history. He took it upon himself to start preserving the remains of the castle and rebuilding the portions beyond repair.

Moorish Chapel

Upon entering through the castle’s main gates, you’ll see one of Ferdinand’s new constructions, a small chapel. This chapel contains relics found on the site, some from the Neolithic area (5000 BC). Important artifacts from the 10th-12th century Islamic cultures have also been found and are now on display inside the chapel. Outside the chapel, you can see a glass cover atop the stones displaying replica bones from where bodies were discovered buried beneath the castle floor. The King pointedly collected the bones and placed them in a small tomb. A large stone marks the spot with an engraving which says, “ What man has joined only God will set apart. “

Upon entering through the  Curtain Wall , to the left of the archway is the site of the old stables. A newly built stylized wooden structure marks the spot where you can grab a hot drink on a cold day or a cold drink on a warm day. Either way, it’s a nice place to recharge to hike up the castle walls.

Phases of Construction

Take a closer look at the walls of the castle. See if you can make out the four distinct different layers of which they’re made up. Each one tells the story of the people who ruled over this structure. The first layer is made of granite blocks which rest on the bedrock over what was once an Islamic house and silos in the 12th century. The second phase was a reconstruction using ancient techniques made in the 12-13th century. The third phase was built in the 19th century when King Ferdinand took possession of the castle and helped with its restoration. The last stage was built in the 20th century when the building became a tourist destination run by the government. Steps were taken to ensure its safety and strength for future generations.

The large open courtyard is called the  Pracad de Armas , where the military garrison would gather in the 13th century. When it was remodelled by King Ferdinand later in the 19th century, it was made into a garden oasis space for contemplation. It is still a beautiful area for people to sit and enjoy the view if they cannot manage the hike up the walls.

Exploring the Ruins

We visited on an especially windy day. Despite this, we walked the entire way to the top of the walls for a spectacular panorama of Sintra and Pena Palace. Walking up these walls, you feel like an explorer discovering ancient ruins. When you finally make it to the top, the scene is stupendous. Pena Palace seems so far away; it was hard to imagine that you were standing on that yellow terrace only hours ago.

The walk down from the tower is much more leisurely. Although the landscape is the same going down as it was going up, somehow, it seems different, almost like getting another angle on the entire vista. It’s incredible to observe the lush bushes, trees and flowers that sprout from within the rocks themselves.

Next, it’s time to head over to the  Quinta da Regaleira . To get to this palace, you can summon an Uber from the Moorish Castle (be warned, this can take some time since the castle is located at the top of a one-way street, we had multiple Ubers cancel but eventually got one. It just takes some patience). The Ubers are extremely well priced at approximately 6-9 euros.

You can also take the bus 434 towards the  Palácio Nacional de Sintra  and then walk the rest of the way (approx. 13 mins). You can also take the tuk-tuks, which wait outside the Moorish Castle. This is probably the fastest option, they are always waiting there but their speed and availability come at a price (about 5 euros per person). If you’re in a rush, it’s a great option to get around if money isn’t a problem.

History of the Quinta da Regaleira

The Quinta da Regaleira was the summer palace of  António Augusto Carvalho Monteiro , or ‘ Monteiro the Millionaire’  as he was better known at the time. King Ferdinand made it popular to come and build spectacular palaces in Sintra, and Monteiro wanted in on the trend. So many rich aristocrats were building summer houses in Sintra, but Monteiro wanted his to be jaw-droppingly ornate. He wanted it to be even more fantastical than the King’s palace. Spread across the hillsides of Sintra, Monteiro created a veritable garden of Eden for himself and his family.

Luigi Manini

The palace was designed by the Italian architect  Luigi Manini .  Upon  his visit to the palace, Lord Byron called it “ a glorious Eden. ” poet  L.V. de Camões  wrote that it was “ an oasis where one could imagine that every pool and stream has nymphs in its waters .” Monteiro believed in primitivism, and as such, the layout of his gardens may have been carefully designed. But the plants were left to grow as they pleased, and in this wildness is where we find some of the most beautiful parts of the palace. The tree spread across the grounds seemed to almost camouflage the buildings below, swallowing them up whole beneath their lush green leaves. Only parts of the structures can be seen peeking out from beneath, giving visitors only clues about where to find those secrets.

Regaleira Chapel

Upon walking in, before visiting the main interior of the palace, first explore the grounds. Standing close to the entrance is the Regaleira Chapel. Its architecture is so similar to the palace’s that it almost looks like a minature version. Inside is a richly decorated interior, with stucco carved into elaborate shapes and decorations dripping off the ceiling. Delicate leaves seem to grow out of the walls, and it feels like if you could reach out and touch them, they would perhaps wilt under pressure. Frescoes depicting Teresa of Ávila and Saint Anthony are painted onto the walls and ceilings. At the same time, the windows are made of brilliant blue stained glass.

Free Masons

On the floor, the richly hued tiles form the shape of the armillary sphere of the Portuguese discoverers. This symbol you’ll more than likely have seen all across Lisbon. The armillary sphere is a model of constellations in the sky which was used to help the Portuguese navigate the globe. These scientific discoveries helped the Portuguese become wealthy explorers. As such, science was almost believed to be just as powerful as religion. And the Free Masons thought science was the guiding light in the world’s darkness. Around the sphere, you’ll see various pentagrams. The pentagram is a five-pointed star often associated with mysticism and the occult. Rumours abound of Monteiro’s association with the Knight Templar. He designed this entire palace as Masonic Temple, and symbolism from their order can be found all over if you know where to look.

God’s Promenade

Continue walking along the path towards the  Gods Promenade  and grotto. This little area features dozens of statues of classical gods hidden amongst the sweeping greenery. Among the flora, see if you can spot the many cedar and acacia trees which grow in the garden. These trees are of special importance as they were often associated with the Free Masons. Cedars are considered the symbol of eternity as these trees are some of the strongest and longest-living trees on earth. Cedar trees were thought the be what the Temple of Jerusalem and the Ark of the Covenant were made of. Acacia trees are evergreen and, as such, a symbol of the soul’s immortality.

You’ll find secret tunnels throughout the park, some of which have no artificial light, and you need to break out your iPhone flashlight to find your way. I kept wondering if, at one point, we would be turned away or be met with an “off-limits” sign, but that never happened. We were totally left to explore the park-like our own playground. These secret tunnels help lead you to the grounds of the palace. Walk down to the grotto and find your way through the tunnels up the hill, and you might find yourself standing at the bottom of the famed Initiation Well.

Initiation Wells

There are two  Initiation Wells  located on the property. Even though they are called ‘wells,’ they have never used a water source; their purpose is entirely ritualistic. It is thought that these wells were once more linked to the Knights Templar and mysticism and perhaps used in initiation ceremonial rites. Both of the wells contain a set of winding stairs. In many cultures, these winding stairs are thought to represent both life and rebirth.

The largest well contains nine platforms. These nine levels were thought to symbolize the nine sections of Purgatory and the nine circles of Hell from  Dante’s   Divine Comedy . At the bottom of the well, as both seen from above and below, is a large compass inlaid over a Knights Templar cross. With symbols like these, it’s hard to ignore all the rumours about the Masonic symbolism in the palace. The smaller well, named the ‘Unfinished Well’ is its walls are rougher and more naturalist, and it feels much more ominous to explore as it was created out of mother earth herself.

Portal of the Guardians

You’ll find the Portal of the Guardians in the centre of the upper portion of the grounds. This building is made of two towers connected by a central pavilion. In the centre are two angry lizards clamouring over a giant conch shell. Above are a series of fillagree above the archway carved into the shape of fish heads. Behind the entrance, you’ll find one of the hidden passageways into the Initiation Well.

You’ll find more mystical influences inside many of the little caves and grottos. Inside this cave, we found the image of the blazing star hanging above the centre of the room, suspiciously anchored to the ceiling with a pulley so the star could be lowered or raised. The blazing star is special for the Knight Templar as it represents man’s knowledge and how intelligence is the secret to bringing light into the darkness. The sun is often seen in areas where a ritual was practised, and it was especially ominous here in the echoing cavern, the eyes of the siren sitting above the fountain the only ones looking back at us.

Interior of the Palace

The final part of the grounds to explore is the palace’s interior. Auspicious gargoyles stare down at any visitors stepping inside, and the greying walls make the otherwise ubiquitous sandstone look very grim. The castle is covered in ornate capital and gothic pinnacles. A fantastical octagonal tower is atop the palace, like the topping to a wedding cake.

The first room is one of the most impressive. The dining room’s main feature is the incredible hunting scene carved into the stucco on the fireplace mantle. Atop the mantle is a statue of a woodsman. Across the room, beautiful hand-painted wallpapers depict more scenes of country life in Portugal. It’s both regal and quaint, all at once. The rest of the rooms are just as ornate, although the use of wood throughout keeps it feeling more like a lodge than a castle.

Village of Sintra

After touring all these famous castles and palaces, it’s finally time to head back into the town of Sintra and explore the tiny streets and hidden alleyways before heading home. You can easily walk from the Quinta da Regaleira into the main part of the village, and the walk is part of the fun! I was amazed at how, as the day wore on and the tourist began to journey back, the city started to open up and once more feel like just another quiet, little village.

There are so many charming cafes and shops in the main parts of town; each one is worth poking your head inside if something catches your eye. Their post office was one of my favourite random places. I stopped in awe at the beautiful tile work that continued throughout the little building.

Outside the  Palácio Nacional de Sintra  is a great place to take a seat and enjoy the view of the colourful houses stacked on top of each other and look up, way up, to see the walls and towers of the Moorish Castle high above you.

Dinner & Dessert

If you aren’t rushing to get home, it’s worth stopping for dinner in town at Tascantiga. This little cafe covered in red and white gingham table clothes serves traditional Portuguese tapas in a friendly environment where you feel like family the minute you walk in the door.

            View this post on Instagram                         A post shared by Eva D. (@ohh.eva) on Feb 23, 2017 at 6:07am PST

For dessert, you must head to the famous Casa Piriquita for the traditional Sintra pastry, Travesseiro de Sintra (or Sintra’s Pillows). These flaky rectangular desserts are stuffed with whipped egg custard and almonds and look like tiny, fluffy pillows. They are the perfect thing to grab and enjoy on your train ride back to the city.

            View this post on Instagram                         A post shared by Cléa Mendes (@cleam esquita) on May 18, 2019 at 4:41am PDT

Leaving Sintra

Sintra is incredible; many tourists flock here, but there’s a reason they do. If you come early, you’ll get ahead of the big groups. Whenever you feel like there’s too much of a crowd in one area, it’s usually pretty easy to just wander somewhere else and wait for those clusters to leave. I wish we had chosen to spend a night in town since I would have loved to walk the streets at night when almost all the day-trippers headed home, and you would have the city practically all to yourself. If that works for your schedule, I would definitely recommend doing that. But a whole day in Sintra still was plenty of time for us to see everything on our list at a gentle enough pace to soak it all in.

Have you been to Sintra, or are you planning a trip there? Let me know your favourite spots or any questions you have in the comments!

Happy Travel Adventurers!

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Great Article – thank you for sharing. Is there any chance we can walk from the Moorish Castle to Quinta da Regaleira? If so how long is it and is it hard or easy?

Ideally I would like to take a bus or Uber up to Peña Castle hike to Moorish Castle hike to Quinta Da Regaleira and hike back to town.

The Creative Adventurer

Hi Sonja, while the walk from Pena to the Moorish Castle is relatively short, the walk from Moorish to Quinta da Regaleira is a bit challenging, although not impossible. It’s called the Percurso de Seteais Trail. They rate the hiking trail as challenging, and it takes a minimum of 1 hour and 20-30 minutes (at a decent pace) to complete.

You can see a map of the walk here: https://bit.ly/3EKAMkj and another map here: https://www.parquesdesintra.pt/media/pspaaztf/brochura_percursos_pedestres.pdf

I’d instead recommend taking the bus up to Pena, hike to Moorish, and then hop on the #434 bus to go down to Sintra Vila (National Palace). From the National Palace, it’s only a 15 minutes walk to Quinta da Regaleira. And it’s a lovely walk through the little town. Hope this helps!

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A Self-Guided Sintra Day Trip: Hiking to Sintra’s Palaces

Sintra is a beautiful place to hike, but we found Sintra hiking trail information was hard to find for independent travelers. Tour websites were steering people to the tour bus circuit and we had to do a lot of online research to find any sort of trail maps or clear hiking directions.

After visiting Sintra with a We Hate Tourism tour, we really wanted to see more. So we decided to do a day trip to Sintra on our own , taking the train from Lisbon one weekday morning in early November and walking to the various palaces.

Updated: January 2024. Originally published: Dec 2017.

In this post, I’ll share what we did and what we learned along the way so other independent travelers can have an easier time visiting Sintra on their own. We’ll include self-guided hiking options as well as some alternatives.

What travel restrictions and rules are in place in Lisbon? Find post-pandemic travel updates for Lisbon here: What you need to know about Lisbon travel right now

Sintra Trail Maps

Hiking trail maps for Sintra are hard to find online. (Update: You can now download a few trail maps here , although they’re not as easy to follow as the ones posted on site.)

Once we were in Sintra, we did come across some trail maps posted at the Moorish Castle and Pena Palace, which would have been nice to have beforehand, although the trail we initially took is not included on either.

Here are both Sintra walking maps (note that in the second map, the town at the bottom is actually North of the castle):  

How to get to Sintra from Lisbon by train

Conveniently, there’s a direct regional train to Sintra that leaves from Rossio station in the heart of Lisbon. You can purchase tickets at the counter on the top floor for “urban” lines.

At the time of this writing, reusable cards are 50 euro cents and a round trip to Sintra is 4.60 euros.

If you already have a reusable Viva Viagem card (also used for the bus, trams, and metro), make sure you’ve used up any single journey tickets or other credit. You can only have one “type” of ticket on the card at a time.

We arrived to Rossio around 7:20 a.m., and there was only one person in line at the ticket counter (this is early November). The train was waiting for us and left at 7:41 on the dot, mostly empty.

There’s nothing spectacular to see on 40 minute journey except Lisbon’s aqueduct at the beginning, then it’s just suburbs and graffiti’d train stations.

We arrived in Sintra around 8:20 with the train almost empty again. In retrospect, it would have better to take the 8:11 a.m. train since few things are open in Sintra before 9 a.m.!

Click here for the Lisbon to Sintra train timetable PDF – the Rossio to Sintra line is in red.

Walking up to Sintra’s historic center

Exiting the train station, we followed signs to the town center. There’s a nice wide sidewalk and a pretty setting with statues along the way.

Be aware that Google Maps may show you a shorter walking route from the train station, but the main road is actually preferable and there’s less elevation change.

Since we arrived before 8:30, only one cafe was open, across from National Palace . The town was just starting to wake up and no tour buses were present yet.

We waited with a handful of others for the historic Piriquita bakery to open at 9, with the delicious scent of pastries wafting into the street.

I can’t remember the name of the long sugar-covered pastries with jam filling, but they’re our favorite. We ordered two of those plus one quiejada , an espresso, and a coffee with milk (5.80 total).

The bakery was founded well over a century ago and has even opened a second shop in town – one is closed on Tuesday and the other closes Wednesdays.

For anyone looking to hike straight up to the Moorish Castle, there’s a trail sign across from Piriquita on the corner of another shop. (This is actually the way we came back down.) The sign mentions that corresponding walking maps are available at the Sintra info center.

Not sure you want to hike Sintra on your own? You can also do a half-day trekking tour of Sintra with a guide.  You’ll meet the guide at the National Palace in Sintra, so just follow our directions up to this point. Morning and afternoon walking tours are available. >> Book the Sintra Half-Day Trekking Tour <<

Walking to Regaleira Palace

Freshly fortified by pastries, we started the short walk to Regaleira Palace . There was a sign on the road leading out of town from the southwest so we knew we were headed the right way.

We also came across the hop-on hop-off bus circuit map. If you don’t want to walk, that’s always an option.  Purchase full day Hop On Hop Off bus tickets here > 

When the road started heading uphill, we began to see the palace grounds. We continued walking all the way around the corner to the open gate.

At 9:35 a.m., the grounds had just opened. There was no line for Quinta da Regaleira tickets and just a slow trickle of people entering.

We enjoyed exploring the grounds without crowds, starting with the mysterious Initiation Well. We followed various underground tunnels, found curious rock structures and caves, and were generally in awe of the eccentric landscape architecture.

I’ll let the photos speak for themselves…

We entered the actual palace building at 10:45 a.m. The top floor wasn’t open so we walked through in about 5 minutes. Ready to move on, we took advantage of the bathrooms in another building before heading out for the rest of our hike.

Monserrate Palace

Note: If you have time and want to visit more palaces, I’d recommend starting with Monserrate first . 

We saw it on our first visit to Sintra. It’s really beautiful – especially the mansion itself. The gardens are also lovely but they pale in comparison to those of Regaleira, so do Monserrate first and you’ll be increasingly impressed!

Monserrate is further up the road from Regaleira and is almost always less crowded.

If you don’t have enough time for both, prioritize Regaleira over Monserrate when possible.  

Rampa da Pena Trail from Regaleira

We got confirmation from a security guard that there was indeed a trail entrance further up the road, though we got the impression he was rarely asked about it. So we followed signs to Monserrate and before too long, we saw the trail and sign on the left.

We entered the trail around 11 a.m., which was walled on both sides the entire way until it put us back out onto the winding road heading up to Pena Palace.  

We noticed that a tuk tuk driver was guiding some tourists through a gate across the road, so we followed them in to check it out.

It was the perfect place for our picnic lunch. We sat on some rock outcroppings and had views of both Pena Palace and the Moorish Castle perched on their respective hills.  

Although it wasn’t marked, we suspected that the hiking trail is actually supposed to continue through that same gate, as there was a pretty prominent dirt path leading in the direction of Pena Palace (though slightly downhill).

Since we weren’t sure, we returned to the road and followed it up to the Pena entrance.

Pena Palace and the Moorish Castle

Not including our lunch break, it took us less than an hour to hike from Regaleira to the top of the hill .

We first came upon one of the entrance areas and a parking lot for Pena Palace , where we could see part of the gardens through the gate.

It’s still a big climb uphill from the ticket booth to reach the palace itself, and we hear the lines can get long, so a visit to Pena could potentially take up the rest of the afternoon. We decided to skip it.

If you want to avoid the very long lines at Pena Palace , it makes sense to book in advance. Book a Pena Palace and Park Skip-the-Line Ticket >

From the Pena parking lot, there was a nice dirt path that became cobble stone after we passed a viewpoint of the Moorish Castle.

Soon, we were approaching a ticket booth for the Moorish Castle on the nearby road, but we turned left and continued along the stone paths toward the castle.

Tickets for the Moorish Castle are collected at the ‘inner circle wall’ so you can see a bit of the outer grounds without paying.

Book Castle of the Moors private tour here>

I recommend checking out the nice short video inside the chapel that depicts the area’s history. Between the chapel and the inner wall/ticket entrance, you can also look into two old burial grounds.

From the Moorish Castle, there’s a cobbled pathway and stairs leading down to the road back into town. I believe there are a couple ways down, so we just followed the signs to Centro Historico and enjoyed the nice views.

We came down this stairway – the path from Sintra to the Moorish Castle is well marked so it should be easy to follow if you’re doing the reverse of our trip. (Apologies to the tourists we caught in our pictures!)

We left the Moorish castle around 12:10 and were back at the train station by 12:45 p.m, just in time for the 1 o’clock train back to Lisbon. There was a marked difference when we passed through Sintra’s town center on the way back – it was no longer quiet, and we had to dodge people in the alleys.

All in all, our self-guided Sintra day trip was a success. We loved exploring Sintra’s serene hiking trails and spending more time around in its magical palaces.

Each visit has left us wanting to go back for more – as long as we can stay off the beaten path and avoid the growing crowds of tourists!

If you have any questions about making a day trip to Sintra from Lisbon or about hikes in Sintra, please let us know in the comments. If you’re an expert in this area, we’d love to hear your advice and suggestions for the best walks in Portugal!

✈️ Protect your Sintra trip with Travel Insurance – We’ve started using Nomad Insurance by Safety Wing for affordable evacuation, international medical, and trip coverage.

For further reading:

– Self-Guided Walking Tour Itineraries for 3 Days in Lisbon – What Not to Miss in Lisbon (On A Budget) – Is the Lisbon Card worth it? – Where to stay in Lisbon

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22 Comments

Thanks for your post. Yesterday we found a footpath up near the Igreja de Santa Maria. And there is a coffee shop open at 7 am. It’s on the road which is next to the Municipal building which turns right downhill that google maps tells you to go, and if you turn left you are on flat sidewalk next to road.

Thanks for writing in and adding this great tip!

What is the name and location of this cafe?

Thanks for visiting our blog, Craig. I believe you are referring to the Piriquita Bakery, which we have linked to their webpage in the post so you can find more information. It seems there are actually two locations, and you can find the map on their Contact page: https://piriquita.pt/pages/contactos

The trail maps are not hard to find, but maybe they were not available when you visited back in 2017. You can download a detailed pdf guide to the trails on the Parques de Sintra website. The guide includes the Santa Maria trail, the Lapa Trail and the Seteais trail. The page is: https://www.parquesdesintra.pt/en *UPDATE: PAGE NO LONGER EXISTS* The link to the pdf is at the bottom of this page. We will be visiting Sintra soon and found your article to be very helpful

Thank you, Jack. I have updated our post with that link. The online maps don’t seem quite as easy to follow as the ones we came across on site, but at least it’s something!

Those are really great pictures of some pieces of history, it’s weird to think how many used to call those home.

Hi, thanks for the great info on hiking. On the trail down from Moorish Castle back to Sintra, do you pass by Vila Sassetti? Also, is there a trail to Monserrate? The road from Sintra doesn’t appear to have a sidewalk. Thanks

Hi Pete. Glad to hear you’ve found the info helpful. We were only able to record details about the hike we did ourselves, but we did capture those photos of the trail maps so hopefully they can be used to find other options. I think you’re right about the road to Monserrate not having a sidewalk, though I think you could walk it just fine if you’re cautious and alert to vehicles around the curves.

Hi Michelle

Thanks very much for all the detail, that’s really helpful.

I am planning for our Sintra trip one day early in November, as you suggested we will take the 8:11am train from Rossio and just arrive before 9am.

What I propose is on the opposite direction with you did: take the bus to the Pena, stay for ~1.5 hours and then walk to the Castle, after that I want to take the Rampa da Pena Trail to the Regaleira. Below is some question may you can help:

– Is there a clear sign on the way out of the Castle point to the trail to Regaleira?

– Is the trail safe and difficult? and any high slope? as we have two female cousin coming with us, they are not quite strong.

– For the Pena-Castle-Regaleira-National Palace, if we are not in a hurry do you think we can leave by 4pm?

Thanks in advance and really appreciate for the info.

Hi Li. So glad you found our post to be helpful! I think that route sounds like a great plan. The trail is not difficult or very steep, and the way you are doing it will be mostly downhill. I do not think you’ll be able to depart by 4pm if you want to go *inside* all of the castles – I would recommend viewing the Moorish Castle and National Palace from the outside only so that you can take your time. As for getting from the Moorish Castle down to Regaleira, honestly the signage could be better. From the castle grounds, you’ll actually head back toward Pena palace and you should find a trail map in the parking lot below Pena (the second map on this post, titled Percurso Pedestre at the top). You can either find the trail from the same parking lot, or follow the road as it winds down toward Regaleira/Monserrate and connects up with trail further down. I hope that helps and please let us know how it goes!

Hello, thank you so much for the information! My husband and I will be in Portugal in October and I’ve been looking for info like you’ve provided….so I’ve looked into the Lisbon city pass options just to see if it’s worth it to see more in the buildings in Sintra…how much did it cost for you to go in Regaleira? And which location is the famous descending stairwell, and is it free to walk through there? Thank you so much in advance! I greatly appreciate the info!

Hi Schylo. I’m glad you found our post helpful – that’s our aim. Up to date costs can be found through the link we included for Regaleira in the post. At the moment, cost for adults is 6 euros. The stairwell/well is on the Regaleira grounds, so you’d need to pay that entrance fee to see it. Happy travels.

hi! We are traveling tot lisbon next week and we are still not sure about wich sintra castle we want to visit. What about the coloured one? We do love this alternative option, before its get crowded!

Hi Joyce. Thanks for stopping by the blog! The colorful castle you’re referring to is Pena Palace. We didn’t go inside that one ourselves. Obviously, it’s the most popular for a reason – great views, beautiful colors. But we don’t regret our decision to do Quinta da Regaleira instead. Not only are the grounds fascinating to explore and just as photo-worthy, it will likely be less crowded. To be honest, you can’t go wrong. Choose one and enjoy it for what it is!

We will be in Lisbon mid September live to do some hiking .thank you for all information Did you do porto too From madrid planning to do Porto/lisbon /sintra and will walk all the way down to the south of Lisbon Or should I get from madrid-lisbon and do Porto/sintra ???? Thank you

Hi Helen. Thanks for your message. We did not make it to Porto, although we’ve heard great things. If you’re planning to go from North to South, then starting in Porto certainly makes sense. I think it just depends on your preferences and transportation costs from Madrid. Enjoy the trip!

I’ll be in Sintra in just under 2 weeks. These pictures were amazing and the information was super helpful. I can’t wait to explore!

Hi Erin. Glad to hear the post was helpful. Have a wonderful trip!

Hi there – how long do you think it will take to do train station –> Regaleira –> Moorish castle / pena palace –> train station, all walking? I’d much prefer waking / hiking over waiting for buses, but slightly concerned about time.

Hi Yali. Since we left at 7:20 and got back around 2pm without doing a second palace, I would just add another 2-3 hours per palace to our timeline. If you were to do Regaleira, the Moorish Castle, AND Pena Palace, you may be getting back after dark, especially if the line for Pena is long. If that’s the case, I would prioritize Regaleira and Pena, just walk past Moorish Castle on your way back to town.

This looks amazing! Love your photos! Thanks for the info!

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THE 10 BEST Sintra Self-Guided Tours

Self-guided tours & rentals in sintra.

• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Walking Tours
• Self-Guided Tours & Rentals
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Self-Drive Tour in Sintra - All The Monuments & Coast

2. Self Guided Ebike Tour in Sintra

3. E-Bike Rental Self Guide Tour in Sintra and Cabo da Roca

4. Self-Drive Tour in Sintra - Pena Palace & Moorish Castle

5. E-Car Self Guide Tour Quinta da Regaleira / Palacio de Monserrate/ Cabo da Roca

6. Self-Drive Tour in Sintra - All The Monuments

7. Self-Drive Tour - Quinta da Regaleira & Monserrate

8. Full-Day E-Scooter Rental in Sintra

9. Treasure Hunt and Walking Tour in Sintra

10. Unique and unforgettable experience in Sintra

11. Half Day FatTire Ebike Rental in Sintra

12. Experience Sintra, Nature, and Monuments in E-car

13. Sintra Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour

14. Sintra: Self Guided Scavenger Hunt

15. Sintra Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour

Keep the fun going with other experiences in the area.

Belém and Jerónimos Monastery Guided Small Group Walking Tour

90min Amphibious Sightseeing Tour in Lisbon

Lisbon Bike Tour: Downtown Lisbon to Belém

Lisbon Sunset Catamaran Cruise on the Tagus River

Lisbon: Tour of Fátima, Batalha, Nazaré & Óbidos

Dolphin Watching in Lisbon

Tomar, Almourol and Knights Templar

Évora, medieval village Monsaraz & Wine Tasting

Lisbon Private Sailing Cruise, drink included (options: 2h, 3h, 4h, 6h or 8h)

Central Lisbon E-Bike Tour

Night Boat Tour on the Tagus River

Cascais Private Sailing 2h Cruise with a drink

Discover Arrábida: The Secret Paradise

Discover Lisbon: Tagus River Sailing Tour at Sunset

Highlights & Culinary Kickstart of Ericeira Private Tour

What travelers are saying.

• Treasure Hunt and Walking Tour in Sintra
• Self-Drive Tour in Sintra - All The Monuments & Coast
• E-Bike Rental Self Guide Tour in Sintra and Cabo da Roca
• Self Guided Ebike Tour in Sintra
• E-Car Self Guide Tour Quinta da Regaleira / Palacio de Monserrate/ Cabo da Roca
• Villa Tours
• Go2Cintra Tours
• Sintra Welcome Centre
• SintraXperience

THE 10 BEST Sintra Self-Guided Tours

Self-guided tours & rentals in sintra.

• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Walking Tours
• Self-Guided Tours & Rentals
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Self-Drive Tour in Sintra - All The Monuments & Coast

2. Self Guided Ebike Tour in Sintra

3. E-Bike Rental Self Guide Tour in Sintra and Cabo da Roca

4. Self-Drive Tour in Sintra - Pena Palace & Moorish Castle

5. E-Car Self Guide Tour Quinta da Regaleira / Palacio de Monserrate/ Cabo da Roca

6. Self-Drive Tour in Sintra - All The Monuments

7. Self-Drive Tour - Quinta da Regaleira & Monserrate

8. Full-Day E-Scooter Rental in Sintra

9. Unique and unforgettable experience in Sintra

10. Treasure Hunt and Walking Tour in Sintra

11. Half Day FatTire Ebike Rental in Sintra

12. Experience Sintra, Nature, and Monuments in E-car

13. Sintra Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour

14. Sintra: Self Guided Scavenger Hunt

15. Sintra Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour

Keep the fun going with other experiences in the area.

Belém and Jerónimos Monastery Guided Small Group Walking Tour

90min Amphibious Sightseeing Tour in Lisbon

Lisbon Bike Tour: Downtown Lisbon to Belém

Lisbon Sunset Catamaran Cruise on the Tagus River

Lisbon: Tour of Fátima, Batalha, Nazaré & Óbidos

Dolphin Watching in Lisbon

Tomar, Almourol and Knights Templar

Évora, medieval village Monsaraz & Wine Tasting

Lisbon Private Sailing Cruise, drink included (options: 2h, 3h, 4h, 6h or 8h)

Central Lisbon E-Bike Tour

Night Boat Tour on the Tagus River

Cascais Private Sailing 2h Cruise with a drink

Discover Arrábida: The Secret Paradise

Discover Lisbon: Tagus River Sailing Tour at Sunset

Highlights & Culinary Kickstart of Ericeira Private Tour

What travellers are saying.

• Treasure Hunt and Walking Tour in Sintra
• Self-Drive Tour in Sintra - All The Monuments & Coast
• E-Bike Rental Self Guide Tour in Sintra and Cabo da Roca
• Self Guided Ebike Tour in Sintra
• E-Car Self Guide Tour Quinta da Regaleira / Palacio de Monserrate/ Cabo da Roca
• Villa Tours
• Go2Cintra Tours
• Sintra Welcome Centre
• SintraXperience

The Backpacker Mom

🍷Sipping Our Way Around the Globe – Join the Toasted Travels! 💫

How to Enjoy a Self-Guided Walking Tour of Sintra Portugal

Sintra, is known for its beautiful landscapes, historic sites, and enchanting palaces. A walking tour of Sintra Portugal allows you to explore the town’s highlights and immerse yourself in its rich history and natural beauty. Here’s a suggested walking tour itinerary for Sintra:

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Table of contents, start at sintra’s historic center.

Begin your walking tour at the heart of Sintra, where you’ll find the town’s charming narrow streets and traditional Portuguese architecture. Take some time to explore the local shops, cafes, and restaurants. Though the hills are still something to consider if traveling with a stroller or small children on foot, the tucked away shops and pastry shops are worth exploring vertically. The historic center of Sintra is a UNESCO World Heritage site, filled with charming streets, traditional shops, and impressive architecture. Take your time to stroll around and soak up the atmosphere.

National Palace of Sintra

Head to the National Palace of Sintra, also known as Palácio Nacional de Sintra. This iconic palace is characterized by its distinctive twin chimneys and Moorish influences. Take a guided tour inside to discover its stunning interiors, including the famous Swan Room. Here are some tips to make your visit extraordinary:

Plan ahead: Before heading to the palace, check the opening hours and purchase your tickets online if possible. This will save you time and ensure you don’t miss out on this magnificent experience.

Arrive early: Beat the crowds and be one of the first to step into this fairytale-like palace. Trust me, it’s worth waking up a little earlier to have the place (almost) all to yourself!

Marvel at the architecture: Once inside, prepare to be amazed by the rich architectural details and historical significance of this place. Take your time to admire the intricate tile work, stunning ceilings, and grand rooms.

Don’t miss the Swan Room: Keep an eye out for the infamous Swan Room, also known as Sala dos Cisnes. It’s adorned with beautiful ceiling paintings featuring, you guessed it, elegant swans!

Climb the Royal Tower : For a panoramic view of Sintra, make your way up the Royal Tower. Trust me, the climb might be a bit of a workout, but the view from up there is absolutely breathtaking!

Explore the Historic Center: After your palace adventure, take a stroll through the charming streets of Sintra’s Historic Center. Indulge in local delicacies, browse unique shops, and soak up the enchanting atmosphere.

Remember to bring your camera to capture every magical moment. ✨ And most importantly, let yourself be swept away by the beauty and history that surrounds you at Palácio Nacional de Sintra. Enjoy every second of your incredible journey!

Quinta da Regaleira

Walk to Quinta da Regaleira, a magical estate with lush gardens, grottoes, and underground tunnels. This UNESCO World Heritage site is known for its enchanting Initiation Well, a spiral staircase that leads to mysterious underground chambers.

Moorish Castle

From Pena Palace, take a short walk to the nearby Moorish Castle (Castelo dos Mouros). You’re gonna love the Moorish Castle in Sintra! It’s like stepping into a fairytale! Here are my top tips to make the most of your visit:

Wear comfy shoes : Trust me, you’re gonna be doing a lot of walking and climbing those stone steps. It’s totally worth it though! The views from the top are to die for!

Make sure to bring your camera or phone because you’re gonna want to capture every single angle of this majestic castle. This place is an Instagrammer’s dream, let me tell you!

Don’t forget to pack some water and snacks . Exploring ancient ruins can work up an appetite! Plus, having a little picnic with your friends while enjoying the breathtaking landscape around the castle is the ultimate mood.

Get there early in the morning to beat the crowds! Trust me, you’ll have way more space to wander around and get those perfect shots without having to Photoshop out a bunch of tourists.

Finally, take your time and soak it all in. The Moorish Castle is not just a sight to see, it’s an experience. Imagine the stories of knights and princesses that happened within those walls! Let your imagination run wild and create your own fairytale moment. 🧚‍♀️👑

Old Town Wall and Santa Maria Church

Descend from the castle and make your way to the Old Town Wall. Stroll along the remaining sections of the medieval wall and admire the views. Nearby, you’ll find the historic Santa Maria Church, an impressive Gothic church dating back to the 12th century.

São Martinho Church

Conclude your walking tour with a visit to São Martinho Church, a beautiful 12th-century Romanesque church. Admire its intricate stonework and serene atmosphere.

Take a guided tour : Hiring a local guide can enhance your visit by providing historical context and interesting anecdotes about the church. They can point out architectural details and share fascinating stories about the church’s significance in Sintra.

Appreciate the architecture : São Martinho Church showcases a mix of architectural styles, including Gothic, Manueline, and Moorish influences. Take your time to admire the beautiful details both on the exterior and interior of the church.

Attend a religious service : If you are interested in experiencing the spiritual aspect of São Martinho Church, consider attending a Mass or religious service. This will allow you to witness the church in use and observe local worship practices.

Remember to wear comfortable shoes and plan for enough time to explore each site fully. Additionally, check the opening hours and ticket availability in advance, as some attractions might require pre-booking. Enjoy your walking tour of Sintra!

For more blogs about Sintra – click here ! Moving on from Sintra up to Porto? Check this out

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Home » Travel » Destinations » 1 Day Sintra Itinerary: A Super Efficient Guide

1 Day Sintra Itinerary: A Super Efficient Guide

Nestled in the scenic central mountains of Portugal, Sintra is unlike any other town I’ve visited. Taking a day trip to Sintra is like visiting a theme park for architecture lovers. From the rainbow towers of Pena Palace to the Gothic mansion of Quinta da Regaleira, this 1 day Sintra itinerary covers the area’s highlights as efficiently as possible.

Sintra is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most popular attractions in Portugal. Every year, millions of visitors flock to the former residences of the rich and royal families.

Unfortunately, the area’s old and winding roads weren’t built to handle the mass tourism we see today. Between the one-way streets and constant traffic jams, driving in Sintra can get frustrating quickly.

When you only have a day in Sintra, you don’t want to waste precious time stuck inside an Uber!

I truly believe the best way to see Sintra is on foot. And that’s why I designed this itinerary as a Sintra walking tour.

You’ll start at the colorful Pena Palace, the highest point in town. From there, you’ll work your way down to the Castle of the Moors, a.k.a. the great wall of Portugal.

After another downhill hike to the town center, you’ll have lunch and check out the dual-coned National Palace. And finally, the day trip ends at the mysterious grounds of Quinta do Regaleira.

Now I’ll be honest: this is a pretty ambitious itinerary. But I’ll share a few tips and tricks along the way to make things easier on your legs (did I mention Sintra was on a mountain?). You could start by doing some squats while you read this Sintra guide!

This post contains affiliate links. For more information, click here .

Sintra Day Trip Guide

• Pena Palace
• Castle of the Moors
• Lunch in Sintra Town Center
• Sintra National Palace
• Quinta da Regaleira

Map of Sintra Walking Tour

Tips for taking a sintra day trip, guided day trip tours of sintra, where to go after this 1 day sintra itinerary, 1 day sintra itinerary, 9:15am: arrive at pena palace.

Of all the places to visit in Sintra, Pena Palace is the most popular. And that’s why I recommend you arrive 15 minutes before the 9:30am opening time.

If you’re coming from the train station, you’ll definitely want to take an Uber up here . Otherwise it’s a 45 minute uphill walk, and that’s not the best way to start your day in Sintra!

Fortunately, Uber is quite affordable in Portugal, and the ride should only cost you about 7 euros.

Before you can even get into the queue for the palace grounds, you need an entry ticket. When we arrived on a weekday during the off-season, there were already dozens of people waiting in the ticket line.

To save yourself the time and hassle of waiting in this line, you should buy your tickets online in advance. It was so convenient to walk right into the entrance queue and show our tickets on my phone.

Buy your skip-the-line tickets for Pena Palace here!

There are two separate tickets for Pena. One grants you access to the gardens and terraces, while the other includes access to the state rooms.

I definitely recommend the full ticket. The state rooms were beautifully decorated and had some amazing views through the windows. You’ll also get access to the stunning multi-floor inner courtyards.

9:30-11:15am: Explore Pena Palace

Photos cannot do Pena Palace justice. The whole experience of exploring the grounds, turrets, and balconies was wondrous and a bit surreal.

Given its vibrant primary color palette, you’d be surprised to learn that it started out as a monastery from the Middle Ages.

In the 1800s, King Ferdinand greatly expanded the existing structure into a summer palace for the royal family. When the Portuguese monarchy was deposed in 1910, the site became a national monument and museum.

After passing through the entrance gate, you’ll start out in the gardens beneath the palace. You can enjoy the lovely trees and flowers here as you wind your way up to the terrace.

Once you’re inside the palace walls, it’s hard to know where to look. The colors, details, and archways all demand your attention at once.

But don’t get overwhelmed, because you need to make an important decision at this point: explore the exterior or head straight for the state rooms.

As you can probably tell from the lack of people in my photos, I chose to explore the towers and terraces first. I wanted to get as many photos of this extraordinary place as possible before the crowds swelled.

However, you could certainly go into the state rooms first and have them mostly to yourself.

My favorite spot in Pena Palace was the rear area, which had a clock tower and a massive wall of blue tiles.

This area also has stunning views over the town below. Photographing this area was a major highlight of my Sintra day trip.

The state rooms are elegant and full of surprises. Be sure to look out the sitting room windows for a view of the Castle of the Moors!

You might have noticed that Pena Palace is surrounded by a massive park, which has everything from a swan-filled pond to a charming chalet house.

Unfortunately. with a 1 day Sintra itinerary, time is very limited. Unless you speed through the palace, you won’t have much time (if any) to properly explore the gardens.

11:15am: Walk to Castle of the Moors

Luckily, the walk from Pena Palace to the Castle of the Moors is quick and easy. Just head back to the main entrance and follow the Estrada da Pena north. There will be signs pointing to the Moorish Castle along the way.

Eventually you’ll see the brown ticket building on your right. Just like Pena Palace, it’s much faster to buy your ticket online in advance.

Buy your skip-the-line tickets for the Castle of the Moors here!

From here, it’s a short but steep walk up to the castle.

11:30am-12:30pm: Explore the Castle of the Moors

Don’t let the name fool you. The Moorish Castle is more akin to the Great Wall of China than a typical European home for medieval royalty. But that doesn’t make it any less epic.

I think the Castle of the Moors is one of Sintra’s most impressive sites. Originally constructed in the 8th century, the site was rebuilt several times, which is why you can still walk the walls without them crumbling beneath your feet.

Once you pass through the ticket gate, you’ll see a lovely little garden with stone steps leading upwards. After a few minutes of steep climbing, you’ll reach the walls.

From up here, you can reach multiple overlook towers with views all the way to the ocean. The walls leading towards the castle ruins do get narrow at times, so take care when passing others.

Fortunately, the intense climb to the highest tower is wide enough that you don’t need to feel guilty when stopping to catch your breath!

If you’re visiting Sintra in the summer, you’ll want plenty of water and maybe a hat to keep the sun off your head. There’s absolutely no shade up on the walls, and I could feel my scalp starting to burn where my hair was parted.

Save me for later!

12:30-2pm: Travel to Sintra town center and eat lunch

I know I said this was a Sintra walking tour. But you do have four choices for going from the Moorish Castle to the town center: bus, Tuk Tuk, Uber, and walking. Each of these options takes roughly 30 minutes, though the vehicle routes will be faster in the off season.

• Bus 434 runs from the castle to Sintra train station. You can buy a single ticket from the driver for 4 euros.
• There will be Tuk Tuks waiting outside the castle exit that can take you to the town center for about 5 euros per person.
• An Uber from the castle to the town will cost about 7 euros. However, it could take a long time for one to arrive depending on traffic.
• There’s a nice, shaded walking path that runs from the castle exit path to the town centre. Look for signs that point to the Sintra Centro Historico.

After a long morning of hiking, we were famished. There are plenty of lunch restaurants in Sintra, but I can personally recommend Sopa d’Avó.

For 9 euros per person, we had a veritable feast of traditional Portuguese food. And the English-speaking staff meant I didn’t have to struggle with Portuguese after a tiring morning.

2:15-3:45pm: Visit the National Palace

My biggest regret about our day trip to Sintra was missing the National Palace. I was looking forward to seeing the famous azulejo tile salon, and the beautifully painted Swan Room.

Unfortunately, we couldn’t make it happen due to personal circumstances. So you’ll just need to enjoy it for the both of us!

Next to Pena Palace, the National Palace of Sintra is the most frequently visited site in town. Thus, you should absolutely get your tickets online in advance.

Buy your skip-the-line tickets for the Sintra National Palace here!

Although I didn’t explore the palace, my fellow travel blogging friends recommend spending an hour to 90 minutes here.

3:45-4pm: Walk to Quinta da Regaleira

Good news: the last stop on this Sintra day trip is only 15 minutes away from the National Palace! Simply exit the palace and head southwest on the main road (N375). Follow the road as it curves north, and you’ll eventually see the ticket entrance for Quinta da Regaleira.

The queue to enter depends heavily on the day of the week and time of year. Because it’s so late in the day, you probably won’t have any trouble buying a same-day ticket on a weekday in the off season. When we arrived around 3pm, we only waited in line for about 5 minutes.

Based on what other travelers have told me, however, the lines can be long even in the late afternoon. So I recommend buying a skip-the-line ticket in advance, especially if you’re visiting Friday-Sunday or any time May-September.

Buy your skip-the-line tickets for Quinta da Regaleira here!

4-5pm: Explore Quinta da Regaleira

If you’re a fan of Indiana Jones, Uncharted, or Tomb Raider, you’ll love Quinta da Regaleira. Exploring the grounds made me feel like a modern day adventurer.

There are overgrown gardens, Gothic buildings rising from the trees, damp caves, and even a spooky well that spirals deep into the ground. I half-expected to see Lara Croft or Nathan Drake sneaking around the place…

Although Quinta da Regaleira looks like a mystical old ruin, it was actually designed in the 1900s. When you combine this with Pena Palace and the Castle of the Moors, you can see why I compare Sintra to a theme park!

Your tickets come with a map, and you’ll find multiple signs pointing to the major highlights.

We worked our way to the Initiation Well first, explored the grounds, and wrapped up at the gorgeous Gothic mansion. Frankly, I can’t think of a better way to round out your 1 day Sintra itinerary!

Part of the magic of Quinta da Regaleira lies in discovering it as you explore. I don’t want to ruin the surprises here, so I’ll let these photos be the teasers.

Because of the site’s unique history, architecture, and hidden secrets, it’s definitely worth booking a live guided tour to get the full experience.

Click here to access the full interactive map!

• The best day to visit Sintra would be either Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday. This will help you avoid the Lisbon cruise ship tourists and the locals who visit as part of a long weekend.
• Bring good walking shoes, especially if you’re doing the hike from Castle of the Moors to Sintra town center.
• A water bottle is a must. There are several public fountains where you can refill.
• If you’re visiting Sintra in the fall or spring, you should layer up. Temperatures can change dramatically based on the time of day and your elevation.
• You might not have great cell reception in Sintra, so keep that in mind if you’re planning to take an Uber.

Taking a Sintra day trip from Lisbon

Getting to Sintra from Lisbon is very straightforward. You can catch a direct train from Lisbon to Sintra at Rossio Station. There are three trains departing every hour, and the journey takes about 40 minutes.

Note that you can’t book advance tickets on this line, so you’ll need to buy them at the station.

For this one day in Sintra itinerary, you’ll want to take an Uber or Tuk Tuk from Sintra train station to Pena Palace.

Taking a Sintra day trip from Cascais

Getting to Sintra from Cascais is quick and easy by car. Taking an Uber only cost us $15 and took 35 minutes. Although we use public transit 90% of the time, it just didn’t make sense in this case.

If navigating a mountain town in a foreign country isn’t your thing, no worries! You can book a guided tour with a local expert for a surprisingly affordable price.

• Cascais: This charming beach town is only 30 minutes away from Sintra. Discover what to do in Cascais with my detailed guide!
• Lisbon: A short train ride will take you to the capital city, where you can spend a few days in Lisbon enjoying incredible architecture and vibrant culture.
• Porto: Head north and spend 2 days in Porto exploring the colorful Ribeira and eating the best food in Portugal.

19 thoughts on “1 Day Sintra Itinerary: A Super Efficient Guide”

This was very valuable Thank you

Thanks Ian, glad you found it useful!

Really nice content… made my trip easy and saved time on research! Thanks.

Thank you for this post! We will be here in January and will follow your guide. It’s exactly what we need.

We’re hoping to go soon, this will be super helpful, thanks! 🙂

Thank you very much for this itinerary! Next week we are visiting Lisbon and planning to visit Sintra as well. Your guide will be very helpful!

Lucky me, I’m staying in Sintra for 2 days, so I was able to split your fabulous tour in half and take my time. I honestly don’t know how you would do all of this in 1 day…massive amounts of walking! I much prefer stopping here and there for a cold glass of wine. 🍷🥰

Going there this May. This is very helpful. Thanks a lot!

Loved this. Wish you’d mention where to park if you arrive with a car! Thanks.

Hi Caroline. If you plan on driving to Sintra, I recommend parking near the train station in one of the large lots, and then doing this itinerary in reverse (starting at Quinta da Regaleira). Once you finish at Pena Palace, you can then take an Uber or bus back down the mountain to retrive your car and head home. Just note that going this way will be a major workout, as you’ll be walking uphill the whole time!

This blog is so helpful. We are going next week! Thank you so much for all the tips, very valuable information.

This was a great summary. We’re going in October and I’m having a terrible time deciding what areas of Sintra to see, where to go inside vs. just stay outside. Originally I thought I’d just do the outside of the Pena Palace to give me time to see other spots. But your description makes me want to do the inside as well. If picking between Queluz or Monserrate Gardens, which would you add on? (as well as Quinta La Regaleira. Would you choose either of those more than the Moorish castle?

Hi Ruby, glad the itinerary was helpful. Queluz is a fair distance outside of Sintra proper, so you’d want to stop there before or after traveling around Sintra park. I’d suggest skipping the Sintra National Palace in lieu of Queluz or Monserrate. Queluz would probably be easier to add into this itinerary, as you could travel into Queluz-Belas Station by train directly from Sintra Station.

Hi Chelsea,

I followed your itinerary to a tee and it worked wonderfully! I was able to see everything, including the national palace and eat at the Sopa restaurant (got squid stew for 9 euro). Only things to consider; if doing an audio guide through the app cloud guide to download the tour info first as wifi is spotty, and to visit the initiation well last (after 5 pm) when the kids head home. I went there first at 4 pm on a Wednesday and still had to wait 30 mins. Glad I did Peña first, was out of there by 11:15 while those who arrived at 10:30 waited an hour plus to get in. Thanks so much for your itinerary! Abrigado

Thank you so much, Michael! I’m pleased you enjoyed your trip, and appreciate the extra tips.

Off there tomorrow (Thursday Sept 22nd 2022) and going to follow your advice pretty much to the letter. Sounds great and thanking you in advance… ❤️

I am on my way there right now, flying from Nantes in 4 hours. I will follow your guided tour for Sintra. Thank you

This trip sounds perfect for me. I am going late September 2023. Can you please tell me how difficult the hills are walking this tour. Very strenuous?

Hi Laura, I think the most strenuous part of this itinerary is the climb up to the top of the Castle of the Moors. It’s a lot of steps and fairly steep in areas. However, it all depends on how in shape you are (there were elderly women making the climb when I visited and they did fine, just moved slowly).

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Explore Sintra

Sintra, a fairytale-like town nestled amid the lush hills of Portugal, exudes an enchanting allure that transports visitors to a world of beauty and wonder. With its majestic palaces, romantic gardens, and mystical atmosphere, Sintra offers an unforgettable escape into a realm of historical splendor and natural beauty. Explore the iconic Pena Palace, a kaleidoscope of colors perched atop a hill, and be mesmerized by its opulent design. Wander through the enchanting gardens of Quinta da Regaleira, unveiling hidden tunnels and intriguing symbolism. Standing on a rocky outcrop, the Moorish Castle reveals panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Venture into the town center, where charming cobblestone streets lead to quaint cafes and artisan shops. The National Palace of Sintra, with its iconic twin chimneys, offers a glimpse into the region’s regal past.

Discover the magic of Sintra with Clio Muse Tours.

The best time to visit Sintra is spring and autumn, from April to June and September to October . During these seasons, Sintra experiences mild temperatures, making exploring the town’s enchanting attractions and gardens pleasant. Spring brings blooming flowers, adding a vibrant touch to the picturesque landscapes, while autumn showcases a beautiful array of colors as the leaves change.

Visiting Sintra during these shoulder seasons allows you to avoid the peak summer crowds and the heat that can make exploring less comfortable. Also, accommodation prices may be more affordable than during peak tourist months.

Visit Pena Palace: Explore the magical Pena Palace, an enchanting fairytale-like castle perched high on a hilltop. Admire its vibrant colors, intricate architecture, and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Wander through Quinta da Regaleira: Discover the mystical gardens and underground tunnels of Quinta da Regaleira. This UNESCO World Heritage site has hidden symbolism and mysterious structures, creating an otherworldly experience.

Explore Sintra National Palace: Visit the Sintra National Palace, known for its distinctive twin chimneys. Step inside to marvel at the opulent rooms adorned with beautiful azulejo tiles and learn about the history of Portugal’s royalty.

Hike to the Moorish Castle: Embark on a scenic hike to the ruins of the Moorish Castle, situated on a rocky hilltop. Enjoy panoramic views of Sintra and its surroundings as you explore the ancient fortifications.

Stroll through Sintra’s Old Town: Wander through the charming streets of Sintra’s historic center. Explore local shops, cafés, and quaint alleys while soaking in the town’s unique atmosphere.

Plan Ahead: Sintra is a popular tourist destination, especially during peak seasons. Plan your visit, and book tickets for attractions like Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira online to avoid long queues.

Start Early: Arrive early in the morning to beat the crowds and have a more enjoyable experience exploring Sintra’s attractions. This also allows you to take advantage of the cooler morning temperatures for hiking or sightseeing.

Dress Comfortably: Sintra’s terrain can be hilly and uneven, so wear comfortable walking shoes and dress in layers to adapt to changing weather conditions, especially if you plan to hike or explore the gardens.

Try Local Delicacies: Indulge in local delicacies like traversers (pastry filled with almond cream), queijadas (cheese tarts), and other traditional Portuguese treats. Many local bakeries in Sintra offer these delectable delights.

Extend Your Stay: While a day trip to Sintra is common, consider staying overnight to fully immerse yourself in its beauty and explore the attractions more relaxedly. This allows you to experience the town’s magical ambiance after the day-trippers have departed.

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Plan Your Own Sintra Tour from Lisbon

Calling all castle enthusiasts! If you share my love for castles, then Sintra, Portugal, is an absolute must-visit. This charming town, less than an hour away from Lisbon, boasts a collection of exquisite palaces, extravagant residences, and decorative gardens, all popular with Portugal’s elite. No wonder it has earned a well-deserved spot on the UNESCO World Heritage List!

I was completely blown away during my visit to Sintra – there was just so much to see and experience that I couldn’t fit it all into one blog post! Now, I’m here to share all the amazing things I discovered, so you can plan your own Sintra tour from Lisbon.

Note: This post contains affiliate links. Please see disclosure for more information.

Check out these photos to inspire you to visit Sintra if you are on the fence about visiting!

The Must See Sintra Sights

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First, I should re-iterate there is a lot to see in Sintra.  You will not be able to see everything no matter how well you plan (unless you have a few days).  If you don’t have time to plan your day trip to Sintra or want to have someone else handle the details, you may want to look into a guided tour – Click here to see Sintra tour options through Viator .

While I originally thought we would be able to see everything in one day, I have come to the conclusion that is not possible. I loved Sintra but I did not have time to see everything I wanted.  Most people do a day trip from Lisbon to Sintra, but if you can, I would allocate at least two days to spend sightseeing in Sintra.  During our trip to Sintra, we were able to visit the Moorish Castle , Pena Palace , and the National Palace . That was a pretty full day. 

The Moorish Castle was probably my favorite of the Sintra attractions. It dates back to the 9th century and the views are stunning. Pena Palace looks like a castle from a fairy tale, I just loved the colors. The National Palace of Sintra is located in the historical center of town and was a favorite with the Portuguese nobility. You can see the best things to do in Sintra in my video about our Sintra day trip.

Other Things to Do in Sintra Portugal

Just one day in Sintra is not enough! If I could do it again, I would try to spend at least two days in Sintra. There were several Sintra points of interest, that we just didn’t have time to see. Well, hopefully, I can make it back to see the rest of my Sintra list:

The Quinta de Regaleira is a decorative 20th-century residence situated in the town of Sintra. The grand house covers five floors and has an ornate gothic façade, but the real attraction is the enchanting gardens. The gardens were styled to represent ancient secret orders, with hidden tunnels, the Well of Initiation (perfect for Instagram), and concealed symbolism.

The Quinta da Regaleira is open 10 am – 8 pm during the summer and 10 am – 5:30 pm during the winter. The entrance fee is €6/3/18 (adult/child/family) and includes entrance to the house and the grounds.

The Monserrate Palace is supposed to be one of the most beautiful mansions of Sintra, but since it is located 3.5km from the historic center many visitors don’t make it there. Sir Francis Cook combined Arabic, gothic and Indian architectural styles to create a wonderful summer house surrounded by beautiful gardens.

You will want to allocate around 2 hours to see the Monserrate Palace so that you have time to see the intricate details inside and explore the gardens around it. The gardens are full of hidden gems like the ruins of an ancient chapel.

The price to visit the Park and Palace of Monserrate for an adult is between €6.50 (low season) and €8.00 (high season). There are discounts for those under 18 and over 65. The opening hours are between 9:30 am -10 am and 5 pm -7 pm (for the palace) and 6 pm – 8 pm (for the park), depending on the season.

The Chalet was originally built in the 19th Century by King Ferdinand II for his second wife the Countess d’Edla. It is modeled after the Alpine chalets popular at the time and was intended as a private recreational house for the Countess. From what I read, there is not much to see inside the Chalet but the Sintra gardens and exterior are lovely.

The Chalet and Garden of the Countess of Edla are located inside the grounds of Pena Palace. You can either walk or take a bus (for a few euros more) the 1.5 miles from the palace to the Chalet.  During the high season, the Chalet is open from 9:30 am to 7 pm and from 9:30 am to 5 pm during the low season. Tickets to the Chalet are €8/6/21 (adult/child/family) or you can save money by buying a combination ticket with Pena Palace.

The Palace of Seteais was originally built in the 18th century for the then Dutch Consul. It later came into the hands of the 5th Marquis of Marialva who extended it significantly.   The Seteais Palace occupies a prime position on the edge of the Serra de Sintra overlooking the countryside and town. It is surrounded by beautiful gardens with many fruit trees and meticulously landscaped areas.

In 1954, it became a hotel. It is still also open as a tourist attraction, but wouldn’t it be amazing to spend the night in this palace? I did not get the chance to stay there, but it looks beautiful and has some great reviews. For a special occasion, it looks like the perfect splurge. Check availability and rates here .

The Capuchos Convent is a Franciscan monastery that is located in the dense forests and giant boulders of the Serra da Sintra National Park. The monastery was constructed to have minimal impact on the natural surroundings and the simplistic design is so different from the opulence and grandeur of Sintra. Capuchos doesn’t make many tourist lists but those who know Sintra think it as one of the best historical monuments of the region.

The Convento dos Capuchos is open every day from 9:30 am until 8 pm (summer season) 10 am – 5 pm (winter). The entrance fee is €7/€5.50 (adult/child) and there are one hour guided tours for €10

Portugal’s first contemporary art museum is located in Sintra! Their collection features 20th-century artwork by Portuguese artists gathered together by financier José Berardo.  The building and gardens are beautiful and the admission charge is only €1.  This Sintra Museum is definitely on my list for my next Sintra trip.

You may be wondering if a Lisbon to Sintra day trip is a good idea if you are traveling with children.  I think it depends on the age of the children.  With all the hills, I think visiting Sintra might be difficult if you still need a stroller.  In general, children will enjoy exploring the castles, doing the castle wall walks (be sure to hold hands of the little ones), and running around in the various parks/gardens.

As long as you can! Seriously, you will need at least a full day to see the main sights without being rushed.  If you can spend a second day in Sintra, you won’t be bored.

The best way to get from Lisbon to Sintra is by train. When we rode the train there were plenty of seats, it was clean, and overall the ride was pleasant.  The Sintra train runs every 30 minutes from the Rossio Train Station in Lisbon and the journey takes less than an hour.

From Sintra to Lisbon, you can either take the train back to Rossio or Oriente Stations.  When we were ready to leave, the next train was for Oriente station so we went with that option.  (Note: There are no direct trains from Oriente Station to Sintra).

You can buy your ticket at the train station just before you catch the Lisbon train to Sintra. The cost of a round-trip ticket is €4.30. The fare can be charged to the reusable “Viva Viagem” public transport ticket, which is also used for the Lisbon buses, metro, and trams. You must buy the card for €0.50.

Even though the distance from Lisbon to Sintra is less than 20 miles, I would not recommend driving.  Sintra parking is very limited and the roads are narrow and steep. The traffic was bad when we were there especially considering the size of the city. There is also a bus from Lisbon to Sintra, but that will take almost twice as long as the train.  

Sintra is not a big city so you could plan on walking everywhere. However, Sintra is in the mountains with a lot of steep climbs, so you will get a workout if that is what you decide to do. To reduce the amount of walking/hiking, I suggest taking the hop on hop off Sintra bus. Luckily, there is a bus stop right outside the train station and it goes to all of the Sintra main attractions.

We bought tickets for the 434 bus which does a loop to go to the main attractions. I had read that it costs €5 per person for the day, but we were charged €12. Not sure if prices went up or we were scammed, but still it’s reasonable for transportation for the day. There is also the 435 bus which goes to some of the other sites. You do need cash for the bus tickets.

I should also mention that even though the Sintra sightseeing bus supposedly comes every 15 minutes, it was packed! We had to stand from the bus station to the Moorish Castle. Also, we missed the stop for the National Palace because they just called it the Historic Center. So we ended up back at the Sintra railway station and they made us get off of that Sintra tourist bus and board the next one. We showed our tickets so we did not have to pay again.

We did still do some walking, actually a fair bit of walking. Sintra is not very friendly for those with mobility issues or strollers. It is very hilly and you will go on lots of stairs in the castles.

Sintra is a popular destination because there is so much to see and it is easy to travel from Lisbon to Sintra.  If you can, it’s best to plan to tour Sintra during the week instead of the weekends as it will be a bit less crowded.  During the high season, all the attractions are open every day.  Crowds are the worst on Sundays.

It’s important to head out on your day trip to Sintra from Lisbon early! Try to beat the crowds if you can. I think a lot of people start a day in Sintra at the National Palace because it is the closest to the train station. We went to the Moorish Castle first and it was nice and quiet.

By the time we got to Pena Palace, the crowds had caught up to us. I would recommend putting either the Moorish Castle or the Pena Palace first on your Sintra one day itinerary. Then head to the National Palace and any other attractions you can fit in.

Instead of buying individual Sintra castle tickets, you can save money with a combined ticket for the attractions you plan on visiting online on the Parques de Sintra website. With the Sintra combined ticket, you can still visit the different attractions on different days.

I went ahead and bought a combined ticket for the Moorish Castle, Pena Palace, and the National Palace because I felt comfortable that we would be able to at least make it to those three. I figured if we had more time on our tour of Sintra I could buy additional tickets at the other attractions.

Now, you can purchase the Sintra Green Card.  This Sintra tourist card includes admission to the national palaces of Sintra (Sintra, and Pena), one ticket for a Sintra museum, a 434 bus ticket, and a train ticket from Lisbon to Sintra.  It does not include the Castle of the Moors, which was my favorite.  There is also an option to add the Palace of Queluz, which is located about a 20-minute drive from the historical center of Sintra.  You must buy the Sintra Card at the Lisbon Urbano train ticket office.

I know I put a lot of information in this Sintra guide and you may feel overwhelmed. So if you don’t feel comfortable exploring on your own, you can take a Sintra tour from Lisbon.  Many tours will pick you up at your hotel.  There are plenty of Sintra guided tour options available through Viator ( click here to see all the options ). 

If possible, do a full-day tour.  I think a Sintra half-day tour would be too rushed and skip important highlights.  If you want to splurge, try one of the Sintra private tours!

Another popular option is to combine your visit to Sintra with a stop in Cabo de Roca ( like this tour ), the westernmost point on continental Europe.  There are also Sintra tours ( like this one ) that also include a stop in Cascais, a picturesque village on the coast.

I did also see some free walking tours of Sintra like this one .  If you only have one day in Sintra, I’m not sure that’s the best way to spend your time.  These free Sintra tours do not go inside any of the palaces or castles, instead, they show you around the historical center.  If you have more time, a Sintra walking tour could be a great way to learn more about the history.

Absolutely! I know there is plenty to see in Lisbon and it might be hard to squeeze in a day to go to Sintra, but it will be worth it especially if you love castles.  

Getting to Sintra is easy, and once you’re there, you’ll be amazed by all the sights waiting to be explored. I only wish I had more time during my visit because there’s so much to see and do.

Don’t let the crowds deter you – the experience is still incredibly rewarding. The enchanting castles and captivating atmosphere make it all worthwhile. So, don’t miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to discover yourself in the magical world of Sintra!

Have you been to Sintra? Did you get to see everything you wanted to during your Sintra visit?

Pin for Later

• Getting to Sintra is easy! If you are doing a Lisbon day trip to Sintra, take the train and get there early to try to beat the crowds.  (Don’t drive – Sintra parking is limited and the traffic is bad!)
• One day will not be enough time in Sintra to do everything. If you only have one day prioritize, what you want to see.  You could also consider doing a Sintra day tour.
• If you choose to do a Sintra self-guided tour, you can save money on the Sintra ticket prices, by getting the combined ticket on the Parques de Sintra website for the attractions you are confident you will be able to see.  Alternatively, you may want to get a Sintra Pass.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. This means we will receive a small commission for some purchases made using links in our blog with no additional cost to you.  Please be assured we would not promote any product unless we believe that our readers will also benefit.  The commission does not influence the editorial content of this site.

Last Updated on July 22, 2023

About the Author

Anisa  

Anisa is an experienced international traveler with extra pages in her passport and stamps from 41 different countries across 5 continents (and counting). She was born and raised in Texas. After a 13 year stint in NYC, she moved to England to live with her husband.

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Mrlocaltours

Get the ultimate local experience in portugal with the best hosts, feel portugal from the seat of a vintage convertible car, electric jeep, confortable van or classic sailboat..

Embark on a thrilling journey through Portugal with our team of passionate Portuguese locals. With years of experience exploring the mysterious forests, hilltop castles, and stunning coastline, we'll be your guide to the best-kept secrets in the area. 

Ride in style in our classical car, modern convertible eletric Jeep, confortable van or on our brand new vintage sailboat, allowing us to take you to remote and unique locations that other tourists may miss. Our small group sizes ensure an intimate and authentic experience, as we focus on the journey, not just the destination.

Get ready for a day filled with adventure, exciting stories, and laughter. Join us for an unforgettable experience that will leave you feeling exhilarated and with a deeper understanding of the area. Vamos!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What types of tours does our company offer?

Our company specializes in cultural and sightseeing tours in Sintra, with an emphasis on showcasing the rich history and beauty of the area. We offer a variety of thematic tours, such as an archaeological tour that focuses on the evidence of Sintra's past, a romantic tour tailored for couples and even a boat tour on the tagus river in Lisbon. We also offer tours in other fascinating cities near Lisbon, such as Fátima, Nazaré, Tomar, and Évora. Our tours are designed to provide a comprehensive and immersive experience for our guests and showcase the best that these destinations have to offer. We are dedicated to making your visit to Portugal a memorable one. 

Are your tours guided or self-guided?

Our tours are guided by a local guide who is knowledgeable about the area and will provide an in-depth and authentic experience for our guests. They will make sure that you will have a safe and enjoyable tour. Private transportation is included with all the tours.

How big are the tour groups?

We have a maximum of 14 people  per group.

What are the must-see attractions in Sintra?

Some must-see attractions in Sintra include the Pena Palace, the Moorish Castle, the National Palace of Sintra, and the Quinta da Regaleira.

How do I get to Sintra from Lisbon?

The more convenient way is to take a train from Lisbon's Rossio Station or Oriente Station to Sintra. The journey takes about 40 minutes. You can also take a Ubber or Drive.

What is the best time of year to visit Sintra?

 The best time to visit Sintra is during the spring or fall when the weather is mild. Avoid the summer months as it can be quite hot and crowded.

Prices of Sintra top atractions

Pena Palace: Adult ticket costs €14.00, Reduced ticket (students and senior citizens) costs €7.00.

Moorish Castle: Adult ticket costs €8.00, Reduced ticket (students and senior citizens) costs €4.00

Quinta da Regaleira: Adult ticket costs €7.00, Reduced ticket (students and senior citizens) costs €3.50

CONTACT INFO

+351 926387761, [email protected], useful links.