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Bem Vindo a Welcome to Sintra

PHOTOGRAPHIC LOOK

"Sintra is the only place in the country where History became a garden. All of its legends converge onto this location, and its very own monuments speak less of the past, and more of an ever-present garden."

"Today is the happiest day of my life. I know Italy, Sicily, Greece and Egypt, but I have never seen anything like Pena, anything at all. It's the most beautiful thing I've seen. This is the true garden of Klingsor, and the Castle of the Holy Grail is up yonder."

"I have never seen anything that so completely destroyed my desire to travel. If I had been born in Sintra, I believe nothing would have tempted me to abandon its refreshing shade and cross the terrible arid lands separating it from the world."

"Where nature and art are magnificently combined"

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With its rippling mountains, dewy forests thick with ferns and lichen, exotic gardens and glittering palaces, Sintra is like a page torn from a fairy tale. Its Unesco World Heritage–listed centre, Sintra-Vila, is dotted with pastel-hued manors folded into luxuriant hills that roll down to the blue Atlantic.

Best Things to Do

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Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Palácio Nacional de Sintra

The star of Sintra-Vila is this palace, with its iconic twin conical chimneys and lavish, whimsical interior, which is a mix of Moorish and Manueline…

Quinta da Regaleira

This magical villa and gardens is a neo-Manueline extravaganza, dreamed up by Italian opera-set designer, Luigi Manini, under the orders of Brazilian…

Castelo dos Mouros

Soaring 412m above sea level, this mist-enshrouded ruined castle looms high above the surrounding forest. When the clouds peel away, the vistas over…

Palácio Nacional da Pena

Rising from a thickly wooded peak and often enshrouded in swirling mist, Palácio Nacional da Pena is a wacky confection of onion domes, Moorish keyhole…

Convento dos Capuchos

Hidden in the woods is this bewitchingly hobbit-hole-like convent, which was originally built in 1560 to house friars, who lived in incredibly cramped…

Parque da Pena

Nearly topped by King Ferdinand II's whimsical Palácio Nacional da Pena (only Cruz Alta, at 529m, is higher), these romantic gardens are filled with…

Palácio & Parque de Monserrate

At the centre of a lush, 30-hectare park, a manicured lawn sweeps up to this whimsical, Moorish-Gothic-Indian palácio, the 19th-century romantic folly of…

Museu das Artes de Sintra

This museum features a small and manageable collection of contemporary and modern art, around 80% of which is dedicated to local works. The permanent…

Top picks from our travel experts

9 experiences to escape the crowds in sintra, plan with a local.

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The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Sintra (+ One Day Sample Itinerary)

By: Author Sophie Nadeau

Posted on Last updated: 10th February 2024

Categories Portugal

Last Updated on 10th February 2024 by Sophie Nadeau

Sunny Sintra is a delightful town that’s a must-see for anyone who loves art, architecture, and history. Best visited over the course of a day, Sintra is particularly well-known for its incredible castles, breathtaking natural scenery, and palaces. Here’s how to visit Sintra , as well as everything you need to know before you go!

Where and what is Sintra?

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Sintra is located 30 km to the west of Lisbon, the capital of Portugal in the foothills of the the Serra de Sintra. While Lisbon and Sintra are both situated within the middle of Portugal, Sintra itself lies pretty close to the Atlantic Ocean (around 10 KM away) and the sparkling water itself can be spied from some of the town’s highest vantage points.

Though Sintra is technically a Portuguese town, it is often described by many as something akin to a theme park that has come to life thanks to its many historical points of interest and fairytale-like façades.

Sintra is not only a UNESCO World Heritage site, but also one of the most popular places to visit in Portugal thanks to its abundance of romantic architecture. Most places in town date back to the 19th-century, when the town was the retreat of choice for the Portuguese monarchy and associated nobility.

The busiest times of the year are in July and August (European high season) and so, if you’re able to, I recommend visiting in late May/ June or September/ early October in order to make the most of longer days without the crowds.

The long and short answer is no, you can’t do Sintra in just half a day! Some sites may have you believe that it’s do-able, but, to be honest, even a full day will have you rushing around a bit in order to see all the sites and you won’t have any time to enjoy anything as you’ll be spending all of your time trying to fit all the attractions in. If you only have a few hours, then you’ll have to focus on a single site, such as Palácio Nacional de Sintra.

If you’re short on time, then the best way to get to know Sintra is as a day trip from Lisbon . With this being said, if you want to get to know the city on more of a local’s level without the crowds, then consider an overnight stay so that you can experience Sintra without the day trippers. Here’s how to visit Sintra:

By train: If you’re looking to see Sintra as a day trip, then the cheapest way to reach the area is by taking the train from Rossio train station in downtown Lisbon. The journey takes around 45 minutes and trains leave several times an hour during the day.

By guided tour: For a no fuss day trip where all of the finer details are taken care of, a guided tour from Lisbon is a no-brainer. Booking a guided tour like this one will take you to all of the highlights of Sintra, and give you a greater insight into the history behind each attraction. Find more information here.

Best things to do in Sintra

This Gothic mansion is in a beautiful setting with surrounding gardens. The site is part of the UNESCO  “Cultural Landscape of Sintra” and comprises of a Romantic Palace and chapel (which date back to the latter half of the 19th-century) and a surrounding parkland.

Most of the house was designed by the Italian architect Luigi Manini. Particular highlights include Gothic gargoyles and pinnacles. The gardens of the park are pretty impressive and boast features like grottoes, fountains, and benches.

if you’ve spent any time on social media checking out photos of Sintra, then no doubt you’ll have spied the moss-covered central staircase of the Initiatic Well, which is also located within the estate.

Of all the places to visit in Sintra, this is one of the less touristic spots. Buy your Quinta da Regaleira Skip-the-Line Entry & Audio Tour ticket here.

Perched atop the highest spot in town, Pena Palace is undoubtedly the crown jewel when it comes to attractions in Sintra, not to mention it’s the most popular place to visit. The golden hued façade of the Palace is instantly recognisable.

A Romanticist castle in São Pedro de Penaferrim, in the municipality of Sintra, Pena Palace was completed in 1854. Thanks to its elevation at the highest point in Sintra, on a clear day, it’s possible to see the castle from as far away as Lisbon! Buy your Pena Palace and Park Entrance Ticket here in advance.

The Moorish Castle is actually one of the oldest historical sites in Sintra and sits atop of its own rocky perch, overlooking the town. There has been a castle onsite since the 8th-century, when it was built to protect the surrounding population, who largely worked in agriculture.

Today, the vast fortified stone walls offer a glimpse into what this part of Portugal would have been like during the Middle Ages. You can easily while away several hours climbing up and down the walls of the castle, though note that it can be pretty windy, even in the summer! Buy your Castle of the Moors Fast Track Ticket here in advance.

The Sintra National Palace shouldn’t be confused with the Palace of Pena, which is higher up the hill. The Sintra National Palace is also called the Town Palace and was built in the 15th-century, making it one of the best-preserved medieval royal residences in Portugal. Today, the structure functions as a historic house museum.

One of the lesser-known spots in the Sintra area that is well worth checking out if you have time is the Convent of the Capuchos. This historical convent takes only around 30 minutes to wander around. Highlights include the chance to see a beautiful blend of architecture mixed with religion and nature.

Yet another Sintra Palace that is a little out of the way and so not really easy to get to when visitors are just on a day trip to Sintra is the Monserrate Palace. This villa once functioned as the summer resort of the Portuguese court and lies nestled in the verdant Sintra mountain.

Before heading out to explore Sintra, I highly recommend planning your route in advance. Since there is so much to see and do, you’ll want to bullet point what you most want to explore.

If visiting Sintra as a day trip from Lisbon, aim to leave from the Rossio train station by 9 AM, if not a little bit earlier. This Sintra itinerary is quite ambitious and so my one piece of advice would be to not walk everywhere. For example, take the tourist bus up hills in order to save time to explore the sites themselves!

Pena Palace and Park:  After arrival at the train station, take the 434 bus and begin your day by heading to the highest point in town, the Pena Palace. This historic structure and its associated estate take several hours to visit. Pena Palace officially opens at 9:30 AM though aim to arrive a little before that time as this is the most popular attraction in

Castelo dos Mouros:  Following a visit to Pena Palace, it’s a fairly short and simple walk to reach the Castle of the Moors. The walk is downhill and takes around 15 minutes. It takes around an hour or so to visit this Sintra attraction.

Lunch in Sintra Town:  You can then walk down into Saõ Martinho (the walk takes 15 to 25 minutes) or hop on the 434 bus. Once in town, you can get lunch at one of the many eateries. There’s a surprising number of vegan and vegetarian restaurants and some of the top picks include A Praça and Mela Canela.

Sintra National Palace:  After a hearty lunch, the Sintra National Palace is just a short walk away, not far from the centre of Saõ Martinho. This 11th-century Moorish Palace takes one to two hours to visit.

Quinta da Regaleira:  Finally, end your day by visiting Quinta da Regaleira. This regal building takes two to three hours to fully enjoy. At the end of the day, it’s a fairly easy and short walk to get back to Sintra train station which will take you back to Lisbon.

If you want to make the most of your day and maximise exploration time (while all of the sites are actually open), then it’s best to set off to explore Sintra as early as possible. The castles open their doors between 9 AM and 10 AM (depending on the castle in question) and so aim to arrive just before that time.

Once in the Portuguese town, there are a number of ways to get around which vary in cost and depend on your personal preference. As well as on your own two feet (so be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes) , other ways to get around town between the points of interest include tuk-tuk, bus, and taxi.

Do not rent a car. As a result of mass tourism, traffic jams are frequent and so driving around can get pretty frustrating pretty quickly! If you’re able to, then one of the most efficient ways to explore Sintra is on foot. For more inspiration, be sure to check out our top Portugal travel tips .

An alternative way of getting around town that’s efficient and quite inexpensive is by taking the tourist bus. This will shave a fair bit of travel time off your route (depending on the traffic). The 434 bus does loops of the town and a single fare can be purchased at a cost of a few euros.

As I mentioned previously, if you’re not in a rush, then staying in Sintra overnight gives you the chance to see the town without the crowds, mad rush, and day trippers which descend on the city each day.

Despite being a popular destination with day trippers, there is a surprisingly good choice of places to stay in town. Here are some of the best places to stay in Sintra based on web-reviews and location:

Budget: Those who are looking for low-cost accommodation during their time in Sintra can check out this budget hostel. As well as female only and mixed dorm rooms, private rooms are also available. Check prices and availability here.

Mid-range: This cosy accommodation in Sintra offers highlights such as an airport shuttle bus and close proximity to Sintra train station. Check prices and availability here.

Luxury: If you’re in search of an uber luxurious stay during your time in Portugal, then you’ve come to the right place. This five-star hotel boasts amenities such as a hotel and spa. Check prices and availability here.

As I mentioned, while the most affordable way to get to Sintra is via train directly from Lisbon, if you want a fuss-free way to reach the heritage site (and the chance to see other sites in Portugal as well), then consider booking a guided tour. Here are some of the best:

From Lisbon Sintra, Cabo da Roca and Cascais Full-Day Tour: This popular and well-reviewed day tour includes seeing beautiful Sintra, the views at Roca Cape, and the pools at Azenhas do Mar. Transportation to and from Lisbon is by minibus. Check prices and availability here.

From Lisbon- Fátima and Sintra Private Tour: If you’re interested in seeing both Sintra and the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima (including Valinhos village) as part of a small group, then this is the tour for you. Check prices and availability here.

Sintra – Cascais: 6-Hour Electric Bike Tour from Lisbon: This tour will allow you to see Sintra and Cascais from a rather unique perspective; i.e. on an electric bike. Check prices and availability here.

From Lisbon: Sintra, Cascais, Cabo da Roca Private Car Tour: If you would prefer to enjoy the sites of Sintra together with a local guide, then you need to look no further than this tour. Check prices and availability here.

In the summer, you can’t go wrong by pairing a cute midi dress with classic white tennis shoes for a laid-back smart casual look that’s just as chic for walking around a city’s cobbled lanes as it is for wandering coastal paths. I love this dress and have it in several colour ways. In terms of tennis shoes, this is my go-to shoe.

When it comes to winter in Europe, most places (with the exception of a few islands) can get pretty cold and so warm layers is a must. I find that cute ankle boots like these ones are the perfect mix of practical meets cute.

Shoulder seasons (spring and summer) in Europe tend to come with a mix of rainy and sunny days and so, again, layers are a must. Trench coats and sneakers are the best uniform to explore the continent in.

Finally, a cross-body bag like these ones is a must. I personally use a crossbody bag  by this brand  and love its shape, size, and versatility. As well as being convenient and compact, it’s one of the safest ways to transport your valuables, all the while looking chic. I also recommend bringing along a travel adapter  like this one  so you can charge all of your electronics during your stay!

Enjoyed reading this ultimate guide to the best things to do in Sintra, Portugal? Pin this article now, read it again later:

Sophie Nadeau loves dogs, books, travel, pizza, and history. A Francophile at heart, she runs solosophie.com when she’s not chasing after the next sunset shot or consuming something sweet. She splits her time between Paris and London and travels as much as she can! Subscribe to Sophie’s YouTube Channel.

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14 Best Things to Do in Sintra, Portugal (+Map of Top Places & Tips)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: December 27, 2023

Thinking of visiting Sintra, Portugal, and wondering what there is to see and do in Sintra and which places are worth your time the most? In this guide, you can find an overview of all the top sights in and near Sintra , coupled with practical tips and useful information for your visit. Take a look!

The magical town of Sintra is one of the wonders of Europe. Its location is stunning, nestled in the pine-covered hills of the Serra de Sintra and with sweeping beach and ocean views. Indeed, it was once described by Hans Christian Anderson as the ‘most beautiful place in Portugal’.

Steeped in history and rich in culture, Sintra has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status. There are many impressive buildings to admire here, with incredible palaces and castles built in a range of architectural styles.

If you are visiting Sintra for the first time you may be a little overwhelmed by just how many historic sites there are to see. Indeed, it’s difficult to comprehend that such a small area can have such a big number of castles, palaces, and gardens – each more beautiful than the other…

And when you see the pictures of the colorful Pena Palace or the mysterious gardens of Quinta de Regaleira, you might be wondering if places like that are even real?! 😱 Spoiler alert – yes, they are!

So to help you orient and choose where to go, we’ve put together this guide to the very best places to visit in and near Sintra . It includes all those attractions you really must see, along with those that are worth visiting if you have the time. You’ll also find a MAP indicating all the main landmarks and useful tips for each site.

TIP: Depending on how much time you have, focus on the top of this list and work your way down. And if you are not sure how to fit it all in and how to plan your time, be sure to also take a look at our itinerary suggestions for visiting Sintra .

Good to know: Sintra has so much to offer and it’s located so close to Lisbon, that it will come as no surprise that it’s the most popular destination for day trips and tours from Lisbon . And while you can easily come here by train, a guided tour with transport and guides will usually allow you to make much more of your visit.

There are hundreds of tours to choose from and it can be really overwhelming. Here is our hand-picked selection of 3 of the best Sintra day tours from Lisbon:

• Most complete tour . This small-group tour is the best option for those who want to see the best of Sintra in a day . It focuses purely on Sintra and includes a visit to Pena Palace and Park, Quinta de Regaleira, and Montserrate Palace. Plus, you get some free time in town and pass a few other interesting places.
• Most popular tour. This is an amazing tour that visits Sintra and beyond . However, keep in mind that of all the best things to do in Sintra, this tour only includes a visit to Pena Palace and Gardens plus the Cabo da Roca coastline which is located nearby.
• Private tour . This is a great option if you want to choose yourself which of the nicest castles and palaces to visit in Sintra and do it at your own pace , but with the advantage of having a private guide/driver.

Below, you can find a list of the best things to do in Sintra with photos, information on what to expect, and useful tips for your visit. Here is a map of the main landmarks and sights in Sintra – that way, you have a better idea of where everything is located (keep in mind that the area is very hilly).

How to use this map:  Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.

These are the best places to see and things to do in Sintra:

1. Pena Palace

If you only have the time to visit one place in Sintra, make it the National Palace of Pena ( Palácio Nacional da Pena )! With its majestic mountaintop location and incredible Romanticist architecture, this is one of Sintra’s most impressive castles (see also the featured image at the top).

Pena Palace is extravagant and eye-catching, with vividly colored terraces, decorative battlements, domed towers, and an elaborate gateway guarded by a fearsome gargoyle. It looks like a place that could only exist in fairytale books!

Some sections of the palace date back to the 12th century and were parts of a monastery, home to 18 monks from the Order of Saint Jerome. The site survived many natural disasters including lightning strikes and earthquakes. Yet it continued to function as a monastery until 1834 when religious orders in Portugal were abolished.

The monastery was acquired by the German prince Ferdinand – the King consort of Portugal – a few years later. At this time Romanticism was popular throughout Europe and the young prince decided to create a spectacular royal residence with a fairytale design.

Although its style is somewhat mixed – with many Islamic and Indo-Gothic influences – the overall result is nothing short of spectacular.

The main attraction of the Palace is undoubtedly the Queen’s Terrace . Here you can enjoy breathtaking views across Sintra and see a sundial cannon that once fired every day at noon. The interior is fascinating, too, and you can visit the richly decorated staterooms in which the royal family would once spend their summer months.

Good to know: Pena Palace is an incredibly busy attraction, to the extent that you often have to queue outside the Palace, then again once you’re inside. To avoid the crowds as much as possible, try to visit on a weekday and come as early or late in the day as you can. The hours between 10.30 am and 3 pm are particularly busy, as this is when most organized tours and day-trippers visit.

I’d also recommend bringing your own drinks and snacks as the queues for refreshments are equally as long.

You can buy tickets to visit both the Palace and the surrounding Park (more info below), or just for the Park. The Park ticket is obviously cheaper and gives you access to the grounds and terraces (with the exception of the Queen’s Terrace), although you’ll miss out on seeing the staterooms. If you already make it all the way here, be sure to get a full ticket and see everything.

Practical info: Tickets for Pena Palace and its Gardens must be booked in advance for a scheduled time. The Palace is open daily from 9.30 am to 6.30 pm.

TIP: The palace is located high on a hill and traffic and parking in Sintra is a nightmare. In fact, it’s now forbidden for tourists to drive up to Pena Palace. So unless you come here with an organized (private) tour , it’s best to take a taxi, a tuk-tuk, or a bus (no. 434) to get to Pena Palace from the town center. If you decide to take a bus, it’s worth buying a 24-hr ticket. You can use it on other local buses too, to get to other main attractions in Sintra.

2. Pena Palace Gardens

The stunning Pena Palace Gardens (aka Park of Pena), are well worth visiting in their own right and the Romanticism of the Palace’s design can be seen throughout the grounds.

Extending over more than 200 hectares, they are dotted with mystical statues and feature secret pathways and hidden tunnels.

There are plant species from all over the world and stunning mature trees that form a beautiful natural landscape. On a sunny day, there is nothing nicer than to sit beside one of the many waterfalls, fountains, or lakes and soak up the tranquility.

Highlights to look out for include the hexagonal Fountain of the small birds and the beautiful Chalet of the Countess of Edla . This alpine-inspired cottage was built for King Ferdinand II and his second wife Elise Hensler. It recently reopened to the public following the renovation after a fire and is really interesting to see.

If you have some extra time, walk to The Cruz Alta (high cross). Sitting at 529 meters above sea level and located right at the center of the grounds, it is the highest point of the Sintra Mountain range. The panoramic scenery from this viewpoint is too beautiful to put into words, although the view of the palace itself (in a distance) is partially obstructed by trees.

Practical info: The Pena Palace Gardens are open from 9 am to 7 pm. As already mentioned, it’s best to get a ticket that includes both – Pena Palace and its gardens.

Good to know: Be prepared to do quite some uphill/downhill walking when visiting Pena Park. In general, sensible shoes are highly recommended when visiting Sintra.

TIP: Foresee at least an hour to quickly walk through the gardens of Pena Park. If you want to explore deeper, you can easily spend 2-3 hours here, not counting a visit to the Palace itself.

3. Quinta de Regaleira

Quinta de Regaleira is one of the most mysterious and charming places to visit in Sintra. In fact, it’s so special that some people say it’s worth a visit more than Pena Palace. In my view, you really can’t compare the two and they are both absolutely worth seeing. So if you have time for just two palaces in Sintra, these are the ones that are worth visiting the most.

Brimming with mystic symbolism, Quinta de Regaleira was designed by the Italian architect Luigi Manini and built late in the 19th century by the millionaire António Augusto Carvalho Monteiro. He was believed to be a Free Mason and had a fascination with Hermeticism, a belief system that combines philosophy with ancient Egyptian religion, magic, and science.

You can see evidence of his mystical beliefs everywhere in his eerie, fairy-tale castle! Covering five floors, the building is decorated with strange symbols and images, although only the first floor is open to visitors. You can also see stunning inlaid mosaic floors, elegant carved wooden ceilings, and grand fireplaces.

The exterior is fascinating too, blending Moorish, Renaissance, and Gothic architectural styles, with lots of turrets and eye-catching gargoyles! The highlight of any visit to Quinta de Regaleira is the splendid gardens.

You almost feel as if you are in another world when you stroll among the miniature lakes and hidden grottoes or visit the fascinating Initiation Well . This is said to have been used in mystical ceremonies. You can walk all the way to the secret tunnel at its base, 9 floors underground!

Other highlights include the Terrace of the Celestial Worlds , close to the Lake of the Waterfall, and the Promenade of the Gods – a walkway lined with statues of Greeks gods and goddesses.

Good to know: Quinta de Regaleira is located in Sintra town center (and not on the hill as Pena Palace or Moorish Castle), and is therefore much easier to get to. So if you are really short on time and can only visit one place in Sintra, visiting here will require less time and effort than getting to Pena Palace. But you really should count at least 2 hours for a visit here.

While it’s also very popular, Quinta de Regaleira is not visited by all Sintra tours, so it’s somewhat quieter than Pena Palace. Still, it’s very busy here too, especially in the morning and early afternoon.

Quinta de Regaleira is also an excellent place to visit with kids, as there is lots of space to run around (this is the case for most other gardens in Sintra too). But here, you also have that magical, fairy-tale feel that will really fire the kids’ imaginations.

TIP: In the high season (+-April to October), there are concerts at Quinta de Regaleira on Sundays and some public holidays. While in general, we advise avoiding weekends, it’s something to consider if you would indeed come here on a Sunday. These concerts are normally included with a regular ticket.

Practical info: Quinta de Regaleira is open daily from 10 am to 6.30 pm. For more information and online tickets, see their website . If you would rather book a guided tour here (it can be worth it as there is so much symbolism and things that you may completely miss otherwise), see here for some of the best options.

4. Moorish Castle

The Castle of the Moors ( Castelo dos Mouros ) is another place that should be very high on your ‘things to do in Sintra’ list. However (or luckily) it’s not frequented by big tour groups, and so many people miss it. But if you are exploring Sintra on your own and have an hour to spare, definitely check it out. It will also be a welcome respite from the crowds at the most popular landmarks in Sintra.

The Moorish Castle is located just a bit downhill from Pena Palace, but the two places could not be more different. While Pena Palace looks like something from a Cinderella story, the Moorish Castle would be a better fit for a medieval knight movie…

Visiting Moorish Castle is also a totally different experience than Pena Palace. For one thing, it is the only one of Sintra’s castles to lie in ruins. But it is also extremely quiet in comparison.

The castle was built in the 10th century as a fortification by the Muslim Moors. You can easily see why – its position atop one of the region’s highest hills would have made it easy to spot approaching armies! It is this location that makes the castle ruins so good to visit. The views from its crumbling walls are spellbinding and uninterrupted.

Somewhat resembling the Great Wall of China, the spectacular ruins wind their way over the hills. You can walk along them and climb their ancient towers, explore their battlements, or visit the ‘Second Ring of Walls’. This additional fortification was constructed to protect those who lived and worked in the area surrounding the castle. Here you can still see some of the silos they once used to store vegetables and cereal.

Good to know: Walking around the ruins can be physically demanding and some areas are very steep. Make sure you have appropriate footwear and plenty of water, especially in the summer months. Safety features are minimal, so this is not an ideal attraction if you have very young children. On the other hand, our boys absolutely loved it here and we couldn’t keep up with them on those stairs…

TIP: Since the Moorish Castle is just a short walk from Pena Palace, you can visit these two places together. If you start in Pena, walk through the gardens to the lower exit, and from here, it’s just a very short downhill walk to the Moorish Castle. If you start at the Moorish Castle, you’ll be walking uphill. But – depending on the time of the day when you visit – it might make sense to do it this way in order to avoid the biggest crowds at Pena Palace.

Practical info: The castle is open daily from 9 am to 6.30 pm. You can get a ticket that includes an audio guide online , or get a ticket at the entrance (there might be a queue though).

5. Monserrate Palace & Park

When it comes to the very best things to do in Sintra, visiting the Park and Palace of Monserrate is definitely one of them. But the competition with the above-mentioned places is fierce and so most visitors never get here. It has mainly to do with the fact that Monserrate Palace is located away from the town center and has nothing to do with how ‘worthy’ it is. A visit here is absolutely worth the extra effort, if you can find the time!

The Palace has a strong English influence, originally built by the English merchant Sir Francis Cook in 1860 and later owned by another Englishman who commissioned much of the present architecture. This is reflected in the layout of the immaculately manicured gardens. Yet in contrast to the site’s Gothic stone arches, it has a distinctly Moroccan look, with many Arabian and Indian touches.

The interior is simply beautiful, dominated by a gallery that runs the entire length of the palace. Here you can see rose marble columns supporting geometric latticework and a gorgeous domed atrium. There are also stunning stone carvings in the main hallway and several of the rooms, plus an elegant reading room featuring portraits of Sir Francis Cook and his wife.

Outside the building is Portugal’s first-ever lawn, over which you cross to access the botanical gardens . These are older than the house and filled with an enormous variety of plant species. It’s easy to while away an hour or two here, strolling along the peaceful walkways and admiring the ornamental lakes, waterfall, and fern valley.

This was one of our personal favorites of all the places we visited in Sintra! I guess the lack of the crowds definitely had something to do with it. It’s just so much easier to appreciate how special a place is when you don’t have to share it with hundreds of others…

Getting there: Monserrate Palace is located about 3 km (10 min drive) from Quinta de Regaleira. You can get here by car, by bus (#435), or by taxi. We also saw some people walk next to the road, but I wouldn’t recommend this. It’s a busy road and not really suitable for pedestrians.

Good to know: Not many tours include Montserrate Palace in their itinerary, so if you are visiting Sintra with a guided tour, pay attention to the itinerary so that you know exactly which castles/palaces they visit. The most complete Sintra tour that I highlighted above (see here once more), comes to Montserrate Palace, and also private tours can include it in the itinerary if you ask.

TIP: Because Monserrate Palace sees way fewer tourists than other historic places in Sintra mentioned above, it could be a good place to visit during peak hours when most other attractions are busy.

Practical info: Monserrate Palace is open daily from 9.30 am to 6.30 pm. You can find more info on their website . For this palace, you can just get the tickets at the entrance.

6. Sintra National Palace

Not to be confused with Pena National Palace on the hill, Sintra National Palace (Palácio Nacional da Sintra) is located right in the heart of Sintra’s old town. It is easy to access and is one of the most popular attractions in the region.

Originally constructed in the 15th century, it was home to the Portuguese Royal Family right up to the 19th century. As Portugal’s best-preserved medieval royal residence, it now enjoys UNESCO World Heritage status. This is the best place to visit in Sintra for those who are interested in learning more about the (royal) history of Portugal.

The palace’s most prominent features are its two huge, white conical chimneys that have become emblems of the region. These were originally constructed to direct the heat from the ovens in the kitchen away from the main palace chambers.

The rooms themselves are uniquely decorated, with names reflecting elements of their design. The Swan Room, for example, has an octagonal paneled ceiling decorated with swans, whilst the ceiling of the Magpie room is painted with 136 magpies, each holding a rose.

You can take a walk through the vast kitchen to see where cooks would have prepared meals for up to 1000 guests, and visit the striking Coats of Arms Room. The walls here are breathtaking, covered by 16th-century Azulejos – beautiful tin-glazed ceramic tilework.

Good to know: Because of the beautiful gardens and parks, most of Sintra’s historic buildings are best enjoyed on sunny days. Although Sintra National Palace has pretty gardens too, it is primarily an indoor attraction and the perfect place to visit if you are looking for things to do in Sintra when it rains.

Practical info: Sintra National Palace is open daily from 9.30 am to 6.30 pm. For more information, see their website . If you come here an hour before the closing time, it’s usually not too busy.

TIP: Just steps away from the Palace is Casa Piriquita , Sintra’s best-known bakery. It was founded in 1862 and is famous for its Travesseiros – puff pastry parcels filled with eggs and almond cream. Be sure to stop by and try one after your visit!

7. Sintra Old Town

No visit to Sintra would be complete without taking some time to walk around the old town center . While most visitors come here for the famous palaces and their gardens, the town itself is quite charming too.

Granted, during the day it’s so busy that it’s often difficult to appreciate how nice Sintra really is. The old town area around Sintra National Palace is filled with souvenir shops, cafes, and restaurants, and buzzing with tuk-tuks, taxis, etc. But if you stay in the area for a few days and visit the Sintra town center in the evening, it’s a totally different place.

TIP: During the day, you can avoid the crowds by taking a walk outside the main shopping streets. For example, the walk between the Moorish Castle and the village is really nice – just be sure you start on the hill and walk back to town and not the other way around!

Now that we covered the best things to do in Sintra, here are some additional suggestions for some of the most beautiful places to visit in and near Sintra .

Most of these get just a fraction of tourists and some others – hardly any at all. So if you want to explore Sintra (and its beautiful surroundings) deeper, be sure to visit at least a few of these sights:

8. Cabo da Roca

Cabo da Roca is the most westerly point of Portugal’s mainland and one of the most popular places to see near Sintra .

In fact, the coastline here is so scenic that most of the day tours visiting Sintra include a stop here as well (which means that it can get busy here, especially during the day and on the weekends).

This rugged headland with an old lighthouse offers amazing views of the coastline. It’s a great place to enjoy views of the sun setting over the Atlantic Ocean. As you stand here looking out across the ocean, it is easy to see why people used to believe that this spot was the edge of the world!

Good to know: There are several difficult but rewarding hiking trails nearby that lead to remote and scenic coves, or you can just take an easy short walk to the main viewpoint. Most people just stop here for a photo and for that, you don’t need more than half an hour.

There is a restaurant, a gift shop, and bathroom facilities here.

Getting here: You will need a car to visit Cabo da Roca. As already mentioned, many organized tours that visit Sintra include a stop here as well.

9. Convent of the Capuchos

The Convent of the Capuchos ( Convento dos Capuchos ) is a unique rural attraction that lies in direct contrast to the magnificent buildings you see elsewhere in Sintra. This is one of the best places to visit near Sintra if you want to avoid big crowds.

Dating back to the middle of the 15th century, the Convent was home to Franciscan friars who had taken vows of extreme poverty. The stark austerity of this isolated monastery clearly reflects this. In fact, it is quite sobering to see it after all the opulence of Sintra’s castles and palaces.

Amidst the labyrinth of the convent’s caverns, you can see the cramped cells in which the monks slept. Each of these has meter-high doors, designed to force the monks to genuflect as they entered. It is interesting to see the cork lining the cell walls, which was used to insulate them against cold and humidity. There are many other rooms to visit, including the kitchen, infirmary, refectory, library, and outer cloister.

Particularly poignant is the Senhor dos Pasos chapel, which contains the remains of the blue tiles that depicted the Passion of Christ.

The most striking thing about the convent is the way in which it blends seamlessly into its natural surroundings, giving it a somewhat enchanting, storybook appearance. The overall atmosphere is tranquil and a little magical – definitely one of the most unique spots you will visit in Sintra.

TIP: It is worth paying extra for the audio tour as there is very little signage in the convent to explain what you are seeing.

Getting there: The Convent of the Capuchos is located outside of Sintra town. While it’s not far as the crow flies, you have to drive around the hills, so it will likely take about half an hour to get there. If you don’t have a car, you can get here by taxi or by bus. Taxi/ Uber is really quite affordable in Portugal, so it’s probably the most convenient and quickest way to visit this and other places near Sintra.

Practical info: Convento dos Capuchos is open daily from 9.30 am to 6.30 pm. For more info, see their website .

10. Villa Sassetti

Villa Sassetti (aka Sassetti Village) is one of Sintra’s hidden gems and is rarely mentioned in the visitor guides. Admittedly you can’t view the building’s interior, but there are some lovely architectural features to admire on its facade, not least the two panels of Portuguese tiles and the circular tower that gives the building a Mediterranean appearance.

Construction of this villa began back in 1885 when the owner – Victor Carlos Sassetti – set about creating a summer residence inspired by the castles of Lombardy.

Nowadays, the property is owned by Parques de Sintra and has been restored extensively. Surrounded by lavish gardens, it’s located on a pathway that connects Sintra’s Historical Center with the Moorish Castle and the Park of Pena. So if you are walking from the Moorish Castle down to town, check it out!

Good to know: The gardens are open daily from 10 am to 6 pm and you can visit the gardens for free. More info here .

11. Sanctuary of Peninha

The Chapel of Our Lady of Penha (Peninha) ( Santuario da Peninha ) was established after a shepherd claimed to have sighted her apparition there. Located 488 meters above sea level, the complex also contains a small palace built by António Augusto Carvalho Monteiro (the owner of Quinta da Regaleira) in 1918.

This enchanting sacred site of worship exudes a mysterious atmosphere and there are many legendary tales associated with it that have been passed down by pilgrims for generations.

Aside from its historical interest, the main reason to come here are the amazing views towards Sintra’s coastline. It could also be a nice place to visit around sunset.

Good to know: The Sanctuary of Peninha is located about half an hour’s drive from Sintra’s old town. It’s really off the beaten path and not many visitors come here. There is parking from where you have to take a steep (short) path to the summit, so walking shoes are recommended. There are no facilities here.

12. Seteais Palace

Located on the edge of the Serra de Sintra, the neoclassical Seteais Palace ( Tivoli Palácio de Seteais ) overlooks the town and the beautiful countryside surrounding it.

It was built during the 18th century for the Dutch Consul at that time then later extended by the 5th Marquis of Marialva. In 1946 the Portuguese government acquired the property and opened it as a hotel. Hotel Tivoli Palácio de Seteais is now one of the most luxurious hotels in the region and has hosted some very illustrious guests, including the writer Agatha Christie and U.S. President Richard Nixon.

While you can’t see the interior of this palace unless you are a guest in the hotel, you are still free to explore the extensive gardens . Filled with fruit trees and elegant features inspired by the Romanticist movement, they are quite charming and worth visiting if you have some extra time in Sintra. You also have a nice view of Pena Palace from here.

Good to know: Access to the gardens of Seteais Palace is in principle free of charge and open to the public. But they don’t make publicity about this and don’t encourage visits… But since the Palacio de Seteais is very close to Quinta da Regaleira, you could just walk over there and see if you can visit the gardens.

13. Sintra Beaches

While Sintra town itself is located inland, the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park is also known for its stunning beaches .

Some of the nicest beaches near Sintra are Praia da Adraga , Praia do Cavalo , Praia da Ursa , and Praia Grande . The sands are golden and the rock formations are quite spectacular.

Some of these beaches are very easy to visit, some others require a bit of a walk, and Praia do Cavalo even a climb. Depending on the time of the year, the weather, and your interests, you may want to visit one or a few of them.

Good to know: You’ll need a car to visit the beaches. Some of them have lots of amenities, including restaurants, showers, toilets, and a lifeguard in the peak season. While others are remote and isolated.

Something to note is that most beaches here are better for sunbathing and long walks rather than swimming. The waves can be enormous and ocean currents can sweep you off your feet.

14. Azenhas do Mar (viewpoint)

Azenhas do Mar is a picture-perfect village of white houses built on a steep cliff facing the ocean. It has its own little beach and a natural oceanic pool. Its name means ‘Watermills of the Sea’ in reference to the powerful stream that used to move the watermills on its way to the ocean.

Originally a fishing village, Azenhas do Mar is somewhat less authentic these days and many of its houses are the summer residences of wealthy families from Lisbon. Nevertheless, the maze of streets perched on the cliffside – often featured on Portuguese postcards – is stunning to see in person!

TIP: If you don’t have the time to visit the village, just stop for a photo at the Azenhas do Mar viewpoint. It’s one of the nicest places near Sintra and worth a detour if you have a car.

Where to Stay

Most people visit Sintra for just a day from Lisbon, so you don’t absolutely have to stay here if you want to see just the main castles.

However, if you do have more time, we highly recommend spending at least a night or two in Sintra.

Here are a couple of the best-rated hotels in Sintra for all budgets:

€€€€+ Arribas Sintra Hotel (seaside resort further from the center – you’ll need a car). €€€€ Sintra Boutique Hotel (the best choice in the center of Sintra). €€€ Sintra Bliss Hotel (a very nice hotel close to the railway station). €€ Flor&Fidalgo Guest House (excellent lower-budget accommodation near the station).

So, this is our guide to the best things to do in Sintra and nearby. As you can see, this stunning area has a lot more to offer than it looks at first sight. Mystical and beautiful, this is easily one of the most photogenic and memorable places you will ever visit.

If you have a car, stay in the area for a few days so that you can explore all these beautiful places. 2-3 days should be enough for the main sights in Sintra described in this guide, depending on how much time you spend at each place.

TIP: Take a look at our Sintra itinerary for some ideas on how to plan your time and more practical information for your visit. Just remember that you won’t be able to do much with a car in Sintra town itself, and be sure that your accommodation has car parking.

But also if you don’t have a car and are just visiting for a day , you can still see a lot- either by booking a tour or taking a train to Sintra + a bus/taxi to get around the area. As already said before, there are lots of tours with a big variety of itineraries, so pick one that looks the most interesting to you or opt for a private tour and customize it to your liking.

Have a fabulous time in Sintra!

READ ALSO: Best Day Trips from Lisbon

More travel inspiration for your trip to Portugal:

• Best things to do in Lisbon (all the top sights & insider tips)
• One day in Lisbon
• Most beautiful cities and towns in Portugal
• 10 days Portugal itinerary
• Most beautiful places in Algarve
• Algarve itinerary
• Best beaches in Algarve
• Benagil Cave
• Ponta da Piedade
• Portugal with kids
• Best things to do in Madeira
• Best things to do on Sao Miguel Island, Azores
• … for more destinations, see our Portugal travel guide .

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This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Tuesday 26th of December 2023

Thank you so much for your information. I have used your site for our Iceland, Italy, Switzerland trips in the past. It's very help ful.

My husband and I plan to visit Sintra for two days. Arriving there by train from Lisbon, tour the major attractions on our own the first day. Stay the night in Sentara. Will we be able to find taxi to take us to the beaches, Azenhaz Do Mar, Cabo Da Roca etc, on the 2nd day? Or do you recommend us to rent a car for those areas?

Thanks, Cindy

Wednesday 27th of December 2023

@Jurga, thank you so much for your quick reply. I really appreciate your information. I will try using Uber and Bolt for Sintra beaches!

Hi Cindy, you can definitely rent a car, but it should be just as simple to get around without it. So it's up to you. I recommend that you install an app for Uber and/or Bolt - both are widely used all over Portugal and the prices are very reasonable. Taxis should be available too, but it might not always be easy to find one in the less touristy areas when and where exactly you need it. Have a great trip!

HELPING YOU PLAN YOUR PERFECT TRIP TO PORTUGAL

14 of the best things to do in sintra: the ultimate guide.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please see my full disclosure policy  for further information.

The enchanting UNESCO World Heritage landscape of Sintra is an understandably popular destination. Although it’s less than an hour from Lisbon, it’s a world apart. We’re talking forested hills filled with fanciful palaces, romantic gardens, centuries-old castles and convents, all contained within a natural park fringed by beautiful beaches.

In fact, there are so many things to do in Sintra that, after countless visits, I highly recommend you plan ahead to make the most of your time. Or take a tour and let someone else take care of the logistics for you.

Note: See my Sintra hotels and accommodation tips if you intend to stay overnight.

GUIDED TOURS TO SINTRA FROM LISBON

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage sights of Sintra. LEARN MORE Enjoy palaces, gardens and more on this full-day private guided tour of Sintra from Lisbon. LEARN MORE Rent an e-car for a self-drive tour of Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira and some of the beautiful coastal areas. LEARN MORE

Best things to do in Sintra

These are the most popular sights in Sintra but you won’t have time to see them all in just one day so either choose a couple of them or stay overnight.

1. Be wowed by the fairy tale excess at Pena Palace

The multicoloured icon of Sintra is Palácio da Pena. Never mind icing on a cake, it actually looks like an extreme wedding cake with its bright colours, teeming with turrets and extravagant architectural details like the famous window (see photo below).

It is worth the journey uphill but, being one of the most popular things to do in Sintra, expect to find tourists crawling all over the palace and long queues to see into roped-off rooms. If sounds like your idea of hell, choose a quieter palace, such as Queluz, Sintra National Palace or Biester.

Tip: If you visit very early in the morning or late afternoon you should miss the worst of the hoards. Otherwise, at least try to avoid weekends and preferably come during the winter months. Or visit with an organised tour, like this one .

Try to create space in your Sintra itinerary to allow you to explore the surrounding park and woodland at a more relaxed pace.

You’ll need at least 2 hours to visit Pena Palace plus travel time. At the moment, you need to buy a timed entrance ticket so make sure you allow plenty of time to get to the actual palace before your visit is due to start. Give yourself 30 minutes between the park gate and the palace entrance. Open daily from 9:30, park only is €7.50, palace and park €14. Buy tickets online .

2. Explore the folly-filled garden at Quinta da Regaleira

What happens when you give an extremely talented and visionary designer unlimited funds and a free rein to renovate a property?

Go to Quinta da Regaleira and you’ll find out.

Luigi Manini , an Italian artist, set designer and architect, landed the job of transforming the property at the beginning of the 20th century. He spent the next nine years detailing every aspect of both the gardens and the house.

The grottos, caves and secret tunnels that are scattered throughout the grounds bear a striking resemblance to his theatre sets. Follies include a Dante-inspired inverted well, various fountains, turrets and bridges and a neo-Manueline chapel, providing immense fun for children and adults alike.

The house may not hold great appeal for kids but it definitely merits more than a quick peek.

My favourite room is the Sala da Caça (the Hunting Room), which was used as the family dining room. I’m no fan of hunting but the workmanship of the sculpted mantelpiece and doorways is awe-inspiring. Best of all is the brightly coloured mosaic floor, decorated with scenes from nature and hunting.

Each room has a unique floor and ceiling, as you’ll see when you get to the upper floor which is filled with Manini’s designs and more information than you can possibly take in during a single visit. To be fair, this is probably of most appeal to architects and designers but the ground floor rooms should not be rushed.

There’s a café in the grounds if you need a break between house and gardens.

Buy this skip-the-line ticket with a guided tour.

Expect to spend around 2 hours at Quinta da Regaleira. Open daily from 9:30 am.

3. Discover centuries of history at Sintra National Palace

One of the oldest and certainly the most central of Sintra’s monuments is the National Palace, which is also one of my favourites. Its iconic double chimney stacks belong to the kitchen and are impressive from inside and out.

Other special features of the town’s oldest royal palace include the ceilings painted with swans, magpies and ships and the fabulous array of original azulejos (painted tiles) which span the 15th to the 19th centuries. You’ll also find some splendid examples of Mudejar and Manueline architecture.

Allow at least an hour for visiting Sintra National Palace. Two if you like to take your time over details. Open daily.

Buy your skip-the-line ticket here.

4. Conquer the rugged battlements at Castle of the Moors

As an antidote to all this ostentation, the coarse ruggedness and unadorned simplicity of Sintra’s Castelo dos Mouros works well.

Originally built in the 10th century, the Moorish Castle has been added to many times over the centuries that followed and used in strategic defense.

I enjoyed clambering around the ramparts and taking in the stunning views, although you have to work for them!

You’ll need to factor in transfer times as it’s away from Sintra town centre but once there, I’d say you’ll want up to an hour.

Book your skip-the-line ticket to the Castle here or maybe combine the Castle with the park and Pena Palace .as they are very close to each other.

Open daily from 9:30 am.

5. Visit Queluz National Palace & Gardens for 18th century splendour

Thanks to its location a few kilometres outside of Sintra, Queluz National Palace often gets overlooked by visitors. This is a shame because the recently renovated 18th century royal palace is a magnificent example of Rococco architecture and finery, surrounded by manicured gardens.

It’s also full of amazing azulejos, both inside and out, and home to the Portuguese School of Equestrian Art.

If you do go there, you won’t have to worry about crowds, which is a real bonus compared to other Sintra monuments.

Practicalities: The Royal Palace of Queluz is about a 15-minute walk from the Queluz-Belas train station, which is on the Lisbon-Sintra line, departing from Oriente or Rossio station every 20 minutes or so. You could break your journey to Sintra here, visit the palace and then continue to old town Sintra to see another monument.

Open daily from 09:00 to 18:00, last admission 17:30. Palace and gardens €13.

Allow a good couple of hours to explore Queluz Palace and gardens, more if you want to catch any of the equestrian activities .

6. Escape the crowds at Chalet da Condessa d’Edla and Pena Farm

If you’d rather avoid queues at Pena Palace and be content with viewing it from the outside, you could aim straight for this small but beautifully restored chalet inside Pena Park.

Chalet da Condessa d’Edla

The Swiss-German origins of the Countess of Edla may explain some of the decorative features of the “House of Delights” that she and her husband, King Ferdinand II, had built in the forest. The building was severely damaged in a fire but has since been reconstructed with replicas of the original interior decor and imaginative use of cork.

Though mostly unfurnished, the items on display, such as the royal picnic basket, and information panels give fascinating insights into their lifestyle at the end of the 19th century.

A visit to the chalet itself will probably take up no more than half an hour (plus travel time) but allow another hour or more to explore the surrounding park, which encompasses and offers great views of Pena Palace. Open 9.30 am to 7 pm in high season, €9.50 full price, which includes access to the Pena Park.

Tip: If you intend to visit Pena Palace and/or the Moorish Castle, buy a combined ticket at the chalet and walk through the woods to reach the other entrances via the lakes. If you’re not up to walking far, there is a hop on hop off bus that does the rounds of the Pena Park for an extra €3.50.

Pena Park, farm and equestrian activities

Pena Park holds many treasures such as the Valley of the Ferns, restored greenhouses and a small ornamental farm with vegetable plots, sheep, chickens and horses that was built in the 19th century along the lines of the one that Louis XVII had.

You can take a look behind the scenes of the Portuguese School of Equestrian Art and watch the training and rehearsals required for their special galas and shows. More details here.

7. Hike the Villa Sassetti trail

If you’re reasonably fit, you can hike between Sintra old town and the hilltop monuments of Pena Palace and the Moorish Castle. The steep forest path takes you past the restored Villa Sassetti and Penedo da Amizade, a huge boulder that climbers like to tackle.

Mike and I were pushed for time and are not keen on climbing hills so we opted to take an Uber to the Chalet da Condessa D’Edla and then walked back downhill through Pena Park and via Villa Sassetti.

We got a little lost once we reached the cobbled road at the Lakes Entrance to Pena Park but eventually located the start of the Villa Sassetti trail. It is a worthy walk and offers plenty of shade and great views so I’d recommend doing it at least one way if you have time (allow about 45 minutes to 1 hour each way).

See this post for more wonderful hikes in Sintra Cascais Natural Park

Tip: The trail downhill starts at the end of the car park opposite the Lakes Entrance to Pena Park. In other words, cross the road and walk through the car park. The other end is beside the Parque das Merendas (picnic area) marked on this map .

Tip: Although full on hiking gear is not necessary, the terrain is uneven so you need sensible shoes.

8. Experience simplicity and nature at Convento dos Capuchos

For a complete contrast to the excessive grandeur of Sintra’s palaces, head a few kilometres out of the town centre to the 16th century Convento dos Capuchos.

This jumbled maze of low-level buildings is nestled in woodland, providing a relatively peaceful respite from the heavily touristed sites.

It’s easy to see why the Capuchin monks chose this location, surrounded by natural beauty with views that extend to the coast.

As you’ll see from patchy, peeling plaster, mossy boulders and cork-clad walls, the convent fell into disrepair during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Nevertheless, it provides a fascinating insight into the austere lifestyle of the Capuchin monks who lived and trained here. Enter the convent itself through the Door of Death and poke around the tiny dormitories, the kitchen, chapel and cloisters.

Although I walked along the road from Sintra to the convent, it’s quite a trek and I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it, especially in summer. There’s no public transport, so the only alternative would be to drive or take a taxi /Uber.

Once there, you can easily while away an hour or more.

9. Romantic Monserrate Palace and gardens

Monserrate is another one of Sintra’s lesser-visited sites but well worth the extra effort involved in getting there. After all, it’s only a short bus ride (bus #435) or drive from the town centre.

Monserrate Palace itself is smaller than I expected and has only been open to the public for a few years. Although still beautiful enough to inspire Lord Byron to write a poem , Monserrate’s original neo-Gothic palace was already in ruins by the time he visited.

The subsequent rebuilding, interior decoration and ingenious infrastructures plus much of the landscaped gardens you can see today were down to Sir Francis Cook who took over the property in 1858. The ceilings alone are worth straining your neck for, especially the one in the main atrium between the colonnaded galleries leading to each end of the palace.

There’s little furniture in the house now but the information boards have black and white photographs of how each room looked while the Cook family lived there. If that’s not enough, you can have a go on Edgar, the interactive butler, to find out more about the family and the history of the property.

It was raining when Mike and I visited Monserrate Gardens but that didn’t stop us following the walking trail through the romantic and exotic gardens that separate the palace from the road.

With waterfalls, lakes, ferns growing out of trees and tropical plants from around the world, it’s a wonderful sanctuary to roam. It too has follies, including a neo-Gothic chapel, deliberately ruined to create a whimsically romantic atmosphere. These days, it’s partially covered by a strangler fig and one of the ponds is home to a salamander lizard.

You can choose Monserrate Palace on this full-day private guided tour of Sintra from Lisbon , which covers gardens and palaces.

Factor in a couple of hours for this visit, plus travel time. Open from 9:30 am.

Buy your skip-the-line ticket for the palace here.

Time in Monserrate and at the Capuchos Convent are included in my 2-Week Portugal Discovery Tour .

Or arrange a one-day guided hike to these off-the-beaten track sights by completing this enquiry form .

10. Neoclassical features at Seteias Palace

Seteias Palace was originally built in the 18th century for the Dutch Consul and is now a luxury hotel , part of the Tivoli Group.

High on the hill overlooking Sintra, its noble neoclassical facade is matched by the period decor inside, including frescoes and beautiful wooden furniture.

Even if you’re not staying at the hotel, you can treat yourself to lunch or dinner in the elegant restaurant. We did none of those things but the staff very kindly let us have a nosy around the public spaces for a few minutes.

11. Biester Palace and Park

I haven’t managed to make it to Biester Palace yet but I want to pass on the reports I’ve heard about it to you. It’s not on the ‘Sintra must-sees’ but it’s only a question of time. The photos and descriptions show a beautiful palace set in gorgeous grounds. A (very big) plus side is there are no crowds! So take this opportunity to explore this fascinating place- I will soon!

Check out the site for details and the chance to look at photos. Open April to October 10am to 8 pm, November to March 10 am to 6.30pm. Cost €10 and with a 90 minute guided tour €18.

12. Taste Colares wine

Portugal has many microclimates and terroirs and the unique growing conditions in the tiny Colares wine region produce some of Europe’s oldest rootstock wines .

Grown in sand, in proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, the local vines were protected from the devastating phylloxera plague that destroyed many European vineyards in the 1900s. The resulting wines have a curious mineral flavour and are something of an acquired taste but worth trying if you get the chance.

There are a few wineries close to Sintra. I visited the small Adega Viúva Gomes , although the larger Adega Regional de Colares is probably easier to visit (closed Saturday afternoon and all day Sunday). Both require vehicle transfers from Sintra so factor in travel time plus and hour or so for the tour and tasting.

For other wineries to visit in the Lisbon area, check out this post .

13. Walks in and around Sintra

As well as the Vila Sassetti trail, you’ll notice lots of markers around town for PR ( Pequenas Rotas = Short Routes) walks painted with yellow and red stripes but having tried unsuccessfully to follow a couple, I would not rely solely on these markings.

Within the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, you’ll find the GR-11 Atlantic Route which takes you along spectacular coastline and through small villages, including the picturesque Azenhas do Mar .

See this article about hiking in and around Sintra for more details.

If you’re interested in a guided hike, let me know and I will connect you with a suitable tour operator.

14. Visit Sintra old town for souvenir shopping

The town has cashed in on the never-ending flow of tourists that visit Sintra each day. The narrow cobbled streets leading away from the National Palace are littered with souvenir shops, cafés named after famous poets and port wine tasting outlets.

While some of these shops sell pure tat, there are still gems to be found.

My two favourite shops in Sintra are Páteo do Titão, a treasure trove of gorgeous, quality Portuguese arts and crafts and Olaria S. Pedro , a ceramics shop that I first discovered in the medieval town of Óbidos .

FAQs about visiting Sintra

These are the most common questions people ask me. (Click the question to see my answer.)

Many people come here on a day trip from Lisbon to Sintra but one day is not long enough to see all of its attractions.

If you really can only spend one day in Sintra, it’s wise to plan ahead to create an itinerary that maximises whatever time you’ve got. If this sounds like too much work, there are several guided tours that will take care of the decision-making and logistics for you.

Ideally, you’ll need two, if not three or four days to fully appreciate Sintra’s charms, especially if you want to do any walks in the surrounding Sintra-Cascais Natural Park .

Alternatively, let my partner travel agent take care of everything on one of my Portugal Itineraries. My 8-Day Introduction To Portugal Itinerary includes a day trip to Sintra while the 2-week tour gives you two nights here and the chance to explore the natural park.

A visit to Sintra at the height of the tourist season can be overwhelming. You could be standing in queues for hours or packed like sardines on a bus.

Taking a guided tour can take care of all of the logistics and provide you with someone who has an insiders guide to the monuments.

You can tackle Sintra without a guide but you’ll need a carefully planned itinerary and lots of patience.

Bear in mind seemingly everyone who spends time in Sintra has to visit Pena Palace. Understandably, it can get VERY crowded.

Because of this, when you purchase your ticket to the Park and National Palace of Pena, you must now  choose the day and time at which you want to visit the Palace . And they are VERY strict. If you’re late turning up you won’t be allowed in and tickets are non-refundable.

Be careful with your planning. It takes 30 minutes to get to the Palace once you’ve entered the Park so make sure you factor this in.

Maybe avoid the crowds and visit Biester or Queluz Palace instead.

By train : If you’re based in Lisbon it’s an easy, direct train journey from Lisbon’s Rossio station to Sintra, although it’s a 20-minute walk from Sintra train station into the historical centre. It’s downhill on the way there but you might want to Uber your way back up after a long day of sightseeing. See train timetables here .  

Take a guided tour from Lisbon : You can relieve the stress by letting someone else organize the travelling. There are many tours on offer from small group to private .

Driving : Don’t drive! Driving into Sintra itself is something I wouldn’t recommend, especially in high season as the narrow roads quickly get clogged. I got so fed up with the traffic jams when I tried to visit one September, I gave up and drove back to Lisbon.

The local council has now barred all but essential traffic from the historical centre so getting from one side of Sintra to to hilltop monuments involves quite a circuitous one way system, which is at least less scary than having to deal with two-way traffic on narrow roads.

Parking is also a nightmare unless you visit off-peak. There are park and ride facilities at Portela de Sintra and a couple of car parks on the edge of the old town.

Having said that, having a car will give you the freedom to explore the natural park, nearby villages and to head to the coast so if you can visit off-season, it’s worth considering.

I recommend booking a hire car from Discovercars . Try to find a Sintra hotel with parking facilities if you’re staying overnight.

There are many ways of getting around Sintra once you’re there.

On foot : If you’re fit and have plenty of time, you can walk to the main attractions, including the hilltop Moorish Castle and Pena Palace – see the tips about the Villa Sassetti trail.

Go green : You could feel good about getting around Sintra by hiring a two person electric car. You can explore at your own leisurely pace, navigate the winding roads easily and go on to visit some of the beautiful coastal areas. And there’s free parking at designated spots.

Public transport : Scotturb bus 434 will take you to both sites from the train station or town centre. For Monseratte and Seteias palaces plus Quinta da Regaleira, take bus 435. There’s a Scotturb ticket office opposite the train station if you want to buy a pass or you can pay on board for single journeys. These buses get quite crowded at peak times.

There are also taxis, Uber and plenty of tuk tuks eager to drive you around.

You may lose a little spontaneity but I recommend planning your itinerary carefully, choosing which places are must sees and book tickets in advance.

If you’re visiting Pena Palace select your time to visit and plan around that.

Check here for a selection of Sintra tickets you can get in advance.

The Parques de Sintra website has lots more information about each monument and helpful tools.

Basically, as early as possible before the crowds turn up. The park opens at 9am and Pena Palace 30 minutes later. Try to avoid peak midday. It eases off gradually throughout the afternoon. 4pm should be a good time to visit. The Palace closes at 6.30pm.

For exact opening and closing times, plus cost, of many of the monuments, see parquesdesintra.pt

If you can be flexible try to avoid the summer months. The parks and monuments in Sintra are open throughout the year, with the exception of Christmas Day and New Years Day.

We’ve spent hours strolling around palaces and gardens with hardly anyone else there purely because it was out of season. It’s not only less congested but cooler!

Note : During summer 2022 many of the palaces and parks had to close for a few days by legal imposition, due to extreme risk of rural fire. You can’t plan around this apart from avoiding that time of year.

Eating and drinking in Sintra

Some of the bakeries have queues out the door for the famous Sintra queijadas (sweet cheese cakes) and travesseiros (sweet pastry) and a day in Sintra is not quite complete without trying one of these, especially when they’re still warm. That said, my favourite café for cakes is Café Saudade, near the train station. They serve light meals, too.

However, if you’re after a more substantial meal, it can be a bit hit and miss.

Mike and I experienced the highs and lows of eating out in Sintra, the low being a plate of slop, sorry bacalhau com natas (cod with cream and potato), something I normally enjoy but resent being overcharged for when it’s way below standard.

Thankfully, the other meal we had was the other end of the spectrum if a little pricey. I had high hopes as the restaurant is called A Raposa (The Fox). It’s small, family run, elegant and in a room with beautiful fresco ceilings.

The food was excellent although don’t go there if you need to eat in a hurry. Dishes are made from scratch and take time to prepare so relax and be prepared to linger over a meal. They also serve interesting-looking sandwiches and teas earlier in the day.

Places to stay in Sintra

Sintra has a wide range of accommodation from luxury palaces to modern design hotels, traditional guest houses and cute, trendy hostels.

Check out all my suggestions for places to stay in Sintra

If you plan to go self-catering, note that we haven’t come across even a small grocery store during any of our stays in Sintra historical centre so if you haven’t got a car, you might find it tricky to stock up on supplies.

More information about visiting Sintra

The Parques de Sintra website has lots more information about each monument and helpful tools such as travel planners and ticket calculators. Download audio guides on an app for the following monuments:

• National Palace of Sintra
• National Palace of Pena and Chalet of the Countess of Edla
• National Palace and Gardens of Queluz
• Park and Palace of Monserrate
• Convent of the Capuchos

You can also find out about cultural events being held in Sintra’s monuments as well as temporary closures for restoration works.

Tip: Save money by purchasing combined passes – the more monuments you visit, the greater the % discount. Discounts apply for youths, families and seniors.

Quinta da Regaleira is managed by a separate foundation so you’ll need to visit its own website for more information.

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50 Comments

Saving this information for when we are ready to visit. Very helpful, thanks.

Great information! We are going to be in Portugal for ~8 days in the summer; we’re staying Obidos but planning at least one day to Sintra.

Happy to help. Have a great time!

We will be driving in from the north, Oct .7th, stopping in Sintra before going on to Lisbon. Will arrive mid morning hopefully. Which sights should we see first. I am thinking making Pena Palace our last stop and doing town, lunch and Quinta de Regaleira, which I hear is a better choice than the Palace?, first. Thanks for any tips.

Hi Julie Thanks for your interesting posts. I’m just finishing my research for our trip to Portugal, leaving next Saturday! Your posts have provided unique tidbits that I haven’t seen anywhere else!

Hi Julie, It has been a week since I got back from my three week vacation in Spain and Portugal. I spent 4 days in Sintra. I found it interesting that tourists I ran into questioned why I was spending several days there and my intuition told me to go there and reading your website helped as well. I have fallen in love with Sintra and I was grateful to how peaceful and relaxing it was even with the tourists. I ate at some restaurants away from the city centre. I was traveling solo and had the best time in Sintra. For transportation I bought the viva viagen card to get around which allowed me to do Cabo da Roca, Cascais, Estoril, etc. I had to buy a separate transport to Pena and Moorish castle but it was worth it. I was so impressed with the bus drivers driving those narrow roads. I stayed at an airbnb near train station. I am definitely planning to go back to Sintra. Thanks for all your valuable information that helped with my trip to be most memorable. I seriously dream about moving to Sintra.

Thanks, this is so helpful! I found it while researching whether or not to spend my 2 night stopover in Lisbon or Sintra. I think Sintra with the last afternoon in Lisbon. Thanks for the help 🙂

we will visit Sintra next month. We want to take buses 434 and 435. I am wondering if it is easy to change buses when they meet at a stop.

Yes, but you may have a wait in between

Sintra is great, but can be a headache.

Here are my tips:

1. Whatever you do – DO NOT BUY A CITY SIGHTSEEING TICKET from the couple right next to the train station because (a) It is a waste of money if you are only going to go for half a day and/or plan only to visit a few places (probably Quinta de la Regaleira, Pena Palace, and/or the Moorish castle). (b) They are the rudest couple on the planet and will lie to you that the bus is “coming in 5 minutes” to lure you into buying that instead of the much cheaper public bus because the lines for that will be intimidatingly long. We waited for 2 HOURS in the scorching heat. And when I approached them to get a refund they started screaming at me in front of their children — even though I later found out from another vendor that they are obliged to give me a refund. Their names are Joāo and Claudia. AVOID AT ALL COST.

2. Instead, get a tuktuk to Pena Palace (which you should buy tickets for in advance online to avoid long lines), and then another to the Quinta de Regaleira. It is 5 euro per person, MUCH faster, more fun, and the drivers are nice and will tell you history if you ask. From there, you can walk to the city center where the train station is in a fast 10 minute walk or a leisurely stroll because along the way there are artists and vendors set up which is also fun.

3. EAT A QUEIJADA!!! They are unique to Sintra and so so so good. We had some at Piriquita II, a nice spot with an outdoor terrace for a quick lunch. But there is one place especially well-known for them: queijadas de sapa.

4. If you’re going to see just a few places, I’d go earlier rather than later to avoid the crowds, but you will be able to get back to Lisbon by mid-afternoon.

Bottom line: DO NOT BUY CITY SIGHTSEEING PASS FROM JOĀO AND CLAUDIA. The other City Sighseeing vendor told us that Joāo and Claudia have a terrible reputation and even once got into a physical altercation with a customer.

Hi Julie we are going to be in Sintra in March we will have a car, can we use it there or should we just use the buses, the guest house we are staying at has parking

Hi George, If you’re there on a busy weekend, you probably won’t want to drive around Sintra itself – the streets are narrow and you could be stuck in traffic – but on weekdays it’s not so bad. Having the car will give you the flexibility to visit the Capuchos monastery, Monseratte and other ‘out of the way’ palaces as well as the Colares wineries and even the beaches.

Over to you. Please share your thoughts in a comment. Cancel reply

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Char's Footsteps

The Ultimate Travel Guide to Sintra

Sintra in Portugal is famous for its natural beauty, fairy tale palaces and brightly coloured buildings. Gaining its UNESCO Cultural Landscape clarification in 1995, the town of Sintra and its surrounding areas are bursting with things to do and is a must when visiting Portugal. Given its close proximity to Lisbon and Cascais , it is feasible to visit Sintra as a day trip. However, I’d highly recommend spending at least two days in Sintra to have enough time to properly see everything.

Things to Do in Sintra

There are plenty of things to do in Sintra. I would strongly suggest you plan out exactly what you want to see ahead of your journey, to make choosing bus routes there much easier.

Park and National Palace of Pena

Probably one of the most recognisable images of Portugal, the Pena Palace is even more breathtaking in person. This colourful fairytale palace is situated at the top of Sintra Mountains, giving you expansive views of the village below, and its surrounding areas. The exterior of Pena Palace is a combination of colourful pinks, blues and yellows, which contrast beautifully against the surrounding forests. Once inside the Palace, walk up the stairs and join the walkway that surrounds the Palace. This will not only give you an up-close look at the architecture of Pena Palace but you’ll be treated to some breathtaking, panoramic views of Sintra and its countryside. This was a highlight of my day and something not to miss!

Pena Palace Tickets

You can buy tickets to enter Pena Palace online , saving you time on queues and 5% off entry fee. However, you’ll need to know the date and time you’re planning to go. I found easier to buy my ticket once I have arrived at the Palace and the queues weren’t too bad. Tickets for the National Palace of Pena cost €14 adult and can be found at the Palace’s main entrance.

Once through the main entrance, you’ll walk through Park of Pena until you reach the Pena Palace entrance. It’s a 15 minute uphill walk or you can pay for the bus that goes up. As you walk up you’ll be greeted by the colourful palace

As you can see from the map of Pena Palace, it’s a pretty big area that could easily take a day to cover. I only managed the Palace and the High Cross.

Quinta da Regaleria

Quinta da Regaleria, or Palace of the Monteiro Millionaire, is a 20th Century Palace that’s famously known for its architectural features, labyrinth network of underground tunnels and initiation wells. Nestled within the hills of Sintra, this neo-Manueline style mansion is rich in symbolic details and sits amongst luscious gardens. The most famous party of Quinta de Regaleria is probably the wells or ‘inverted towers’. These moss-covered, spiralling wells have become a famous image of Sintra and are a key stopping point in Sintra for visitors. Aside from the wells, I really enjoyed hearing a bit about the mysterious history of the Palace and the different theories behind its original purpose. Definitely a must-do whilst in Sintra! With Quinta da Regaleria, you can actually walk from Sintra’s town centre for about 15 minutes to reach the Palace.

Castelo dos Mouros

Castelo dos Mouros, or Castle of the Moors, is a hilltop medieval castle that’s part of the Sintra Cultural Landscape and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These 8th Century ruins will give you sweeping, panoramic views over Sintra’s forests, the National Palace and beyond. The remnants of the Castle is well preserved, with many walls and towers still in place, allowing you to take a step back in time. As with most sights in Sintra, I’d recommend visiting the Castle; taking the time to explore the ruins and learn about the history of this medieval fortress.

For Castelo dos Mouros, you need to follow the same bus route as Pena Palace by taking the 434 bus and walking from there. It’s a short walk from the bus stop.

Monserrate Palace

Founded in the 19th century, the Palace of Monserrate was originally a summer holiday home for the Portuguese Court. Nowadays it’s better known as an architectural masterpiece that’s surrounded by an exceptional garden. Its architecture is unique as it blends Indian, Gothic, Moorish, and Islamic influences to create this fairy tale palace that is often seen as a symbol of the Romanticism movement.

The Monserrate Palace, and its gardens, are estimated to take 1-2 hours to explore properly. The palace itself is worth visiting to see the stunning interior, stained glass windows and decorative tiles. However, if you’re short on time, opt for walking around the botanical garden that surrounds the palace. Home to an extensive collection of plants from around the world, the gardens provide a tranquil escape. As one of the least visited sights in the region, you won’t need to contend with the masses or queues.

The Monserrate Palace is roughly 4km away from the Historic Centre and can be accessed on the 435 bus route. I would say if you’re trying to visit all these sights in a day, it can make for a rushed experience…what was supposed to be a gentle walk through the gardens, ended up being me sprinting through trying to see everything quickly. This is why I’d highly recommend having a few days in Sintra, to visit everything in a relaxed manner.

Sintra Historic Centre

One of my favourite things to do in Sintra was to wander around the Historic Centre. Lined with winding cobbled streets, quaint shops, and unique architecture, Sintra’s Historic Centre is worth exploring. You can easily spend a few hours getting lost in the colourful side streets, enjoying outdoor eateries, and sampling the many gelaterias around the village.

A few things to see in Sintra’s Historic Center include;

• The welcome centre (great guides here providing tailored information)
• NewsMuseum – a museum of journalism and media
• The Sintra National Palace
• Palácio Valenças – a 15th-century former royal palace with tours available.
• Jardim do Bico – a children’s playground
• All the gelato!!!

Sintra National Palace

The National Palace of Sintra is located within the Historic Centre and is one of the best-preserved medieval royal palaces. The Palace contains the largest set of Mudéjar tiles, multicultural artifacts and decorate art from the 16-18th Century. You’ll be The National Palace is a great opportunity to get a deeper understanding of Portugal’s rich history. Entry to the National Palace will cost you €10/€8.5/€33 (adult/child & seniors/family) but you can buy your ticket as a combi deal with the other attractions.

Beaches in Sintra

There are surprisingly many beaches in Sintra to take advantage of. An easy one to get to from Sintra is Praia Grande. Stretching over 2km, Praia Grande is a sandy beach known for its surfing, dinosaur footprints, and Europe’s largest seawater swimming pool. It’s fairly straightforward to get to from Sintra. Catch the train from Sintra to Portela de Sintra station, and grab the 439 or 441 bus. Services are less regular during the off-peak season (September to May) so plan ahead.

Here is a guide looking at the many beaches of Sintra

Sintra-Cascais Natural Park

The Sintra-Cascais Natural Park covers 145km² and is one of 13 Natural Parks in Portugal. Located just outside of Sintra, it’s easily accessible by public bus (1254 bus), car or even foot – although I wouldn’t advise walking along the main roads there, as they’re very winding and narrow! It’s close to Monserrate Palace

There are a large number of hikes and trails found in the area. Walking between the sights was enough of a hike for me. But when I next go back, I’ll be planning out some hiking trips. For avid hikers, AllTrails provides detailed routes and maps to help plan your trip.

Cabo da Roca

Cabo da Roca is continental Europe’s most westernpoint and is famous for its stunning views off the Atlantic Ocean and coastline. There’s also a lighthouse and monument you can check out here too. This is one best to do if you’re renting a car! Here’s a more detailed post on Cabo da Roca and the best things to do there. If you’re looking to visit Cabo da Roca by public transport, there is a 403 bus from Sintra to Cascais and then another bus from there to Cabo da Roca. I wasn’t able to fit this in with my schedule but it’s on my list for next time.

How Long to Spend in Sintra?

You can easily see the key sights of Sintra in a day. However, if you have the time, I’d highly suggest staying in the Historic Center for a few days. There are plenty of hotels in Sintra and you’ll be given a head start to the day from the crowds coming from Lisbon. In addition, you’ll be able to explore everything this region has to offer, and in good time. If you’re very short on time, I’d recommend Pena Palace as a must-do, which can be done in a morning/afternoon trip.

How to Get to Sintra from Lisbon?

Sintra is only 30km from Lisbon, making it a very easy day trip. There are several ways to get to Sintra from Lisbon:

The best way is to catch a 40-minute train from Rossio Station in Lisbon’s center. Be sure to get to the station early as the queues were crazy! I went on a weekday in March and the queues for the ticket office and booths were through the door. I can’t imagine what it’d be like during peak tourist season. After the ticket debacle, the train was very straightforward. The direct journey will take you to Sintra Station, where you have a number of travel options to take you to the various destinations this incredible town has to offer. The train costs €2.30, or free with the Lisboa card. Alternatively, if you’re staying further out of Lisbon’s centre, you can get the train direct from Oriente station.

There is also a bus that goes to Sintra station from Marques de Pombal in Lisbon. It’ll cost you €10/€15 for a single/return journey. Finally, you can drive from Lisbon to Sintra. However, be warned that it gets congested during peak times, Sintra’s historic town center isn’t car-friendly and there is limited parking.

How to Travel Around Sintra?

Getting around Sintra is fairly straightforward, but is made easier by planning your route ahead of time. The main way to travel between the sights is by bus. As the roads are narrow and winding, all bus routes are one-way loops that start in Sintra town centre. Because of this, it’s important to plan which sights you want to see and in what order. This will determine which bus loop you will need to take, with bus 434 and 435 being the two main loops. I would strongly recommend planning this ahead of time, so you’re not like me, panicking at the station as all the buses arrived.

Sintra Buses

• Bus 434 : Sintra town center to several major attractions – Pena Palace, the Moorish Castle, and Quinta da Regaleira.
• Bus 435 : Sintra town center to various attractions, including Monserrate Palace and Seteais Palace.
• Bus 403 : Sintra to Cascais. From here you can catch buses to other destinations like Cabo da Roca.
• Bus 417 : Sintra train station to Praia Grande and Azenhas do Mar on the coast. Bus Stops: Pay attention to the names of the bus stops or landmarks along the route to ensure you don’t miss your destination.

Be sure to check out the names of the bus stop or landmarks along the route so you don’t miss your destination.

Getting around Sintra by bus is an excellent way to explore the town and its numerous attractions, allowing you to efficiently visit the historical sights, palaces, and natural wonders that make Sintra such a captivating destination. However, there are also hop-on-hop-off buses, taxis, private tuk-tuks and the options of hire cars, that can all help with your visit to Sintra.

Just a note on private tuk-tuks – this might be a good option if you’re looking for something a bit different. However at €5 per journey, this more expensive option was isn’t as private as you might expect. At several places, tuk-tuk drivers came round the queue to collect more people to join the tuk-tuk. Meaning you’ll likely be sharing a small tuk-tuk with other people.

Weather in Sintra

Like most of Portugal, the weather is favourable all year round, ranging from mild winters to hot summers. However, it does get a little chilly in parts of Sintra, like the top of Pena Palace. And expect temperatures to drop as low as 6 degrees in winter. As with anywhere, check the weather before you go and dress accordingly: sun cream, layers, hat, etc.

I hope this helps anyone looking to visit Sintra.

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Sintra; the best sights, attractions and things to see and do in 2024

The picturesque town of Sintra captures the imagination like nowhere else in Portugal. From mist-veiled forests to windswept cliffs, Sintra summons a sense of wild Romanticism, matched only by the flamboyant architecture found throughout the town.

The town revels in its 19th-century Romanticist heritage, with opulent palaces and wondrous villas flaunting whimsical and theatrical design elements. The most famous is the colourful Palacio de Pena, but equally fascinating are the Arabian-inspired Palácio de Monserrate and the mystical gardens of the Quinta da Regaleira.

Venturing beyond the well-trodden tourist trails reveals an alternative side of Sintra, one with dense forests, rugged coastlines, secluded religious sites, and wondrous viewpoints—all awaiting exploration by intrepid travellers.

Sintra is the most popular day trip from Lisbon, but such a fleeting visit barely scratches the surface. To truly immerse yourself in the magic of Sintra, a longer stay is essential. This guide unveils the best sights and activities, helping you to get the most from your day trip or holiday here. Related articles: Sintra introduction – Day trip to Sintra

The best sights and attractions of Sintra

Sintra is packed with fascinating sights, stunning scenery and exciting activities. The top 10 sights of the Sintra area are: 1) Palácio da Pena 2) Quinta da Regaleira 3) Castelo dos Mouros 4) Palácio de Monserrate 5) Palácio Nacional de Sintra 6) Convento dos Capuchos 7) Cabo da Roca 8) Palácio de Queluz 9) Sintra Tram 10) Capela da Peninha viewpoint

The interactive map below shows the locations of all of these sights. The green markers show the sights of Sintra, while the blue markers are the sights of the surrounding region. ( Note: Zoom out to see all of the points)

Sights of Sintra: 1) Palacio da Pena 2) Quinta da Regaleira 3) Castelo dos Mouros 4) Palácio de Monserrate 5) Palácio Nacional de Sintra 6) Sintra Tram 7) Palácio Biester 8) Palácio de Seteais 9) Vila Sassetti 10) Quinta da Ribafria 11) Chalet da Condessa d'Edla 12) Parque da Liberdade 13) Caminho de Santa Maria Hike 14) Queijadas da Sapa 15) Museu Anjos Teixeira 16) Museu de História Natural de Sintra Sights of Sintra region: 17) Cabo da Roca 18) Palácio de Queluz 19) Convento dos Capuchos 20) Capela da Peninha viewpoint 21) Praia das Maçãs (beach and town) 22) Praia do Guincho (beach popular for kite-surfing) 23) Praia da Ursa (beach) 24) Praia Grande (Surfing beach) 25) N247 (scenic road) 26) Cascais 27) Estoril

The beautiful Palácio Nacional da Pena is always a highlight of a day trip to Sintra

A typical day trip to Sintra will take in the Quinta da Regaleira or the Palácio Nacional de Sintra, with lunch in the historic town centre. The afternoon rides the 434 bus up the hill to visit the Palacio da Pena and Castelo dos Mouros (if time allows).

The Palacio da Pena is the highlight of the day, but it can get extremely busy. It is advisable to visit Sintra as early in the day as possible to avoid the worst of the crowds.

For a less touristy and more relaxed day trip , consider visiting the Palácio de Monserrate, the Palácio Biester (if time allows) and the gardens of the Palácio de Seteais. After lunch in the historic centre of Sintra, you can visit the Quinta da Regaleira or Palácio Nacional de Sintra. The Palácio de Monserrate and the mystical gardens of the Quinta da Regaleira will be the highlights of this day trip.

If you are lucky enough to be planning a longer trip to Sintra, a recommended itinerary is: • Day 1) Palacio da Pena (early as possible), Parque da Pena and Castelo dos Mouros, then walk into town via the scenic Caminho de Santa Maria footpath. • Day 2) Palácio de Monserrate, Palácio de Seteais (gardens), Palácio Nacional de Sintra (optional) and Quinta da Regaleira (late in the day when the gardens are quieter) • Day 3) Tram ride to Praia das Maçãs walk to Praia Grande, then head to the Cabo da Roca at sunset. If you have a car, the third day could also include the Convento dos Capuchos, the Capela da Peninha viewpoint and a drive along the stunning N247 road. Insight: This itinerary assumes you've already stayed in Lisbon (3 days recommended) and you will visit Cascais afterwards (1 day needed)

The remainder of this guide will detail the best sights and attractions of Sintra.

The Palacio da Pena (The Pena Palace)

The exquisite Palacio da Pena is one of the finest tourist attractions of Portugal and is a highlight of any visit to Sintra. This vividly-painted palace was commissioned in 1842 by King Ferdinand II, who championed the arts, literature and music. He wished his palace to reflect a scene from an opera - and from this brief, the extravagant Palacio da Pena was constructed.

It boasts a thrilling mix of influences, ranging from North African to Gothic, with carvings of mythical monsters, decorative battlements and a striking colour scheme. The interior is equally fascinating, having been restored to how it was in 1910 when Queen Amélia spent her last night here before fleeing to Brazil at the start of the Portuguese revolution.

Surrounding the palace is the Parque Pena, a series of forests and gardens that resonated with the ideals of the 19th-century Romanticism movement. There are picturesque footpaths, wonderful viewpoints (such as Cruz Alto, peak 529m) and hidden features including the warrior statue, the lakes and the Chalet da Condessa d'Edla.

The decorative entrance to the Pena Palace

Tourist information: Due to its popularity, visits to the palace are via a timed ticket, which provides a 30-minute time window to enter the main building of the palace. During the peak season, the most popular time slots are booked, and it is advisable to book tickets at least the day before. Tickets can be purchased from Getyourguide.com for €20 - click here .

There is a cheaper ticket (€10) that provides entrance to the gardens and forests that surround the Palácio da Pena, but not the actual palace. Surprisingly very little of the palace can be seen from the grounds, and the cheaper ‘Park Only’ ticket is not recommended if this is your first visit. Related articles: The Palacio da Pena

The beautiful Pena Palace as seen from the Alto do Cha viewpoint

The Quinta da Regaleira

The Quinta da Regaleira is a unique historical estate located near the center of Sintra, that dates back to the early 20th century. Originally built between 1904-1910 for owner António Augusto Carvalho Monteiro, this luxurious property and its expansive gardens seamlessly blend Gothic towers, Roman statues and other whimsical architectural elements into one magical landscape.

Hidden within the gardens is the Poço Iniciáticoin (initiation well), an impressive 27-meter deep initiation well connecting to a series of underground tunnels, that symbolises Carvalho connections to the ancient Templar Knights and aspects of Alchemy and Masonic traditions.

The Quinta da Regaleira gardens are a joy to explore on a hot summer's day, and it is the second-best attraction in Sintra after the Palacio da Pena.

Tourist information: The gardens can get busy between 10am and 3pm, and the allure of the initiation well and connecting caves can be lost if packed. Plan to visit early or later in the day.

The Initiation Wells (Poço Iniciáticoin) in the Quinta da Regaleira

How about a small group tour?

An organised tour is a hassle-free way to explore Sintra - and the only sensible option if you want to see both Sintra and Cascais in a single day. We have worked with GetYourGuide for the previous seven years, and some of their highest-rated tours of Sintra include: • Sintra Highlights Full-Day Tour (€65) • Sintra, Cabo da Roca and Cascais Full-Day Tour from Lisbon (€63) • Pena Palace and Regaleira Guided Tour from Lisbon (€65) • Sintra, Cascais and Cabo da Roca Coast Day Tour (€85)

The Convento dos Capuchos

The Convento dos Capuchos is a humble Franciscan monastery that is intertwined with the dense forests of the Serra da Sintra.

This austere 17th-century monastery exemplifies the Franciscan belief that humans should not impact on nature, and the entire complex exists in harmony with its natural surroundings.

Its simplistic stone buildings are surrounded by the ancient forests, while the main chapel is hidden in a cave formed by the region's massive boulders. The only compromise for the monks’ reflective and devout lives was the use of cork as a natural insulation against the harsh winter conditions.

Today, the Capuchos Convent has been completely taken over by the forest, and this unassuming convent is one of the most fascinating attractions of Sintra - as well as being one of the least visited. Related articles: The Convento dos Capuchos

Massive boulders and ancient trees of the Convento dos Capuchos

The chapel beneath the huge boulder

The Palácio Nacional de Sintra

The Gothic-style Palácio Nacional de Sintra is situated in the centre of the town, with two impressive coned chimneys rising from its kitchens.

This was Portugal's most used royal palace, being in continual use from the 15th century up until the fall of the monarchy in 1910. This is the palace where King Afonso VI (1650s) was imprisoned after his brother deemed him too unstable to rule the country.

The exterior of the palace is dominated by its huge chimneys, while the interior includes decoratively-painted rooms that reflect the extensive history of the palace. The most famous of these is the Magpie Room, which has paintings of magpies representing the gossiping and scheming of the Queen's ladies-in-waiting.

Insight: For your day trip to Sintra, the Palácio Nacional and Quinta da Regaleira provide two very different options while in the historic centre. The Palácio Nacional is better suited if you're into history and more classical buildings, while the Quinta da Regaleira gardens are more exciting and unique.

The Gothic exterior of the Palacio Nacional Sintra

The Sala dos Brasões in the Palacio Nacional

The Castle of the Moors (Castelo dos Mouros)

Perched dramatically atop a towering crag overlooking Sintra stands the ancient Castelo dos Mouros.

Dating from the 9th century, this formidable hilltop citadel was constructed not just for defense, but also as a strategic vantage point, allowing the North African Moors who ruled the region clear views over the entire coastline and surrounding lands.

The castle was extensively restored during the construction of the Palacio da Pena in the 19th century, and today it is one of the best attractions of Sintra. From the battlements are spectacular views over the region, and it is one of the largest castles in Portugal.

Insight: The Palacio da Pena and its grounds should be visited before the Castelo dos Mouros, unless there are ridiculously long queues to enter the Pena Palace. Related articles: The Castelo dos Mouros

The Moors castle stands high above Sintra

The view from the battlements are wonderful on a clear day

Palácio de Monserrate - Sightseeing in Sintra

The beautiful Palácio de Monserrate is a hidden gem of the Sintra region, which is sadly overlooked by most tourists.

This grand villa has beauty in its small details; from the intricate geometrical patterns of the lattice carving, to the fine stone details on the exterior and intricate Asian-inspired stone inlaying.

The Palácio de Monserrate was constructed by Francis Cook, a merchant who amassed a fortune exporting textiles and wool - and who was at one point Britain's richest man. The gardens are quintessentially British, with an immaculate lawn and beautiful rose gardens.

Monserrate is the perfect place to visit in summer when the crowds at the other attractions become unbearable. Related articles: The Palacio de Monserrate

The beautiful stone carvings inside Monserrate

The Palácio de Seteais

The Palácio de Seteais is a magnificent neo-classical palace that dates from 1783. The palace today is a luxurious hotel, but non-guests are able to visit the grounds. The grounds include a terrace garden with amazing views, hedge mazes and an impressive triumphal archway.

The Cabo da Roca

The Cabo da Roca is the most westerly point of mainland Europe, and is a baren windswept coastline of towering cliffs and powerful Atlantic waves. This is a region to appreciate nature’s raw beauty.

Perched at the top of the cliffs is a powerful lighthouse, while leading from the headland are scenic coastal footpaths – the beautiful Praia da Ursa is only 1.3km to the north. At sunset, the Cabo da Roca is a magical location to watch the sun drop below the vast ocean. Related articles: Cabo da Roca guide

The Cabo da Roca with the powerful lighthouse to the rear

Fábrica das Verdadeiras Queijadas da Sapa

Every Portuguese town has its own traditional sweet pastry, and the delicious speciality of Sintra are Queijadas (Queijadas de Sintra). These crispy, pastry tarts are filled with a sweet mix of cheese, eggs, milk and sugar – and are the perfect treat during a long day of sightseeing!

Queijadas have been made in Sintra since the medieval period, but it was Maria Sapa in 1756 who first started to prepare them commercially. Her recipe was passed down through the generations, and the family shop - the Fábrica das Verdadeiras Queijadas da Sapa - is the best place to try them.

The Praia das Maçãs and the Sintra Tram

The charming coastal town of Praia das Maçãs is the location of the best beach which is easily accessible from Sintra (the beach is also called Praia das Maçãs). Connecting Sintra to Praia das Maçãs is a delightful tram, which trundles along the 13km route. Praia das Maçãs and the Sintra Tram is one of the best day trips if you’re on holiday to Sintra.

Insight: Just to the south of Praia das Maçãs (and walkable) is the popular surfing beach of Praia Grande Related articles: Guide to Praia das Maçãs

The Praia das Maçãs is a fantastic beach

The delightful tram connecting Sintra to Praia das Maçãs

Capela de Nossa Senhora da Peninha

The Peninha chapel stands atop a rocky outcrop on the western side of the Serra da Sintra and provides one of the finest views of the region. The chapel can only be reached by car, but a trip here could be combined with the scenic drive along the N247 road.

The Santuario da Peninha

The view over the Sintra coastline from Peninha

• Palácio de Queluz

The Palácio de Queluz is a magnificent Rococo-styled palace that offers majestic 18th-century staterooms and wonderful gardens.

This lavish palace was built during the era when Portugal discovered gold in Brazil and the nobility constructed extravagant palaces, for which Queluz is regarded as the finest. Queluz lies partway between Lisbon and Sintra, but can easily be reached by train.

The highlight of the Palácio de Queluz are the gardens and exterior of the palace

The Sala dos Embaixadores (Ambassadors Room)

Câmara Municipal de Sintra

The Câmara Municipal de Sintra (Sintra town hall) is one of the finest examples of the whimsical Romanticist style of architecture found in Sintra. The building was completed in 1909 and boasts a decorative Manueline-inspired entrance and a flamboyant clock tower. Sadly, the interior of the building is not open to the public, but the exterior is free to see.

The Praia da Ursa

The Praia da Ursa is one of the most spectacular beaches of the Sintra coastline, and the location to escape the tourist masses. This remote beach sits at the base of a steep cliff, and is reached via dirt tracks and a footpath that scrambles down the side of the collapsed cliff.

The Praia da Ursa is distinctive for its two huge rocky outcrops; sections of harder cliffs which have withstood the power of the Atlantic Ocean. These rocky islands give the beach its name as the ‘Rocha da Ursa’ supposedly looks like a bear (ursa in Portuguese) Insight: There is a very scenic 1.7km coastal path from the Cabo da Roca to the Praia da Ursa, and this path is the suggestion to extend a visit to the Cabo da Roca.

The Praia da Ursa is a picturesque beach that faces the powerful Atlantic Ocean.

The N247 road

If you have a car, the N247 road between Azóia and Cascais provides one of the most spectacular driving routes of the Lisbon region. The road twists and turns through the Serra da Sintra hills and provides fantastic views over the region, before descending down into the pretty town of Cascais. Related articles: The best driving routes in the Lisbon region

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Home » Travel Guides » Portugal » 15 Best Things to Do in Sintra (Portugal)

15 Best Things to Do in Sintra (Portugal)

Leaving Lisbon’s western suburbs and climbing into Sintra feels like crossing over into another world. This town is in a green mountainscape of palaces, country estates, parks and a medieval castle. In the centre, the Palace of Sintra was a residence for the Portuguese royalty, and it’s just one of many exquisite properties to win you over.

Another is the enigmatic Quinta da Regaleira, the playground of a wealthy eccentric, or the Pena Palace and its fairytale muddle of towers atop a high peak. You can trek through woodland planted with giant exotic trees in the 19th century. Or carry on to the coast for beaches beneath sky-scraping cliffs, ot Cabo da Roca, at the very edge of mainland Europe.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Sintra :

1. Quinta da Regaleira

António Augusto Carvalho Monteiro was born in 1848 to wealthy Portuguese emigrants in Brazil and augmented his fortune in the coffee and precious stone businesses.

That wealth was funnelled into the bewildering Quinta da Regaleira, which is crammed with small monuments reflecting his fascination with the Masons, Knights Templar and Divination.

His Romantic palace is out of a dream and bursts with Manueline-style masonry, but it’s in the palace park where Monteiro’s eccentric personality comes through:  Underground there’s a system of tunnels and grottoes, all intended to confuse and delight.

Above are ornate gazebos, benches with sculptures and two “initiation wells”, deep shafts lined with spiral stairways leading down to sanctums for tarot ceremonies.

2. Pena Palace

Recently named one of Portugal’s “Seven Wonders”, Pena Palace was ordered by King Ferdinand II in 1838 on the lofty ruins of an old monastery.

The ostentatious Disney-esque architecture and high setting call to mind Ludwig II’s Neuschwanstein Castle, but Pena Palace is actually a couple of decades older.

As was the fashion at the time, the palace rolls together many historical styles, from Moorish to Renaissance.

It was built as a summer residence and has spellbinding stuccowork and trompe l’oeil painting inside, and views that will blow you away in the park.

You have to spend time outside as Ferdinand II planted trees from around the world like sequoias, tree ferns, ginkgos and Lawson cypresses that rise to astonishing heights.

3. Cruz Alta

The most rewarding of all the walks you can do in the Pena Park is the trail weaving through magical forest to the highest point in the Serra de Sintra.

At 528 metres, this prominence is marked with a Manueline-esque stone cross and is strewn with granite boulders.

At this height there’s a beautiful perspective of the Pena Palace’s colourful assortment of towers, as well as the green tones of the Sintra mountains.

On clear days you can see parts of Lisbon and the Tagus Estuary.

4. Cabo da Roca

Sintra’s boundaries go all the way to the coast, and the westernmost point of continental Europe.

Cabo da Roca is the point where the Serra de Sintra sinks dramatically into the ocean.

The cape is 140 metres at the top of a granite cliff and with powerful boulders and outcrops pounded by the ocean far below.

There’s a lighthouse up here, as well as a stone monolith with a cross to mark this headland, which was a famous seamark from Roman times to the Age of Discovery.

The ground up here is a carpet of evergreen ice plants, an invasive plant native to South Africa.

5. Castle of the Moors

Hoisted on one of Sintra’s northernmost peaks are the ruins of a mighty castle, built by the Moors and enlarged after the Reconquista.

The walls have four square towers and snake with the contours of the mountain at the top of a sheer cliff, so it’s a sight to behold from below and is an amazing vantage point from above.

Up between the merlons you can look over the peaks, bluffs and rocky spurs, out to the Atlantic and over Sintra.

Historians can investigate the ruins for some exciting vestiges like the large Moorish cistern that you can enter via a stairway, and the ruins of a Romanesque chapel with frescos in its chancel.

6. Park and Palace of Monserrate

Monserrate is deep in the mountain range, slightly removed from Sintra’s other palaces, and so isn’t quite as crowded.

But that doesn’t mean you can pass it by, because both the Moorish Revival palace and grounds are glorious.

It was all landscaped in the mid-19th century for Sir Francis Cook, an English aristocrat who was given the title Viscount of Monserrate by King Luís I. The parkland has bamboo plantations, grottoes, man-made waterfalls, ponds, exotic cedars and Oceanic tree ferns.

And as for the residence, the Islamic influence is undeniable, in the latticework in its arches, the arabesque stucco patterns on the stairway and the ceiling of the radiant music room, which hosts concerts to this day.

7. Palace of Sintra

You’ll know this palace right away for its pair of white conical towers above a mishmash of halls and annexes.

The Palace of Sintra is the oldest palace in the town, and no royal medieval residence is in a better state of preservation in Portugal.

Royalty lived here on and off from the 1400s to the 1700s, and each successive occupant added a bit of their own personality.

One, King Manuel I was responsible for a lot of the interior decoration, cladding the walls with eye-catching Seville azulejos.

These are in the Mudéjar style (Moorish revival) and have geometric, carpet-like patterns.

Another of his works was the magnificent Sala dos Brasões (Coats of Arms Hall), where the coffered ceiling sports the 72 coats of arms of the Portuguese royalty and nobility.

8. Palácio Nacional e Jardins de Queluz

Queluz is a city east of Sintra, but in the same municipality.

The thing to see is the Palace of Queluz, which took shape in the middle of the 18th century and has exuberant Rococo architecture.

It was the summer retreat of Dom Pedro of Braganza, who would become King Consort to his own niece, Queen Maria I. The interiors are sublime, festooned with gilded stuccowork and resplendent frescos on the ceiling in the Music Room and the Queen’s Boudoir where there’s a dainty trellis pattern.

Outside you can savour the Baroque grandeur of French architect Jean-Baptiste Robillon’s facades, and the 100-metre canal, which is walled by blue and white tile panels.

9. Convento dos Capuchos

A short but very picturesque drive or tuk-tuk ride from Sintra will bring you to the remnants of a 16th-century monastery.

The Franciscan monks who lived in this brotherhood chose an extraordinarily austere life, contrasting with Sintra’s luxury.

They lived in tiny cells bored from the rock and adorned with cork, and survived on vegetables grown at the kitchen garden.

This is still visible below the main courtyard, the Pátio do Tanque where there’s a pretty octagonal fountain.

You’ll be equipped with an audioguide to tour the cells, monastic buildings and chapel, which have been abandoned since the monasteries were dissolved in Portugal in 1834.

10. Old Centre of Sintra

If you arrive in Sintra early in the morning the first thing you should do is treat yourself to a walking tour of the old centre.

You need to get this done early, when the town is still waking up, as by late morning the streets are overrun with tourists.

The compact core winds up a precipitous valley, and has twisting cobblestone streets, narrow stairways, churches and beautiful mansions and townhouses.

Some of these contain museums, like the Museu Anjos Texeira and the Museu de História Natural, and others you can only admire and photograph from the outside.

Later, if you can brave the crowds, make sure to call at a pastelaria for one of Sintra’s sweet pastries.

11. Praia da Ursa

On the road to Cabo da Roca, you can follow the signs beckoning you down a dirt track to this beach.

Praia da Ursa may be one of the most spectacular beaches you’ll ever visit, and is on that indented shoreline you can see from the cape.

The beach is almost boxed in by tall, jagged cliffs and outcrops, which help to calm the surf, so it’s a rare beach on the Atlantic coast where non-swimmers can paddle in safety.

Getting there isn’t easy, as you have to inch down a cliff-side trail, but it’s a small price to pay for such astounding scenery.

12. Museu do Ar

For a change of pace from palaces and mountains there’s an aviation museum for Portugal’s Air Force at Sintra Air Base.

The museum is coming up for its 50th birthday, and in 2010 the fleet of aircraft was moved from Alverca to this massive hangar.

You can run the rule over a big fleet of planes, helicopters, propellers, navigation equipment, instrument panels and tons of other paraphernalia.

The exhibition begins with a timeline of early aviation experiments in Renaissance times,  advancing through primitive biplanes like Tiger Moths to Second World War aircraft like spitfires and then into the jet age.

A highlight is the Douglas C-47A Dakota, which you can board, but only accompanied by Força Aérea personnel.

13. Praia da Adraga

It’s a sign of the high standard of the beaches in Sintra that the second best beach in the town is still held as one of the best in all of Portugal.

Adraga is the next one up from Praia da Ursa, and has the same sharp rocks and intimidating wall of cliffs behind.

The good news is that you can drive down, and there’s a restaurant by the car park next to the beach.

If you go carefully it’s a fun place to explore, adventuring over the rocks to find caves and tunnels.

The surf is a bit more vigorous at this beach than its neighbour, but there is a lifeguard all summer.

14. Sintra Tram

Touring palaces and parks may leave younger children feeling left out so they might have more fun on this tram ride from the centre of Sintra out to Praia das Maçãs on the coast.

Trams have been clattering along this 11.7-kilometre route since 1904. If you’re holidaying without a car it’s a convenient if bumpy way to see both Sintra’s wooded mountainscapes and the rugged coast.

Tickets are reasonable at just €3 for a single and it takes around 40 minutes to get out to the coast.

As ever in Sintra, get on board early if you want to avoid the crowds.

15. Sintra’s Delicacies

There are a couple of treats that are almost exclusive to Sintra.

One is the queijada, a small circular cake made with eggs, milk, sugar and cheese.

Yes, cheese, as a mild, soft cheese similar to ricotta is used in place of butter.

This lends the cake a smooth texture and sweet-savoury flavour that can’t easily be described, but is definitely moreish.

Another sweet to try with a coffee is a travesseiro, a cylindrical puff pastry filled with an almond and egg cream.

Order one at the Casa Piriquita in the old centre.

15 Best Things to Do in Sintra (Portugal):

• Quinta da Regaleira
• Pena Palace
• Cabo da Roca
• Castle of the Moors
• Park and Palace of Monserrate
• Palace of Sintra
• Palácio Nacional e Jardins de Queluz
• Convento dos Capuchos
• Old Centre of Sintra
• Praia da Ursa
• Museu do Ar
• Praia da Adraga
• Sintra Tram
• Sintra's Delicacies

• 50 Things to Do
• Religious Sites
• Castelo de Sao Jorge
• Tower of Belém
• Jeronimos Monastery
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• Train Stations in Lisbon
• Audio Guides
• 3 Days Itinerary
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• Lifestyle Guide
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• Restaurant Guide
• Nightlife Guide
• Guide to Sintra
• Alfama Quarter Guide
• Central Hotels
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• Boutique Hotels
• Airport Hotels
• Hotels with A Pool
• Romantic Hotels
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Complete Guide to Sintra: How to go? What to see?

Exploring Pena Palace and the Main Attractions of the UNESCO World Heritage City

Less than an hour’s drive from Lisbon, the magical town of Sintra is located in the northwest hills of Serra de Sintra. It is a cultural landscape , drawing in visitors from around the world curious to see the fortress-like castles, enchanting palaces and magnificent villa s all nestled into the scenic mountains and overgrown greenery. 

Those who visit are amazed at how their expectations were far exceeded not only by the fascinating architecture but also by the unbelievable natural beauty and geography . The amount of greenery is a stark contrast to the tiled buildings of Lisbon and the jagged cliff beaches just a stone's throw away. 

Its unique and often cool microclimate attracted the royal families and wealthy elite to establish their summer residences in Sintra. But, you will have to read more below to find out how this extraordinary town came to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well as one of the wealthiest municipalities in Portugal. 

What is Sintra?

Understanding the history of Sintra, even in a brief glance, will help to navigate the city and its rich heritage. 

The history can be divided into three main eras . Beginning in the 9th century, it was the Moors who ruled Portugal. After years of constant battling with the Christian crusaders, they lost control of the Iberian region. In the 15th to 18th centuries, Sintra was overrun by the royals who controlled the area and built their palaces here. Shortly after, beginning in the 19th century, Romanticism swept through Portugal and resulted in the extravagant palaces and villas you find today. 

After spending a day in Sintra it is easy to argue that all three eras are elegantly intertwined with one another, showing themselves in the architecture which is unique to the area. 

Exploring the Old Town of Sintra (Vila Velha)

At the base of all of Sintra’s monumental and majestic palaces and castles sits its charming and quaint old town. The big attractions listed in this article normally are first on visitors' agendas, but Vila Velha should be explored between attractions or after. 

What to see in Vila Velha

Here you will discover a variety of establishments, from boutique hotels to traditional Portuguese eateries , tourist centered souvenir shops , bakeries with window displays filled with sticky sweets, floor to ceiling bottle-lined wine shops, artists selling handmade goods, the famous Queijadas da Sapa- baking cheesecakes since 1756, the tourism office and the Parque da Liberdade, the public park of the city.  

The town hall and clock are marvelous examples of revivialist architecture from the early 20th century, featuring medieval details. And perhaps, the most stunning feature found alongside the overgrown roads of Sintra's forest is the Fonte Mourisca fountain- an unbelievable work of architecture, tiling and a beautiful photo opportunity if there ever was one. 

How to go to Sintra from Lisbon?

Taking the train, catching the bus.

We suggest using a form of public transportation as Sintra was not designed to accommodate the amount of car traffic which now fills the small city. Parking is almost impossible and the roads are narrow and windy. 

Sintra Shuttle

Once in Sintra there is a shuttle bus that makes a loop of all the major sights . It is numbered as the 434 tourist bus and is named the Circuito da Pena .

It picks passengers up at the Sintra train station and then makes a round through the historic center, Castelo dos Mouros, Pena Palace, back again to the historic center and finally ends at the train station. This allows for a quicker tour and to visit most of the big sights without unnecessary time wasted. 

What to do in Sintra?

There is enough in Sintra to keep a visitor busy for days, but we have chosen to highlight the top attractions which can all be seen in a day. 

1. Pena Palace (Palácio da Pena)

As Pena Palace is the main attraction in Sintra, we will be explaining it briefly here and in more detail later in the article. 

Being the most popular attraction in Sintra, it’s ideal to see the palace first thing in the morning.  Arrive shortly before the doors open and you can hopefully skip the long longs and be rewarded with the chance to take some incredible pictures without too many other tourists in the background. Pena Palace is regarded to be one of the best castles in all of Europe .

• Compare the top-rated Pena Palace Tickets HERE.

2. The Quinta da Regaleira

The Quinta da Regaleira is a  Neo-Gothic private mansion with gardens more incredible than you can imagine- complete with all the features that make them feel as if they were pulled from the pages of a fairytale. 

The estate was built in the first decade of the 1900s as a project of Carvalho Monteiro. As it grew in size and grandeur it was nicknamed “The Palace of Monteiro the Millionaire.” The house became a masterpiece of architecture and the landscaping included grottos, fountains and tunnels.

The nine acres of garden are truly the most impressive feature of the property and the best way to tour them is to wander the grounds. One of the highlights is the 27 meter deep inverted tunnel which was used as an Initiation Well by the secret order of the Knights Templar. 

• Check out the most popular Quinta da Regaleira Ticket Options HERE.

3. Castelo dos Mouros

While Pena Palace occupies the top of one Sintra mountain, the Moorish castle with its fort walls holds its own on the neighboring hill and has earned the nickname, the Great Wall of Portugal.

It is believed to have been built in about the 9th century and was occupied by the Moors from North Africa until being pushed out by the crusaders . Over the years it slowly crumbled until, in the 19th century, King Ferdinand II had it restored.

A visit inside is well worth your time, and if you’re not afraid of heights and the narrow pathways at the top, we suggest climbing the Castelo dos Mouros walls. 

→ Interested in seeing more castles during your visit to Portugal. Be sure to read about São Jorge Castle in Lisbon and what there is to see and do there!

4. The National Palace of Sintra

Located in the center of the historic old town, the medieval National Palace of Sintra, with its giant cone chimneys is impossible to miss. Don’t be fooled by them; despite appearing to be for decorative purposes, they are actually placed above the massive kitchens within the palace. 

The National Palace was constructed in the early 15th century and was used continuously until the 19th century, making it the most used royal residence in Portugal’s history . 

Like many of the structures in Lisbon and her vicinity, the palace was severely destroyed during the earthquake of 1755, but the tiling, ceiling art and luxurious decorative themes of the rooms were almost perfectly restored. 

5. Monserrate Palace

Monserrate Palace is a lesser visited attraction in Sintra, as it isn't directly located in the center of the old town. However, if you can manage transportation to the palace, which is only a short drive away, you will be wowed once again.

Built in 1863, it is an intricately designed palace with arabian features . It was built on the site of a former chapel and home.

→. Sintra isn't the only place you can discover Lisbon's fascinating architecture . Download the easy to use audio guide Tour of Belém from YourMobileGuide and visit some of the top sights in the country!

A Guide to Pena Palace

Pena Palace is truly the jewel of Sintra. Eye catching with its vibrant colors, seated above all the other attractions, it’s easy to understand why this castle has been attracting visitors for centuries. A spectacular example of 19th century romantic architecture and taste which became widely popular at the time it was built.

The History Behind Pena Palace

Construction began in the 19th century and was completed in 1854. A young and somewhat inexperienced German architect, Wilhelm Ludwig von Eschwege,  was commissioned for the job, and it was his exposure to different architectural styles and castles around from Europe and Africa  which resulted in the designs you will find at Pena today. 

Despite being overwhelmingly Romantic, there are varying details which draw from Gothic influence as well as Moorish styles . It includes mythological statues, gargoyles who stand guard, terraces which look out in every direction offering panoramic views of the region and exterior tiling that will make your draw drop. And all of this is just on the outside of the palace. A tour inside will open up a world of lavish extremities and a glimpse into what money can purchase when there is no limit. 

Pena Palace was home to Portuguese royalty until 1910 when the revolution began . They immediately fled the country, in search of safety in Brazil. Leaving the palace to fall into the hands of the public. But before the palace found its home here, a monastery was located on the site,  built in the 1500s. There was also a chapel, established in the middle ages, dedicated to Our Lady of Pena. Both were destroyed from the earthquake of 1755 and left in shambles until King Ferdinard II had the palace built as his summer getaway.

Experiencing the Palace Gardens

The park gardens which surround the palace are not to be missed. They are so fantastic that they have been included in the Portuguese National forest service since 1910 . The landscaping includes imported trees and plants, ornamental statues and viewpoints that are just as impressive as those from the terraces. Get lost in the whimsical gardens which feature lakes, ponds, waterfalls and fountains.  It's debatable whether Pena Palace has inspired the castles of fairy tales or whether the fairy tales have inspired Pena,  but rumor has it that it's the muse of the castle in Cinderella. 

We hope this full day guide to Sintra’s top attractions and Pena Palace was helpful. If you have more time to explore Lisbon and her nearby districts, we have created a Three Day Guide to Lisbon , an Ultimate One Day Guide to Lisbon and a Guide to the Historic Alfama . 

In the comments section below let us know what you enjoyed from the article and found helpful. 

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Sintra is one of the most beautiful places in Portugal, one that is an official UNESCO Cultural Landscape. Around a 30-minute drive from Lisbon, Sintra was swept up in the Romantic movement in the 19th century, when most of the town’s well-known landmarks came about. The Romanticist period can clearly be seen in not only the architecture and gardens of Sintra but its charm. 

Today, it is a town known for its romantic forested terrain and astonishing palaces that once belonged to royal families and aristocrats. Despite the royals being gone, you still feel transported back into this time period. 

If you are planning a trip to Sintra and wondering how to spend your days, here are the 7 best things to do in Sintra. 

Travel Guide: Sintra

1. Pena Palace

Pena Palace is a 19th-century UNESCO World Heritage site, as well as one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal. This stunning palace stands on top of a hill in the mountains, overlooking the town of Sintra. 

Visitors can wander around the castle, painted in multiple colors, and visit the beautiful greenery that surrounds it. Known for its Disney-like appearance, the Pena Palace is one of the most beautiful landmarks in all of Portugal.

But it wasn’t always sunshine and rainbows for this building. The palace was severely destroyed by the Great Lisbon Earthquake of 1755. The ruins of the palace were left destroyed for decades until King Ferdinand II bought the building and finally restored it. The Pena Palace then became a summer residence for the Portuguese royal family. Not a bad vacation home, right?

Skip the Line Ticket at Pena Palace

2. Castle of the Moors

A hilltop medieval castle in Sintra, the Castle of the Moors was built by – you guessed it – the Moors. The castle was an important strategic location during the Reconquista during the 8th and 9th centuries. In 1147, it was taken by Christian forces.

The Castle of the Moors offers panoramic views of Sintra and allows you to see Mafra and Ericeira. The castle is built along a 450-meter permit on top of a cliff and is surrounded by vegetation, leading to a Romantic feel.

The bulding includes a chapel with an arched doorway that once was a place of worship for the Muslim population when the Moors owned the castle.

3. Quinta da Regaleira

Quinta da Regaleira is a romantic palace and chapel, that along with other Sintra monument’s, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This quinta features a royal-like park with lakes, wells, fountains, and more. Designed by Italian architect Luigi Manini in the 1800s, the design represents Roman, Gothic, Renaissance, and Manueline styles. 

Also known as the Palace of Monteiro the Millionaire, the palace is nicknamed for its former owner, Antonio Augusto Carvalho Monteiro. However, it has had multiple owners across times.

In 1997, the property was acquired by the Sintra Town Council after it had been owned by the Japanese Aoki Corporation which kept it closed to the public for over a decade. Luckily, you can now visit Quinta da Regaleira.                             

Sintra, Regaleira, and Pena Palace Guided Tour

4. Lunch at Seteais Palace

Built in the 18th century near the village of Sintra by a Dutch consul, Daniel Gildemeester, Seteais Palace is now owned by Tivoli Hotels & Resorts. Seteais Palace is a hotel, so it is not just open to the public for exploration.

However, you are free to enjoy a lovely lunch at Restaurante Seteais which allows you to see the inside of this unique palace. The restaurant also has a delicious afternoon tea! The room you will be seated in features beautiful paneled walls with light green and pink details, bringing you back to this romantic era of neoclassic architecture. 

5. Monserrate Palace

The history of Monserrate Palace begins in 1540 when Friar Gaspar Preto order the build of a hermitage dedicated to Our Lady of Monserrate. Throughout the centuries, the palace fell into the hands of many such as the Mello e Castro family.

However, it was when Francis Cook, a 19th-century British industrialist visited the palace, he fell in love and transformed Monserrate Palace into what it is today. A palace representing romantic architecture with luxurious gardens with exotic species from all over the world, the Monserrate Palace was made a World Heritage Site in 1995. 

In 1949, the Portuguese government acquired the property. In 2000, the management of the palace was handed over to Parques de Sintra. The property reopened in 2010, but was later restored and only reopened to visitors in 2016. 

Sintra Highlights Full-Day Tour

6. Piriquita

The most well-known pastries in Sintra are the Travesseiros, a town staple. You can find them in various cafe’s but the original and most delicious are found at Casa Piriquita, in the center of the village. This bakery was founded in 1862, by baker Amaro dos Santos and his wife, Constancia Gomes.

however, the Travesseiro was only born in the 1940s, when Constanca Luisa dos Santos Cunha, granddaughter to the founder, developed the pastry. Only the family knows the secret recipe.

The pastry features puff pastry on the exterior and an interior with egg cream and almonds. This pastry is the perfect breakfast or snack, accompanied with an espresso.

7. Tour of Sintra and Cascais

A great way to explore Sintra is through a guided tour with a local who can tell you all about the history. This is also a great alternative if you have not rented a car, but want to spend one day exploring not just Sintra, but the nearby seaside town of Cascais.

This tour of Sintra and Cascais  takes you to all the best spots. It also includes a guided ticket to the Pena Palace, allowing you to skip the long lines. You can also pick between a shared or private tour. The tour includes free time and transportation. 

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Home > What to See and Do > Top 10 Must-See Attractions

Top 10 Things to Do and Must-See Attractions in Sintra

The most extraordinary sights and the most memorable experiences.

1. Pena Palace

The Neuschwanstein castle in Bavaria may be an iconic image of Europe’s romantic architecture, but before that famous German fantasy there was this Portuguese fairytale in Sintra. It was a dream-come-true for a king, built on the site of a ruined monastery at the top of a mountain, blending different architectural styles. It resulted in one of Europe’s most spectacular buildings and one of its finest romantic constructions . It’s the highlight of any visit to Sintra, and where you should head to first.

See the Pena Palace Guide .

2. Sintra National Palace

One of the few medieval palaces in the world that remains practically intact , this royal residence was once home to Prince Henry the Navigator. It features two gigantic conic chimneys, rising up from a kitchen where banquets (or actual food orgies) were prepared. The interior presents beautifully-painted ceilings and a room almost entirely covered in blue-and-white tile panels. While Pena gets most of the attention for its stunning setting and storybook architecture, the Sintra National Palace is the town’s most historically-significant monument.

See the Sintra National Palace Guide .

3. Quinta da Regaleira

Once known as the “Palace of the Millions,” the aristocratic residence of the Regaleira estate was built by an eccentric millionaire who wanted the most exquisite of homes. He ended up creating a mystical place that includes a park with an enigmatic system of tunnels, that has been turned into one of Sintra’s most intriguing and most popular attractions .

See the Quinta da Regaleira Guide .

4. Moorish Castle

Resembling a smaller “Great Wall of China,” this castle takes visitors back 1200 years, to a time when the Moors conquered much of the lands of the Iberian Peninsula. It survived a number of earthquakes and fires, as well as the reconquest of Sintra by Christian Crusaders in the 12th century. Restored in the 1800s when Pena Palace was built, it’s a romantic sight where everyone goes for the most breathtaking views of Sintra .

See the Moorish Castle Guide .

5. Monserrate Palace

It’s not just one of Portugal’s most exotic buildings, it’s one of the finest examples of 19th-century European eclecticism . It’s a romantic palace that belonged to different millionaires, including English novelist William Beckford. Blending several architectural styles, it’s surrounded by a wonderful botanical garden, and its oriental-inspired interior has been carefully restored.

See the Monserrate Palace Guide .

6. Queluz Palace

Inspired by the palace of Versailles outside Paris, the Portuguese royal family built this beautiful rococo palace as a summer home outside Lisbon. It eventually became their permanent official residence, with a splendid interior and lavish gardens dotted with mythological statues and fountains.

See the Queluz Palace Guide .

7. Cabo da Roca

This mystical cape marks Europe’s westernmost point . It’s a place of raw beauty and one of Portugal’s most emblematic sights. Before or after a visit to “the edge of Europe,” many head down to the beautiful beach of Ursa nearby (see below), and hikers continue for another 4 kilometers to Praia da Adraga , yet another rather wild and stunning beach.

See the Cabo da Roca Guide .

8. Pena Park

Below Pena Palace is an enchanted forest with paths leading to a number of romantic constructions, including an Alpine-inspired chalet, statues of monarchs, lakes and strategically-placed viewpoints. In between are over 2,000 varieties of plants brought from around the world.

See the Pena Park Guide .

9. Praia da Ursa

It’s one of Portugal’s most beautiful beaches and one of the best beaches on the Lisbon coast , but thanks to the hike necessary to reach it, it’s never crowded. In fact, the relative isolation means that the few who make it down to the sand, often end up removing their clothes and sunbathing nude. Located by Cabo da Roca, it’s the westernmost beach on the European continent, and has a wild and unforgettable scenery made up of gigantic sea stacks.

See the Praia da Ursa Guide .

10. Azenhas do Mar

One of Portugal’s most photographed villages is located just outside Sintra. It’s a picture-postcard Mediterranean-looking cluster of whitewashed houses tumbling down a cliff to the Atlantic, and with a tiny beach. From there, it’s possible to walk north to the wild beach of Aguda and then to the local favorite Praia do Magoito, or south to Praia das Maçãs, the most popular beach in the region.

See the Azenhas do Mar Guide .

Complete Sintra Guide

Insider's guide with the latest travel tips, information and advice from local experts:

What to See & Do

Top 10 Attractions

Sightseeing Tips

Day Trip from Lisbon

Day Trips from Sintra

Pena Palace

Sintra National Palace

Quinta da Regaleira

Moorish Castle

Monserrate Palace

Seteais Palace

Capuchos Convent

Chalet Condessa d'Edla

Biester Palace

Vila Sassetti

Sintra Town Hall

Natural History Museum

News Museum

Anjos Teixeira Museum

MUSA Museum

Azenhas do Mar

Cabo da Roca

Queluz Palace

Where to Stay

Top 10 Hotels

Sintra Beaches Guide

Praia da Ursa

Praia da Adraga

Praia Grande

Praia das Maçãs

Praia de Azenhas do Mar

Praia da Aguda

Praia do Magoito

Transportation

Trains from Lisbon

Bus 434 to Pena Palace

Bus 435 to Monserrate Palace

Bus 1624 to Cabo da Roca and Cascais

Tram to Praia das Maçãs

Train to Queluz Palace

Sintra Train Station

Portela de Sintra Bus Station

From the Airport to Sintra

Portugal Travel Guides

Lisbon Beaches

Your Perfect Solo Travel Guide for Sintra, Portugal

P ortugal is one of the world’s safest countries and a popular destination among solo travellers. People love visiting places like Madeira, the Algarve, Porto, and Lisbon. From Lisbon, you can enjoy a magical trip to Sintra, which is known for its palaces and castles! 

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on a link, we may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links at no additional cost to you.

Getting to Sintra from Lisbon

Instead of staying overnight in Sintra, you might want to visit during a day trip from Lisbon. It’s extremely easy to travel between the two places and perfectly safe for solo travellers. If you want to travel independently, you can take the  train from Oriente or Rossio station  in Lisbon. From these stations, there is a direct route to Sintra, and the journey only takes about 40 minutes. Trains depart every 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the day and time. 

If you want to avoid the hassle of public transport, you can take an Uber or Bolt from Lisbon. It’s relatively inexpensive, and the taxi can drop you off right in front of the site you want to visit. If you like to join a group excursion and meet some fellow travellers, there are plenty of tours to choose from. If you prefer to keep things solo, you can, of course, book a private tour, too. Most tours combine Pena Palace with another sight before heading over to Cabo da Roca and Cascais.

Traveling in Sintra

You might wonder how to get around the town when you arrive in Sintra. You can find a bus stop right next to the train station. There are two routes to choose from. One goes in the direction of the Moorish Castle, Pena Palace and the town centre. The other drives towards Quinta da Regaleira and Monserrate. There are single tickets, day tickets, and hop-on and hop-off tickets available.

As soon as you arrive, you’ll also be approached by many tuk-tuk drivers. It’s an easy, but also a more expensive way to see the sights. If you combine it with a tour, it’s worth it as you learn more about the area. Lastly, you can take taxis like Uber and Bolt everywhere in Sintra too. Very convenient and quick! 

Tip: don’t drive a car to Sintra town. The roads are windy and often only accessible by taxis, tuk-tuks, and buses. Unless you visit the coast or the Convent of the Capuchos, a car is not needed!

Top Things to do in Sintra Solo Travelers

Sintra is a town and a natural park known as Parque Natural de Sintra-Cascais. It’s famous for its palaces and the Moorish Castle, which sits high on a hill overlooking the Sintra Mountains. 

1. Pena Palace

Most visitors will make their way to see Palácio Nacional da Pena. The colourful palace was once the summer residence of the Portuguese royal family, and you can see the palace as well as the gardens. The palace gets very busy, so you’ll definitely buy tickets in advance. The gardens are already much quieter, and some parts of the park are super quiet. You’ll need a minimum of two hours to visit Pena Palace, but to see the full extent of the gardens, half a day is recommended. 

2. Castelo do Mouros

Pena Palace is located on a hill in the Sintra Mountains, and right next door, you can visit the Moorish Castle. It’s a short walk in between the two places, but you can take a bus too. If you take the bus, it’s best to stop at the castle first and then visit Palácio Nacional da Pena. Inside and outside Castelo dos Mouros you’ll discover several archaeological highlights, such as silos, the Arms Square and the Keep Tower.

3. Quinta da Regaleira

Another famous spot is Quinta da Regaleira, which is within walking distance from the town centre. The gardens at Quinta da Regaleira are even more magical than Pena Palace, and the highlight for many is the Initiation Well! You’ll walk down a spiral staircase to underground tunnels and a waterfall lake. Everything is linked to the Freemasons and has signs of masonry, alchemy, and tarot. You can also visit the Quinta itself, and the interior is stunning. 

4. Biester Palace

Biester Palace  should be at the top of your list if you love hidden gems. The palace might look familiar if you’ve seen Roman Polanskis The Ninth Gate featuring Johnny Depp. Biester Palace is right next to Quinta da Regaleira, and this palace has many links and symbols connected to the Knights Templar, Rome and Christianity. TheTemplar Chapel is stunning, and the interior is well looked after. After years of being abandoned, the palace has reopened, and many people haven’t discovered it yet!

5. Sintra National Palace

Sintra National Palace is the easiest to reach as it’s right in the heart of town. It’s known to be the oldest palace in Portugal, and its rooms are stunningly beautiful. You’ll discover the decorative swan room, the magpie room and the palace bedrooms. The highlight is the arms room with stunning blue and golden decorations. Buying tickets is a must in the high season, and along with Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira, it’s one of the most visited attractions. 

6. Monserrate Palace

A place less busy is the Park and Palace of Monserrate. The Moorish architecture is stunning, and the palace is really worth visiting! But the best thing about Monserrate? You guessed it… it’s the gardens. You´ll discover species from all over the world, including a rose garden, special ferns and many types of palm trees. Monserrate Palace is located out of town, but you can easily reach it by bus or taxi.

7. Sintra Town

The village itself is beautiful too, and there are many shops and restaurants. If you want to try some local sweets, try the queijadas de Sintra or the travesseiros. The restaurants serve fantastic meat, fish and vegetarian dishes, accompanied by some Portuguese wine. Dining solo is no problem, and you don’t need to make reservations beforehand.

The old town has many windy streets (some are a bit steep), and it’s great to just walk around and explore. There are some gardens, viewpoints, and even an old tram that rides towards the coast. The streets are perfectly safe, also at night! 

Travel Tips for Sintra

As Sintra is located in the mountains, it can always be a little colder than in Lisbon. Bringing a jumper or jacket is a good idea to stay warm. Sintra also gets very busy, so booking tickets online before visiting is crucial. You may receive a time slot for certain palaces, or they might be fully booked. 

Don’t attempt to see more than three palaces in one day. Two are very doable, but three are already rushed if you want to visit the gardens as well. And these gardens are mostly worth your time! There might be queues leading up to the Initiation Well and inside Pena Palace, for example. Unfortunately, the waiting times will add to your daily schedule. 

Other Sintra Sights

There is so much more to Sintra than palaces and there are even more to discover during your trip! Examples are Queluz Palace and the Convent of Cork that’s hidden in the forest. Whether you want to see highlights or hidden gems in nature, you can find them here! 

And speaking of nature, Sintra-Cascais Natural Park has an incredible coastline! You can see this already at Cabo da Roca, but also at places like Azenhas do Mar and Ursa Beach. If you have time, exploring Sintra is truly memorable! There are many  possible day trips from Lisbon , but staying in Sintra is certainly an option, too! 

Solo Travel in Sintra Safety Tips

Portugal is known as one of the safest countries in the world, but it’s always good to be cautious. Saying that, Sintra is such a small village, and the atmosphere is magical. If you like smaller towns, you can even stay here instead of the big city of Lisbon.

Travelling to Sintra is also very safe. You can join a guided tour if you’re unsure, or take a taxi so you don’t need to navigate public transport. If you do take the train, be mindful of your belongings at the stations as it can be busy here.

Best Places to Stay in Sintra for Solo Travelers

There are many hotels and B&Bs in Sintra, and some even look like palaces themselves! Some hotels are amazing for solo travellers so you can stay longer in this fairy tail town. 

You can opt for a hotel in the town that is close to all the attractions. This way, you can easily visit the palaces and be there early. The Sintra coast is also beautiful and there are many beach town where you can enjoy a beach holiday. Examples are Praia das Maças and Azenhas do Mar.

• Vila Gale Sintra offers stunning rooms with mountain views and there are three (!) swimming pools. After a day of sightseeing you can relax in the beautiful spa or enjoy an incredible dinner in one of the two restaurants. 

Mid-range budget:

• Comfy Sintra says what is does! The cosy roomshave views over the green spaces and the garden is a lovely place to spend some time. It’s very close to the centre of Sintra and their breakfast is amazing! 

Budget-friendly:

• MouraLua has cute rooms where everyone can feel at home! It’s located a little outside the tourist areas, so a good night’s sleep is guaranteed. There are plenty of restaurants nearby, and the sights are within walking distance. 

Final Thoughts

Portugal is a very safe country for solo travellers, and in Sintra, you really don’t have to worry about your safety. You can easily join an organised tour, but also head out yourself by taking a train from Lisbon. Changes are that you meet other solo travellers during your trip! 

Sintra is very easy to get around too. Three is a bus than can take you to Pena Palace, the old town and to Monserrate Palace. You can also take public transportation to places like Cabo da Roca and Cascais. Staying a night or two is amazing if you want to see more than two, three palaces. The nature park offers many hikes and the beaches are incredible in summer.

Author Bio: Meet Marga, a travel writer and photographer who was a flight attendant and has travelled extensively for many years. After settling in Portugal, she started the Discover Portugal blog with insightful and engaging travel stories. Her instagram can be found at @Discover_Portugal

The post Your Perfect Solo Travel Guide for Sintra, Portugal appeared first on Travel + Tannins .

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1. I will be extremely early in Sintra and I want hike up to Pena Palace (I have a 9:30 entrance slot). How much does the hike take from the train station to Pena Park entrance?

2. If Pena does not take too long I am thinking of visiting the Moorish castle, but not sure: Is it worth it or are there any better places?

3. Lunch in the historical centre: Does anyone has a good, not too expensive, not too touristy (sorry, that is a lot) a nice restaurant?

4. Hike to the Quinta da Regaleira (I have a ticket).

5. If I have time left (If not, it is ok), I may want to see the Monserrat palace (I can take some taxi there), but I think this may be a bit too much.

Does anyone has some recommendations?

Thank you very much

1. If you want to walk, it is around 2.7km and very uphill. Even at my fast pace, that might take 40 minutes. Use Google Maps or similar to find the route.

2. Never been there. It is about a 1km walk from Pena Palace.

4. About 1km from the centre, an easy walk.

5. Monsarrat is only 21.1km from Quinta da Reguleira. Because of the one way streets, a taxi to Monsarrat would take only a very few minutes, but to return to the centre and railway station is a trip of about 9km!

There are bus circuits between the various places running every 15 minutes as an alternative. Go to http://www.scotturb.com for the details.

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