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1 Day Sintra Itinerary: A Super Efficient Guide

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Sintra Day Trip Guide

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

Map of Sintra Walking Tour

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

11:15am: Walk to Castle of the Moors

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Save me for later!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

4-5pm: Explore Quinta da Regaleira

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Click here to access the full interactive map!

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

Taking a Sintra day trip from Lisbon

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

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

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

Taking a Sintra day trip from Cascais

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

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

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

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

This was very valuable Thank you

Thanks Ian, glad you found it useful!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hi Chelsea,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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?

Can you do sintra in half a day, how to visit sintra, quinta da regaleira, pena palace and park, castelo dos mouros, sintra national palace, convent of the capuchos, monserrate palace, suggested one day in sintra itinerary, sintra travel tips, where to stay in sintra, best sintra tours, what to wear when exploring europe.

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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Sintra travel blog — the fullest sintra travel guide & how to make a perfect day trip to sintra from lisbon.

A trip to Lisbon is incomplete without a visit to Sintra. With colorful castles, diverse culture, rich in history and vintage streets. Sintra is really a highlight for any journey to Portugal of any traveler. So, how to make a perfect day trip to Sintra from Lisbon? Let’s check out our Sintra travel blog (Sintra blog) with the fullest Sintra travel guide on how to spend 1 day in Sintra, Portugal (one day in Sintra) perfectly from how to get there, top things to do… to find out the answer!

• What to buy in Portugal? — Top +19 must-have souvenirs & best things to buy in Portugal
• Portugal itinerary 5 days — How to spend 5 days in portugal to visit: Lisbon – Sintra – Porto
• Portugal blog — The fullest Portugal travel guide for a great budget trip for first-timers
• Porto blog — The fullest Porto travel guide & Porto travel blog for a great budget trip for first-timers
• Lisbon travel blog — The fullest Lisbon travel guide & suggested Lisbon 3 day itinerary for first-timers

Sintra blog: How many day should I spend for Sintra is enough?

Sintra is a large land, recognized by UNESCO as a world cultural heritage. In fact, with a trip to Lisbon , you only need to spend a day to visiting Sintra, depart in the morning and return in the afternoon.

However, it should be noted that the number of visitors to Sintra is very crowded. Especially the place to visit of the castle, sometimes you have to queuing to buy tickets for an hour. Waiting for the bus is also very long and crowded. So if you want a more comfortable trip, you can consider staying here for an extra night.

Sintra travel blog: How to get to and getting around Sintra

Getting to sintra from lisbon.

Traveling between Lisbon and Sintra is extremely easy by train. It only takes about 40 minutes of train ride comfortably, not too crowded to reach Sintra from the center of Lisbon. Round trip ticket is 4.5 euros / adult and 2.3 euros / children . You can take the train from the Gare Lisboa-Rossio central station and buy tickets right at the station. Train tickets do not have fixed seats so you can sit at any coach.

• Sintra, Cascais, and Estoril Day Tour from Lisbon

Getting around Sintra

There are several means of transport in Sintra that you should consider:

Bus: You can get a map of the bus lines in Sintra right at the bus ticket office opposite the train station. There are two main bus routes in Sintra, bus number 434 running through 3 points, namely Moorish Castle – Pena Palace – Natural History Museum. And bus number 435 runs through the National Palace of Sintra – Quinta da Regaleira – Seteais Palace – Monserrate Palace.

Both of these buses departing from Sintra station, all are hop on – hop off buses. You can get on the bus at any time, the fare is EUR6.9 / person. If you buy a single ticket is EUR3.9E / trip.

Tuk-tuk: You will immediately see this vehicle as soon as you leave the station through the greetings from the drivers who are always smiling. Price at EUR5 / person or go with group will be cheaper at EUR10 / 3 person for a short trip. It is cheaper than taking the bus. If you are in a hurry and meet a tuk-tuk, you can jump up, because the walking from the station to the attractions is quite far.

Sintra travel blog: Best places to visit in Sintra

National palace of sintra and old town.

Sintra National Palace is located right near the Old Town center. You can see this palace from afar while walking from Sintra train station. Admission fee is Eur9.5 / person.

If you just arrive Sintra, you can walk or take a tuk tuk to stop at Old Town. This is a large area with lots of shops, eateries, and souvenirs. The shops here are very vintage with typical Portuguese style.

Pena Palace

Pena Palace is a must-go place when you come to Sintra, one of the sprawling and colorful palaces and the symbol of Sintra. This palace was built in the 19th century in Roman architectural style, with many domes and outer steps. Tourists are always crowded here, so for good photos you should come here early in the morning. Pena Palace is very special, unlike any other castle or palace in Europe .

Admission fee is 14 Euros / person.

• Park and National Palace of Pena Entrance Ticket

Read more: How to plan a trip to Europe on a budget?

Quinta da Regaleira

Sintra, Quinta da Regaleira, & Monserrate Palace Full Day Tour with Wine Tasting

Quinta da Regaleira is known as an older castle than Pena. Inside is a collection of caves, wells, gardens, tunnels, and trees. Perhaps its mysterious looks attracts the curiosity of tourists the most when coming to Quinta da Regaleira. Especially the deep water well with the surrounding stairs going down makes everyone must shiver.

Admission fee is EUR6 / person.

Montserrate Palace

At the first glance, Montserrate is a separate palace from the area surrounding it. This palace is decorated and blended by many different architectural styles such as Gothic, Arabic and Indian architecture. The view from here is beautiful to the surrounding hills. Montserrate seems less popular so it is quiet and not as crowded as Pena and Quinta da Regaleira.

Admission fee is EUR7.6 / person.

• Park and Palace of Monserrate Entrance Ticket

See also: London travel guide with detailed and complete itinerary.

Castle of the Moors

Moors Castle is located at one of the highest peaks in Sintra. Built a long time ago (9th century), Castle of the Moors was quite old and many its parts were destroyed and ruined. You can walk along the walls and enjoy the beautiful view of Sintra from this castle. The paths here are like a part of the miniature Great Wall.

Moorish Castle Entrance Ticket in Sintra

Tivoli Seteais Palace

Seteais Palace was built in the 18th century and is now open to visitors. In fact, this is a beautiful 5-star hotel called Tivoli Palácio de Seteais ( Agoda.com or Booking.com ) . You can consider staying here for 1-2 nights to experience a pure, quiet and mysterious of Sintra.

In general, if you don’t have much time, you can just visit Sintra in a day is enough. But if you want a deeper experience, with more relaxing time, you should stay here for at least 2-3 days. Because, during the peak season, tourists flock here very crowded, waiting time for the bus is also long. And only when you have 2 days or more, you can fully experience the sights in this wonderful land of Sintra.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in and from Lisbon you can refer to

• Private City Transfers between Lisbon and Porto
• Private Lisbon Airport (LIS) Transfers for Lisbon City Centre
• Private Lisbon Airport (LIS) Transfer for Lisbon
• Shared Lisbon International Airport (LIS) Transfers for Lisbon
• Lisbon City Card
• Lisbon Experience Walking Tour
• Best of Lisbon Walking Tour
• Lisbon Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours
• Lisbon Small Group City Tour: The Most Complete
• Secret Food Tour in Lisbon
• Fatima & Porto Guided Tour from Lisbon
• Belém and Sintra Pena Palace Small Group Day Tour from Lisbon

Are you looking for more top things to do in Lisbon: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Let’s check it out at here.

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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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How to Take the Perfect Lisbon to Sintra Day Trip (+ Tips for Visiting!)

On our very first trip to Portugal, taking a day trip to Sintra from Lisbon–and specifically, seeing the colorful Pena Palace–was the highest priority on our bucket list.

Ever since, we’ve remembered the glistening view of Pena Palace from the Cruz Alta viewpoint, perched improbably on its hill in the distance (scroll up for a peak at that) as one of the most memorable viewpoints in Portugal–and at this point, after living in Lisbon for more than a year, we have seen a lot of Portugal!

Many, many Sintra day trips after that first one, it’s safe to say we’ve seen virtually all sides of the town that is the most popular day trip from Lisbon.

If you’re planning a day trip to Sintra from Lisbon but are a bit confused about the logistics, from whether to book a tour to exactly how many castles and palaces it’s realistic to see in one day (hint: probably fewer than you think), this Sintra day trip guide has you covered.

This is the Sintra travel guide we wish we would have had years ago on our own first day trip to Sintra, and our hope is that it helps your one day in Sintra become as memorable as our first trip was.

Here’s everything you need to know about planning a Sintra day trip from Lisbon!

Table of Contents

Do you need a tour to visit Sintra from Lisbon?

How to travel from lisbon to sintra (and back), the best things to do in sintra in one day, 3 example one day sintra itineraries, getting around during a day trip to sintra, should you spend more than one day in sintra, tips for taking a sintra day trip from lisbon, faq for visiting sintra from lisbon, read more about visiting lisbon + portugal.

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

As you sketch out your Sintra day trip, you’re likely asking yourself a very common question: is it better to book an organized day trip like this (easily one of the most popular, if not the most popular, day trips in the country) or to travel independently?

And the answer is: it depends!

There are very good reasons to book a day trip to Sintra, and plenty of compelling reasons to go it alone as, well.

The pros of taking a tour are simple: as the palaces in Sintra are far enough apart that you can’t walk between most of them, parking is very tricky, and waiting in line for the bus is a hassle, it saves you time and allows you to see more.

It also allows you to visit spots that are a bit further out, like Cabo da Roca, in the most efficient way possible.

The cons are simple too: with so many stops to make, you won’t have much time to linger.

If you’d rather travel independently, you can absolutely do that as well, though we recommend nabbing your  tickets for Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira , at a minimum, in advance.

If you do choose to book a tour…

… keep in mind that different tours cater to different focuses on Sintra!

This popular day trip (reviewed over 6,000 times and counting), for example, only includes one palace (Pena Palace), but also includes visits to Sintra’s town center, Cabo da Roca, and Cascais .

Meanwhile, this tour visits both Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira but skips Cabo da Roca in order to build in enough time to visit both palaces.

As you’ll see throughout this guide, whether you book a tour or visit independently, designing a one day Sintra itinerary is all about making hard choices: it’s simply impossible to see it all!

Book your Sintra day trip today!

Prefer a private tour?

Want to enjoy the best of both worlds, combining complete control over your schedule with incredibly simple transportation?

If so, a private tour of Sintra like this may be right for you!

While a bit pricier than a group trip, note that most private Sintra day tours charge per group or 2 or 3, rather than per person, making the cost more similar than you might think at first glance.

A private tour also gives you the opportunity to change your schedule on the fly, meaning that you’ll spend far less time watching the clock than on a group tour or independent day trip.

Book your private day trip to Sintra today!

When traveling from Lisbon to Sintra independently, by far the easiest method is to take the train.

Trains depart every 40 minutes or so (more frequently during weekday rush hour) from Rossio Station, which is located in the heart of Lisbon’s tourism district–virtually around the corner from Rossio Square in Baixa.

It takes about 40 minutes to arrive in Sintra, and when you do, you’ll be within an easy walk of stops for both of Sintra’s main bus routes that head to the palaces (more on that in the “getting around Sintra” section later).

Train tickets are inexpensive and easy to purchase at the counter in the train station, but if you happen to have a Lisbon Card , it covers your train tickets (though it needs to be activated before it can be used!).

Note that the Lisbon Card no longer covers entrance to any of the palaces.

When traveling from Sintra to Lisbon, the train is just as consistent–however, it necessitates getting back to the Sintra train station at the end of your day trip, which will undoubtedly be a bit of a haul from your last sightseeing stop.

Alternatively, Uber operates within Sintra, and it’s easy to call for a ride back to Lisbon.

In theory, it takes about 30-40 minutes to drive from Sintra to central Lisbon, but with traffic, it realistically tends to take closer to 45-55 minutes or so.

The one method of transportation you should not entertain when visiting Sintra for the day?

Driving yourself!

Parking is extremely limited in Sintra (even more than a few years ago), and on top of that, driving around the palaces and town center is a congested experience.

While there are many wonderful things to do in Sintra, we’ve focused this section on the best Sintra attractions to visit on a day trip.

Unfortunately, the reality is that even this abridged list is made up of too many things to see in Sintra in one day–aiming to enjoy 2-3 of them makes for a full, but still realistic, day trip.

We’ll cover a few more things to do in Sintra (which includes some of our offbeat favorites!) in the “should you spend more than one day in Sintra” section later on.

For now, here are the best places to visit in Sintra in one day!

Marvel at the vibrant Pena Palace.

If there is a crown jewel of Sintra, it’s undoubtedly Pena Palace.

Seeing a photo of the vibrant and whimsical Pena Palace was one of my first glimpses of Portugal, and probably one of yours, too!

Restored by the royal family in the 19th century on the site of a former monastery, Pena Palace is known for its views (don’t miss the Cruz Alta viewpoint or the palaces’ terraces), its expansive grounds, and its beautiful interior.

Pena Palace is actually technically called the Pena Palace and Park, thanks to just how expansive the grounds are, and how much there is to see on them (including the Chalet and Garden of the Countess of Edla).

Note that while you can opt for a cheaper ticket to only access the park, rather than the park and palace, that cheaper ticket does not include the palace terraces (the ticket structure used to be different, so there is some confusion online).

If you want to have access to the terraces (and you do), opt for the full park and palace ticket –and be sure not to miss your timed entrance to view the interior, if you plan to step inside!

Book tickets to visit Pena Palace and Park today!

Patrol the walls of the Castle of the Moors.

Dating to the 8th century, the Castle of the Moors (also called the Moorish Castle) is the oldest of the castles of Sintra.

And, despite the fact that all of the city’s palaces are sometimes referred to as Sintra’s castles, the Castle of the Moors is the only one that served a traditional fortification purpose, acting as a defense system for the surrounding area during Portugal’s Islamic period.

Today, the Castle of the Moors is best known for its series of battlements that offer some of the absolute best views in Sintra–which makes perfect sense, when you remember that being able to see as far as possible was a major purpose of the construction!

The Moorish Castle also has the distinction of being a reasonable walk downhill from Pena Palace, making combining the two one of the easiest ways to structure a day trip to Sintra.

Book tickets to visit the Castle of the Moors today!

Enjoy the whimsical grounds of Quinta da Regaleira.

If you’ve seen one photo of Quinta da Regaleira , it’s probably of the famous Initiation Well (of which there are actually two!).

And, if you’ve seen that photo, you’re no doubt intrigued by the idea of seeing it!

Quinta da Regaleira is (in today’s form) the brainchild of the wealthy Carvalho Monteiro and Italian architect Luigi Manini, who was responsible for transforming the property into Monteiro’s whimsical vision in the early 20th century.

Visiting the grounds of Quinta da Regaleira is a bit like falling down the proverbial rabbit hole, so to speak.

There are tree-lined paths, caves, grottos, waterfalls, flowers, towers to climb, and wells to descend into.

Plus, of course, a palace to tour (though to be perfectly honest, the interior paled in comparison to the grounds for us).

Book tickets to visit Quinta da Regaleira today!

Admire the azulejos of the Sintra National Palace.

Restored and expanded continually for hundreds of years, the Sintra National Palace is one of the (slightly) lesser-known palaces of Sintra.

The home of the Portuguese royal family at various points, the Sintra National Palace lacks the extreme views offered at Pena Palace or the Castle of the Moors, and the whimsy of Quinta da Regaleira.

In exchange, though, it offers one of the best interiors of any palace in Sintra, as well as one of the longest histories.

It’s also known for its traditional azulejos , so iconic in Portuguese culture.

The Sintra National Palace is also the closest palace to Sintra’s town center, making it one of the easier destinations to add on when trying to optimize your Sintra itinerary.

Book tickets to visit the Sintra National Palace today!

Pay a visit to Sintra’s historic center and taste traditional pastries.

Not all day trips to Sintra will leave you enough time to meander through the town center–but if yours does, it’s worth a quick look!

The entire town of Sintra is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it has all the markings of a resort-town-turned-tourist enclave: meandering streets, small shops selling Portuguese souvenirs , and many restaurants.

… Plus, this being Portugal, plenty of pastry shops!

Sintra, specifically, is known for two pastries: the travesseiro  and queijada de Sintra .

Like so many Portuguese desserts, including the iconic pastel de nata , egg yolks, sugar, and pastry dough feature prominently in a travesseiro , while the queijada de Sintra steps outside the box a bit and features sweet cheese.

To sample them from the most iconic bakeries, head to Casa Piriquita and Queijadas da Sapa (known for queijadas ).

Step off the beaten path at the Palace of Monserrate.

Built in the mid-19th century on the site of a former palace of the same name, Monserrate Palace is one of Sintra’s most off-the-beaten-path palaces… and one of my favorites.

Steeped in Romanticism from every angle, the architecture is unique, the interior worth a tour, and the grounds magnificent.

Don’t miss the Chapel Ruin when exploring the grounds!

Ethereal and otherworldly, it took me right back to visiting Angkor Wat halfway across the world and is one of my personal favorite spots in Sintra.

The upside of visiting Monserrate–other than its many charms–is that it tends to be much less crowded than the most popular palaces.

The downside is that there’s a reason for that: as the palace furthest away from Sintra’s town center of those covered in this section of our guide, it’s a bit more of a commitment to get to.

If you’d like to visit, it’s most easily paired with Quinta da Regaleira.

Book tickets to visit Monserrate Palace today!

Soak in stunning views at Cabo da Roca.

Long believed to be the westernmost point of mainland Europe, and now simply a stunning viewpoint, Cabo da Roca boasts some of the best views of the Portuguese coast that you can find close to Lisbon!

We love this viewpoint and have visited several times, but it’s located about 30 minutes by car from most of the palaces (on the western edge of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, as opposed to the eastern side where you’ll find Sintra’s town center).

For reasons of time, most travelers day-tripping to Sintra from Lisbon will only visit Cabo da Roca if they book a guided tour , though the bus system (Route 403) does technically head out there.

If your trip to Portugal doesn’t include time in the Algarve, we’d recommend placing Cabo da Roca a bit higher on your priority list than if, say, you’re headed to Lagos after Lisbon.

It doesn’t necessarily need to be from this spot, but admiring the sparkling sea from the perch of a cliff should definitely be on your Portugal bucket list!

There are two unavoidable realities when it comes to planning a one day Sintra itinerary: first, the bad news, which is you can’t see (even close to) everything.

But here’s the good news: each and every palace is unique and beautiful, and whichever you decide to visit–even if it’s only one of them–you’ll have a wonderful day and feel like you got a solid taste of what it’s like to visit Sintra.

That being said, here are a few recommended one day Sintra itineraries, structured based on organizing your day geographically.

Ultimately, any combination of 2 places to visit is reasonable, and for speedy sightseers who get an early start, 3 is doable.

When recommending an itinerary for one day in Sintra to friends and family, though, we would tend to suggest combining:

Pena Palace + Quinta da Regaleira + Cascais

One of the most classic Sintra itineraries, popular with guided tours like this who want to show travelers a little bit of everything.

Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira are the most popular palaces in Sintra, and they also simultaneously take the longest to see of the palaces and are situated more or less across town from each other.

For that reason, while you certainly can visit both in one day independently, an organized day trip is extremely helpful for managing your day with this itinerary ( especially if you’re visiting during high season when the buses get backed up).

Book your day trip to Sintra today!

Pena Palace + Castle of the Moors + Sintra Town Center

Perfect for travelers who want to soak up the views, Pena Palace and the Castle of the Moors are conveniently located within walking distance of each other (cutting down on bus time and waiting time).

Note that Pena Palace is often more crowded in the mornings (since everyone rushes there), so you can try to balance the crowds by starting with the Castle of the Moors.

That being said, you’ll then be walking uphill to Pena Palace, rather than downhill–so there are definite pros and cons to each strategy!

If your goal is to see as many palaces as possible, you might be able to squeeze in the Sintra National Palace here–but if you do, I’d skip touring the inside of Pena Palace to save time.

Monserrate Palace + Quinta da Regaleira

More interested in whimsical gardens and getting a little breathing room from the crowds than seeing the iconic Pena Palace?

If so, skipping the crowded 434 bus entirely and opting to visit Monserrate Palace and Quinta da Regaleira might be right for you!

Start at Monserrate Palace, enjoying the relatively small and peaceful interior, and the expansive gardens, before heading to Quinta da Regaleira.

Keep in mind that while the two palaces look close on the map, they’re about a 45-minute walk along a narrow road from each other, so skip the walk and hop on the bus!

Once you arrive in Sintra and choose which palaces to visit, you’re not done deciding how to get around!

Sadly, you can’t walk everywhere in Sintra, due to the distance between the palaces (the steep hills, crowds, and traffic don’t make it any more appealing to try, either).

Driving is not a good option in Sintra, either: traffic is heavy and parking is extremely limited.

During the summer high season, the road leading to Pena Palace is even closed to car traffic entirely!

Instead, opt for one (or more) of these options to navigate during your Sintra day trip.

Sintra has a handful of bus routes that are targeted specifically at tourists visiting the palaces, and are therefore easy to find (they stop near the train station) and use.

For independent travelers, this is generally the most popular way to get around Sintra.

The most popular is Route 434, which travels to Pena Palace, the Castle of the Moors, and Sintra Vila (the historic center).

You also access the Sintra National Palace from this route.

A smaller bus operates on Route 435, which heads to Quinta da Regaleira and Monserrate Palace.

You can see a map of these routes here , and purchase hop-on/hop-off tickets either at the ticket office across from the train station or from the driver.

These buses can get very crowded, so be prepared for long lines, traffic delays, and standing-room-only levels of crowds.

If you plan to visit Cabo da Roca via public transportation, Route 403 is the bus to look for.

Don’t want to navigate via bus routes?

Grabbing a taxi or Uber is another useful option–with one caveat.

Due to traffic restrictions, and traffic in general, they may not be able to drop you as close to the palaces as you would prefer (especially the most popular ones, like Pena Palace).

In recent years, tuk-tuks have become very popular with visitors hoping to get around Sintra more efficiently than via car (thanks to their small size) and more comfortably than via bus.

However, tuk-tuks are also undoubtedly the most expensive option for getting around Sintra as well.

If you opt to use one, be sure to negotiate the price very clearly before hopping in!

Overwhelmed looking at just how many things to do in Sintra there are, and wondering if you should spend more than one day in town?

You’re not alone!

The easy answer to the question is yes, of course–spending 2-3 days in Sintra is ideal, and will allow you to sample all the best things to do in Sintra in a day, and get off the beaten path, as well.

Attractions like the Capuchin Convent, Praia da Ursa (arguably one of the most picturesque beaches in Portugal), Villa Sassetti, and the Queluz National Palace (one of my favorites around town, and we had it almost to ourselves when we visited), are absolutely worth your time.

Plus, the chance to spend time in the town center and enjoy the most popular palaces at your leisure instead of constantly checking the clock is tempting, too!

Of course, the reality is that most travelers have very limited time to work with on their trip, which is why our recommended 10 day Portugal itinerary only includes one day in Sintra.

If you have 2 weeks or more in the country and Sintra is toward the top of your bucket list, I’d absolutely consider adding another day.

If you aren’t sure it appeals to you as much as some of the other incredible places to visit near Lisbon (just a few of my favorites include Cascais , Evora , Obidos , and the UNESCO monasteries of Batalha and Alcobaca), it’s safe to say that you can see enough of Sintra in one day to opt to stick with a day trip, too.

Get an early start (or stay late).

Sintra is beautiful, but it’s also ridiculously popular… and ridiculously crowded.

During the summer especially, crowds can reach theme-park levels, with what feels like lineups around every corner.

The more you can opt to avoid peak times in the middle of the day, the more relaxed your day trip to Sintra will be!

Don’t bite off more than you can chew.

Tempting as it can be to squeeze in just one more palace, the more time you have at each, the better!

Personally, we never visit more than 2 palaces in one day, and don’t think there’s anything wrong with a Sintra day trip that only features one, as long as you pick the one you’re most excited about!

For speedy and ambitious travelers, 3 is doable in one day, though you won’t have much time to linger in any one spot.

Not having time to see it all is frustrating, but then again, so is having to cut each visit short and miss cool features of the properties!

Be picky about which palaces you step inside.

With only one day in Sintra, you’ll need to be very picky about which palaces you visit–including when to go inside!

Sintra’s most popular palaces, Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira, are known for being interesting enough on the inside… but the exteriors are where they truly shine!

Despite paying for an entrance ticket (if you’re traveling independently) to one or both of these palaces, make it a separate decision whether or not to eat up precious time on your Sintra day trip going inside.

The answer is different for everyone, but having been inside both, I can confirm that as far as we’re concerned, the exteriors (and grounds) are the best parts.

For Pena Palace, note that you do need a combined Pena Palace and Park ticket to access the palaces’ terraces (which are incredible).

This is a new rule as of a couple of years ago (previously, a cheaper park-only ticket allowed you access to the terraces), so be sure to purchase the right one!

Wondering which of the Sintra palaces has the best interior?

Generally, the Sintra National Palace, with its many azulejos , is considered to hold the honor, and Pena Palace and Monserrate have their high points, too.

Be aware of the potential for motion sickness.

Sintra’s famous hills have a side effect: the roads are very windy, and thanks to the many trees (and stone walls) lining them, they don’t tend to have great sight lines, either.

Add in stop-and-go traffic, and, well… let’s just say the bus or car journey to the palaces isn’t the most fun part of the day.

If you have a tendency to get motion sick like I do, consider coming prepared with your usual remedies (I opt for Sea Bands , and non-drowsy Dramamine in a pinch).

Keep an eye on the bus schedule as you explore.

This goes for whether you’re keeping an eye out for your tour bus or for one of the public buses available to tourists in Sintra!

Whichever transportation option you choose, unless you’re on a private tour , a big part of taking a Sintra day trip is time management.

This is especially important because, given their expansive grounds, the drop-off points for various palaces and the places you’ll actually spend the bulk of your time are not necessarily right next door to each other.

As you walk into the grounds of a given palace, keep an eye on your watch to know how much time to allot on the walk back!

Be very careful when walking between palaces in Sintra!

While several of the Sintra palaces are technically within walking distance of each other, and you’ll probably want to walk between a couple of them, be sure to keep your eyes on the road!

The roads through Sintra have a tendency to be narrow, lined with stone walls, and to not leave a lot of room for pedestrians.

While people safely walk there every day, it’s not exactly a relaxing experience with tuk-tuks, buses, and cars going by, so be cautious!

Be prepared to be on your feet most of the day.

Between climbing hills and climbing staircases, you’ll get quite a workout on a standard day trip to Sintra!

This isn’t a time for casual sandals or anything with a heel: be sure to wear shoes you’re comfortable walking and standing in all day!

Sintra’s palaces are further apart than you think.

When you hear “small city in Portugal”, you’d be forgiven for assuming that many of its top attractions are within walking distance of each other–but in Sintra, that’s far from the case!

With a couple of exceptions, like walking downhill from Pena Palace to the Castle of the Moors, and walking from Quinta da Regaleira to Sintra National Palace, you’ll need to hop in a vehicle (bus, taxi, or tuk-tuk) between each palace.

The biggest limiting factor to this–other than the traffic–is that it eats into your limited time visiting Sintra.

Keep in mind that Sintra’s most famous attractions are newer than you might think.

It doesn’t make much of a difference in their whimsical nature or beauty, but it’s worth keeping in mind that several of Sintra’s most famous features are newer–and some are less royally connected–than you might think!

With the exception of the Castle of the Moors (built in the 8th and 9th centuries, indisputably the most historic of them all), none of Sintra’s castles are exactly, well, castles, either.

The bulk of the Sintra “castles” that we visit today are vacation homes of the wealthy built during the Romantic Era of the 1800s–which is, of course, exactly why they are so whimsical!

They did tend to be built on the grounds of older buildings (hence the Chapel Ruin, for example), but the iconic facades themselves aren’t particularly old.

Plan your Sintra day trip for a clear day if you can.

One of the best parts about visiting Sintra–particularly Pena Palace, Pena Park, and the Moorish Castle–is the views!

On a clear day, you can see all the way to the sea.

While spending one day in Sintra can be very rewarding on a cloudy day too (and the smaller crowds are a big perk!), it’s definitely worth prioritizing visiting on a day when the views are at their best.

Avoid weekends (and cruise ship days) when possible.

Whether we’re talking about international visitors on weekend getaways, locals, or travelers coming in on cruise ships, Sintra is a ridiculously popular place to visit.

While this is understandable, it does mean that it’s best to avoid weekend days if you can!

Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday tend to be the least crowded days to visit Sintra (though don’t confuse this with being uncrowded , unless you choose to head out on a rainy day in February).

In addition to picking the day of the week, you may want to check your schedule against Lisbon’s cruise ship arrivals –if you can opt to visit on a day when fewer (or smaller) ships are in port, your day trip to Sintra will be easier for it.

How much time is enough for Sintra?

To have a chance to enjoy all of the cool things to do in Sintra, from touring the many palaces to enjoying the area’s natural beauty, a 2-3 day visit is ideal.

However, for most people planning a trip to Portugal, taking a day trip to Sintra from Lisbon is more realistic, and it’s definitely enough time to make visiting Sintra worth the (relatively short) journey from the capital!

How long does it take to travel to Sintra from Lisbon?

It takes about 40 minutes each way to travel between Sintra and Lisbon (Rossio Station) by train.

By car, the route is theoretically about the same or a little faster, but in reality, driving often takes longer due to traffic.

Can you do Sintra in half a day?

While you won’t see a ton in half a day–in fact, for an independent traveler, we’d recommend only visiting one palace on a half-day trip to Sintra–it can definitely be worth the effort!

Many organized day trips, including this popular one , don’t actually spend all day in Sintra, instead combining it with a visit to Cascais and/or Cabo da Roca (technically part of Sintra, but far from its center).

While more time is virtually always better when it comes to appreciating a travel destination, if you only have a half-day to visit Sintra and are dreaming of seeing it, you won’t regret making the effort to go.

What are the best places to visit in Sintra?

The two most popular palaces to visit in Sintra are Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira, and they’re both worth your time.

For travelers seeking views, the Castle of the Moors is excellent.

For those wanting the best palace interior, head to the Sintra National Palace.

And to escape the crowds, Monserrate Palace or Queluz National Palace (far out of the way but very uncrowded) have a lot to offer.

What are the least crowded palaces in Sintra?

Of Sintra’s five most famous and centrally located palaces, the Sintra National Palace and Monserrate Palace tend to draw the smallest crowds.

Can you walk everywhere in Sintra?

No, you can’t realistically walk everywhere when visiting Sintra for a day.

Plan to use the bus, taxi/Uber, and/or tuk-tuk services in addition to walking.

Is Sintra worth visiting?

As one of the most famous and unique places to visit in Portugal, Sintra is worth visiting!

However, that does come with a caveat: Sintra’s popularity and proximity to Lisbon make it very crowded, and while it is a very worthwhile day trip from Lisbon, it’s not the only one.

If you have a low tolerance for crowds and little patience for lines/queues, you may prefer to peruse some of the other incredible day trips from Lisbon , which range from palaces with more elbow room to beach towns to ossuaries to monasteries and beyond!

In other words, a Sintra day trip from Lisbon is delightful, but if it’s not right for you, you certainly don’t have to visit Sintra in order to enjoy a very rewarding trip to Portugal.

Planning a trip to Portugal soon and want to keep reading?

You can browse our many Portugal blog posts here , or check out these guides:

• 21+ Hidden Gems in Lisbon: Secret Spots + Offbeat Treasures
• The Ultimate 3 Days in Lisbon Itinerary
• The Perfect 10 Days in Portugal Itinerary (+ Travel Tips!)
• 15 Exciting Things to Do in Evora, Portugal (+ Nearby!)
• The Perfect One Day in Porto Itinerary (+ Tips!)

About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

2 thoughts on “How to Take the Perfect Lisbon to Sintra Day Trip (+ Tips for Visiting!)”

Hi Kate: Thanks for posting all this great info. The links to the tours don’t go to any one in particular; rather each goes to the same page with all the tours on them so it’s hard to know which you’re referring to.

Apologies, it’s frustrating for me too–it used to be much more obvious, but Get Your Guide has changed their link structure.

The particular tour I’m discussing (here or in any post) is the first, top-left tour that populates, generally highlighted in blue. The others are just similar options, though I’m sure many of them are lovely as well. 🙂

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

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: June 2, 2024

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 most beautiful fairytale destinations in 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. 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. Also here, we recommend booking timed-entry tickets online in advance. 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 quite 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 and the tickets here are not timed yet (so they are valid at any time on the day of your choice). You can find more info on their website . For this palace, you might also be able to 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).

READ ALSO: Best Day Trips from Lisbon

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!

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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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!

2 Days In Sintra: The Perfect Sintra Itinerary

The town of Sintra looks like something out of a fairy tale, with so many palaces, parks, gardens, and mansions. And it’s not news that Sintra is one of the best destinations for a day trip from Lisbon . However, after reading this Sintra itinerary, you’ll see why it’s so much better to spend two days in Sintra instead of one!

Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, the Cultural Landscape of Sintra is located on the so-called “Portuguese Riviera” and houses some of the most iconic monuments and historic buildings in the country, such as the National Palace of Pena , the Moorish Castle , the  National Palace of Sintra , the  Quinta da Regaleira , the  Palace of Monserrate , the Chalet of the Countess of Edla , the  Convent of the Capuchos , and the Villa Sassetti !

So, do you want to know more about 2 Days In Sintra: The Perfect Sintra Itinerary? Keep reading!

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World Heritage

Chalet of the countess of edla, convent of the capuchos, brief history of sintra.

Like much of the Iberian Peninsula, the origins of the Portuguese town of Sintra date back to the Muslim occupation. Its integration into the Kingdom of Portugal dates from 1147, the year in which King Afonso Henriques (the first king of Portugal) conquered the region of Santarém and Lisbon, with the help of the Knights Templar.

Since then, the small town has become one of the favorites of Portuguese monarchs and nobles, due to its strategic location (especially its proximity to Lisbon and the Atlantic Ocean) and its microclimate (favorable for hunting and other recreational activities).

Did you know that the Cultural Landscape of Sintra was part of Portugal’s fourth set of inscriptions on the UNESCO World Heritage List ? This 19th session of the World Heritage Committee took place in Berlin (Germany), between December 4th and 9th, 1995.

Nowadays, Portugal is the ninth country in Europe and the eighteenth country in the world with the most UNESCO sites, tied with Czechia and Poland. It has seventeen heritage assets (both cultural and natural) inscribed on the world list of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization.

In the meantime, I’ve already had the opportunity to visit fourteen of them:

• Alto Douro Wine Region (2001)
• Convent of Christ in Tomar (1983)
• Cultural Landscape of Sintra (1995) – Chalet of the Countess of Edla , Convent of the Capuchos , Moorish Castle , National Palace of Pena , National Palace of Sintra , Palace of Monserrate , Quinta da Regaleira , Villa Sassetti
• Garrison Border Town of Elvas and its Fortifications (2012)
• Historic Center of Évora (1986)
• Historic Center of Guimarães and Couros Zone (2001, 2023)
• Historic Center of Porto, Luiz I Bridge, and Monastery of Serra do Pilar (1996)
• Monastery of Alcobaça (1989)
• Monastery of Batalha (1983)
• Monastery of the Hieronymites and Tower of Belém in Lisbon (1983)
• Prehistoric Rock Art Sites in the Côa Valley (1998, 2010)
• Royal Building of Mafra – Palace, Basilica, Convent, Cerco Garden , and Hunting Park (Tapada) (2019)
• Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte in Braga (2019)
• University of Coimbra – Alta and Sofia (2012)

Visiting Sintra

The three times I visited Sintra, I traveled by car – although I chose to leave it in a  free car park  (at the entrance to the town) and opt for the bus. This is something I highly recommend, especially during peak season. Not only is it difficult to find a space outside each palace, but the parking lot itself is quite expensive!

If you’re in Lisbon and want to travel by public transportation to Sintra, you can check the train  timetables on the CP – Comboios de Portugal website . Once at the town’s train station, all you have to do is take bus 434 (to the Moorish Castle , the National Palace of Pena , and the Chalet of the Countess of Edla ) or bus 435 (to the National Palace of Sintra , the Quinta da Regaleira , and the Palace of Monserrate ).

Sintra Itinerary – Day 1

Palace of monserrate.

This Sintra itinerary begins at the Palace of Monserrate (in Portuguese, Palácio de Monserrate), a palace that doesn’t receive as many visits as the famous National Palace of Pena . Since it’s a few kilometers from the historic center, you should take the Scotturb bus 435 to get there or then travel by car/taxi.

The Monserrate estate is the perfect example of Romanticism in Portugal and what eclectic life would have been like in the 19th century. In addition, its “exotic” architecture results from a mixture of Gothic, Indian, and Moorish influences, blending perfectly with a botanical park where species from all over the world grow.

Read my complete guide to the Palace of Monserrate , a must-see tourist attraction on any Sintra itinerary!

Moorish Castle

After the Palace of Monserrate , it’s time to continue this Sintra itinerary at the Moorish Castle (in Portuguese, Castelo dos Mouros), one of the best-preserved castles in Portugal and, probably, the one with the best views. Officially called Sintra Castle, you can reach the Moorish Castle on foot, by car, or by Scotturb bus 434 .

Constructed in the 10th century during the Muslim occupation of the Iberian Peninsula, the Moorish Castle enjoyed a very strategic location, on one of the highest peaks of the Sintra Mountains. Nevertheless, the fortress was conquered by King Afonso Henriques in 1147, thus becoming part of the Kingdom of Portugal!

Read my complete guide to the Moorish Castle , a must-see tourist attraction on any Sintra itinerary!

National Palace of Pena

There’s no Sintra itinerary that doesn’t include the National Palace of Pena (in Portuguese, Palácio Nacional da Pena) and this one is no exception. After all, this monument was elected one of the “7 Wonders of Portugal” in 2007! Reminiscent of Disney castles, the National Palace of Pena stands out for its bold colors and whimsical shapes.

The National Palace of Pena is also considered the first romantic palace in Europe. For that reason, it served as an inspiration to other historic buildings, including the stunning Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany , which was only built thirty years later!

Read my complete guide to the National Palace of Pena , a must-see tourist attraction on any Sintra itinerary!

The first day of this Sintra itinerary ends in the heart of Pena Park, more specifically at the Chalet of the Countess of Edla (in Portuguese, Chalet da Condessa d’Edla). Idealized by King Ferdinand II and Elise Hensler (his second wife), the Chalet of the Countess of Edla is situated less than two kilometers from the National Palace of Pena .

Unlike the former royal palace, the Chalet of the Countess of Edla is a much more modest residence. Designed in the style of alpine chalets, this small country retreat allowed the king and the countess to live away from the curious eyes and inconvenient comments of the Portuguese Court!

Read my complete guide to the Chalet of the Countess of Edla , a must-see tourist attraction on any Sintra itinerary!

Sintra Itinerary – Day 2

National palace of sintra.

Let’s start the second and last day of this Sintra itinerary at the National Palace of Sintra (in Portuguese, Palácio Nacional de Sintra), in the heart of the town’s historic center. Did you know that this palace is the most important in Portugal, as it was the permanent (or temporary) residence of almost all the country’s kings and queens?

On top of that, it’s the oldest Portuguese palace of all, with over a thousand years of history and origins dating back to the Arab occupation of this region! In addition to dozens of magnificent halls, corridors, and rooms, the National Palace of Sintra is made up of numerous outdoor patios, covered galleries, and lush gardens.

Read my complete guide to the National Palace of Sintra , a must-see tourist attraction on any Sintra itinerary!

Villa Sassetti

The Villa Sassetti (in Portuguese, Vila Sassetti) is the perfect fusion of the  Cultural Landscape of Sintra , with architectural and landscape details reminiscent of other monuments mentioned in this Sintra itinerary. And as this property is within walking distance of the Tourist Office, you don’t even need public transportation to get here!

The history of the Villa Sassetti began in 1885 when Victor Carlos Sassetti decided to build a summer house based on the castles of Lombardy. And to design it, he invited Luigi Manini (the architect responsible for the  Quinta da Regaleira ). The result was a Mediterranean-inspired “villa”, thanks to the circular tower in Lombard Romanesque style, the terracotta tones, the Portuguese tiles, and the granite from the Sintra Mountains!

Read my complete guide to the Villa Sassetti , a must-see tourist attraction on any Sintra itinerary!

Quinta da Regaleira

Like the National Palace of Sintra and the Villa Sassetti , you can reach the Quinta da Regaleira on foot. However, as you absolutely need a car to visit the Convent of the Capuchos , it might be a good idea to bring it here. Well, the Quinta da Regaleira is a must-visit monument for all lovers of architecture, landscaping, and even… mysticism!

Why mysticism, you ask? Because this property hides mystical structures and alchemical symbols linked to Freemasonry, the Templars, and the Rosicrucian Order! Built at the end of the 19th century, the Quinta da Regaleira comprises a luxurious palace and an enigmatic garden, which reflect the interests and ideologies of its first owner: the Brazilian-Portuguese millionaire António Augusto de Carvalho Monteiro!

Read my complete guide to the Quinta da Regaleira , a must-see tourist attraction on any Sintra itinerary!

The Convent of the Capuchos (in Portuguese, Convento dos Capuchos) is the least visited point of interest in this Sintra itinerary, perhaps due to the fact that it’s not served by public transportation. But if you’re like me and you prefer to discover places with few people, then you really need to explore this former Franciscan convent!

Built with low environmental impact and in harmony with the green landscape that surrounds it, the Convent of the Capuchos is the ideal place for outdoor lovers. And it’s incredible to think that in this same historic town, you can visit sumptuous palaces and then buildings like this one, which seem to have been sculpted by Mother Nature!

Read my complete guide to the Convent of the Capuchos , a must-see tourist attraction on any Sintra itinerary!

Map of the Sintra Itinerary

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• Camera Body: Fujifilm X-T4 Mirrorless
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• Tripod: Manfrotto Compact Action
• Small Tripod: Manfrotto PIXI Mini
• Smartphone Adaptor: Manfrotto PIXI Clamp
• Memory Card: SanDisk 128GB Extreme PRO SDXC

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Decoding Sintra: Key Tips For Visiting the Romantic Portuguese Town

Doing some trip planning for a visit to Sintra Portugal? Here are my must know tips for visiting Sintra, which is an easy day trip from Lisbon .

These useful Sintra tips will help you have an efficient visit and avoid making mistakes.

Beautiful Sintra Portugal is the most popular day trip from Lisbon. As a result, in high season, the town is pure chaos. You need a clear strategy and plan of attack to make the most of your time in Sintra.

There’s a reason tourists are so besotted with Sintra. It’s rock star glamorous. Sintra has UNESCO-listed castles and palaces galore. It’s dazzling, colorful, and romantic. The towns top attractions are some of the most famous landmarks in Portugal .

Even the town itself is quaint. It’s filled with artisan shops and well worth exploring. Sintra packs a punch and delivers on its hype.

I recently returned from a geographical cure in Portugal and have some decided views on how to approach visiting the medieval town crammed with UNESCO sites. Views that are different than the standard advice that I read.

>>> Click here to book a private walking tour of Sintra

Key Tips for Visiting Sintra Portugal and Avoiding Mistakes

Here’s what you need to know to plan your visit to Sintra:

1. One Day Isn’t Enough

I know you don’t want to hear this first Sintra tip. Everyone wants to do Sintra as a day trip from Lisbon . You can, but you won’t see everything that way. Not even remotely.

And there’s a lot to see. There are ancient castles and sumptuous palaces. There are convents, parks, and nearby quaint villages and beaches.

I left feeling cheated with only 1 day.

Part of the problem is that Sintra is congested and wan’t made for heavy traffic and massive crowds. Its road are narrow and winding. Getting around is flat out difficult.

And there’s cars, tuk tuks, taxis, ubers, and pedestrians sharing the roads. Ancient roads, flanked with stone walls, that are completely unsuited for two way traffic.

You can’t avoid spending some time in transit. If you want more than a breezy drive by view, stay overnight.

2. How To Get To Sintra Portugal: Drive

I know you’re rolling your eyes at my driving recommendation. I know this is counter-intuitive advice, contrary to everything you’ve read. But trust me, if you have a rental car, drive to Sintra.

It’s quicker. We left from our Air Bnb and clocked in at 28 minutes. You’ll save time and have the most flexibility with your arrival and departure times.

Most people take a train from the Rossi Square Station in the Baixa neighborhood of Lisbon. It’s cheap at under 5 euros for a return trip. It’s not a bad option, to be sure.

The downsides are: (1) you have to spent time getting to the train station; (2) you can’t pre-purchase your tickets online; (3) there’s a long line to purchase a ticket at the station; (4) though trains leave hourly, some make pit stops along the way.

At best, it’s a 40 minute train ride. Then, when you arrive in Sintra, you’ve still got a 20 minute hike from the train station to the village of Sintra.

All this takes a huge chunk of time out of your day, time you can ill afford.

So drive. But drive smart. Park on the outskirts of Sintra and walk 5-10 minutes into the village center. I arrived around 9:30 am and found a spot without a problem.

Then, leave your car there until it’s time to return to Lisbon or drive to an outlying site (Monserrate Palace, Caba da Roca, or Azenhos do Mar).

Don’t drive into the center of Sintra. Don’t try driving to the palaces.

There are very few, if any, parking spots at the palaces. And driving in Sintra is treacherous. The roads are terrible — narrow, hilly, winding, and with an aggravating number of blind corners and hairpin turns.

Unless you’re a professional race car driver, don’t venture into Sintra.

I say this so insistently because, like an idiot, I inadvertently ventured into Sintra with my clutch car before later parking on the outskirts of town. And it was incredibly nerve wracking and heart attack inducing.

I got lost, as I always seem to, when there was no parking on the streets around Quinta de Regaleira. My GPS didn’t work well either. I was quite literally saved by a kind Portugese man who saw that I was befuddled and came to my rescue.

He had me follow his car and guided me back down to the outskirts of town on dirt roads until I was able to park safely. I owe him a debt.

And I’m heartened that the kindness of strangers is still a real thing in this crazy life. It semi-restored my faith in humanity, which has been at an all time low as of late.

3. Forget the Famous 434 Sintra Bus

I know, this Sintra tip is counter-intuitive advice too. All travel bloggers seem to advise you to take this wretched tourist bus.

If you want to spend all your time standing in line waiting for a bus and looking through dirty windows, do that. If you want to watch in frustration as overcrowded and full buses pass by your stop, do that.

The 434 bus is inefficient and severely overrated. It may be the cheapest option, but relying on it will waste valuable time. You’ll be hot, harried, and aggravated.

Plus, it only goes to three places: the National Palace, the Moorish Castle, and Pena Palace. You have to take a separate bus, 435, to get to Quinta da Regaleira or Monserrate.

> >> Click here to book a jeep tour of Sintra

4. Take Ubers or Tuk-Tuks

Use Uber or take a tuk tuk to get around. This is especially useful to get to and from the scattered castles and palaces. And Uber and Tuk-Tuks aren’t that expensive in Sintra.

Tuk tuks are the more pricey option, at 5 euros per person. Ubers are cheaper if you’re a bigger party. You’ll save valuable time taking these modes of transport.

This is not the time to be cheap. Put this in your budget and pony up a few extra euros to get around more quickly and improve your day. You’ll still get stuck in some traffic. But it won’t be quite as painful.

>>> Click here to book a tuk tuk tour of Sintra

I’ve also read that you can rent a small electric car to get around at Go Sintra. This may be a decent option, but then you have to do the hazardous driving.

Oh, and walking isn’t the best option either. You can’t walk to the highest palaces, Pena Palace and the Moorish Castle. Unless you have a spare hour or two and fancy a severe vertical grade.

However, you can easily walk to Quinta da Regaleira from the center of town (the 434 doesn’t stop there FYI). And there’s plenty of walking to be had within Sintra’s palaces’ grounds and gardens.

5. Guided Day Tour

There’s a lot to do in one day in Sintra and it’s a bit of a hassle to get to the sites. To relax and avoid some of these transportation hassles, you may want to consider visiting on a guided day tour from Lisbon.  

Check out this  6 hour guided day trip from Lisbon . You can also book a  guided day tour  that includes Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira or a  guided tour that includes Sintra and the Lisbon Riviera .

You can also opt for a  private tour from Lisbon .

6. The Moorish Castle Has the Best Views

If you like views, here’s another good tip for Sintra. The best view is from the rugged 9th century Moorish Castle.

It’s the least visited spot in Sintra. I’m not sure why. I loved the ancient atmospheric castle. You can have views without the crowds.

The Moorish Castle is an easy 10 minute walk from Pena Palace. Once you arrive, it’s a bit of a steep hike (maybe 15 minutes) to get to the top of the ramparts. But it’s so worth it and, unlike Pena Palace, there was no wait.

You’ll have stunning 360 panoramic views over Sintra and of the Pena Palace. Just a word of caution. The castle walls have almost no railings and the stone path is uneven. I got bumped by a careless tourist and thought I might fall over the edge.

>>> Click here to book a ticket to the Moorish Castle

7. Start Your day Early in Sintra

I’m a night owl. I don’t like to get up early. Really I don’t.

But for Sintra you have to. It’s crowded and you need to get there first. I arrived at 9:30 am, but 8:30 am would have been far better. I know, the last thing you want to do on your vacation is get up early, right?

Plus, the palaces close between 5-7 pm. You can’t stay late to avoid the tour buses. So if you’re day tripping, it’s best to get an early start.

Plan on visiting Pena Palace either very early or later in the afternoon, maybe around 3:00 pm. It’s packed at mid-day.

8. Pre-Pick Your Sintra Castles Itinerary

My next tp for Sintra is that you shouldn’t just winging it. Really it isn’t advisable.

Do some research and decide which palaces you want to see ahead of time. You can’t see them all. You have to choose.

I would say you could see 2-3 in a day. I saw 3 and I felt like I was rushing and missed some things. For example, I didn’t explore Pena Park or see Monserrate. That’s why 2 days is better than 1 day for this UNESCO town.

My itinerary and order of viewing was Quinta da Regaleira , Pena Palace , and then the Moorish Castle.

If I had a do over, I would change up the order and do Pena Palace either first or last and not at midday. The lines were much smaller when we left Pena at 3:00 pm then when we entered around noon.

I regret not seeing Monserrate Palace. The candy pink palace with ornate Moorish and Romantic architecture looks divine.

If you can’t stay overnight, I recommend skipping Monserrate Palace (too far afield) or substituting Monserrate Palace for the overcrowded, line-ridden Pena Palace.

You can skip the National Palace of Sintra in the center of town. You’ll get a good look at it’s exterior anyway, and it’s the least impressive. If you only like luxurious palaces, you can skip the 10th century Moorish Castle.

9. Quinta da Regaleira Is The Best Attraction

In my opinion, Quinta da Regaleira is the best palace in Sintra. I’m always a little suspicious of places that are so universally loved, like the much more famous Pena Palace .

I confess Pena is lovely and eye catching with its contrasting sparkly colors and schizophrenic architecture. It’s very Disneyesque. But the extravagant stony Quinta da Regaleira stole my heart.

Quinta was built by eccentric and superstitious millionaire Antonio Monteiro. It’s an eerie romantic place with stunning gardens featuring grottos, fountains, towers, and tunnels. It’s part of Sintra’s UNESCO designation.

And it’s a short 10 minute walk from the historic center of Sintra. Quinta is the easiest palace to access.

The palace and its architectural ensemble are magnificent, with Gothic, Egyptian, Moorish, and Renaissance features. There are carvings associated with Masonry, the Knights Templar, and the Rosicrucians.

In the brochure you can get, Quinta is described as an “imaginary universe of symbolism and metaphor.” It felt that way to me, very Pans Labyrinth-esque.

The gardens feature a startling “initiation well” that was used for secret initiation rites.

You walk 90 feet down the spiral (and somewhat slippery) staircase. Then, you enter underground tunnels that take you into the gardens.

The well contains nine platforms, which are said to be “reminiscent of the Divine Comedy by Dante and the nine circles of Hell, the nine sections of Purgatory and the nine skies which constitute Paradise.”

In high season, you should  pre-book a skip the line ticket  to avoid a wait in line. Your ticket comes with a map showing you what to see on the grounds. You can also book a guided tour of the castle.

10. The Pena Palace Double Line Trick

I feel like this was a trick.

I had purchased online skip the line entry tickets to Pena Palace is rather expensive as far as sites in Portugal go. You’ll definitely want to pre-book a skip the line ticket  and get there a bit early. Otherwise, you’ll be waiting in a long queue and waste precious time.

With a ticket, I avoided the long queue to enter the palace grounds and waltzed in.

But, unbeknownst to me, there was an even longer line to see the palace interior with no “skip the line” option. I waited.

On balance, however, I’d say it’s absolutely not worth the long wait. (I’m an impatient person.)

To be sure, the interior was opulent. The balconies, parapets, and views were surreal, especially from the Queen’s Terrace.

But the real beauty of Pena Palace is its gaudy operatic exterior with a riot of color and architectural styles and its gardens. So decide in advance whether you want to see the interior and budget time to wait in line, if you do.

11. There’s Not Much Food in Sintra

Apart from the center of town where there are some pastry shops and cafes, there’s not much to eat in Sintra.

Pena Palace has snacks available for purchase. And there are vending machines for water and soda.

But you can’t get real food at any of the main sites. I felt hungry during my visit. So consider bringing food for a picnic lunch at one of the parks.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my must know tips for visiting Sintra. You may enjoy these other Portugal travel guides and resources:

• 10 day itinerary for Portugal
• Historic landmarks in Portugal
• 2 days in Lisbon itinerary
• 4 day itinerary for Lisbon
• 2 days in Porto itinerary
• Guide to the Alfama neighborhood
• Guide to the Belem neighborhood
• Day trips from Lisbon
• Hidden gems in Lisbon
• Guide to Coimbra University
• Guide to medieval Obidos

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4 thoughts on “Decoding Sintra: Key Tips For Visiting the Romantic Portuguese Town”

I am feeling overwhelmed. We are going to have an AirBNB in Lisbon and a car….how do I get to Sintra and see all that you suggested? We are going in September 2023 Help…

I had an Air Bnb in Lisbon with a car as well and just drove to Sintra. You just have to be sure to park outside the historic center of the town and walk in. If you drive in, you will likely get lost in the maze of tiny streets. Start early, aim to arrive at Pena Palace when it opens at 9:00 am with a pre-booked ticket, so you don’t have to wait in line. You can get to Pena Palace from the town center via taxi, tuk-tuk, or the 434 bus. From Pena Palace, you can walk downhill to the Moorish Castle. From there, you’ll have to use some form of transport to get to Quinta de Regaleira. If you have time, you can walk to the National Palace of Sintra and explore that. It will be a long day, you’ll sit in traffic some, and it won’t be inexpensive. You can also book a guide day tour from Lisbon if you don’t want to worry about logistics.

Thanks so much for such practical advice. We’ll be staying in Sintra a week, hoping for R&R in the hotel overlooking the land, as well as the sightseeing. And I think your thoughts will be a great help. Maybe especially to use Tuk tuks!

You’re welcome. I personally think tuk tuks are super fun.

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Last Updated on June 24, 2023 by Leslie Livingston

Stories by Soumya

The Travel Blog of a Culture Addict

The Best Sintra Day Trip Itinerary For Busy Travelers

Last Updated on December 20, 2023 by Soumya

A day trip to Sintra is undoubtedly one of the nicest things to do in Portugal .

Sintra is a lovely, little Portuguese town dotted with fairytale castles and historical legends. If you’ve heard of the quirky Pena Palace or the enigmatic Quinta da Regaleira, you’ll be pleased to know that they’re both located in Sintra.

The best part is that Sintra is only 20 miles from Lisbon , making it an excellent day trip destination for travelers .

There are two different ways of enjoying your short, one day in Sintra. One, join a top rated Sintra day tour, such as this one , and see the best with a local tour guide. Two, plan your own day trip from Lisbon to Sintra by train and go at your own pace to see all of Sintra’s sights.

I went with the second option and saw a lot in one day.

That’s why, I have this ultimate Sintra travel blog where you’ll discover everything you need to plan your one day trip to Sintra from Lisbon , including how to get there, how to get around, what to do, and where to eat.

I also have a section where you’ll find an amazing selection of Sintra guided tours if you prefer to leave the planning to the professionals.

Quick links to plan the best Sintra day trip

• Here’s the best one day Sintra itinerary to help you make the most of your trip.
• Only looking for a transportation guide? Check out our post on how to visit Sintra by train from Lisbon .
• Get your skip-the-line tickets for Pena Palace unless you want to spend hours waiting in queues.
• If you prefer a guided day trip to Sintra, this GetYourGuide Originals tour , which includes the charming Pena Palace, Cabo da Roca, and Cascais, comes highly recommended.
• Do not miss walking down the initiation well at Quinta da Regaleira. That is an absolutely surreal experience and very different from what you may have experienced in other European castles.

Please note: This post may contain affiliate links which means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link on this post. This will be at no additional cost to you. Affiliate links help me keep this website up and running. Thanks for your support!

How to get to Sintra from Lisbon?

First, let’s get the logistics sorted. One of the common questions that I get from my readers is “how to get to Sintra from Lisbon”?

Well, there are a couple of ways. You can either take the train (the cheapest option) or do a guided tour from Lisbon (most convenient option).

Another way is to drive but I wouldn’t recommend that to anyone. Driving on the narrow, hilly streets of Sintra is no joke! Add to that the pain of finding a decent parking space.

Key takeaway – don’t drive to or within Sintra.

If at all you decide to drive, here’s a list of parking spaces available in the outskirts of the town.

I took the train to Sintra and it was pretty convenient. You can take a train from the popular Rossio station in Lisbon or one of the smaller stations that I talk about in my Lisbon to Sintra train guide . The ride takes around 45 minutes and costs 2.30€ each way.

If you are looking for a great guided tour, have a look at our section on the highest rated Sintra day tours from Lisbon .

Have a Lisboa Card?

If you already have a Lisboa Card , you can ride the train for free like I did.

The Lisboa Card also offers a 10% discount at Pena Palace and Sintra National Palace and a 20% off at Quinta da Regaleira. There is also a 15% off at the Moorish Castle ( something I realized just now as I was going through the inclusions page – gosh, I spent a 15% extra the last time I visited. Always pays to read the fine print! ).

As far as I am aware, you can avail these discounts only on tickets purchased at the ticket counters in Sintra. Don’t think they are applicable on online purchases. Let me know if I am wrong.

Have a Viva Viagem card?

Viva Viagem card is the Lisbon transport card. You can purchase one for 0.50€ and then load money onto it for your Sintra day out (2.30€ each way).

Alternately, you can load a 24h Carris/Metro/CP pass onto your Viva Viagem card to cover all your transport costs for the day.

In my opinion, it is cheaper to zap your Viva Viagem card only for the Sintra train rides rather than buying the 24h pass.

The Sintra Pass

There is a new kid on the block and it is called the Lisbon – Sintra Pass . The pass includes a Lisboa Card (valid for 1 day) + tickets to Pena Palace. However, you still have to pay for your hop-on hop-off bus rides to and from Sintra station to Pena Palace.

I feel getting a Lisboa Card is far better value for money than getting a Lisbon – Sintra Day Pass.

How to get around Sintra on your day trip?

The best option to get around Sintra is by bus. And thankfully, Sintra has regular tourist buses (run by a company called SCOTTURB) to cater to newbie tourists like us. These buses are 434 and 435.

Colored white with red and blue lines on them, 434 and 435 wait right outside Sintra train station. Exit the train station to your right and walk a 100 meters to find the stop.

Bus 434 | Pena Circuit

434 is called the Pena Circuit or Circuito da Pena.

Because of Sintra’s mountainous roads, 434 goes in a one-way loop. Here is a list of all the stops.

• Sintra train station
• Sintra city center called Sintra Vila (this is where you get down for the National Palace of Sintra.)
• Moorish Castle
• Pena Palace
• Sintra city center

In summer, the 434 runs from 9:15am – 7:50pm. In winters, it runs from 9:30am – 6:20pm. It usually departs every 15 minutes but sometimes, you may have to wait a little longer, say 4-5 minutes more.

You can get your tickets from the helper who will be standing right in front of the bus with a ticketing machine in hand.

Get a day pass for the 434 for 6.90€ or a single ticket for 3.90€. I recommend getting a 6.90€ day pass because that is economical even if you ride the bus just twice . And trust me, we are going to need at least 2 rides to be able to plan this Sintra day trip efficiently.

Alternately, you may also buy a 24-hour pass for all buses in Sintra. They have a promotional price of 11.50€ now (2022). Usually, this is priced at 15€+. Check out the official page for tourist bus passes here .

I highly recommend taking Bus 434 if you are going to be spending only one day in Sintra. Walking/hiking is not an option.

Bus 435 | Villa Express

435 is called the Villa Express. That is because it stops at 4 palaces – National Palace (Palacio da Vila), Quinta da Regaleira, Seteais Palace, and Monserrate Palace. Note that Pena Palace is not included in this list.

A round-trip on the 435 will cost you 5€. But honestly, this bus makes sense only if you are spending more than 1 day in Sintra .

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Recommended one day trip itinerary for Sintra

Begin your day at pena palace.

As soon as you arrive in Sintra by train, exit the train station to your right and queue up for Bus #434. Take the first available bus and head straight to Pena Palace which is located at the highest point on the hill. Skip Sintra City Center and Moorish Castle for now.

Pena Palace opens at 9:30am. If you manage to get on the first bus from Sintra station, you will also be one of the first ones to get into the palace though the palace can already feel crowded at 9:30am.

There are usually 3 queues to get into the Pena Palace.

• 1 – Queue at the ticketing counter – which you can skip if you purchase a ticket online .
• 2 – Queue at the entrance gate which wasn’t very long. We entered almost instantly after getting our ticket and walked up the hill to the palace. It is a short 5-6 minutes walk. However, if you choose to ride the bus that takes you from the gate to right outside the palace entrance, you will have to wait a few minutes.
• 3 – Queue to get into the state rooms – this one was pretty long and it took us about 15 minutes to enter.

What to do at Pena Palace?

At Pena Palace, you can do a tour of luxurious staterooms that were once the summer residence of the Portuguese royal family, visit its colorful and eclectic terraces, and stroll around its charming gardens that are home to fountains, chalets, sculptures, and many exotic plants.

I suggest you begin your Pena Palace tour at the terraces, go on to the state rooms next, have a little something at the cafeteria, and finish with a walk through the gardens.

Here’s a free map of Pena Palace and Park for you to download.

Pena Palace terraces

The terraces were definitely the highlights of my day trip to Sintra . I urge you to see them first and then do the state rooms tour.

All the dreamy pictures that I had seen while researching for my Sintra visit came to life right there on the terraces of Pena Palace.

The mix of yellow, red, blue, and white made the terraces so unique. You will find pretty yellow arches, exquisite onion domes, and a plethora of interesting sculptures like the mythical Triton. Add to that some gorgeous views of the valley and the Moorish Castle.

There are 3 terraces to visit at Pena Palace of which you can visit 2 with only the parks ticket. To enter the Queen’s Terrace, which is also the highest one, you’ll need a Palace and Park ticket. Learn more about Pena Palace tickets in the section here .

Pena Palace state rooms

I know a lot of people will tell you to skip the state rooms. But if you are a history buff like me or love to see what luxury meant to kings and queens of yesteryears, I urge you to visit the interiors.

Pena Palace was the summer residence of the Portuguese royal family for a long time. It is modest in size when compared with other palaces in Europe.

There is a dining room, bedrooms, a chapel, and a noble room. Plus, an adorable kitchen. Photography is not allowed within the state rooms.

You’ll also see a beautiful Manueline cloister that you can that you can walk around and photograph. Remember the cloisters of the Jeronimos Monastery from our day trip to Belem ? Well, this one is a much smaller but similar one.

Pena Palace cafeteria

After walking through the rooms, you’ll head straight to the cafeteria-cum-restaurant where you can have a sumptuous lunch.

Contrary to what you may have read/heard, the cafeteria at Pena Palace serves elaborate meals which include a soup, a salad, mains, and dessert. It is not just a coffee stop.

I highly recommend having an early lunch here and then moving on to the Pena Palace gardens and Moorish Castle for your second visit.

Prices at the restaurant are decent and not as exorbitant as you would imagine for a touristy place like this. And you won’t find any other food joint in the vicinity.

They have a terrace café which will be crowded at all times because hey! everyone wants to have a coffee on a Pena terrace! Sit in the restaurant instead. It was almost empty when we went. After getting our self-serviced trays loaded with food, we enjoyed a nice and quick meal.

Pena Palace park & gardens

Head to the gardens once you exit the palace building. Some of the highlights here are the Statue of King Fernando II, Cruz Alta (from where you get a good view of the palace), a Neo-Moorish pavilion, and the Chalet da Condessa d’Edla.

Unfortunately, when we traveled in September, it was super hot in Sintra and the parks were closed for the fear of a forest fire. Since we could only visit the palace, we got a cheaper ticket for the palace alone.

We could not do the parks, so decided to visit the Moorish Castle which was the second stop on our Sintra 1 day itinerary.

Pena Palace tickets

Tickets for palace and park are priced at 14€ per adult. For 7.5€, you can access only the gardens which, I think, makes no sense because the palace is absolutely more attractive.

I highly recommend getting an online ticket for Pena Palace if you don’t want to spend hours waiting in the ticketing queue.

You can also buy an online ticket on their official website although my preferred place to buy tickets is always the Get Your Guide portal . I love their flexible cancellation policies. I can cancel up to 24 hours in advance and receive a full refund.

Pena Palace opening hours

Palace is open from 9:30am – 6:30pm.

Park is open from 9:00am – 7:00pm.

Ticket office closes at 5:30pm.

Head to Moorish Castle

Moorish Castle or Castelo dos Mouros was our second stop for the day in Sintra.

It is just 0.5 miles (under 1km) from Pena Palace and the walk is all downhill. You’ll get to Moorish Castle from Pena Palace in less than 10 minutes of walking.

Do not take Bus 434 because that goes in a loop and you’ll go all the way to the station and city center before you can get back to Moorish Castle.

Once you are at the gates of the Moorish Castle, you will need to hike up to the fort walls from where you can get some stunning views of the valley and Pena Palace.

Built in the 10th century by the Moors, this castle was once a strategic viewing point. The Historical Interpretation Center (located within the castle grounds) gives you an interesting perspective and deep dive into the history of the castle.

Download a free map of Moorish Castle here .

Moorish Castle tickets

One adult ticket for Castelo dos Mouros costs 7.60€.

Again, I highly recommend getting a skip-the-line ticket for Moorish Castle online . Because this Sinta itinerary is going to be extremely packed and we want to save whatever time we can.

Moorish Castle opening hours

The castle is open from 9:00am – 6:30pm. Last admission at 6:00pm.

Take the bus to Sintra City Center

Hop on Bus 434 again and head to the Sintra City Center.

Visit the National Palace of Sintra

At the city center, you’ll find the Sintra National Palace which is yet another jewel in the Sintra castle list .

The National Palace is the oldest palace in Portugal. You’ll catch a glimpse of it as you ride in Bus 434, on your way to Pena Palace.

Unfortunately, I could not make explore the National Palace in detail because I just did not have the time. Doing 4 castles in a day in Sintra was next to impossible. But if you really want to see the National Palace, skip Moorish Castle and get to the city center right after Pena Palace.

The National Palace is huge with many rooms. Spare at least 2 hours to see it all.

Here’s a free downloadable map for your easy reference.

What to do at the National Palace of Sintra?

There are many wonderful things to do at the National Palace of Sintra including a tour of its magnificent state rooms, a trip to the Central Patio and Water Grotto, and a walk around the gardens. You cannot miss the the mind-blowing ceiling of the Blazons Hall and the tiled wall coverings that adorn several important rooms.

The most striking feature of the National Palace are two white, conical chimneys that stand tall over the royal kitchen.

The palace is home to several impressive rooms such as the Manueline Room, the Arab Room (reminds of Palacio da Bolsa in Porto ), the Swan Room, and the Palatine Chapel. You should not miss the Central Patio and the Water Grotto which are decorated with beautiful Azulejo panels.

One of the highlights of the National Palace of Sintra are its majestic ceilings which are an amazing blend of Gothic, Moorish, and Renaissance architecture.

National Palace tickets

Tickets to the National Palace of Sintra are priced at 10€ per adult. You can visit the gardens for free.

Be sure to purchase your skip-the-line ticket for Sintra National Palace beforehand to avoid the queues.

National Palace opening hours

Palace and parks are open from 9:30am – 6:30pm. Last admission at 6:00pm.

Enjoy the travesseiros of Casa Piriquita

Foodie or not, you are going to love the travesseiros of Casa Piriquita at the city center.

One of the best desserts in Portugal , travesseiros are pillow-shaped flaky pastries that are filled with almond cream. They are so soft they almost melt in your mouth.

Not many travelers know that Sintra is also popular for yet another sweet delicacy called the queijada. Apparently, this soft cheesecake was once the favorite dessert of the Portuguese king. You’ll find queijadas at Casa Piriquita as well as Queijadas da Sapa .

End your day at Quinta da Regaleira

The last stop for this exciting Sintra day trip from Lisbon is going to be the mysterious Quinta da Regaleira.

You can get here by Bus 435 or simply walk. We just walked and it took us about 10 minutes to get there from the city center. Refer to the map below for directions.

Quinta means a large country estate. Sintra’s Quinta da Regaleira is a historic home dating back to the 19th century built in a fusion of Manueline, Renaissance, and Medieval architectural styles.

This country home was owned by Antonio Augusto de Carvalho Monteiro and designed by Italian architect, Luigi Manini. It is filled with interesting sculptures, fountains, benches, grottos, lakes, and of course two famous initiation wells.

Initiation wells of Quinta da Regaleira

The highlights of Quinta da Regaleira are a couple of mysterious initiation wells that were once used for ceremonial rites. It is believed these wells were connected to Tarot mysticism and Templar myths.

You can climb down the spiral stairs of the first, more well-maintained initiation well and then follow a tunnel that connects it to the another smaller well. At the bottom of the bigger well, you’ll see a beautiful floor lined with mosaics.

It is a little unnerving to realize that these wells were never used for storing water. Rather, they were once the venue for mysterious rituals that we will never know for sure.

If you keep going along the tunnel, you’ll come to a grotto at the end of the tunnel, beyond which lies a beautiful garden.

Note: There is no light inside the tunnel and it may be pretty dark even during the day. Use your mobile flashlight to maneuver yourself through.

Quinta da Regaleira tickets

Tickets to Quinta da Regaleira are priced at 10€.

Lisboa Card holders get a 20% off the ticket but you’ll have to purchase the ticket at the counter.

Quinta da Regaleira hours

The palace is open from 10:00am – 6:30pm. Last admission at 5:30pm. In summer, the palace is open until 7:30pm.

Popular Quinta da Regaleira tours

Quinta da Regaleira is one of Sintra’s most popular castles. No wonder, it is a favorite among tourists too.

Therefore, there are a number of amazing guided tours that are dedicated solely to Quinta da Regaleira and a few smaller attractions. Here’s a list.

• This 5-hour tour from Lisbon to Sintra that includes a 1.5 hour tour of Quinta da Regaleira is extremely popular. It is a small group tour led by stellar guides.
• What can be more interesting than a tour of Quinta da Regaleira + some wine tasting? This exciting tour on Viator (with all 5 stars) does exactly that.
• On this highly-rated, small-group tour , you will explore Quinta da Regaleira, discover Templar and Freemason symbols in the city, and taste some typical Sintra desserts.

Interactive map of Sintra day trip attractions and walking trails

More than 1 day in Sintra?

• Beautiful castles and palaces abound in Sintra . If you have more than one day in Sintra, I strongly advise you to go to Monserrate Palace, which is located 5 miles (7 km) from the city center. Monserrate Palace is elegant and exceedingly attractive, with a mix of Gothic, Indian, and Moorish Revival architecture. Remember to get your skip-the-line ticket for Monserrate Palace and Park before your visit.
• Check out our post on the 7 most stunning castles and palaces in Sintra if you want to see more Portuguese mansions.
• Visit Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe. It is easy to get here by Bus #403 (details in my Lisbon to Sintra transport guide ). This clifftop destination with stunning vistas is one of the best places to watch a sunset in Europe.
• Head to the coastal town of Cascais, a traditional Portuguese fishing town that is well-preserved even today.
• Stay at Seteais Palace and feel like royalty for a day.

Best Sintra day tours from Lisbon

There are several amazing day tours from Lisbon to Sintra. Here are some of my favorites that are also the highest-rated on GetYourGuide.

• One of the most popular guided tours in the market, this full-day GetYourGuide original takes you to the Pena Palace, Sintra’s city center, the stunning Cabo da Roca, and finally the seaside town of Cascais. All this without burning a hole in your pocket.
• On this full-day tour from Lisbon , you’ll explore 3 of the most beautiful palaces in Sintra – Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, and Monserrate Palace. This is probably the only comprehensive tour that does 3 castles in the same day. Check out availability and reviews here .
• If you are looking for a private tour, this top-rated day tour from Lisbon to Sintra and Cascais is a great choice. Guests love their knowledgeable tour guides and the plethora of information they provide.

Sintra travel FAQ

Can you do sintra in a day.

Yes, you can easily do Sintra in a day and see some of the most beautiful Portuguese castles including Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira. However, if you wish to see all of Sintra’s beautiful palaces, plan to spend at least 2 days here.

Is Sintra worth visiting?

Sintra, a charming hillside town in Portugal, is absolutely worth visiting. Sintra was long home to the kings of Portugal and is, therefore, full of stunning palaces and magical castles such as Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira. The cultural landscape of Sintra was inscribed on the UNESCO heritage list in 1995.

Can you walk around Sintra?

Yes, you can walk around Sintra but taking a bus/tuk-tuk is highly recommended in some steep areas. For instance, you can easily walk from the city center to Quinta da Regaleira as well as from Pena Palace to Moorish Castle. But it is advised that you take the bus from Sintra bus station to Pena Palace because the climb is very steep.

Can you do Sintra in half a day?

You cannot do a lot in Sintra in half a day but you can definitely see one important castle. That has to be either Pena Palace or Quinta da Regaleira. You cannot do both in half a day. For example, this tour of 5 hours duration takes you through a guided visit of Quinta da Regaleira only.

How much time do I need in Sintra?

You need at least a couple of days to see all that Sintra has to offer – the castles, the gardens, the city center, and tasting of desserts. However, one day in Sintra (which is a popular day trip from Lisbon) is also a good way to see the highlights – Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, + one more palace (could be Moorish Castle or National Palace of Sintra).

Read next: 17 Best places to visit in Portugal

Loved our Sintra day trip guide? Save it for later!

You may also like:

• Lisbon To Sintra By Train: All You Need To Know
• 7 Incredible Sintra Castles And Palaces That You…
• Pena Palace Sintra: The Ultimate Travel Guide

14 thoughts on “ The Best Sintra Day Trip Itinerary For Busy Travelers ”

Thank you for sharing. You helped me narrow down my itinerary. Rather than visiting every castle, I have decided to do a guided tour to get more background on the history and architecture.

That sounds like a great plan, Raul. I am glad my itinerary for Sintra was helpful.

Thanks for sharing. I enjoyed your blogs

Glad, you liked them Shantanu. Have a wonderful trip.

I visited Lisbon at the beginning of the month and made a day trip to Sintra, it was definitely the highlight of my trip to Portugal! It is just so beautiful! I haven’t done half of the things on this list so maybe I’ll have to go back again :))

Totally agree with that, Lena. Sintra is so beautiful and full of history and culture. I will probably go back again too to dig deeper and see more.

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Sintra Portugal – The 6 BEST Things to See in Sintra + travel itinerary

Sintra Portugal is a beautiful region of Portugal , labeled as Unesco World Heritage Site. In Sintra, you can find castles, forests, mountains, and even beaches.

Planning your next Portugal trip?

Here are the 6 BEST things to see in Sintra.

There are a lot of reasons to love Portugal. It’s such a diverse country, and traveling there is pretty cheap. I truly enjoyed exploring the country on a road trip. And I have to say that I wasn’t disappointed by what I’ve found. One part of Portugal particularly surprised me: Sintra.

In this guide, I’ll share with you the 6 BEST things to see in Sintra ; this is based on my personal experience, and on the places I’ve personally visited in Portugal. I’ve tried to make this guide as complete as possible, to help you plan your future travels to Sintra Portugal the best you can.

Down below, you’ll find information about Sintra, the best places to see, a free map, my 1-day travel itinerary, and several tips to help you plan your travels.

Do you want to make your travels easier? You can download my free private map with the list of the 6 best things to see in Sintra Portugal straight on your phone, to always have with you when you’re traveling to Portugal. Simply fill out the form below:

Get your FREE Private Map

Make your trip to Sintra easy thanks to my free map gathering the top places to discover in the area. Get it straight to your inbox now!

TABLE OF CONTENTS

And here are the 6 best things to see in Sintra:

About sintra portugal, the 6 best things to see in sintra portugal – points of interest, tips for visiting sintra portugal, 1-day travel itinerary.

• Cabo Da Roca
• Praia Da Ursa
• Azenhas Do Mar
• Palacio Da Pena
• Castelo Dos Mouros
• Quinta Da Regaleira

Sintra is a region of Portugal, located West of Lisbon, as you can see on the map below:

Sintra Portugal map:

Part of the Grande Lisboa subregion, Sintra is one of the wealthiest place in Portugal, and it’s mostly known by its castles . Castles and palaces can be found all over Sintra, and they are the main attraction in the area. What makes it even better is that the Sintra region goes all the way to the ocean, where you can explore beautiful seascapes, coastal villages and massive cliffs.

Located 30 minutes away from the capital city, Lisbon, Sintra is a truly amazing region, with lot of things to see. The most iconic location in Sintra Portugal is probably the Palacio Da Pena (Pena Palace), and it’s by far the most visited place around. However, if you push past the main attraction, you’ll find that there are many other amazing things to explore in the area.

If you want to make a day-trip from Lisbon , then Sintra is the perfect choice. In one day in Sintra , you can explore most of the area. What I enjoyed the most about Sintra is being able to live totally different experiences in the same day. You can be in an epic castle one hour, then be on the beach enjoying the sun and the sound of the waves the next one.

While there are a lot of different places to see and things to do in Sintra (you could spend multiple days there), if you’re like me and traveling on the weekends or short period of times, then you’ll want to make the most out of your travel time and see the best things around.

Let’s get started with the 6 best things to see in Sintra Portugal:

1-Cabo Da Roca

Cabo Da Roca is the westernmost part of mainland Europe. This in itself is a pretty cool reason to visit the location, to stand on the far west part of Europe.

Of course this is not the only reason I’ve put Cabo da Roca in my list of the 6 best things to see in Sintra Portugal; the place looks absolutely amazing, and there’s even a lighthouse on the edge of the cliffs. I recommend stopping at the local café before heading out to explore the area; go downstairs and you’ll be able to enjoy a nice cup of coffee while watching over the cliffs and the ocean.

2- Praia Da Ursa

Praia da Ursa is the most beautiful beach we’ve found in Sintra. It features massive rock formations standing in the ocean, and a nice sand beach.

Be warned though that Praia da Ursa is a difficult beach to access: you’ll need to walk down a very steep track for quite some time before reaching the beach. Make sure you have proper hiking shoes before going down there. On the plus side, there’s never a lot of people down there, so if you do go down, you’ll enjoy calmness and solitude.

If you’re not prepared to hike, do not worry: Praia da Ursa is also epic from up the cliffs. On the way back from Cabo da Roca, we took a left turn on a dirt road, and went all the way near the cliffs, over the beach. You can start to go down the path, or just chill at the top of the cliffs: either way, you’ll have an absolutely stunning view.

3- Azenhas Do Mar

Probably my favorite place in Sintra, Azenhas do Mar is a cute little village perched on top of the cliffs, right next to the ocean.

We went to Azenhas do Mar late afternoon, to watch the sun set over the village. Then, we went to the very end of the parking lot, across from the village, and sat down on the cliffs. We stayed there for about an hour, chilling, watching the sun set and the lights turn on in the streets.

What makes this place even better is the ocean pool at the bottom of the cliffs, right below the town. You can go there and swim, and it’s truly an incredible experience.

4- Palacio Da Pena

Palacio da Pena, or Pena Palace , is the most famous place in Sintra Portugal, and it’s probably the one thing you have in mind when you think about Sintra.

The palace dates back from 1503, and was originally a monastery, under King Manuel I. The yellow buildings of the palace were built later, around 1845 under King Ferdinand.

It’s a truly unique place, and it’s worth a visit. Make sure to head there early morning, for the opening at 9:45am to be sure to be the first to enter. You can also book your tickets online, to avoid having to queue up at the tickets booth, and to enter right away when the gates open.

The place fills up quickly, and by 11am it’s completely crowded.

Get up early, and you’ll have a blast.

Pena Palace opening times : 9:45am to 7pm Pena Palace prices : 14€ for adults, 12.50€ for kids and seniors.

5- Castelo Dos Mouros

Right next to the Pena Palace stands Castelo dos Mouros , or Castle of the Moors. You can even see it from the Palace.

The Castle of the Moors has a totally different vibe from Pena Palace, and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into China and are exploring the Great Wall of China. Built in the 9th century by the moors, the castle is now in ruins, and feels lost among the dense forest around.

It’s also part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s easy to understand why when you explore the place. Be careful when you walk around the castle, on the battlements; the steps are uneven, and some parts were destroyed. Look at where you step.

Castle of the Moors opening times : 9:30am to 8pm in summer season and 10am to 6pm in winter. Castle of the Moors admission fees : 8€ for adults, 6.50€ for kids and seniors.

6- Quinta Da Regaleira

The last place on this list of things you have to see in Sintra Portugal is Quinta da Regaleira. It’s a big estate, with a lot of different interesting things to explore. In the estate, you’ll find a palace, a chapel, a lake, a big well, and even a grotto that takes you behind a waterfall!

With so much to see in Quinta da Regaleira, you can easily spend a couple of hours there. Make sure you allow plenty of time to visit the park and the palace.

Quinta da Regaleira opening times : 9:30am to 8pm in summer, and 9:30am to 6pm in winnter. Quinta da Regaleira tickets : 6€ for adults, 4€ for kids and seniors.

So there you have them, the 6 best things to see in Sintra Portugal! If you’re planning your trip to Portugal and want to include Sintra in your itinerary, you’ll find below specific tips to help you plan your trip.

If you want to make your life easier, you can download my private map of these 6 locations straight to your phone, for free. Click below to get it.

How do I get there?

The best way to visit Sintra is by car; if you have your own car, or rent a car, you’ll be able to drive around, go to Pena Palace first thing in the morning without being dependent on buses, and visit any beach you choose.

To go to Sintra from Lisbon, it’s a short 30 minutes drive. If you have a regular car and not a 4×4, be careful as some roads are though to maneuver, especially on the coast when you try to go near the cliffs. Driving around Pena Palace is also though, as there is a single loop road that takes you to the 3 castles.

Alternatively, you could take the bus to visit the castles more info on the buses can be found here: Bus 434 Info 

How many days do I need?

It depends a lot on your style of traveling, and on how you want to experience Portugal. I always have a few days in a country when traveling (the joy of having 2 jobs), and so I’m not really relaxing and taking the time to fully enjoy a country, as much as I’d love to stay more.

I’ve managed to fit in all of the 6 locations in one day (see the best 1 day itinerary here – coming soon!), so you can definitely see everything in one day.

To truly enjoy Sintra, I recommend you take 2 days – 1 day exploring the castles and the park around, and 1 day on the coast.

How is the weather in Sintra?

Sintra weather is sunny most of the times, as it rains 71 days out of 365, and only 11 days from May to September (11 out of 150).

The temperatures can go down pretty low in winter (6°C) due to the coastal winds, so make sure to pack accordingly.

You can find below the average temperatures during the year, in both celsius and fahrenheit degrees.

Where should I stay?

As the distance from Lisbon to Sintra is short (30min drive), you’ll be fine if you stay in Lisbon. By choosing an accommodation in Lisbon, you’ll be able to visit Lisbon and then go to Sintra on a day trip or a 2.

👉  Find the best area to stay for you: Where to stay in Lisbon

👉  Find your accommodation : Selection of the Very Best Hotel in Lisbon

There are different ways to travel, and to experience a country. Because I currently have 2 jobs, I’m mostly traveling on the weekends, and so I have to make the most of the 2 or 3 days I have in a country.

You’ll find below the 1-Day travel itinerary that I followed in Sintra Portugal. If you plan on spending more than a day, you could visit the castles in one day, and then move to the coast for the other days.

1 – Pena Palace

Start the day with Pena Palace, as this is the only way to beat the crowd and to make sure you get to experience the location with the minimum amount of people there. Go for the opening time around 9:45am. You’ll be ready to leave around 11am.

2 – Castle of the Moors

After visiting Pena Palace, go straight to Castle of the Moors. My advice is to not take your car again, because to go to the Castle of the Moors you will have to do a full loop on the one-way road that goes to the castles. Instead, go by foot, you’ll gain an incredible amount of time.

3- Quinta da Regaleira

When you’re done visiting the Castle of the Moors, you can take your car and drive to Quinta da Regaleira: before actually visiting, you can stop to grab a bite, as it will be around 1pm.

4- Cabo da Roca

Around 2:30pm, you’ll make you way towards the Sintra coast, to Cabo da Roca, a short 30 minutes drive. There you can chill at the local café for a cup of coffee, then explore the coast for a bit.

5- Praia da Ursa

The main destination of the coast, where you can spend some time on the cliffs watching the beach and ocean below. Make sure to leave 1 hour before sunset

6- Azenhas do Mar

The final destination of the day, where you’ll watch the sun set over the cute little coastal village, and the lights turn on as the night sets in. You should reach Azenhas do Mar 30 minutes before sunset, which will give you time to find a nice spot to watch the sunset. Stick around a bit after sunset, as the village looks amazing at night.

You can download the map and the travel itinerary straight to your phone by clicking on the button below:

Do you want to create your own itinerary for your travels? Check out this fantastic resource: How to create your own Europe trip itinerary

You’re now ready to travel to Sintra, a beautiful part of Portugal, and to make the most of your time there with this list of the 6 best things to see in Sintra. If you have any more questions regarding Sintra, feel free to ask me in the comments below and I’ll answer them.

If you want more reasons to visit Sintra, you can check my Sintra photo series for inspiration

For more travel ideas, click on any of the link below:

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I'm a professional photographer, with over a decade of experience in the travel industry. I worked with countless travel brands, and my travel advice has been featured in major publications such as CNN, Forbes & the New York Magazine. But the best travel advice is definitely found here on my website! I'm all about adventure travel, hiking and exploring the outdoors - even if I often find myself exploring cities with my wife Nesrine. If you have any questions, leave a comment on this post or reach out by email at: [email protected]

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Sintra, Portugal: What You Won’t Want to Miss on your Visit

The beauty of Sintra, Portugal — stumble upon winding trails, lush greenery, and medieval sites in this historic town

Sintra is a charming destination in the Lisbon district of Portugal. The town is best known for its castles, palaces, and the natural beauty of the surrounding mountains. It’s an easy 40-minute trip from Lisbon, which makes it a perfect day trip from the capital city. Sintra is perched at the top of a mountain, so to make the most out of your time in Sintra, be prepared for some serious walking!

Our First Stop: Peña Palace

There are plenty of things to see and do around Sintra. The Peña Palace is one of the most famous Sintra landmarks and was first established as a monastery during the Middle Ages. Its modern façade was commissioned in the 19th century by King Ferdinand II and Queen Maria II. The palace was created entirely from stone, with Moorish arches, towers, and a large central tower that reaches an impressive height. Inside, you can find a variety of luxurious rooms built with exquisite details we explore during our Day Trip from Lisbon.

Peña Palace and Park are one of the most famous Sintra landmarks and attractions.

Peña Palace is one of the most famous Sintra landmarks and attractions. It was classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995 and has many different buildings, statues, and panoramic viewpoints to explore. Once you’ve toured the palace, there are a wide variety of trails to explore through its park system.

Located amongst the Serra da Estrela mountain range, the park provides abundant outdoor recreational activities for Sintra residents and travelers. It’s full of picturesque monuments and panoramic views of the region.

The Peña Palace was built in 1838 by King Ferdinand II to be used as a summer palace for his guests to stay at during their visits. The palace is surrounded by a beautiful landscape that includes mountains, lakes, and forests.

If you are planning on visiting this wonderful place make sure you bring your camera so that you can take pictures of everything that you see there! You can easily spend an entire day exploring all of the colorful buildings, winding paths, and statues.

The Peña Palace is large and it can take you a while to get around. You can easily spend an entire day exploring all of the colorful buildings, winding paths, and statues. The park itself has many different trails to choose from which are all marked clearly with signs that show where they lead and how long it will take to walk them.

The Peña Palace is one of the most beautiful castles in Europe and it's a must see while you're in Sintra. It has been home to many famous people over the years but it's most famous for being owned by King Ferdinand II and Queen Maria II. They had it built between 1843-1860 as a summer residence for themselves, but they never actually spent much time there because they were always busy with royal duties.

The Peña Palace is located on top of a hill so there are 200 steps that lead up to this viewpoint. We promise though, that once at the top you can look into a chapel or walk around outside to see all of Sintra’s most famous landmarks. While walking around outside we saw some other castles in the distance which was really cool too. You can also walk into this chapel if you want more views from inside as well.

If you have time we would recommend taking a look at some of the other beautiful sights in Sintra such as the Moorish Castle (built by Moors in the 8th century) and the Palace of Monserrate.

Another important landmark for us to visit is the Moorish Castle, which the Moors built in the 8th century.

Is Moorish Castle worth visiting? Well it's one of the most stunning things about the Iberian peninsula is the many Moorish vestiges left from the great Muslim empire in northern Africa. Built during the 8th and 9th centuries, the Castle of the Moors is one impressive example of strategic fortifications built for defense. The castle was later left in ruins until Christian crusaders took the Moorish construction in 1147.

At the Moorish Castle, you can see an ancient wall that was used to defend the location against enemies approaching from outside. This section is called “The Castle” because it was once a fortress for Portuguese kings and queens. The oldest part of Peña Palace is actually this Moorish castle!

The Historical Background of Sintra

On the other side, you will see where the Christian victory took place as King Afonso Henriques won back Portugal in 1147. This was known as the Battle of Ourique. It is considered a turning point in the Reconquista, the Christian conquest of Spain by King Alfonse VI of Castile, who led his troops to victory over a Muslim army consisting largely of Berbers and Moors from North Africa.

King Afonso Henriques was crowned with a crown made from gold taken from his own father's helmet by Bishop Sisnando Davide on July 25, 1139, at Church Santa Maria do Olival near Porto, who also anointed king with holy oil given to him by Pope Innocent II. He then proclaimed himself “King” but only after many years did he receive official recognition from Pope Adrian IV on June 24, 1154.

Why is Peña Palace so famous?

The Peña Palace is one of the most beautiful castles in Europe and it's a must-see while you're in Sintra. It has been home to many famous people over the years but it's most famous for being owned by King Ferdinand II and Queen Maria II. They had it built between 1843-1860 as a summer residence for themselves, but they never actually spent much time there because they were always busy with royal duties.

Best Museums in Sintra

Museu do ar.

The museum celebrates Portugals Air Force and provides facilities for the conservation of unique aeronautical artifacts. Located in the Sintra Air Base, it was first founded in 1909. It opened to the public in 1971. Its most recent location was built in 2009 to hold the larger collection. the museum has a collection of aircraft from WWI and WWII. the museum has a collection of aircraft from the Portuguese Colonial War.

Museu das Artes de Sintra

Museu das Artes de Sintra is located in a neo-classical building once belonging to a casino. The museum hosts a variety of educational programs and temporary exhibits. Hosting many works belonging to famous Portuguese artists such as the sculptor Dorita de Castel-Branco and painters António Carneiro and Columbano Bordalo Pinheiro

News Museum

Located in the Old Town, this museum boasts a robust collection of historic radios, televisions, cameras, and news archives. It was inspired by the Newseum in Washington DC and opened in April 2016. It is one of the first museums in Europe dedicated to the impact of media and communications.

Museu do Bonsai

Nestled in a corner of the Quinta da Regaleira you’ll find this museum’s terrific display of bonsai trees. The museum’s staff also teach lessons that help horticulturalists from around care for their bonsai species at home. The museum was founded by the Japan’sCount Kawamura Sumiyoshi, a Navy Admiral.

Museu de História Natural

Located in the heart of the historical city center, the museum was founded by collector Miguel Barbosa and his wife, Fernanda Barbosa. they worked for 50 years to build their collection of priceless fossils, minerals, and meteorites. The museum is open from 10 AM to 6 PM on Tuesday to Friday and from 12 PM to 6 PM on the weekends.

Nearby Historical Landmarks You Must See

Sintra national palace.

Often less crowded than Pena Palace, the Sintra National Palace served as the royal residence of Portugal from the early 15th to the late 19th century. It sits adjacent to the Moorish Castle and is now a museum. The palace is one of the most important surviving examples of Portuguese architecture of the Romantic period.

Monserrate Palace

The palace was built by Maria II of Portugal as her summer residence, providing an escape from the bustle of Lisbon. It overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and inspired writers such as Lord Byron with it’s medieval atmosphere and architecture. The estate changed hands many times before being designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995 and opening as a museum in 2000.

Quinta da Regaleira

Built during the 19th century, this remarkable manor-style house has stood the test of time. Its first owner was António Augusto de Carvalho Monteiro, who worked closely with the architect to design its eclectic facade –  a blend of the Italian Renaissance, Medieval, and Classical styles.

Cabo De Roca

If you need a respite from the city, the Cabo de Roca lighthouse makes a fabulous addition to any day trip – though is best reached by private car, the bus schedule can be unpredictable. Since 1772 it has operated at the most westerly point in continental Europe, guiding ships across Cape Roca. The parks and hiking trails that surround it provide remarkable vistas and unique vegetation to learn about from local guides. Portuguese explorers once believed these cliffs to mark the edge of the world, up until their expeditions of the 14th and 15th centuries. With heavy winds and challenging trails, it’s best to check the forecast before visiting.

Convent of the Capuchos

This historical landmark was founded in 1560 AD when eight friars first reached Sintra’s outskirts from the convent of Arrábida (50 miles away in Sesimbra). They formed a reclusive monastery up until the site fell into disrepair in the late 19th century.

The convent’s most famous resident was Friar Honório, who lived for more than 100 years in penance, habituating a very small hole carved into the structure’s walls. His story of devotion to god impressed English poets who later passed through the region such as Southey and Byron.

Planning the Perfect Day Trip From Lisbon

We recommend taking a day trip by train from Lisbon (about 40 minutes away), which will take you through some beautiful landscapes along the way before dropping you off at Sintra itself. Another option is to rent bikes for €10 each and cycle around the surrounding areas!

Taking the train from Lisbon to Sintra

Sintra is a quaint little town in Portugal, located just over an hour away from Lisbon. The small town sits at the top of a mountain and is famous for its beautiful parks and castles. Parking here can be limited during the high season and so we recommend taking the 40-minute train ride from Lisbon or hiring a car service. Once you’ve arrived, you’ll have the option to purchase a day pass aboard the tourist bus that circumnavigates the city’s main historic sites.

Is a day trip to Sintra worth it?

Sintra is a great place to visit if you want to get out of the city and see some beautiful historic sites. The royal families throughout Portugal’s history have appreciated Sinta as a summer getaway because of its picturesque vistas and sea breezes.

Today, travelers enjoy the escape from city life that Sintra provides all year round. There are many things to do in Sintra, Portugal, making it an excellent travel destination — whether you spend the day or the whole season.

How many hours should you spend in Sintra?

This is a tricky question for us to answer, because the answer depends on several factors. If you only want to see Sintra's key tourist highlights, such as the palace and castle, you can get away with planning a half-day excursion and only spending 2 or 3 hours touring the city.

However, to really make the most of your visit to Portugal, we recommend departing Lisbon early in the morning and returning late in the evening – make a full-day excursion out of your trip to Sintra. 

And, if you want to hike through the gorgeous hillside surrounding Sintra, stay for 2-3 days so that you have a chance to really get a sense of the space. 

How long is the trip from Lisbon to Sintra?

By train, you can travel from Lisbon to Sintra in about 40 minutes. We recommend departing from Rossio station in Lisbon for the best timetable options.

Alternatively, you can venture by car; the journey will be roughly 30 minutes long, depending on traffic. 

Want to learn about the world's treasures from your living room with our experts? Dive into Portuguese history, hidden destinations around the globe, and other topics with our upcoming online lectures , hosted by local experts.

Do You Need a Visa to Visit Portugal?

Planning a trip to Portugal can be an exciting adventure, but one of the first questions many travelers have is: "Do I need a visa to visit Portugal?" The answer to this question varies depending on your nationality, the purpose of your visit, and the duration of your stay.

Portugal, a part of the Schengen Area, has specific visa requirements that apply to different travelers. Whether you're visiting for tourism, business, or family reasons, understanding the visa process is crucial for a smooth travel experience.

Applying for a visa involves filling out an application form, submitting the required documents, and sometimes attending an interview at a consulate or embassy. The duration of your visa will depend on its type. Schengen visas, for example, are usually valid for short stays, while national visas cover longer durations.

For detailed information on how to apply for a visa to Portugal, the specific documents required, and insights into the application process, we recommend visiting their official website . It offers comprehensive, easy-to-understand details on Portugal's visa requirements, ensuring you have all the information you need for your upcoming trip.

Other stories you may be interested in: 

• Visiting Portugal? Here are the best things to do in Lisbon
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• A Guide to Coffee in Portugal 
• What to do in Lisbon with Kids
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10 Best Things To Do In Sintra, Portugal

Sintra is a Portuguese gem that you really can’t miss; especially if you’re already in Lisbon . Honestly, there are so many incredible and best things to do in Sintra, even if you visit on a day trip. This is exactly why I wanted to share some easy tips and the best things to do in Sintra when exploring the region. 

It’s easily one of the most beautiful places in Portugal  and certainly packs some punch when it comes to amazing sights to see. 

Truth be told, a mere glance at photos of Sintra will leave you convinced to visit, I’m sure. This is exactly what got us to visit that very first time. After being told how easy it was to visit (in Lisbon), we knew we had to make the trip over.

We’d rented a car, and this made it really easy but there’s also private transfers, tours and buses that also leave from the centre of Lisbon, too.

With that in mind, take a little gander at some of the best things to do in Sintra when you visit. Have the best trip! 

1.) Getting To Sintra

Now, first up, before you start enjoying all the best things to do in Sintra, you’ll need to get yourself over here! 

As I said, it’s relatively close to Lisbon (and almost feels like it’s on the outskirts of the city). 

We travelled to Sintra by car and it was really simple. Plus, you can easily tag Sintra on to a trip to Cascais (further west) that’s a little like the Monte Carlo of Portugal. 

After arriving, it can be a bit cumbersome to park as it’s very limited but it is possible. Now, there are a few spots to park, with one in the town area (see this point on Google Maps) 

After parking up, you can then hire yourself a taxi, hop on the bus or bolt to the different palaces and areas of Sintra. It’s probably the easiest way if you’re travelling by car.

Alternatively, hop on the 40-minute train from Lisbon’s Rossio station. Trains usually depart two times an hour. Though, it’s always worth checking once you arrive in the city to be totally sure. 

Also, the 434 Tourist Bus connects all the main sights to see once in Sintra so it’s easy once you’re there. 

Read more: Best things to do in Lisbon

2.) Parque de Pena

Sintra is chock-filled with a heap of natural and cultural sites that have been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status.

In fact, Sintra as a whole is a UNESCO World Heritage site that’s been recognised for its incredible history and cultural importance. Obviously, you’ve got some of the incredible palaces that stand out as the best things to do in Sintra; but that’s not just it. 

Remember, the whole region is a protected site (not just the buildings). This all means there are ample spots to explore and see that is nestled within the natural landscape, too. 

For instance, a particular site is Parque de Pena which was built way back in the 19th Century.

Constructed by Ferdinand II, it was filled full of tree and plant species from all over the world. Nowadays, most have matured to make an incredible landscape to enjoy. It’s totally stunning and one of the best things to do in Sintra on a nice sunny day. 

Read more: Best places to visit in Portugal

3.) Monserrate Palace

Created for Sir Francis Cook, visiting Monserrate Palace is one of the best things to do in Sintra.

Now, I know that Pena Palace is the one that draws most people here; but Monserrate Palace is a total gem that you really can’t miss. 

It’s a total mix of architectures and was rebuilt on the ruins of the previous palace complex that was destroyed heavily by an earthquake way back when.

Nowadays, you can take a wander through the palace (and its grounds) to see neo-gothic and Indian influences, too.

Honestly, it’s stunning inside and out.

Plus, the microclimate of this area of Portugal means that the gardens are in pristine conditions with species growing that you’d probably not normally expect here. 

Read more: Exploring Monserrate Palace

4.) Pena Palace 

Perched upon the tip of Serra, Pena Palace is easily the most famous palaces and up there with the best things to do in Sintra for sure.

After all, it’s so eye-catching and vibrant. It really stands out.

Now, obviously, with popularity, comes the crowds. It can get very busy here so plan your trip at off-peak times or first thing in the morning or before closing. This way, you’ll miss the big bus groups that can cause queues in getting around the inside of Pena Palace itself.

Originally designed by Possidónio da Silva , it’s stunning and you certainly can’t miss it whilst in Sintra.  

Read more: Exploring Pena Palace

5.) Initiation Well

Perched on the property of Quinta da Regaleira, the Initiation Well is so much like buried towers that are hidden underground. They feel so special to see, even if it is for a little stroll after exploring Quinta da Regaleira. 

Apparently, there’s lots of folklore about how these tunnels were used, especially by Freemasonry and Knights Templar, too.

Oh, and don’t forget to visit the Terrace of the Celestial Worlds, too. From here, you’ll get to see the Waterfall Lake that’s perched on the grounds. 

6.) Moorish castle

Perched not too far from Pena Palace, exploring the Moorish castle  is easily one of the best things to do in Sintra if you want to see the ruins of what once stood here. 

Now, as I said, it is relatively in ruins but you can still head out to walk the walls, see the keep and explore the barbican, too. It’s well worth visiting.

Plus, one of the best views in Sintra is from Moorish Castle . Pena Palace is actually higher but the castle walls offer more uninterrupted views of the town, Pena Palace and the other palaces, too.

Read more: Exploring the Moorish Castle

7.) Quinta da Regaleira

Consisting of a gorgeous estate and chapel (along with the gardens), exploring Quinta da Regaleira is easily one of the best things to do in Sintra and easily paired with the Initiation Well.

Only for the last few decades has Quinta da Regaleira been open to the public. You see, back in the late 20th Century, a Japanese company owned it and closed it for private use. Nowadays, Sintra now owns the palace and is open for us all to see. It’s a really special place 

Once here, keep your eyes peeled for the Manueline symbols that line the turrets of the main house itself. 

8.) Sintra National Palace

Once home to the Portuguese Royal Family,  Sintra National Palace is pretty easy to visit once you’re already in the area.

Perched next door to the Natural History Museum of Sintra, within the town itself, it has the most ornate rooms to explore.

Inside, you can’t miss spots like the; Magpies’ Room, Swan Room, the Arab Room and the Palace Chapel. They’re all so beautiful. 

Oh, and for a tasty treat, pop over the road to the little family-owned, Casa Piriquita that serves up the best sweet treats. It’s totally unpretentious, relaxed and so scrumptious. 

9.) Chalet of the Countess of Edla

If you’ve got time, or you’re staying in Sintra for a few days, make sure to check out the Chalet of the Countess of Edla, too. This 19th Century Apline house is quite different from all the other sites but still one of the best things to do in Sintra if you’ve got time. 

That being said, if you are short on time (like we always are), then you’ll probably give this one a miss. 

10.) Vale dos Lagos e Pateira

wandering the Valley of the Lakes is easily one of the best things to do in Sintra if you want to explore the region’s countryside.

Perched below Pena Palace, it’s relatively easy to visit if you’ve got time and well worth a little stroll to explore the grounds. 

If you feel like, there’s also a heap of hiking trails to explore, too. Though, be sure to take some comfy gripped shoes for this part. It can get a little wet on the ground if you go deeper into the trails. 

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Sintra | Portugal

Sintra is a city worth visiting when in Lisbon . There are colorful palaces and castles just like from a fairy tale book (and it’s all under UNESCO protection).

Before you go

Transportation to sintra.

We did a day excursion to Sintra from Lisbon with the train but you can also choose to stay the night in Sintra. 

When you’re taking the train to Sintra, you just have to pay a return ticket at Rossio station. The train ride takes 40 minutes and has air conditioning.

Fee: €5, Free with the Lisbon Card

Sad Fact : We bought our ticket when the train just left. We had to wait 30 minutes for another train.

You can also go to Sintra by bus. Just take bus 417 in Cascais and after 30 minutes, you’ll arrive in Sintra. Bus 403 will take you there in 1 hour. 

Transportation in Sintra

When we got off the train, we had to wait in line for the busses that will take you to the palaces. You can also walk to the palaces but what I saw from the buss I would spare my strength for the palaces itself! 

Sad Fact : We were there at 10.30 AM and there were a lot of tourists (we went in May, still low season normally). 

You have 2 busses that you can take. Buss n°434 (€6.4) will stop at Castelo dos Mouros, the Palacio de Nacional de Pena, the Palacio Nacional de Sintra and the train station of Sintra. Bus n°435 will bring you to Palacio Quinta da Regaleira and Palacio de Monserrate. 

We first took bus n°434 to go to Palacio de Nacional de Pena, then walked back to Castelo dos Mouros (400 metres). We then took bus n°434 to Palacio Nacional de Sintra and walked on to Palácio Quinta da Regaleira. In the end, we did not see Palacio de Monserrate and we also just saw the outside of the Palacio Nacional de Sintra. We were just exhausted from all the walking! 

1) Palacio da Pena

This palace is built on the remains of an old Moorish castle, and a Monastery and consists of a mix of styles and colors. The palace looks like a fairytale castle in color. The interior of the palace sets you back to the 18th century but beware! If you want to see the interior, there’s a long queue! (1 hour at least)

Entrance: € 14 (park & palace), €7.5 (park)

Opening hours: 9.30AM – 8 PM 

Opening hours palace: 9.30 AM – 7PM 

Tip : Go there early! We took the train at 9.40 AM, arrived in Sintra at 10.10 AM and arrived at 11 AM with the bus at the palace of Pena.

2) Castelo dos Mouros

Your first stop with bus n°434 is the Castelo dos Mouros. We’ve done the Palacio de Nacional de Pena first (trying to avoid the masses but failed horribly) and walked afterward toward the Castelo dos Mouros. The castle is quite the hike, so prepare yourself! This castle was built in the 8th century on top of Serra and gives a nice view of the Palace of Pena.

Entrance fee: €8

Opening hours: 9.30 AM – 8 PM 

3) Palacio Nacional

The Palacio Nacional is built in the middle ages and has had many kings and queens. 

Fun Fact : The two white towers are two chimneys.

Entrance fee: €10 

Opening hours: 9.30 AM – 7PM

4) Palacio de Monserrate

We didn’t do the Palacio de Monserrate but apparently the botanical garden is a must-do as it got the European Garden Award in 2013.

Entrance fee: €8 

Opening hours Park: 9.30 AM – 8 PM 

Opening hours Palace: 9.30 AM – 7 PM

5) Historical center

The old historic center of Sintra is the streets, restaurants, and souvenir shops in the area around the Palacio Nacional de Sintra. 

6) Palacio Quinta da Regaleira

Quinta da Regaleira belonged to a Brazilian millionaire in the 19th century. Take a stroll in the beautiful garden where you can find an abandoned well that leads you to an undergro&²und complex of corridors that will lead you around the domain.

Opening hours: 9.30 AM – 8PM

7) Hike trails

You can also do some hiking in Sintra! You can follow the Santa Maria trail alongside the Palacio de Pena and Castelo dos Mouros or you can follow the Villa Sassetti trail alongside the historical centre of Sintra, Villa Sassetti, Castelo dos Mouros and Palacio de Pena.

Fun Fact : Don’t forget to bring your water bottle, because you’re gonna sweat a lot! Stay hydrated! 

Life of a Passion

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Where To Stay in Sintra in 2024

Ian Sumpter Last Updated: September 26, 2023

Sintra has enchanted visitors for centuries and is enjoying a resurgence in popularity right now. There is an abundance of options when it comes to visiting Sintra, you can stay in the historic town, in a beach resort, in the middle of the forest, or travel in from Lisbon or Cascais. I’ve been leading tours in Sintra for almost a decade now, and along with my wife and daughter, frequently spend a night or two in Sintra when we want to escape the city. So I’m here to guide you through where to stay in Sintra this year.

Pro-Tip : You’ll want to bookmark this page for future reference. Also, be sure to check out our Where to Stay in Lisbon , Top Things to Do in Sintra , and Top Things to Do in Lisbon to really get a feel for the area before you visit.

Top Hotels in Sintra at a Glance

• 5-star: Hotel Tivoli Palácio de Seteais
• Historic: Lawrence’s Hotel
• Boutique: A Capela – Essência de Sintra
• Nature Lovers : Eighteen 21
• For Families : Penha Longa Resort Sintra
• Beach Resort: Arribas Sintra Hotel
• New Additions: Sintra Marmòris Palace
• Eco-Friendly: Eco-Glamping Sintra

Where To Stay in Sintra: Best Hotels and Areas

For centuries, Sintra was the playground of royalty, aristocrats, and even 19th Century Romantics and eccentrics. This picturesque town lies just 30 kilometers from Lisbon. The town, the park, and its coastline are chock full of spectacular sights ranging from stunning palaces to mythical forests and sweeping wild Atlantic coastlines. For the visitor, this leaves three areas to consider when choosing where to stay:

• Sintra’s Historic Town – Perfect for history and those who don’t want the stress of driving.
• Sintra National Park – Great for those looking to explore the wider region.
• Sintra’s Coastal Towns – For the surf bums and sunset watchers. A car is a necessity!

It’s easily reachable on a day trip. You can get there in 30 minutes by car or in 45 minutes by train from Rossio Station in the center of Lisbon. Indeed this is what many of Portugal’s visitors choose to do. However, there is so much to see and do here that Sintra deserves more than just a day trip, and it could be an excellent place for you to see the surrounding area.

If you decide to stay in Sintra, either as a base for exploring Lisbon or even for one night to escape the city’s hustle and bustle, then you will experience one of Portugal’s most magical places in a way that few do. As the day-trippers leave and dusk descends on the mountains and forests of this fairytale land, you’ll discover you have Sintra almost entirely to yourself.

Sintra boasts some truly unique places to stay, whether you want to stay in a palace, an ancient chapel, or a family-friendly spot complete with a pool. We’ve got you covered for the best places to stay in Sintra.

The Best 5-Star Hotel in Sintra

Tivoli Palácio de Setais | 5 Star | €€€€ | Luxury | Pool

In a town that seems to have more palaces than people, it is only fitting to spend a night in one yourself. The Tivoli Palácio de Seteais is just that. Built in 1787 by a Dutch consul, he was gifted the land by the infamous Marquis de Pombal.

The Tivoli group prides itself on providing only the very best. At Palácio Seteais, they certainly deliver. This place is unashamedly opulent. Complete with frescoes, ballrooms, and even a triumphal arch, you’ll feel like you’re starring in your own special episode of Bridgerton.

Did I mention that the pool area and the views will make you feel like a member of Hollywood Royalty? Unsurprisingly, everyone from Agatha Christie and President Nixon to John Malkovich and Mick Jagger has passed through these hallowed halls. Tivoli Seteias is undoubtedly the last word in luxury in Sintra.

We love to keep our recommendations up to date. Love a hotel not on the list, or know of a new opening? Send us a message and let us know all about it.

The Best Historic Hotel in Sintra

The lawrence.

The Lawrence | 5 Star | €€€€ | Oldest Guest House in Portugal

Lawrence claims to be the oldest on the Iberian peninsula. Whether or not this is strictly true, they have certainly welcomed guests since 1764. They even claim Lord Byron among their esteemed clients!

Needless to say, this hotel oozes old-world vintage charm. Antique furniture graces each of the individually decorated sixteen rooms. In the winter, cozy, up in front of the open fire in the library, or in the summer, dine on the stunning terrace and feel transported back to the Romantic Era.

Not ready to book a hotel? Check out Top Things to Do in Sintra to understand why it’s a must-visit destination.

The Best Boutique Hotel in Sintra

A Capela | 4-Star Boutique | €€€ | Converted Chapel | Cool Pool

If you’ve ever wanted to stay in a converted 18th Century chapel, then ‘A Capela’ should be at the top of your list.

Sympathetically restored, the owners spared no expense in renovating this unique space. They kept many of the beautiful original architectural details. Today, you’ll find a modern, sophisticated hideaway with a secluded terrace. Perfect for enjoying those stunning sunset views.

There’s also a larger sister villa on the property, which includes a pool if you’re a larger group.

Thinking about Sintra for a day trip? Check out our Where to Stay in Lisbon instead.

The Best Hotel For Nature Lovers in Sintra

Eighteen 21.

Eighteen 21 | 4 Star Guest House | Surrounded by Nature | Family Friendly

Set among two hectares of stunning private forest, just 1.6 km from the center of town, Eighteen 21 is a special slice of Sintra magic. The property has just three small buildings; two cozy one-bedroom cottages and a larger six-bedroomed villa.

Thoughtfully decorated, the properties blend both the traditional and contemporary. In addition, their newly inaugurated, very secluded swimming pool has views to die for. If you want to feel immersed in nature and get away from it all, then the charming Eighteen 21 is for you.

The Best Hotel For Families in Sintra

Penha longa resort.

Penha Longa is a fantastic option for families, situated just a short drive from the town center of Sintra. It’s a 220-hectare resort, magnificently situated in beautiful protected parkland. The family amenities are second to none, including a VIK check-in experience, where your kids get to check in for you, Golf lessons for four to sixteen-year-olds, movie nights, kids clubs, extensive cycle paths, babysitting, and so much more.

The smart, spacious rooms have access to several swimming pools, a great restaurant, a spa (also a kid’s spa), and a fantastic golf course. Honestly, what’s not to love? It’s an excellent base from which families can explore, with Sintra, Cascais, and Lisbon all within a quick shuttle ride.

The Best Beach Resort in Sintra

Hotel arribas.

Hotel Arribas | 4-Star | Every Room Has Ocean Views | Family Friendly | Most Westerly Hotel in Europe

The recently renovated Arribas Hotel is an excellent option for those wanting to pair an ocean view with their Sintra stay. Located only 7 kilometers from the old town of Sintra, every room boasts a balcony with ocean views.

The hotel also has a vast 100-meter saltwater swimming pool fed directly from the Atlantic. At 100m, it is one of the largest in Europe. Arribas is a great family option, with family suites and interconnecting rooms. There are plenty of great restaurants within walking distance, and Ubers can shuttle you into Cascais for around €10, or the hotel also runs a shuttle service to Sintra and Cascais.

Check out our Top Things to Do in Sintra

The Best New Hotel in Sintra

Sintra marmòris palace.

OK, ‘new’ might be a stretch, having reopened in 2017, but the beautiful 19th Century Marmòis Palace is now a luxurious spot, hidden and tucked away in sprawling gardens. The rooms exude a fashionable, romantic, and Italian vibe with stunning views over Sintra’s National Palace and the towards the Castle of the Moors.

There are just nine rooms here, tucked away between two buildings among sumptuous gardens with intimate corners and a relaxing pool. All this, just a few minutes walk from the historic center.

The Best Alternative-Eco Friendly Hotel in Sintra

Sintra glamping.

Glamping Sintra | € | ECO-Alternative | Mountain Views

For something completely different, why not try glamping? If you want to get away from it all and return to nature, this little gem about seven kilometers from Sintra’s center is for you.

This accommodation is not glamorous; however, what it lacks in modern luxuries, it makes up for in charm. These charming Tolkeian wooden cottages have their own bathrooms, comfortable bedrooms, and kitchens. Chill in the hammock, listen to the birdsong, and forget the modern world.

How to Get to Sintra

Arriving by Air: The nearest international airport is the Humberto Delgado airport in Lisbon, located around 30km from Sintra. From the airport, you have numerous options, train, car, taxi, or Uber. By Train : There is no direct train to Sintra from Lisbon airport, you will need to take the metro and then the regional train. On the metro, take the red line 3 stops to Oriente and then switch to the Sintra Regional line. The whole journey will cost around €6 per person. By Car: If renting a car, be sure to check parking arrangements with your hotel. If you plan on driving, choosing a hotel with parking facilities is a must, as trying to find a space in Sintra is nearly impossible. By Taxi : You can jump a taxi right outside the arrivals, but I don’t suggest it. As the taxi is taking you out of Lisbon, they can add a surcharge and an additional surcharge per bag. Depending on traffic and time of day, a taxi will likely cost between €50 and €80. By Uber: Uber is a solid option for getting to Sintra, it should cost between €20 and €35, depending on surcharges. Uber has become such a popular option out of Lisbon airport that they have been given their own pickup spot in Lisbon airport, just follow the signs as you come out of arrivals, and you will meet your driver easily.

What to See in Sintra and the Surrounding Area

• Top Things to Do in Sintra – a guide to the top sites, beaches, and history of Sintra
• Top Things to Do in Lisbon – a guide to the top sites, restaurants, and history of Lisbon
• Best Restaurants to Try in Lisbon – a guide to our favorite restaurants in Lisbon
• Where to Stay in Lisbon – a guide to the different areas and accommodation types in Lisbon

Best Restaurants in Sintra

• Incomum by Luis Santos
• Curral dos Caprinos

Top Things To See in Sintra

• National Palace of Pena
• National Palace of Sintra
• Quinta da Regaleira

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The Gardens of the Romantic Sintra

April 22, 2020

Walk through Sintra’s Gardens, you will be amazed be their mysticism, romanticism and magic. Find some of the Gardens that you have to visit!

Surrounding the cosmopolitan Lisbon, Sintra appears as an adorable village mostly known by its romantic and inspiring gardens. Nobody stays indifferent to them even those who say that aren’t romantic.

Discovering the Gardens of Sintra

Sintra is the Portuguese perfect place to show biodiversity, environmental sustainability and natural beauty. Here are some of the most world beautiful gardens spread over several natural parks that you must-see through this village.  Come in our tour through Sintra  and find out what makes these gardens so magical and romantic!

Let’s make a short tour through Monserrate Park, Pena Park and Regaleira Park. Three of the most impressive gardens of Portugal. We are going to start with Monserrate recognized internationally...

1. Monserrate Park

Near Sintra’s historical center, Monserrate Park has gardens that seem to be taken from a fairy tale. Designed by the romantic mind of Francis Cook, an English millionaire, the gardens have species from all over the world and they are organized by geographic areas according to their origins.

Throughout exotic trees, waterfalls and lakes, there’s no better place to be. Admiring even the tiniest detail like a bee landing on a flower to collect pollen, a flower blossoming, the sun between the trees, the soil’s and wood odor.

With incredible enchanting and relaxing scenarios, this garden is certainly one of the richest botanical Portuguese gardens. Due to this unique beauty, it won the European Garden Award as ‘The Best Development of an Historical Park or Garden’ by the European Garden Heritage Network (EGHN) and the Schloss Dyck Foundation.

2. Pena Park

We head to the village symbol, Pena Park, where the iconic Pena Castle is located. Built on a highly point of the village, it is distinguished by its wonderful architecture with Arab and Moorish features, surrounded by an immense vegetation and sets of various tree species.

In these Park with 200 acres everything is fantastic, from the various paths to walk, bridges, caves, park benches, pergolas to the simple fountains taken from divine scenarios.

Walking through this passionate paths you can see small houses. Years ago, these were the houses of king’s guards and servants. You will also see greenhouses and nurseries with camellias - the ex-líbris flower of Sintra -, ‘rosas de cepas’ (a specific kind of rare roses) and master pieces like statues.

It’s impossible not to fall in love with this place, with so many species from all over the world, especially the flowers. Just try to appreciate its singularities, its shapes, its odors and its colours. Indeed, it is the most important center of Sintra’s Cultural Landscape and it is classified as World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

3. Regaleira Park

Beyond its magnificent garden, the ‘Quinta da Regaleira’ is also a treasure for its majestic and mighty Palace. Here’s a curiosity for you: the diversity of ‘Quinta da Regaleira’ is enriched with esoteric themes symbolisms. Feel the mysteries and the suspense around you… I’ve told you that this gardens are magical!

Strolling through the paths traced through the vegetation and huge trees, we realize that on the lower part of the ‘Quinta da Regaleira’, the garden is organized and care, but going up it seems wilder, reflecting an ideal primitivism.

Going in the direction of Regaleira’s Palace we walk through what looks like a king and queen’s path. Here you almost feel that you are being blessed and protected by the Greco-Roman Gods, so perfectly aligned statues like: Venus, Orpheus, Dionysius, Fortune, Hermes, Pã, Flora, Ceres and Vulcano.

Another point of interest that we cannot miss is the ‘Poço Iniciático’. It is a beautiful underground gallery, sinking about 27 meters inside earth, with access by a monumental spiral staircase supported by arches and columns. And if you look all the way down you can see all of the cardinal points. It is the best way to find yourself and (who knows?) your love.

And so… what do you think? These are our suggestions and we believe that are a perfect destination. They are romantic and the best place for dating’s or wedding proposals. Or even for smaller things like a surprise to the person you love or a simple walk with holding hands. No matter what, between flowers and the romantic scenario that involves this places, we don’t believe that your love could ever say no to you.

Inês has a Licentiate degree in Tourism. Her itch for travel began with her love for cruising the Douro River. Working for several years in Douro Booking Departments, she knows just how to make our customers happy and she is always helping them to find the perfect itinerary. She is friendly and a great travel advisor. 

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Sintra, Portugal; a tourism guide for 2024

Sintra is a charming Portuguese town situated within the cooling hills of the Serra de Sintra. Once a summer retreat for Portuguese nobility and royalty, this UNESCO World Heritage Site captivates visitors with its wealth of opulent palaces, extravagant villas, and historic sites, all set amidst lush forests and jagged hills.

These world-class tourist sights include the whimsical Palácio da Pena, the ruins of the Moorish castle, the mystical gardens of the Quinta da Regaleira, and the Arabian-inspired Palácio de Monserrate. Venturing beyond the well-trodden tourist routes, reveals an alternative side of Sintra, one with dense forests, rugged coastlines, secluded religious sites, and wondrous viewpoints—all awaiting exploration by intrepid travellers.

This variety of fascinating sights, abundance of Portuguese charm and stunning natural scenery, makes Sintra an outstanding tourist destination, which is regarded as the best day trip of the Lisbon region. A visit to this wonderful town is often a highlight of a trip to Portugal, and it will make a fantastic addition to your holiday plans. This article will show you why you must visit Sintra and how to get the most from your trip here.

What are the highlights of Sintra?

There is so much to see in Sintra, and sights which can't be missed are: The Palácio Nacional da Pena – One of Europe's finest palaces, with a vividly painted exterior, and an interior restored to how it appeared in 1910 when the Portuguese nobility fled the country ( guide here )

The Pena Palace as seen from the Cruz Alto viewpoint

The Quinta da Regaleira – A neo-gothic mansion but the real attraction are the gardens, which conceal secret passages, mystical symbolism and even a Knights of Templar initiation well ( guide here )

The Poço Iniciático well in the grounds of the Quinta da Regaleira

The Palácio Nacional de Sintra – The original medieval palace of Sintra, which was a favourite with the early Portuguese rulers.

The Castelo dos Mouros – The ancient ruins of a Moorish castle that stands atop a craggy peak and once guarded the entire region ( guide here )

Monserrate Palace – An Arabian inspired villa with intricate latticework stone carving and tranquil gardens. This is where to escape the tourist crowds of Sintra

If you are fortunate to have a car, there is also a lot to see within the hills of the Serra de Sintra. There is the stunning driving along the N247 between Almoçageme and Almuinhas Velhas, there is the forest-covered monastery of Convento dos Capuchos , the amazing viewpoint from the Sanctuary of Peninha and the Cabo da Roca cliffs - the most westerly point of mainland Europe.

The Sintra coastline also boasts many magnificent beaches, and these include the wild surfing beach of Guincho , the charming beach town of Praia das Maçãs , or the untamed natural beauty of Praia da Ursa . Most visitors only consider Sintra for a day trip, but there is an amazing amount to see and do in within the region!

The interactive map below displays the highlights of Sintra and the Sintra region. The green markers and line display what is usually seen in the first day of sightseeing in Sintra, the blue markers and line on a second day of sightseeing and the yellow pins display the best sights of the Sintra region , but a car (or guide) is needed to see them. Note: Zoom out to see the regional yellow markers

Key: 1) Palácio Nacional de Sintra 2) Castelo dos Mouros 3) Palácio Nacional da Pena 4) Quinta da Regaleira 5) Palácio de Seteais 6) Vila Sassetti 7) Palácio de Monserrate 8) Convento dos Capuchos 9) Sanctuary of Peninha 10) N247 scenic drive 11) Cabo da Roca 12) Praia das Maçãs 13) Praia do Guincho (beach) 14) Praia da Ursa (beach) 15) Praia da Adraga (beach) Related articles: Sights & attractions in Sintra

Insight: During the peak season there can be very long queues for tickets. Tickets for the main tourist attractions can be purchased prior to your day trip from Getyourguide: • Palácio Nacional da Pena (€20)

The battlements of the Moorish castle provide spectacular views over the Sintra region

• A day trip to Sintra

The majority of tourists visit Sintra as a day trip, either from Lisbon or the resort towns of Cascais and Estoril. Sintra is an enjoyable day trip, as it has a lot to offer visitors, while being suitable for all ages.

Travel to Sintra is hassle-free, as there is a regular train service between Lisbon and Sintra, or a direct bus service from Cascais and Estoril (travel details are found later in this article).

The most common route to combine the main sights in a single day of sightseeing is: • Train or bus to Sintra • Palácio Nacional da Pena (highlight of the day) • Palácio da Pena gardens • Castelo dos Mouros (optional) • Lunch in the historic centre • Explore the historic centre of Sintra • Quinta da Regaleira (or Palácio Nacional)

Most day-trippers to Sintra follow the same order, as this is the route of the 434-tourist bus. The 434 bus route connects Sintra train station to the Castelo dos Mouros and the Palácio da Pena, before returning to the train station via the historic centre of Sintra. Related articles: A day trip to Sintra – Lisbon to Sintra – 434 tourist bus Advice: Generally, we recommend Sintra as the first-day trip if you are based in Lisbon, or as the second-day trip if your holiday is to Cascais or Estoril (the first-day trip would be to Lisbon).

The decorative entrance to the Pena Palace

Two or three days in Sintra

Sintra is often visited as a day trip from Lisbon, but there are sufficient attractions to easily fill two or three days of sightseeing. Suggested itineraries for two or three days in Sintra, which follow on from the 1-day trip include: A second day in Sintra • Quinta da Regaleira and gardens (or the Palácio Nacional de Sintra) • Palácio de Seteais • Palácio de Monserrate • Vila Sassetti and gardens (optional) • Hike up the Caminho de Vila Sassetti (optional) Third day in Sintra • Convento dos Capuchos • Peninha Sanctuary and viewpoint (highlight) • Cabo da Roca • Praia da Ursa or Praia da Adraga • Chalet da Condessa D'Edla (Pena Park) • Hike to Cruz Alta (Pena Park) Note: this day trip requires a car Related articles: A second day in Sintra – Sintra’s secret sights

Why spend a night in Sintra?

If you plan to spend two or three days visiting Sintra, it is recommended to stay within the town, instead of travelling in from Lisbon each day. The main advantage of being based in Sintra is that the town can be enjoyed once the day-trippers and coach tours have left.

The key national monuments of Sintra have extending opening hours, allowing you to visit before or after the daytime rush. The town offers a fantastic range of hotels to choose from, with many of these in keeping with the style and charm of the region.

The map below shows the location of hotels and rental rooms in Sintra, and by altering the date to your holiday, the map will display current prices:

Why are there so many palaces and grand mansions in Sintra?

Historically, the reason was due to the slightly cooler climate that the hills of the Serra de Sintra provide. This enticed the nobility of Portugal to construct their summer residences here. During the 19th century, Sintra was a popular destination for Europe's wealthy artisans and elite, who built elaborate mansions following the Romanticism style of architecture.

The Quinta da Regaleira

Travel to Sintra

There are two regular and inexpensive train services that connect Lisbon to Sintra. The first service departs from Rossio station in central Lisbon, while the second departs from the Estação do Oriente. The train journey takes 40min (from Rossio) or 47min (from Oriente), and both cost €4.80 for a return. The services start early in the morning and continue late into the night, with up to three departures per hour.

Advice: Never drive to Sintra. The narrow hill roads were never designed for today's heavy traffic, and there is almost no car parking. In the summer, there is a constant traffic jam as frustrated drivers search for car parking spaces.

There are direct bus services to Sintra from the resort towns of Cascais and Estoril. The 417 service departs from Cascais bus station, takes 30 minutes and costs €4.25 for a single. From Estoril, the bus service is the number 418 route, which departs from the train station and takes 30 minutes. Related articles: Lisbon to Sintra – Cascais to Sintra – Estoril to Sintra

Sintra as part of an organised tour

There are many benefits of visiting Sintra as a part of a small group tour. Sintra is a destination where the main tourist sights are spread across a wide region of steep hills, and a tour eliminates the hassle of public transport. Portuguese tour guides are enthusiastic and knowledgeable, and the tours also cater for more worldly visitors.

An organised tour is the only way to visit both Sintra and Cascais in a single day, as taking this route by public transport does not provide enough time for sightseeing. We have worked with GetYourGuide.com for the past six years, with some of their best Sintra tours including: • 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)

Does Sintra Portugal get crowded with day-trippers?

Unfortunately, Sintra often gets very crowded in the summer. This can mean long queues for admission tickets, tourist buses running out of space, and even long queues in Rossio station.

Our key advice would be to start a day trip to Sintra early in the day, or try to avoid the peak visiting hours of 11am to 3pm. Admission tickets can be purchased in advance to avoid some of the queues. Another tip to avoid the crowds is to visit the Palácio Nacional da Pena in the morning, as most visitors arrive in the afternoon when following the route of the 434-tourist bus.

There are quieter monuments and attractions in Sintra, and the best is the Palácio de Monserrate. Other quieter and less touristy places to visit, include: • Convento dos Capuchos • Peninha Sanctuary • Vila Sassetti Mansion • Chalet da Condessa D'Edla • The southern side of the Parque da Pena

The Santuário da Peninha is at the highest point of the Parque Natural de Sintra and is where to go to escape the tourist crowds

The 434 and 435 tourist buses

The walk from the historic centre of Sintra to the Palácio Nacional da Pena and the Castelo dos Mouros is up a very steep hill and can be very challenging walk. The 434-tourist bus removes the need for this walk, as it connects the train station to the historic centre, then climbs the hill to the Palácio Nacional da Pena (via the Castle of the Moors ) before returning to the train station.

The 24-hour unlimited use of all Sintra buses costs €13.50, while a single fare costs €4.55. The bus departs from Sintra train station every 15 minutes during the summer season. Note: The 434-bus is the cheapest and best method to explore Sintra as a day trip.

The 435-tourist bus connects the train station to the Palácio de Monserrate, and passes the historic centre, the Quinta da Regaleira and the Seteais Palace. This bus is ideal for the second day in Sintra. Related articles: The 434-tourist bus

The 435 and 434 buses waiting at the train station

Our favourite attractions in Sintra

Our favourite attractions in Sintra are: 1) Palácio Nacional da Pena 2) Quinta da Regaleira 3) Palácio Nacional de Sintra 4) Palácio de Monserrate 5) Castelo dos Mouros 6) Palácio de Seteais 7) Vila Sassetti

The Castelo dos Mouros is postioned high above the old town of Sintra

The Romanticism style of architecture

The town of Sintra is regarded as Europe's finest example of the whimsical and colourful Romanticism style of architecture. This elaborate, 19th-century design style was inspired by a love of art and the mysticism of ancient cultures, creating decorative and flamboyant buildings of which the Palácio da Pena is the greatest example.

Our most popular guides to Sintra

Sintra Home

Introduction to Sintra - everything you need for your trip to Sintra

Sights & activities

Discover the best sights and attractions of Sintra

Secret Sintra

Avoid Sintra’s crowds and find the hidden sights of the region

Free Sintra

Make your trip to Sintra much cheaper with these ideas

Sintra day trip

What to see and do for your day trip to Sintra

Sintra Hotels

Find the best hotels in Sintra for the lowest prices

Pena Palace

A guide to the stunning Palacio da Pena

Walk to Pena

The challenging hiking trail up to the Palácio da Pena

How many days?

How many days should you spend in Sintra?

Lisbon to Sintra

What’s the best way to travel from Lisbon to Sintra?

Beautiful palace and Sintra's best undiscovered sight

Sintra's beaches

Discover the finest beaches in the Sintra region

The 434 bus

The essential tourist bus that connects all of the sights of Sintra

Lisbon day trips

What are the best day trips from Lisbon?

The vibrant and dynamic capital of Portugal

Lisbon's beaches

Discover the finest beaches in the Sintra/Lisbon region

The premier resort town of the Lisbon coastline

The capital of the Alentejo region is steeped in history

A delightful fortified town, traditionally owned by the Queen of Portugal

Delightful beach town, which is a favourite with the Portuguese

Experience true Portugal in this busy fishing port

A charming town, famed for the world's highest surfing waves

The ancient stronghold of the Knights Templar

V ila Nova de Milfontes

Authentic Portugal on the undiscovered Alentejo coastline

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A complete list of all of our Sintra and Lisbon guides

Sintra guides

• Sintra Introduction

Sights of Sintra

• How many days in Sintra?
• The hidden gems of Sintra
• Free and inexpensive Sintra
• Walk up to the castle
• Sintra in 2 days
• Airport to Sintra
• The 434 tourist bus
• When to Visit Sintra
• Sintra to Cascais
• Sintra or Cascais?
• Evora or Sintra?
• Palácio da Pena
• Palácio Nacional de Sintra
• Castelo dos Mouros
• Quinta da Regaleira
• Palácio de Monserrate
• Palácio de Queluz
• Convento dos Capuchos
• Parque da Pena
• Sintra Town Hall
• Sintra Tram
• Santuário da Peninha
• Cascais introduction
• Day trip to Cascais
• Cascais beach guide
• Cascais sights
• Cabo da Roca
• Lisbon to Cascais
• Evora guide
• Evora sights
• Evora day trip
• Bone Chapel
• Lisbon to Evora
• The Alentejo region
• Sesimbra introduction
• Sesimbra sightseeing
• Sesimbra beaches
• Lisbon to Sesimbra
• Cabo Espichel
• Obidos Introduction
• Things to see in Obidos
• Obidos day trip
• Ericeira introduction
• Lisbon to Ericeira
• Ericeira beaches
• Setubal introduction
• Serra da Arrabida
• Peninsula de Troia

Central Portugal

• Berlengas Islands

Lisbon Guides

• Lisbon introduction
• Lisbon top 10
• Secret Lisbon
• Lisbon beach guide
• 24 hours in Lisbon
• 48 hours in Lisbon
• 3 days in Lisbon
• Lisbon in 5 Days
• 1 Week Lisbon
• Where to stay?
• Lisbon shopping
• Lisbon Parks
• Lisbon on a wet day
• Museums and galleries
• Alfama District
• Baixa District
• Belem District
• Parque Nações
• Alcântara District
• Graça District
• Cais do Sodré
• Lisbon airport
• Lisbon Metro
• Castelo de São Jorge
• Elevador Santa Justa
• Torre de Belém
• Elevador da Bica
• Elevador do Lavra
• Elevador da Gloria
• Praça do Comercio
• Mosteiro dos Jerónimos
• Padrão dos Descobrimentos
• Lisbon Viewpoints
• Miradouro da Graça
• Sao Pedro de alcantara
• Senhora do Monte
• Lisbon to Belem transport
• Costa da Caparica Portugal
• Lisbon at Christmas
• Santos Populares
• Lisbon for Families
• Lisbon for Seniors
• Cristo Rei Christ
• Lisbon Markets
• Ponte 25 de Abril
• Príncipe Real
• Free Lisbon
• Is Lisbon Walkable
• Lisbon Budget
• Driving in Lisbon
• From the airport
• To Cristo Rei
• Lisbon to Porto
• Lisbon tram guide
• Lisbon Ferrys

Portugal Guides

• Where to go in Portugal?
• 1 week in Portugal
• Portugal airports
• Portugal weather
• Best beaches
• Top 10 Algarve
• Portugal in June
• Portugal in September
• Portugal in November
• Where to Live in Portugal

North Portugal

• Douro Valley
• Serra da Estrela
• Viana do Castelo
• Porto where to stay
• How Long in Porto
• Porto sightseeing
• Porto beaches
• Porto in 1 Day
• Porto in 3 Days
• Porto 1 Week
• Foz do Douro
• Linha do Douro
• Port Cellars
• Airport to City
• Porto Trams

South Portugal

• Algarve introduction
• Albufeira guide
• Albufeira activities
• Albufeira beaches
• Day trip to Albufeira
• Albufeira boat trips
• Carvoeiro beaches
• Percurso dos Sete Vales hike
• Sights and activities
• Faro beaches
• Funchal introduction
• Lagos guide
• Lagos beaches
• Praia da Marinha
• Praia da Rocha
• Praia da Rocha beaches
• Tavira guide
• Tavira sights
• Tavira Beaches
• Vilamoura beaches
• Vila Nova de Milfontes

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Sintra Day Trip

Sintra second day

What can be seen in a second day in Sintra?

This bus connects all the main sights of Sintra

There are so many enjoyable day trips from Lisbon

Lisbon is on a coastline of glorious beaches

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