Sintra
Per Wikipedia: Sintra (Santa Maria e São Miguel, São Martinho e São Pedro de Penaferrim) is a civil parish in the municipality of Sintra, Lisbon District, Portugal. It was formed in 2013 by the merger of the former parishes Santa Maria e São Miguel, São Martinho and São Pedro de Penaferrim.
Per me: Sintra is magical.
Located just about a 30 minute drive from Lisbon, or 40-45 minutes on the train, Sintra is often declared “One of the most romantic places in the world”. The first time I went, I was solo, and the second I was with a good friend, and can still attest to the truth of this.
Sintra is best known for it’s palaces and castles, but is also home to numerous parks and natural spaces that make it a “must do” on any trip to Lisbon.
*Click/hold images for more info and tickets*
Click photo for historical info
Some pre-visit suggestions:
Your footwear can make or break your visit. While this is a general theme in Portugal, it seemed especially key in Sintra, as walking is required no matter how you plan your visit. There is no “door to door” transportation available, even if you do a tour, and all the sites require a considerable about of legwork, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes.
Bring a bottle of water and a snack, or be sure to grab one in the city center before heading up to the attractions, as options to do so are pretty limited once you leave the city center. Many of the attractions have a small café, but the que can be quite long and inefficient on a tight time budget.
If time is limited and you only have a day to visit: plan ahead and prioritize what you would like to see. This includes purchasing tickets in advance, as well as downloading transit apps, and site maps.
During peak season, and on weekends, restaurant reservations are also strongly encouraged.
Getting from Lisbon to Sintra
By Train
Rossio Station (R. 1º de Dezembro 125, 1249-970) is within walking distance of just about anywhere in Baixa, Chiado, Alfama, and Avenida da Liberdade, but can also be reached by metro (green line).
Click image for fare & schedule info
Rossio Station
Trains run direct from Rossio Station to Sintra about every 20-40 minutes and the one way fare is 2,30€. Tickets can be purchased at the kiosk or window. You can also use you Viva Viagem Transport Card by simply tapping it (this also reduces the fare)
Oriente-Sintra line
For those staying in the upper districts, the Oriente-Sintra line may be a more convenient option with stops along Roma-Areeiro (on the green line), Entrecampos (on the yellow line), and Sete Rios (named “Jardim Zoológico” on the blue line).
By Car
Sintra is just about 30 minutes by car from Lisbon, via A37, A16, or IC15 (this route includes tolls).
There is not much parking in the center, but at Rua Guilherme Gomes Fernandes there is a large (unguarded) parking lot. It is fine to park your car here, but do not leave any valuables in the car. There is also some street parking available in and around the city center, though this can be limited and make sure you have coins for meters (paper cash and cards are not accepted)
Uber/Bolt/Taxi is also an option and will generally run around 30€ (with higher rates on weekends and during high tourism season)
How to See Sintra
With so many sites and attractions to see, and the city being an attraction in and of itself, Sintra can easily take several days to truly explore and see. If you have three days, take your time and visit every site! If you have one day (like most) there are a few ways to see Sintra.
You can take a scheduled, guided tour via one of many options, including: Hop on Hop off, Get Your Guide, Viator, YellowBus Tours, Trip Advisor, Airbnb Experiences, and many other options. There are several different tours offered to fit your schedule and desired destinations (Viator seems to have the largest variety).
Another option is to grab a tuk-tuk from the train station or city center and take a private guided tour. The prices for these tours vary, and run anywhere from 20€ per person to 200€+ per group. Be sure to have cash and your negotiation skills on hand. The perk to this type of tour is that you can pre-plan the sites you want to see and discuss time frames and destinations with your guide. (*tuk-tuk tours can also be pre-booked via sites like Viator and Trip Advisor).
Of course, you can also do a self-guided tour, or just choose one or two sites to visit. This can be done via walking, hiking, public transportation, or a combination of these modes.
There are two bus routes covering the main sights, 434 (circular route of: train station - town centre and the National Palace - Moorish castle - Pena Palace - train station) and 435 (linear route: of train station - town centre and the National Palace - Quinta da Regaleira - Seteais Palace - Monserrate Palace).
My first trip to Sintra, I did a combination of walking and hiking and a tuk-tuk to return to the train station back to Lisbon.
I didn’t go with any sort of plan or agenda (as I knew I’d be returning when a friend came to visit) and loved the freedom of just wandering and exploring, while googling “what to see in Sintra” along the way.
This is how I ended up walking/hiking over 12 miles, getting a little bit lost, but finding myself on a beautiful trail, and then again in a stunning garden.
Now that you know how to get to Sintra…
Historical City Centre
This will likely be the first stop on any trip to Sintra, as it is between the train station and the palaces, castles, and gardens which sit on the mountain Sintra is built against.
Here, along the classic narrow, winding cobblestone streets, you will find shops, restaurants, and cafes.
There is also an official Sintra Tourism Office located in the city center, where tickets to attractions can be purchased. Buying tickets to multiple sights offers a small discount. The SIntra Welcome Centre is also a wealth of information and experiences.
🗺️Largo Dr. Virgílio Horta, 2714-501 Sintra, Portugal
This is one of the first historic sites you will see when arriving in Sintra, Câmara Municipal de Sintra, is often skipped over by visitors, as you won’t see if on most tours or suggested on most blogs. I actually skipped it on my first trip to Sintra, as I didn’t even realize you could go inside.
The building itself is beautiful, but the interior is quite stunning with incredible tile work and tons of history. You can easily visit and take in all Câmara Municipal de Sintra has to offer in 30-60 minutes.
Official Palacio Nacional de Sintra
🗺️Largo Rainha Dona Amélia, 2710-616 Sintra, Portugal
🕰️Open Daily 9:30am-6:30pm
💶10€
Via the Official Palacio Nacional de Sintra website (linked on photo): In the center of the town of Sintra, marking the landscape with the unmistakable silhouette of the two conical chimneys that crown the royal kitchen, stands the only palace that spanned the entire history of Portugal.
I did not make it inside Palacio Nacional De Sintra, though it is on the top of my list for my next visit. The structure itself is stunning and is a focal point from every attraction in Sintra. The unmistakable outline can be seen from miles away.
Tickets are available here for advance purchase and a slight discount, as well as the the tourism office and at the door. Adult entry is 10€, with youth and senior tickets at 8,50€, 5 and under, as well as 80 and above enter at no cost. Map is linked in photo.
Quinta da Regaleira
🗺️R. Barbosa du Bocage 5, 2710-567 Sintra
🕰️Open Daily 10:00 am - 6:30 pm (last entry 5:30 pm)
💶12€ adults, 7€ children 6-17 and seniors 65-79, free for children under 5 and seniors 80+
Located in the Old Quarter of Sintra and classified as World Heritage by UNESCO, Quinta da Regaleira was built at the end of the 19th century in the spirit of romanticism and its ideals.
One of the most famous and popular sites in Sintra, this was my favorite site in Sintra. With winding paths and something visually stunning at every turn, this is a must see on any trip to Sintra. I spent several hours here, as I was not on any type of schedule, but it can be done in much less time, or more, depending on how you approach it. Maps of the grounds are available at the ticket office, and are linked in photos.
Quinta da Regaleira is walkable from the City Center, however; the hill leading to the entrance can be challenging (rivaling the hills of Alfama). The walk from the city center offers incredible views, art installations, vendors and small attractions If you aren’t up for the walk, the 435 bus or a tuk-tuk are great options to access the site.
The line can be quite long, especially during peak season, so if Qunita da Regaleira is on your itinerary, I’d recommend purchasing tickets in advance.
*This site is not included in any “multi-site” ticket packages.
Castelo dos Mouros (Moorish Castle)
The Castle of the Moors (Portuguese: Castelo dos Mouros) is a hilltop medieval castle located in the central Portuguese civil parish of Santa Maria e São Miguel, in the municipality of Sintra, about 25 km (16 mi) northwest of Lisbon. Built by the Moors in the 8th and 9th centuries, it was an important strategic point during the Reconquista, and was taken by Christian forces after the fall of Lisbon in 1147. It is classified as a National Monument, part of the Sintra Cultural Landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
-wikipedia-
🗺️2710-405 Sintra, Portugal
🕰️Open daily 10am -6:00pm
💶12€ adults 18-65, 10€ youth under 17 and seniors over 65, 33€ family (2 adults and 2 youth)
Getting to Castelo do Mouros requires ascending a the mountain it is set upon. This can be done a few ways:
Hiking up the 1.4 mile trail which outlets at the entrance to the Castle (this is generally considered an “easy” trail, but I would not recommend it for anyone who doesn’t consider themselves moderately fit/active - at least not for the way up) the trail offers stunning views and a beautiful nature path. The average time from bottom to top is 40-50 minutes.
You CAN walk up the hill - but, this is not recommended due to limited visibility for drivers and lack of sidewalks, if you opt to walk, take the trail
Taking a tuk-tuk from the bottom of the hill to the site
Public transportation vie the 434 Bus (there are no bus stops along the hill leading up to the sites, so if you walk.. you are committed)
You can also take a regular taxi
*Private vehicles are not permitted at the sites, so if you are driving to Sintra, be sure to plan your transportation to the sites.
Tickets can be purchased on site via a kiosk (the que is hit and miss depending on season and time). Advanced tickets. at a slight discount, can be purchased here. Tickets can also be purchased at the tourism office and welcome center. Family packages, as well as multi-site packages are also available (at the kiosk and tourism office).
The views alone make Castelo dos Mouros worth a visit, but the history, architecture and unique experience make it worth putting on a “must see” list for anyone visiting Sintra.
Park and National Palácio da Pena
The Pena Palace (Portuguese: Palácio da Pena) is a Romanticist castle in São Pedro de Penaferrim, in the municipality of Sintra, on the Portuguese Riviera. The castle stands on the top of a hill in the Sintra Mountains above the town of Sintra, and on a clear day it can be easily seen from Lisbon and much of its metropolitan area. It is a national monument and constitutes one of the major expressions of 19th-century Romanticism in the world. The palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal. It is also used for state occasions by the President of the Portuguese Republic and other government officials.
-Wikipedia-
🗺️Estrada da Pena, 2710-609 Sintra, Portugal
🕰️Open daily Park 9a-7p, Palace 9:30a-7p
💶Park & Palace 20€ adults 18-65, 18€ youth under 17 and seniors over 65, 65€ family (2 adults and 2 youth)
Park/Garden entry: 7€
Probably the most famed attraction in all of Sintra, Palace of Pena is a colorful wonderment on top of a mountain with incredible architecture, history, and stunning views. This site is so much more than just an “insta-worthy” photo spot (though you will see LOTS of folks trying to capture those perfect pics) and is a truly rich experience. I spent a good half day here with a friend who came to visit, and we had no regrets making this the only site we visited that day.
Just about a 15 minute walk from the Moorish Castle, Pena Palace is reachable from the city center via the same options. There are also tuk-tuks available for those not up for the walk between sites if visiting both.
The Palace, being located on a mountain, does require a bit of an ascent to get to, that can be a bit challenging. A shuttle is available to take visitors up to the palace, but I recommend walking down, for those that are able, as the gardens and nature along the path are beautiful; boasting trees and foliage from all over the world.
Tickets are available online at a slight discount (advance tickets require a time slot, but guarantee entrance on that day and time), tickets can also be purchased at the tourism office, at the kiosk, or the ticket window (though may be subject to availability, especially during peak season).
⭐Timed tickets do not have leniency for delays, so be sure to arrive early.
Many people opt to visit just the gardens and to take in the palace from the outside. Some advantages to this, especially in peak season, are avoiding crowds, saving time and money. Visiting just the garden still offers a beautiful experience.
Park and Palace of Monserrate
A masterpiece of Romanticism.
A retreat for writers, Monserrate attracted numerous international visitors, especially among the British, who praised its beauty in their travel accounts and engravings. When Francis Cook, a rich, 19th century British industrialist and a great art collector, visited here, he was fascinated. From this passion there emerged a masterpiece of Romanticism: the Park and Palace of Monserrate.
🗺️2710-405 Sintra, Portugal
🕰️Open Daily 10:00am to 6:00pm
💶12€ adults 18-65, 10€ youth under 17 and seniors over 65, 33€ family (2 adults and 2 youth)
The Park and Palace of Monserrate has a rich history that spans back to 1540 (click photo for the full history) and has been on my “must see list” for months. I finally took a trip to Sintra just to visit Monserrate and opted to hike up to it from the Sintra train station.
This was absolutely one of my favorite sites in Sintra for many reasons: There are no crowds, the gardens are truly magical, and the palace itself is stunning. I very much lucked out on my visit and there was an opera performance taking place in one of the rooms of the palace and the music radiate throughout as I wandered through it.
The site is accessible via the Bus 435 (which also services National Palace, Quinta Regaleira), as well as by tuk-tuk or taxi (about 10-15 minutes) or by hiking approximately 45-60 minutes.
National Palace and Garden of Queluz (Palácio de Queluz)
The luxurious royal residence.
The National Palace of Queluz charms whether for its imposing nature or the sheer exuberance of its architectural details closely bound up with the lives of three generations of the Portuguese Royal Family and the scene of intense emotions. The Palace furthermore reflects the evolution in the tastes and styles over different period, moving from the Baroque to the Rococo and onto Neoclassicism.
Its surrounding scenic gardens invite you for a “stroll” through a period in which the court organised sumptuous parties and that hold the memories of trips by gondola along the canal, theatre, hunting, musical and literary performances, masked balls, games and open-air recitals. A dreamlike scenario, animated by the waterfalls and delicate water games.
🗺️Largo Palácio de Queluz, 2745-191 Queluz
🕰️Open daily 9:00a-6:30p
💶Palace & Garden 13€ adults 18-65, 10€ youth under 17 and seniors over 65, 35€ family (2 adults and 2 youth)
Garden 6€ adults 18-65, 4,5€ youth under 17 and seniors over 65, 15€ family (2 adults and 2 youth)
Located about halfway between Lisbon and Sintra, this stunning palace, with equally beautiful gardens, is often overlooked by tourists, but it well worth a visit. While a visit to this 18th Century Palace could be done in about an hour, I spent several hours wandering both the palace and immaculate gardens, which host beautiful fountains, greenery, flowers. and walkways. It is certainly with it’s own trip, or stopping at on your way to or from a visit to Sintra.
The National Palace and Garden of Queluz can be reached from Lisbon via train from Rossio station to Queluz-Belas (with about a 10-minute walk from station to the site). It is also accessible via 15–20-minute drive (or Taxi/Uber).
*The Palace of Queluz is also one of the most accessible sites to visit for anyone with mobility concerns.
Capuchos Convent
A life shorn of luxury
Located in the midst of the Sintra Hills, the Convent of the Capuchos contrasts with the imposing and exuberant buildings prevailing elsewhere in Sintra. This Franciscan convent stands out for its sheer simplicity, completely lacking in unnecessary luxuries and comforts.
Its lack of scale and the noticeable poverty of its construction represent integral facets to the mystique of this monument. Here, human construction merged with the pre-existing natural features, the surrounding vegetation and the enormous granite boulders, which make up what the inhabitants of this convent house considered as “divine constructions”. The woods surrounding the building were maintained intact by the religious community living there and today constitute one of the most notable examples of Sintra’s primitive forest.
🗺️Colares, Portugal
🕰️Daily 9a-5:30p
💶11€
This is definitely a hidden gem in Sintra, and a bit off the beaten path. The convent holds so much history and is surrounded by a beautiful garden. A great place to explore without crowds and also the starting point of numerous hiking trails in Sintra. If time allows, the Convent of the Capuchos is definitely worth adding to a trip to Sintra.
Hiking in Sintra
While Sintra is certainly best known for it’s palaces, history, and architecture, it also has some of the most beautiful hiking I have seen. With some of the most diverse fauna and flora in the world, and incredible sweeping views, Sintra is a truly magical place hike or take a nature walk.
There are 220+ hiking and walking trails in Sintra and Alltrails has identified some of the best.
From easy trails, to challenging hikes, Sintra has a scenic and serene option for every nature lover.