The magical town is nestled in green hills and forests. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site thanks to its enchanting castles and palaces. The stunning natural park covers 142 square kilometers, so to fully appreciate its beauty, I recommend planning a 2-3 day visit. However, for must-see attractions like Pena Palace, Monserrate, and the Moorish Castle, a day trip is sufficient. Stroll through narrow streets, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant with a beautiful view, and take a break from city life amidst unique plant life. Here are a few tips before your visit.
1. Visit the Stunning Castles
Before your trip, familiarize yourself with this guide to get an overview of the city and plan your visit carefully. I recommend creating a list of your favorite places and buying tickets online in advance. Sintra experiences a high influx of tourists, especially during the summer, and queues at the ticket counters can be quite long.
Pena Palace
Perched at the highest point in Sintra at 528 meters, you'll find the fairytale-like red and yellow Pena Palace, which offers panoramic views of the entire area. The Pena Palace was designed in 1854 by the king, who used his creative imagination in the architecture and the surrounding park to create a magnificent summer residence. Not many people know that the palace was originally gray, and it was only painted in vibrant colors in 1994, which added to its popularity.
The Pena Palace is a magnificent blend of architectural styles. Trees from all over the world were brought here, making its garden truly exotic. By the way, it's one of the most visited places, with over a million tourists coming here every year! The entrance fee is 14 euros, and you can get there by taking bus 434. Alternatively, you can use a tuk-tuk or a taxi, and during the season, the price for their services ranges from 15 to 30 euros one way. I recommend heading there early in the morning and buying tickets online.
The Moorish Castle
The Moorish Castle, located on a steep hill, stands out with its stone walls visible from nearly everywhere in the city. Once a military fort, you can climb the stairs to enjoy impressive views and take a stroll along the walls of this centuries-old castle. The entrance fee for the castle is 8 euros.
Quinta da Regaleira
Quinta da Regaleira is often considered the most mystical palace in Sintra, steeped in legends and mysteries. The gardens of Quinta da Regaleira were designed to conceal a network of tunnels, passageways, and even towers. To experience this mysterious atmosphere, descend into the Initiation Well via a spiral staircase leading to underground tunnels.
Afterward, make sure to visit the Moorish Castle, exploring its interiors and capturing great photos with its intricate arched vaults. The entrance fee is 8 euros, and you can reach it on foot from the city center in about 10-15 minutes.
National Palace of Sintra
In the center of the city, you will find the Royal National Palace of Sintra, which you can reach within a 10-minute walk from the train station. Stroll along the winding path amidst lush greenery and massive boulders. The palace is remarkable because it served as the residence of all Portuguese kings for a certain period of time, leaving behind historical artifacts. While exploring the palace, take note of the blending of architectural styles from various eras. Its enormous chimneys have become a symbol of the city. The entrance fee is 10 euros.
Palace of Monserrate
This astonishing palace, blending the best of Arab, Indian, and Gothic styles, is located farther away from the others, which often leads to it being overlooked by tourists. I highly including it in your itinerary, as it is perhaps the most beautiful palace with an incredible exotic garden. Don't forget to bring your camera; it's an excellent place to capture stunning visuals!
2. A leisurely walk through the town
A promenade through the town of Sintra is a wonderful idea. Many tourists head straight to the palaces and castles, missing out on the town itself. Take a leisurely walk through the winding, narrow streets starting from the National Palace. You'll come across souvenir shops, bars, and restaurants located on the ground floors of charming old houses. The architecture of Sintra is truly unique and different from other Portuguese cities due to the blending of various styles. Don't forget to visit the viewpoints to enjoy the views at the foothills.
3. Visit the westernmost point of Europe
To visit the westernmost point of Europe, be sure to explore the majestic cliffs with steep drops into the wild Atlantic Ocean. The main attraction here is the first Portuguese lighthouse, built in 1772. It stands at 150 meters, and its light reaches up to 46 meters. Make sure to wear wind-resistant clothing because the gusty winds can be quite strong due to the lack of structures around. Enjoy the breathtaking views and your connection with nature.
You can get there by car or by bus, which departs from Sintra's train station. The one-way fare is around 5 euros, and the journey takes about 30 minutes. Parking and admission are free, and there is a cafe and a souvenir shop. If you're traveling by car, I recommend having a meal at one of the beautiful coastal restaurants nearby.
Best Time to Visit Sintra
Sintra has its microclimate, and it's always cooler here than in Lisbon. Often, when there are clouds over the capital, it's raining in the city of palaces. The best time to visit is from April to November. In the summer, you can escape the heat here amid the lush vegetation.
Be prepared for massive tourist crowds and extremely long lines everywhere. Arrive early, book your tickets online, and make restaurant reservations in advance.
Getting to Sintra
Sintra is located just 45 minutes from Lisbon. The most convenient way to get there is by taking the suburban train from Rossio station. Head to the second floor of the station to buy your train ticket. A one-way ticket costs €2.50. You should alight at the last station, and you won't get lost. Trains run every 20 minutes on weekdays and once an hour on Sundays. If your hotel is near Oriente, it's easier to get there from the Oriente station.
For tourists with a car, it's best to park before reaching the city center, as most parking spaces are occupied and chargeable during the tourist season. Keep in mind that only accredited vehicles and taxis are allowed to go up to Pena Palace. I recommend walking around the city center on foot.
Getting Around in Sintra
Upon arrival in the city, there are two main bus routes that pass through Sintra's palaces and castles: routes 434 and 435. Decide in advance which attractions you want to visit so you know which bus to take. The bus departs from Sintra's railway station (main entrance). There is a separate bus to Cabo da Roca. Public transportation starts at 9 AM and runs every 20 minutes.
Route 434 – Railway Station – National Palace – Moorish Castle – Natural History Museum – Pena Palace
Route 435 – Railway Station – National Palace – Quinta da Regaleira – Palácio Seteais – Monserrate Palace
Where to Stay in Sintra
Sintra offers stunning 5-star hotels perched high on the mountains amidst lush greenery, and in the center, you can find budget hostels or guesthouses.
Where to Eat in Sintra
Take a break from your busy sightseeing and enjoy a meal in a cozy restaurant. On the central square, you'll find a concentration of bars and cafes offering various cuisines. In the evenings, street musicians often gather here, creating a fantastic atmosphere for savoring a glass of wine with a cheese platter.
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