Tucked away in the misty hills just outside of Lisbon, Sintra is a fairytale town where lush forest, castles and palaces create a world straight out of a storybook. If you’re planning a visit and wondering how to make the most of your time, you’re in luck. This guide covers the best things to do in Sintra to help you discover the magic and mystery that maks this destination so unforgettable. From colorful royal retreats to hidden hiking trails, Sintra is packed with experiences that feel both timeless and otherwordly.
Get ready to stroll through enchanted gardens, explore centuries-old architecture, and sample local pastries that are worth the trip alone. Here’s your go-to list of the the top nine activities that will make your Sintra adventure one to remember.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT SINTRA
Sintra, located just a 30 km away from Lisbon is a very popular day trip from Portugal’s capital. Here’s a fun list of interesting facts about Sintra that might surprise you.
- It’s a Unesco World Heritage Site. Sintra’s historic center and its lush landscape of palaces and parks earned it a Unesco tittle in 1995.
- Lord Byron was obsessed with Sintra. The famous poet said many times that Sintra inspired his work.
- It has one of the most colorful palaces in Europe. The Palacio da Pena, perched high on a hill, looks lie something out of a fairytale with its vivid red, and yellow towers.
- The weather is cooler than in Lisbon. Thanks to its elevation and forested surroundings, Sintra is often a few degrees cooler, making it a refreshing escape in the summer.
GETTING TO SINTRA
Sintra is just a short trip away from Lisbon, and you want to know the best part? Getting there is super easy, with a few different options depending on your style, budget, and how much time you have.
BY train - THE EASIEST AND CHEAPEST OPTION
This is the most popular option, and for good reason! Trains to Sintra leave regularly (every 20 to 30 minutes) from Lisbon’s Rossio Station. The journey takes around 40 minutes, costs just a few euros, and drops you right in the heart of town. No stress, no traffic! Just sit back and enjoy the ride.
Buy your train tickets with Omio.com.
BY CAR - THE MOST FLEXIBLE WAY
Driving will give you the most flexibility in your Sintra escapade. The drive takes about 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic.
Just be warned: Sintra’s narrow roads and limited parking can be a bit of a headache, especially during busy seasons.
Rent your car with Rentalcars.com.
BY JOINING A GUIDED TOUR
Several tour companies offer day trips to Sintra, often combining it with stops in Cascais or the coast. This is a great option if you want everything handled for you. No maps, no train tickets, just show up and go.
HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU NEED TO VISIT SINTRA?
Most people visit as a day trip. In one day, you can see a few of the town’s star attractions like Pena Palace, the Moorish Castle, and maybe even Quinta da Regaleira if you start early and move efficiently. It’ll be a packed day, but absolutely worth it for a taste of Sintra’s fairytale vibes.
That said, if you really want to soak in the magic, spending two or even three days is ideal. With a little extra time, you can explore the lesser-known gems like Monserrate Palace, hike through the surrounding nature parks, enjoy a leisurely meal in the old town, and even catch a sunset at Cabo da Roca nearby.
Staying overnight also means you get to enjoy Sintra when the day-trippers leave, This means quieter streets, dreamy twilight views, and a more relaxed pace. It is totally worth it!
THE 9 BEST THINGS TO DO IN SINTRA
As usual these are in no particular order. If you have limited time in Sintra, just choose the ones that sound more interesting to you.
1. PENA PALACE (PALÁCIO DA PENA)
Pena Palace is, without a doubt, the crown jewel of Sintra, and probably one of the most colorful castles you’ll eve see. Located on top of a hill, this beautiful palace looks like it was pulled straight out of a Disney movie, with its bright red and yellow towers, quirky domes, and mix of Gothic, Moorish, and Renaissance styles.
It was originally a monastery, but in the 19th-century, King Ferdinand II transformed it into a romantic royal retreat that’s now one of Portugal’s most iconic landmarks.
Walking through the palace feels like stepping into a dream. The interior rooms are filled with antique furniture, intricate tilework, and beautiful stained glass, while the terraces offer panoramic view of the surrounding hills and even the ocean of a clear day.
Don’t forget to wander through the Pena Park as well. It’s a sprawling forested area with winding trails, hidden viewpoints, and exotic plants from all over the world. It’s easy to see why this place is often at the top of every Sintra itinerary!
How to reach Pena Palace from Sintra Train Station?
Pena Palace is not close to Sintra Train Station or Sintra’s Historic Center. You can reach it by choosing one of the following options.
- Walking. It will take you approximately 1 hour to reach Pena Palace. The distance between the palace and the train station is only 2km but it is a steep and constant uphill.
- Bus. Bus line 434 connects Sintra Train station with the main castles and palace. The shuttle runs every 15 minutes and a return ticket costs 7,60 €.
- Taxi. This is the most comfortable and fastest option but it’s also the most expensive one.
Practical information for your visit
- Price. Tickets to visit Pena Palace and Pena Park cost 17 € per person.
- Opening hours. The palace and park are usually open between 9:00 and 18:30.
- Book your tickets in advance. Pena Palace is a very popular site and tickets tend to sell out. It is absolutely necessary that you book your tickets as soon as possible. If you book 3 days in avance you can benefit from a 15% discount. Book your tickets online here.
2. quinta da regaleira
Quinta da Regaleira is an enchanting estate packed with mistery, symbolism, and secret passages just waiting to be explored. Built in the early 20th-century by a wealthy eccentric businessman, Antonio Carvalho Monteiro. The entire property is a mix of Gothic, Reinnassance, and Manueline styles, filled with hidden meanings tied to alchemy, the Knights Templar, and Freemasonry.
The highlight? The Initiation Well, a spiraling underground tower that you can actually walk down, surrounded by mossy stone walls and linked to a network of tunnels. It is definitely a very special place.
The estate also offers tranquil gardens, fountains, and a palace that looks straight out of a fantasy novel. Quinta da Regaleira is an absolute must in Sintra.
How to reach Quinta da Regaleira from Sintra Train Station?
Quinta da Regaleira is a bit closer to Sintra Train station than Pena Palace. Nevertheless, there are still different options you can choose from to reach it.
- Walking. It will take you approximately 20 minutes the estate.
- Bus. Bus line 435 connects Sintra Train station with the main castles and palace. The shuttle runs every 15 minutes and a return ticket costs 5,50 €.
- Taxi. This is the most comfortable and fastest option but it’s also the most expensive one.
Practical information for your visit
- Price. Tickets to visit Quinta da Regaleira cost 15 € per person.
- Opening hours. The palace and park are usually open between 10:00 and 18:30.
- Book your tickets in advance. Quinta da Regaleir is also a very popular site, so it is recommended that you book your tickets in advance. Book your tickets online here.
3. MOORISH CASTLE (CASTELO DOS MOUROS)
High above Sintra, on top of rugged ridge with jaw-dropping views, the Castelo dos Mouros (Moorish Castle) is a must-visit for history lovers and anyone who appreciates a good scenic walk. This ancient fortress dates back to the 8th or 9th century when the Moors ruled the region, and while much of it is now in ruins, its weathered stone walls and towers still stretche dramatically across the hills.
What makes this spot extra special is the atmosphere. The castle’s location in the forested hills means you’re surrounded by lush greenery and fresh mountain air as you explore.It’s quieter than some of Sintra’s flashier sites, so you can really take your time wandering the pathways, imagining what life was like here over a thousand years ago.
Pro tip: Wear comfy shoes. There are lots of stairs, but the views are 100% worth the climb!
How to reach Castelo dos Mouros from Sintra Train Station?
The options to reach Castelo dos Mouros are the same as to reach Pena Palace.
- Walking. It will take you approximately 1 hour to reach Pena Palace. The distance between the palace and the train station is only 2km but it is a steep and constant uphill.
- Bus. Bus line 434 connects Sintra Train station with the main castles and palace. The shuttle runs every 15 minutes and a return ticket costs 7,60 €.
- Taxi. This is the most comfortable and fastest option but it’s also the most expensive one.
Practical information for your visit
- Price. Tickets to visit Pena Palace and Pena Park cost 10,20 € per person.
- Opening hours. The castle is open between 9:00 and 18:30.
- Book your tickets in advance. It is not really necessary to book your tickets in advance as this is not as popular as Pena Palace. However, it is possible to do so to avoid waiting lines at the entrance. If you book 3 days in avance you can benefit from a 15% discount. Book your tickets online here.
4. VILLA SASSETTI
Located in the north slopes of Sintra’s lush hills, Villa Sassetti is a charming hidden refuge that often slips under the radar of more famous palaces. Built between 1890 and 1894 by Victor Carlos Sassetti, a native Sintrense hotelier, the villa was inspired by the castles of Lombardy and desinged by the same creative architect behind Quinta da Regaleira, Luigi Manini.
The best part? Villa Sassetti is completely free to visit, and its peaceful, scenographic gardens offer a relaxing alternative to Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira.
How to reach Villa Sassetti from Sintra Train Station?
Villa Sassetti can be reached by following the same trail that will take you to Pena Palace and the Moorish Castle. So if you decide to walk from the train station to Pena Palace, you will eventually pass by this villa.
Practical information for your visit
- Price. Villa Sassetti is completely free to visit.
- Opening hours. The palace and park are usually open between 10:00 and 18:00.
5. NATIONAL PALACE OF SINTRA
Right in the heart of Sintra’s old town, you’ll find the National Palace of Sintra, instantly recognizable by its two giant white conical chimneys. This historic palace is the oldest surviving royal residence in Portugal, with roots going all the way back to the Moorish era. Over the centuries, Portuguese kings transformed it into a stylish and comfortable retreat, and today it’s a beautiful blend of Gothic, Manueline, Moorish, and Renaissance architecture. All under one roof!
Inside, the palace is a treasure trove of intricate tilework, grand halls, and fascinating rooms like the Swan Room, the Magpie Room, and the Blazons Hall, each with its own unique story and style. It’s not as flashy as Pena Palace, but that’s part of its charm.
How to reach the National Palace of Sintra from the Train Station?
The National Palace of Sintra is located right in the center of Sintra Villa so the easiest way to reach it, is on foot. It will take you approximately 10 minutes to reach it walking from the train station.
Practical information for your visit
- Price. Tickets to visit the National Palace cost 13 € per person.
- Opening hours. The castle is open between 9:30 and 18:30.
- Book your tickets in advance. It is possible to book your tickets online to avoid having to wait in line. If you book 3 days in avance you can benefit from a 15% discount. Book your tickets online here.
6. SINTRA HISTORIC CENTER
The Sintra Historic Center is where the magic begins. Cobblestone streets, colorful façades, and charming little shops that make you feel like you’ve stepped into a storybook. This compact, walkable area is the perfect place to start (or end) you visit to Sintra. You’ll find local bakeries selling the town’s famous travesseiros (flaky pillows of almond cream goodness), traditional Portuguese restaurants, and cute boutiques filled with handmade ceramics, cork goods, and souvenirs.
But it’s not just about the shopping and food. The historic center is full of character and history. The backdrop of green hills and looming palaces makes even a casual stroll feel magical. Don’t miss the Town Hall with its fairytale-like tower, and be sure to explore the charming little squares and streets.
7. PALACE OF MONSERRATE
Monserrate Palace was my favorite place in Sintra. It is not as popular as Pena Palace or Quinta da Regaleira but I really don’t understand why! It is a true gem that feels like your own secret discovery.
This exotic 19th-century palace is a stunning blend of Gothic, Moorish, and Indian architectural styles, all wrapped into one dreamy building. With its delicate arches, intricate carvings, and domed ceilings, it’s like stepping into a dream palace.
The palace itself is gorgeous, but the real surprise is the surrounding botanical gardens. They stretch out in every direction, filled with winding paths, waterfalls, and over 3,000 species of plants from around the world. It’s the perfect place for a peaceful walk.
How to get to the Palace of Monserrate from Sintra the Train Station?
Same as with Pena Palace, Palace of Monserrate is actually quite far from the train stations. Here are the different options you can choose from:
- Walking. It will take you approximately 1 hour to reach it.
- Bus. Bus line 435 connects Sintra Train station with the Palace of Monserrate. The shuttle runs every 15 minutes and a return ticket costs 5,50 €.
- Taxi. This is the most comfortable and fastest option but it’s also the most expensive one.
Practical information for your visit
- Price. Tickets to visit the palace cost 12 € per person.
- Opening hours. The castle is open between 9:30 and 18:30.
- Book your tickets in advance. It is possible to book your tickets online to avoid having to wait in line. If you book 3 days in avance you can benefit from a 15% discount. Book your tickets online here.
8. NATIONAL PALACE AND GARDENS OF QUELUZ
Often called the “Portuguese Versailles” the National Palace of Queluz is a breathtaking example of 18th-century elegance and royal grandeur. Located between Lisbon and Sintra, it’s technically just outside the town of Queluz, but it’s often included in a Sintra itinerary.
The palace was once a favorite summer residence for the Portuguese royal family, and it’s easy to see why: lavish interiors, ornate ballrooms, and a peaceful atmosphere that feels worlds awasy from the city buzz.
The gardens are a highlight, with perfectly trimmed hedges, statues, fountains, and even a canal once used for gondola rides. There’s also a lovely music room and the former royal bedrooms, each filled with details that bring history to life.
Practical information for your visit
- Price. Tickets to visit the palace cost 13 € per person.
- Opening hours. The castle is open between 9:00 and 15:30.
- Book your tickets in advance. It is possible to book your tickets online to avoid having to wait in line. If you book 3 days in avance you can benefit from a 15% discount. Book your tickets online here.
ACCOMMODATION IN SINTRA
I only visited Sintra as a day trip from Lisbon but I really regret not having spent a couple of day here. There is so much to do and see. If I ever return to Sintra I will definitely stay at least for 1 night in order to enjoy it a different pace.
Here are some accommodation recommendation I would choose.
Palacio de Sintra Boutique House
Charming Villa in Sintra turned into a Boutique Hotel where guests can relax after a day of exploring while they feel like they are lodging in their own palace.
Photos from Booking.com
NH Sintra Centro
Located in the heart of Sintra, this hotel offers comfortable accommodation in a tranquil setting, with panoramic views over Sintra.
Photos from Booking.com
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I hope you liked my blog about Sintra. Let me know what you thought in the comments.
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