| Explore the Enchanting Village of Sintra
The Best Tours and Most Beautiful Palaces
Sintra, a place steeped in myths and magic, is known as the fairy-tale gem of Portugal. This charming town is just a half-hour drive from Lisbon and is surrounded by lush green mountains and majestic palaces. It is a destination that immediately enchants you with its romantic atmosphere and unique architectural beauty.
In this blog, we’ll take you on a journey through this magical city, where we’ll explore the most impressive sights, introduce you to delicious food, and provide you with tips on how to make the most of your visit to Sintra.
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About Sintra
Sintra is a fairy-tale town steeped in history and culture. Located just 30 kilometres west of Lisbon, it is surrounded by the lush Parque Natural de Sintra-Cascais, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Due to its long and rich history, Sintra’s architecture is a romantic blend of African (specifically Moorish) and European styles.
Once a favourite summer destination for Portuguese kings and nobility, Sintra later became a beloved spot for poets and artists due to its inspiring landscapes and mysterious aura.
Sintra is globally famous for its breathtaking palaces, lush gardens, and stunning landscapes. The combination of Gothic, Renaissance, and Moorish architecture makes it a unique destination.
Is Sintra Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! If you’re on vacation in Lisbon or nearby Cascais, you should not miss a visit to Sintra. Yes, it is a place that other tourists have also discovered, but like many popular destinations, there’s a reason for its popularity. Sintra is one of those rare places that captivates your heart instantly and leaves a lasting impression.
Whether you are a history enthusiast, architecture lover, nature admirer, or simply seeking an unforgettable experience, Sintra has something for everyone. Its rich culture, abundance of sights, and charming atmosphere make it the perfect destination for an unforgettable trip.
In this blog, we’ll tell you more about how to make the most of your visit to Sintra and how to avoid long lines at buses and major attractions.
What Not to Miss in Sintra
There are so many incredible sights in Sintra that it can be challenging to choose where to begin. Here are some of the absolute highlights you should not miss during your visit to this enchanting city:
1. Explore the Fairy-Tale Palaces of Sintra
Sintra is famous for its splendid palaces and castles that seem to have escaped from a fairy tale. One of the most striking is the Pena Palace, perched high on a hill and visible from afar. With its vibrant colours and extravagant architecture, it appears straight out of a dream.
It’s no surprise that the Pena Palace is at the top of everyone’s bucket list when visiting Sintra. But this fairy-tale town has several other palaces that are equally worth a visit. Therefore, we’ll list the most beautiful palaces of Sintra later in this blog for you.
2. Wander through the Enchanting Gardens
Not only are the palaces themselves majestic, but the beautiful gardens surrounding them are as well! Spend some time in the gardens of the Pena Palace, where you can lose yourself in a labyrinth of trees, flowers, fountains, and hidden corners.
The exotic plants and romantic atmosphere make it an ideal place for a leisurely stroll. Moreover, they offer the opportunity to score a stunning view of the palace itself. For instance, you can head to the highest point at Cruz Alta, where, with the help of a good telephoto lens, you could take the following photo.
Don’t forget to visit Quinta da Regaleira, an estate with a tropical and mysterious character. Here, you’ll find enchanting caves, an underground lake, and an inverted tower. The estate is surrounded by lush gardens filled with symbolic elements that reference secret societies and myths.
3. Visit the Picturesque Village of Sintra
The town of Sintra itself is also an enchanting destination. Stroll through narrow cobbled streets, admire the colourful houses, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and cozy cafés.
A highlight of the village is the National Palace of Sintra, located in the heart of the city. The palace boasts a unique blend of Moorish and Gothic architecture and is known for its distinctive chimneys considered characteristic symbols of Sintra.
4. Discover the Secret of the Initiation Well of Quinta da Regaleira
The Initiation Well of Quinta da Regaleira is a mysterious well surrounded by a spiral staircase. It is often associated with esoteric and occult symbolism and is believed to have been used for ritual purposes. Descend into the depths of the well and let your imagination roam freely as you immerse yourself in its enchanting atmosphere.
5. Enjoy the Breathtaking View from Cabo da Roca
Near Sintra lies Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe, offering breathtaking views over the Atlantic Ocean. The high cliffs provide an excellent spot to enjoy a spectacular sunset and reflect on the beauty of nature.
6. Taste Local Delicacies
A visit to Sintra is not complete without savouring the local culinary delights. Try the famous “travesseiros,” a sweet pastry filled with almond paste, which is a specialty of Sintra. Other recommendations include “queijadas,” a cheese tart, and “pastéis de nata,” delicious custard tarts characteristic of the region. Don’t forget to enjoy the local wines, such as the famous Port and Vinho Verde (green wine).
The Best Tours and Most Beautiful Palaces
Is a Guided Tour in Sintra Worth It?
While you can explore Sintra on your own using bus 434, it won’t take you to the most breathtaking viewpoints or unveil the deep-rooted history of Sintra.
To make the most of your visit to Sintra, it is highly recommended to take a tour with a local guide: they know the hidden gems, are knowledgeable about the history and rich vegetation, help you avoid long queues as much as possible, and can even take you to Cabo da Roca.
We ourselves took this personalized tour and were quickly infected by the enthusiasm of our guide Julio, who accompanied us in his blue Fiat Punto cabrio. This allowed us to discover Sintra in a completely new way! We had visited Sintra twice before, but none of those days taught us as much about this extraordinary place as during our tour with him.
Of course, this tour took us to the beautiful palaces of Sintra. The main ones are listed below for you:
Pena Palace
The most iconic of all palaces in Sintra is the Pena Palace. Perched on top of a hill, this romantic palace immediately catches your eye with its colourful facade, extravagant decorations, and beautiful views of the surrounding area. The interior is equally impressive, with lavishly decorated rooms that seem to transport you back in time.
The same goes for the garden, which is a combination of woodland and a lush mix of plants and trees, including giant sequoias and tropical ferns collected from around the world.
As the Pena Palace is the most well-known and popular among tourists, it now requires purchasing tickets in advance for a specific time slot. It is essential to arrive on time, as otherwise, you won’t be granted access. Please note that it takes about 15 minutes (uphill) to walk from the park entrance to the castle’s entrance.
During our visit to Sintra, we initially thought of skipping the Pena Palace due to the crowds and planned to explore the park only, which still offers beautiful views of the palace. However, on the last day, during our tour with Julio, we changed our minds and decided to go inside. We are so glad we made that decision! It was simply magical! A visit to Sintra would not be complete without experiencing the enchanting courtyards of Pena.
Tickets for the Pena Palace cost €14 per adult and can be purchased here.
The Moorish Castle
Another must-see place in Sintra is the Moorish Castle, rising high above the town and offering a spectacular panoramic view. The castle is the oldest in the area and dates back to the 8th century when the Moors ruled the region. Visiting the high walls of this historic fortress not only provides a fascinating glimpse into the past but also rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views of the surroundings.
The castle was strategically located and served as an important military outpost during Moorish rule. The defensive walls and towers of the castle are high, but the Moors also dug kilometres-long tunnels into the mountain in case they had to retreat and flee.
Please be aware that climbing the castle walls can be somewhat strenuous and may not be suitable for those with a fear of heights, but the view from up there is undoubtedly worth it.
Tickets for the Moorish Castle cost €8 per adult and can be purchased here.
Quinta da Regaleira
Quinta da Regaleira is another absolute highlight of Sintra and our personal favourite! This enchanting estate is known for its mysterious caves, towers, and wells, all imbued with esoteric symbols and meanings. Stepping through the gates of Quinta da Regaleira feels like entering a different world!
The palace on the estate is a masterpiece of architecture and design, harmoniously blending Gothic and Renaissance styles. While we found the interior of the palace less impressive than the exterior, the gardens and surrounding landscape are truly out of this world!
Here, you’ll find the highlight of Quinta da Regaleira: the “Initiation Well” (Iniciação), a deep well that resembles an inverted tower. It is surrounded by a spiral staircase leading to the depths of the earth and was used for initiation rituals.
For the optimal experience, it’s best to visit early or late in the day and head directly to the Initiation Well. This has the additional benefit of placing you at the highest point of the park, and you’ll only need to walk downhill from there.
Tickets for Quinta da Regaleira cost €11 per adult and can be purchased here.
Monserrate Palace
Finally, there is another jewel that you absolutely should not miss: the enchanting Monserrate Palace. This neo-Gothic palace is a bit further away compared to the other palaces and is therefore still overlooked by mass tourism. Yet, it is a true masterpiece that will enchant you the moment you lay eyes on it.
The palace is surrounded by lush, expansive gardens that, like the other palace gardens, encompass a mix of styles and cultures, featuring an abundance of exotic plants such as palm trees, ferns, and cacti, creating a colourful and picturesque spectacle.
The Palácio de Monserrate was originally built as a summer residence for English businessman Gerard de Visme but later taken over by Francis Cook, a wealthy British merchant. Under Cook’s ownership, the palace was further expanded and transformed into the beautiful building we know today.
Inside the palace, the corridors with clear Moorish influences are particularly impressive and photogenic. With a bit of patience, you can even capture photos without other tourists in your frame!
Tickets for the Monserrate Palace cost €8 per adult and can be purchased here.
How Much Time Do You Need to Explore Sintra?
The time you need to explore Sintra depends on your interests and available time. A full day is ideal for visiting the main attractions.
However, if you have more time, we recommend planning two or even three days to leisurely explore the palaces and gardens, enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the city, and see more of the surrounding area, such as the coastline at Cabo da Roca.
We spent three days exploring all the palaces and gardens mentioned above, including a day with the local guide, Julio.
A day trip to Sintra is possible, but you’ll need to choose which sights interest you the most and plan your visit accordingly. It’s certainly possible to catch a glimpse of the main highlights, but if you have the time, we recommend staying longer to fully enjoy Sintra.
Transport to and in Sintra
Sintra is easily accessible from Lisbon. There are regular trains from Lisbon to Sintra, and the journey takes about 40 minutes. Once in Sintra, it’s best to use bus 434 to explore the sights. Besides the bus, you can also easily take a TukTuk or Uber to reach your next destination.
The historical center of Sintra is relatively compact, so many of the main attractions are within walking distance of each other. However, if you want to visit the palaces on the hills, such as the Pena Palace and the Moorish Castle, you’ll need to take a bus, taxi, or TukTuk, as the steep slopes are not suitable for walking.
Eating and Drinking in Sintra
After a day full of discoveries in Sintra, you’ll undoubtedly want to enjoy the delicious food and drinks in the city. Sintra offers a wide range of dining options, from cozy local taverns to upscale restaurants.
When it comes to dining in Sintra, you don’t have to worry about falling into the typical “tourist traps.” There are some fantastic restaurants to choose from. One of our favorites is Incomum! It’s highly recommended to make a reservation in advance as this restaurant, led by experienced chef Luis Santos, is known as one of the best in Sintra. Here, you can taste modern and creative versions of Portuguese cuisine.
Best Time to Visit Sintra
Sintra can be visited all year round, but the best time to explore the city is during the spring and fall. In the spring (March to May), nature is at its finest, with blooming flowers and pleasant temperatures. The fall (September to November) offers mild weather and fewer crowds, making it more comfortable to explore the attractions.
The summer (June to August) can be quite crowded and hot, with high temperatures and many tourists. However, it also offers the chance to see the palaces against a clear blue sky, as we did.
If you choose to visit in the summer, come early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the heat and crowds. Don’t forget to bring plenty of water and protect yourself from the sun.
Where to Stay for a Visit to Sintra
Lisbon
As mentioned earlier, Sintra is easily accessible from Lisbon, making it a great option for accommodation. You can take the train, which is the most affordable option and takes about 40 minutes to reach the Sintra station. From there, you can easily take a bus, taxi, or TukTuk to the main palaces and castles. Alternatively, you can take an Uber for around €23, which will take you directly to one of the higher laying attractions in 25 minutes.
Staying in Lisbon is a logical choice, and it allows you to experience both the city’s vibrant atmosphere and the enchanting beauty of Sintra. If you prefer to stay close to the train station for easy access, we recommend this unique hotel where we stayed for several nights.
Pensao Amor is located on the lively Pink Street, just a 2-minute walk from the train station. The hotel is a former brothel that has been renovated and transformed into a boutique hotel. Staying here is a unique experience that you will remember for a long time.
Sintra Itself
Of course, you can also choose to stay in Sintra itself for your visit. This has the advantage of being already in the town, so you can be one of the first visitors at the busier attractions, such as the Pena Palace. It also gives you the opportunity to explore more of the beautiful surroundings and coastline. Conversely, you can organize a day trip to Lisbon if you are staying in Sintra.
In Sintra, you can find excellent accommodation in luxury apartments with a classic ambiance and views over the historical centre.
Cascais
Another alternative for accommodation near Sintra is Cascais. This charming seaside town on the west coast of Portugal is just a short distance from Sintra. It used to be a favourite seaside resort of aristocrats, and it still attracts the so-called jet set.
Staying in Cascais not only allows you to enjoy beautiful beaches, a bustling marina, and delicious seafood, but it also enables you to easily explore Sintra. After a day of discoveries in Sintra, you can return to the comfort of Cascais, where you can relax on the beach, enjoy the lively atmosphere in the streets, and immerse yourself in the local culture.
From Cascais you could also easily organise multiple day trips to Lisbon.
In Cascais, accommodation is mostly in the higher price range, but you can find many luxury villas with private pools for families. If you’re lucky, you might also find these beautiful and more affordable suites in the city centre.
Hi! We are Samira & Maurits, two travel enthusiasts with an enormous passion for photography.
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