Ask anyone who has traveled to Portugal “What’s the one place not the miss?” Chances are they’re going to respond “Sintra.”
Located just about 30 km from Lisbon, Sintra is nothing short of magical! This district situated in the hills of the Serra de Sintra, the town has been a popular destination for Portuguese elite for centuries. The slightly cooler climate and proximity to ocean make Sintra the perfect location for summer residences of Portuguese royals and wealthy European families (even less elite tourists such as ourselves). :)
Atop the hills sit opulent castles and palaces, medieval forts, and extravagant mansions. Many of which are now UNESCO World Heritage sites. Let me just say thank goodness for huge memory cards because I would have run out of film at the first stop. Every corner is picturesque.
You could easily spend several days exploring Sintra if you have the time to spare during your trip, but chances are you’ll be making a day trip or two-day trip to this amazing district. With that in mind we’ve pulled the top stops together so you can enjoy as much of Sintra as possible in a short timeframe.
Sintra is located just 30 km from Baixa Lisbon so you could drive if you have a rental car, though it’s quite a popular destination for tourists and locals alike with narrow streets and limited parking.
The best way to get from Lisbon to Sintra and back again is hopping a train from Rossio Station. The ride is roughly 40-45 minutes and costs a mere €2.20! The ride is smooth and there are about 7-ish stops between the two stations. There is at least one train every hour along the route.
There is so much to see and do in Sintra (plus each property is expansive), you’re going to need as much time as you can get. I’d recommend taking the train as early as possible to get ahead of the tour buses. Note: You can even purchase train tickets the night before to avoid the morning rush.
For the most part Sintra is quite spread out. The majority of it is walkable, just be prepared for some hills, gravely paths, and cobbled streets. While we were there the area was experiencing brush fire alerts so many of the roads were closed to buses, cars, and taxis which meant our only choice was the walk. Many of the paths are covered with trees so you won’t be stuck in the direct sun for the most part. Note: Our phones counted roughly 18,000 steps on our Sintra day so wear the proper shoes!!! Alternatively you can catch the 434 bus form the Sintra station to many of the attractions. The loop runs every hour. There is also a hop-on hop-off bus in the area.
When you disembark the train you’ll notice (as you have with most of the cities in Portugal) that there are a plethora of tuk tuks available for hire. Many offer tours of the area or can be used simply as transport between locations. Note: Just ask the price per person up front.
Sintra
Website | @parquesdesintra
Before you arrive check out The Parques de Sintra’s website and their ticket office where you can purchase tickets ahead of time, most with a 5% online purchase discount. Save money and save time by avoiding the ticket lines at each attraction.
They represent the following:
- Parque e Palácio da Pena
- Palácio de Sintra
- Palácio de Queluz
- Castelo dos Mouros
- Parque e Palácio de Monserrate e Convento dos Capuchos
Wander through the Centro Historico de Sintra
While most tourists flock straight to the hilltop palaces, it’s worth taking some time to wander the centuries old streets, hidden pathways, and beautiful architecture. The main streets are bustling during the day, but in the evenings the streets return to the peaceful paradise that once was home to Portuguese monarchs.
Many of the shops and restaurants are a bit pricey catering to the tourists, but there are hidden gems around every corner. Don’t stop at the first place you see.
Get your sweet fix at Casa Piriquita
Website | Address: R. das Padarias 1/18, 2710-603 Sintra, Portugal
Just like no trip to Belém would be complete without trying their famous Pasteis de Belém, no trip to Sintra would be complete without trying a travesseiro. Travesseiro are sweet, sticky and flaky rectangular almond cakes filled with egg cream, and there’s no place better to get them than Casa Piriquita, a 155-year-old shop.
While you’re there also enjoy a queijadas—a cinnamon sugar, egg, and cheese filled round cake in a flour crust.
Quinta da Regaleira
Address: R. Barbosa du Bocage 5, 2710-567 Sintra, Portugal
Been searching for that underground staircase all over Instagram? Well this is the place! But Quinta da Regaleira is so much more than that. It’s like you’ve stumbled upon a long lost civilization in the jungle. Seriously major Jungle Book vibes!
The estate served as a private residence for many owners, most notably the original owners, the Viscountess of Regaleira, a merchant family from Porto.
The main mansion is a Gothic masterpiece! Throughout the gardens you’ll walk among stone towers, grottos, waterfalls, mysterious symbolism, and hidden passageways—strewn throughout the lush forest. Wait patiently for your turn to get your photo taken in the infamous initiation well. Note: There are two initiation wells on the property.
You can book a two-hour tour ahead of time or simply get the audio guide for a self-guided tour. Depends on how much time you have to spend in this marvelous place.
Palacio de Monserrate
Address: 2710-405 Sintra, Portugal
Also known as Monserrate Palace, this elaborately decorated Romanticism and Mudéjar Moorish Revival influenced mansion was once a summer home for Portuguese royalty. Beautifully painted Gothic arches, bold colors, and a formal botanical garden. It’s stunning! Just check Instagram.
This mansion is a little further out from the town center, roughly 3 km. It’s walkable but not it’s about a 40-minute trek. I’d recommend a tuk tuk for ease, at least one way.
Castelo dos Mouros
Address: 2710-405 Sintra, Portugal
Remember those steps you’ll be racking up during your time in Sintra? Well the Castle of the Moors will be responsible for a whole bunch of them. :) Constructed in the 9th century, this fortified stone castle was built by the Moors during their occupation of Portugal. The views from its hilltop of Serra De Sintra are incredible.
There’s not a lot of information about the castle when you finally reach it, but walking along the castle walls for the panoramic views of the Sintra region extending to the Atlantic Ocean, is worth every step. Just imagine all the people who walked there before you. We also like to imagine how people even managed to construct such amazing structures way back when.
Palácio da Pena & Parque da Pena
Address: Estrada da Pena, 2710-609 Sintra, Portugal
If you look up from the town center you’ll see bright red and yellow multicolored towers atop a mountain peak. That’s the Pena Palace. Designed by King Fernando II, this elaborate 19th-century Romanesque Revival style palace was their royal summer residence. It’s perhaps the most iconic palace in Sintra so prepare to encounter some lines and crowds.
Make sure to take time to explore part of the 200-hectares of the palace’s park which include beautifully groomed foliage, pathways, and sculptures.
Palacio Nacional de Sintra
Address: Largo Rainha Dona Amélia, 2710-616 Sintra, Portugal
Typically less crowded than the hilltop palaces, the “town palace” of Sintra is now a historic house/museum. This palace is the best-preserved medieval royal palace in Portugal. Compared to its neighbors The National Palace is rather minimalistic. Its white washed exterior house decorative, colorful state rooms. There is also a peaceful walled courtyard.
Camara Municipal de Sintra
Address: Largo Dr. Virgílio Horta, 2714-501 Sintra, Portugal
This is not your typical town hall! Camara Municipal de Sintra is rather extravagant with a massive clock tower, large chimneys, and spired roof. The green and white tiling tops off the design. It even includes the Portuguese coat of arms. It’s also relatively new having only been constructed at the turn of the century.
Saudade
Website | Address: Av. Dr. Miguel Bombarda 8, 2710-631 Sintra, Portugal
Baked goods, hot sandwiches, and cold drinks = a great spot for lunch. Though the majority of Portuguese sandwiches are pork-based, Saudade’s menu also has some “healthier” options including ones with gluten-free bread!!
Bengal Tandoori Restaurant
Address: Tv. Pendoa 11, 2710-557 Sintra, Portugal
An Indian/Italian restaurant sounds like an odd combo, but because of it the menu had plenty of options for everyone. We stuck to the Indian side of the menu since a ton of items could be made vegan. Everything was delicious and the portions were HUGE. The service was a bit slow even though we didn’t eat during peak time.
Giallo d’oro
Website | Address: Av. Augusto Freire 2, 2710-590 Sintra, Portugal
This place came highly recommend for dinner, specifically for their pizza and desserts! We already had dinner plans back in Baixa but everyone was raving about the meals there. Next time for sure. Note: They’re open earlier on the weekends.
