The castles and palaces of Sintra appear to come straight out of a fairy tale, reminiscent of the Efteling theme park. Sintra is 2000 years old and boasts a rich history. In the past, it was home to the wealthiest people in grand palaces, castles, and estates. The lush forested surroundings are stunning, and the rugged coastline is not far away. The city and its surroundings have been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1995. Are you curious about the most beautiful attractions in Sintra and how to best explore it? In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know about Sintra and many tips.
The Most Beautiful Attractions in Sintra
Sintra boasts many beautiful places, but most visitors only have one day to explore, so the following places are the most beautiful to visit.
Pena Palace
The Pena Palace is literally the pinnacle of Sintra, as it is situated on the tip of a mountain at an altitude of 480 meters (1574 feet), making it visible from kilometers (miles) away. Furthermore, the Pena Palace is super impressive due to its architectural style and vibrant colors. It features beautiful turrets, gates, and domes. The palace was built in 1840 and served as the former summer residence of the Portuguese royal family. Not only is the exterior of the palace magnificent, but the interior is equally impressive. The interiors of the bedrooms, living room, kitchen, dining room, and many other spaces are all well-preserved, giving you a good sense of how the royal family lived here. The king also cared deeply about nature. Surrounding the Pena Palace is a wooded garden called ‘Parque da Pena,’ which spans over 200 hectares. The garden is home to hundreds of different tree and plant species from all over the world, brought here by the king. It’s a great place for a leisurely stroll before or after your visit to the Pena Palace.
Tip: The Pena Palace is the most popular attraction in Sintra, and as a result, there can be long queues, sometimes lasting for hours. Make sure to arrive here first thing in the morning, before it opens at 10:00. After visiting, you can proceed to the Moorish Castle. Since the road leading to the Moorish Castle is one-way, and it comes before the Pena Palace, you cannot take the bus there if you’ve visited the Pena Palace first.
Moorish Castle
Next to the Pena Palace, you’ll find Castelo dos Mouros, also known as the Moorish Castle, and it is the oldest castle in Sintra. This castle, like the Pena Palace, sits atop a mountain. In the 8th century, North African Moors conquered this area, and this mountain was ideal for defending their conquests. That’s why the Moors built Castelo dos Mouros in the 9th and 10th centuries. From the castle, you have a panoramic view of the Sintra surroundings. It’s not surprising, as they needed to spot enemies from afar in the past. As you walk along the walls towards the castle, you’ll encounter numerous beautiful viewpoints. Inside the castle, you’ll find the walls of a collapsed church.
Quinta da Regaleira
Quinta da Regaleira offers a completely different architectural style compared to the two places mentioned above. Quinta da Regaleira is an estate with a large garden and a castle. Originally, this castle was the residence of a Brazilian coffee and gem trader, who used it to showcase his wealth. Surrounding the castle is a massive garden where you can wander for hours. Hidden throughout the garden are paths, tunnels, bridges, and caves. One highlight not to miss in this garden is the ‘Initiation Well.’ This is a 27-meter-deep (89-feet-deep) well that descends nine stories underground via a spiral staircase. Interestingly, the well was never used for water but for ceremonial purposes. Descend all the way down the well, and you’ll find underground tunnels that lead to other parts of the garden.
Tip: The Pena Palace is the most popular attraction in Sintra, and as a result, there can be long queues, sometimes lasting for hours. Make sure to arrive here first thing in the morning, before it opens at 10:00. After visiting, you can proceed to the Moorish Castle. Since the road leading to the Moorish Castle is one-way, and it comes before the Pena Palace, you cannot take the bus there if you’ve visited the Pena Palace first.
Monserrate Palace
The Monserrate Palace is another must-visit during your trip to Sintra. It showcases both Arabian and Indian influences, both inside and outside. This palace was built in 1858 and is surrounded by a beautiful botanical garden. Monserrate was only opened to tourists in 2010 after undergoing a major renovation. The advantage is that this palace is less crowded compared to the palaces and castles mentioned earlier.
Transportation in Sintra
The most ideal way to explore the palaces and castles of Sintra is by taking the hop-on-hop-off bus. These buses start and end at the train station, which is about 1.5 km from the historic city center. These buses run every 30 minutes. There are two different bus lines:
Sintra bus 434: This is the yellow line and runs from the train station to the historic city center, the Moorish Castle, the Pena Palace, and back to the train station. It is highly recommended to take this bus if you plan to visit the Pena Palace and the Moorish Castle. Although it’s not far from the town, the uphill walk can be quite strenuous.
Sintra bus 435: Runs from the train station to the historic city center, Quinta da Regaleira, Palacio Seteais Palace, Monserrate Palace, and back.
You can purchase tickets for these buses in advance here.
Alternatives to the bus include taking a tuk-tuk or renting a car. A tuk-tuk is more expensive than the bus but will get you to your next stop quickly. Renting a car is not very practical because you are not allowed to visit the Pena Palace and the Moorish Castle with a rental car, and there is limited parking at the other attractions.
Tip: Buy Tickets in Advance to Save Time
It’s a smart idea to purchase entrance tickets in advance for the popular palaces and castles you plan to visit. This way, you can skip the ticket queue and head straight to the regular line. Most people do this, so the time saved might not be significant, but at least you’ll save some time. Below, you can order tickets and pay with iDeal.
Best Restaurants in Sintra
All that walking can make you hungry! Fortunately, there are many good restaurants to be found in Sintra. One of the most popular places for breakfast and lunch is Café Saudade. Here, you can enjoy delicious pastries, fresh croissants, scones, and other freshly baked goods. For a cozy dinner, visit the charming restaurant Nau Palatina. The owner is incredibly friendly and often comes to chat with guests. The menu offers tasty dishes with plenty of choices for vegetarians. If you’re in the mood for pizza, be sure to check out Roulote da Gig. They serve the most delicious pizzas at a reasonable price, and their lasagna is also excellent. What’s interesting is that Roulote da Gig is a food truck at a local market, creating a fun and relaxed atmosphere.
Where to Visit Sintra From?
If you’re on a city trip to Lisbon, it’s a good idea to visit Sintra as a day trip. From Lisbon, you can take the train, which will get you to Sintra in half an hour. Once you arrive at Sintra train station, you can hop on the buses that will take you to the various attractions. Another excellent option is to take this tour, which includes visits to Sintra, the charming town of Cascais, and the viewpoint Cabo da Roca, allowing you to tick off all the highlights in the Lisbon area in one day! If you’re on a road trip through Portugal, it’s more convenient to visit Sintra from Cascais because there’s more to see in the surrounding area, making it a nice change after a few days in Lisbon. Cascais is a relaxing town to spend two days in. It’s highly recommended to dedicate a day to Cascais, Ursa Beach, and Cabo da Roca alongside your day trip to Sintra. To learn more, check out our article about Cascais.
