Sintra Portugal is a small town filled with majestic castles and lovely rolling hills, and we’ve never seen a more magical place before. Seriously, these castles look like they were designed by a child on a sugar rush, and I mean that in the best way!
So, in this Sintra travel guide, we’ll show how to get to Sintra from Lisbon, how to use public transportation to get around this charming town, and the best attractions to see if you are short on time and only have one day to explore this amazing town.
Want to see the beauty of Sintra for yourself? Check out our full video guide below!
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How to Get to Sintra from Lisbon
The easiest way to get to Sintra from Lisbon is by train. You can take the train 40 minutes north from Rossio train station to the Sintra train station. You can find the current Sintra train schedule here.
I don’t recommend driving because there is no parking by the palaces and you will either have to take a bus or private taxi to reach the palaces anyway.
Another great way to see Sintra is to take a tour. Tours are nice because you don’t have to worry about navigating crowded public transportation and you will get a detailed explanation of each of the palaces. Check out all of your Sintra tour options here.
How to Get Around Sintra
The attractions in Sintra are quite far apart. We’re talking an hour hike uphill to get to some of the hilltop castles like the Moorish Castle and Pena Palace. So, the most economical way to save time and save your body from the uphill climb is to take the 434 Pena Sightseeing Bus. The bus picks up directly outside of the Sintra train station and will take you up the winding hill to see the castles for €12.50 euros roundtrip.
We took this bus from the train station to the Moorish Castle, Moorish Castle to Pena Palace, and then Pena Palace to Sintra city center. Just know that the lines to take the bus do get long because it is the best and most affordable option and the majority of tourists will use this bus.
Alternatively, you can take a taxi or tuk-tuk, and rates start at about €15 euro each way. Sintra is closed to regular passenger cars so you will not be able to drive yourself to any of the attractions.
The Best Things to Do in Sintra Portugal
Sintra really does have a lot to offer the traveler so much so that I actually think it could be worth spending a night or two here. However, if you are short on time like we were then the 4 attractions below are the best ones to see on your day trip to Sintra. Just remember to get started early by taking one of the 7 a.m. or 8 a.m. trains so you can see as much of Sintra as possible.
1. The Moorish Castle
The Moorish Castle is a lovely fortress ruin that was used to keep watch over water and land access routes to Lisbon. It was ruled by the Moors until 1147 when the local Portuguese took over and Portugal ordained its first king.
Here, you will love walking the well-preserved walls enjoying the expansive views of the land, and the sea. Plus, you can even see the lovely Pena Palace from here. It’s definitely worth a stop on your Sintra excursion.
2. Pena Palace
If you can only do one thing while you are in Sintra, then Pena Palace would be it! It is the colorful castle that looks straight out of a fairy tale and gives off the most whimsical vibes. You are going to spend the majority of your time in Sintra here enjoying the gardens, the colorful exterior, and the charming interior decor that dates back to the 1880s.
The structure itself was originally a monastery built in the 15th century and dedicated to Our Lady of Pena. The monastery eventually fell into disrepair, so the building was given new life as a summer residence for royalty like Ferdinand II and King Carlos in the 19th century.
You will love exploring the opulent interior and the intricate exterior that is filled with so much detail that it will be a real highlight of your trip to Portugal.
3. Quita da Regaleira
Quita de Regaleira is the second most popular palace in Sintra and is definitely a must see!
It was the private residence of António Augusto de Carvalho Monteiro who worked with Italian architect Luigi Manini to create this fantastic landscape and palace.
This property includes 4 hectares of gardens, a well that is believed to have been used for initiation ceremonies by the Knights Templar and the Free Masons. You can walk down 9 flights of stairs to discover all of the beautiful levels of the well and the tunnel system at the bottom of the well.
The property also has a lovely house that has intricately carved ceilings, colorful murals, and incredible wood enlaid floors. This property is truly a feast for your eyes and will be another memorable stop on your trip to Sintra
4. The National Palace of Sintra
In the center of Sintra vilage is the National Palace of Sintra. The palace was first built in the 10th centure under Moorish rule and has be added to over the years as nearly every Portugeuse king and queen has spent time in this palace. This palace is best known for Its distinctive twin conical chimneys and lovely gardens. You will love touring this palace to see the incredible architecture, decor, and artwork.
Sintra Portugal Hotels
Want to extend your stay and take in even more palaces, museums, and gardens? Then why not stay in Sintra for a night or two! Some popular hotels and vacation rentals are listed on the map below!
Is Sintra Worth Visiting?
Sintra is an absolute must-see when you come to Portugal and was one of favorite attractions during our stay in Lisbon. So, don’t skip this one. It’s worth it!
Now that you know about Sintra, check out these other great Portugal destinations below!
- Lisbon 4-Day Itinerary
- The Ultimate Guide to Porto
- Braga Portugal – A Great Day Trip from Porto
- Aveiro – The Venice of Portugal
- Coimbra- The Original Capital of Portugal
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I’ve always wanted to visit Portugal in Europe! I’d love to check out Sintra as a day trip if I ever visit. Thanks for sharing your helpful recommendations on visiting this spot!
Portugal seems to be a popular destination for many. I hope to visit someday so thanks for sharing suggestions and ideas on things to do while there.
Oooh lovely! Sintra is such a fun looking place to visit with all the historical buildings painted so beautifully. Pena Palace is simply stunning isn’t it!