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Sintra travel guide
Guide me through Sintra
Fairytale palaces and villas make a trip to Sintra a visit to a theme park for architecture lovers. From the rainbow towers of the Pena Palace to the Gothic mansion of Quinta da Regaleira, Sintra will overwhelm you with its charm and wonder.
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Sintra Top 5
Pena Palace
Quinta da Regaleira
Castle of the Moors
Palacio Nacional
Monserrate Palace
Although Sintra is a rather small town, there is plenty to visit. If you are staying for only one day, make sure to start your visit at 9 am at the latest and buy your tickets in advance.
The Pena Palace awaits you with its vibrant color palette, surreal courtyards, and archways and is Sintra’s main attraction.
Located in the heart of the town and recognizable by its twin white towers, Sintra’s National Palace and former royal residence offers a fascinating mix of architectural styles.
Furthermore, visitors can walk along the remains of the Moorish castle and enjoy spectacular views over Sintra.
Exploring the enchanted park of Quinta da Regaleira, with its grottos and terraces, is a real highlight of a visit to Sintra. Don’t miss discovering the interior of this Gothic Mansion and the Initiation Well with its mystical spiral staircases.
Another palace that impresses with its details and the influence of the Moorish Mudéjar style is the peaceful Monserrate Palace a little off the beaten track.
Those with more time on their hands can explore Sintra’s charming town center, visit the convent of the Capuchos or check out one of Sintra’s museums.
This ambitious plan to make the most of your visit to Sintra requires a starting time of 9 am at Sintra’s train station. Please book your tickets to Sintra’s attractions in advance!
- Pena Palace: As soon as you arrive at the train station in Sintra (around 9 am), take bus No. 434 to head straight to Pena Palace. You should plan 2 hours to visit the palace.
- Castelo dos Mouros: From Pena Palace, take a downhill walk to the Castle of the Moors to enjoy spectacular views over Sintra. You should plan 45 Minutes for your visit and leave the castle at 12:30 pm latest.
- Lunch break in the town center: Take Bus 434 or walk back to Sintra town for a lunch break and to rest your feet. If you have some time on hand, take a stroll through the center.
- Sintra National Palace: At 2 pm, take either Bus 434 or 435 to the National Palace. You should plan 60 up to 90 minutes for your visit.
- Quinta da Regaleira: Around 3:30 pm, walk from Sintra National Palace to Quinta da Regaleira and visit the mansion’s interior and the enchanted park. Plan enough time to visit the park, since it is the secret highlight of Quinta da Regaleira. From here it’s a short walk to the train station.
Best travel tips for Sintra
Useful travel tips
- If possible, visit Sintra from Tuesday to Thursday to avoid the crowds.
- Start your visit early (9 am at the latest) and buy your tickets in advance!
- Don’t visit Sintra by car. Take the train.
- Bring good walking shoes and a water bottle to refill at the public fountains.
- Temperatures change dramatically based on the season, time of day, and elevation.
- Take the tourist bus, Uber, or taxi to get around. It’s often even faster to walk, depending on traffic. Take the bus or a taxi to Pena Palace to start your walk from there, as Sintra is located on a hill.
Take the suburban train from Rossio station in Lisbon (about 40 minutes) or Estação do Oriente. You can also go by tour or by car, but keep in mind that it is almost impossible to find parking in Sintra and that the traffic is terrible.