Sintra is a fairytale town with dewy forests, rippling mountains, glittering palaces, and exotic gardens.
Whether you plan a day trip from Lisbon or stay in the town, it has loads to offer. This UNESCO World Heritage town has so much to see and do.
So, travel with me to explore everything you can do, where to eat, stay, and more.
More About Sintra
Sintra is divided into two regions: the old and new towns. The best part is that both areas are small and walkable.
The old part is centered around the National Royal Palace in the original village. Here, streets are lined with bakeries, restaurants, and shops.
You can easily explore this section in an hour. The new section, which you find east, connects to the old town with a road with wide sidewalks.
Here, you will find Airbnbs, a train station, and properties. If you are traveling by car, you can park it in the first spot you see and walk from there to the old section.
Note of warning: Sintra has limited parking, and walking takes 10 minutes. Stop at Parque dos Castanheiros to sit on one of the benches.
Things to Do in Sintra (Landmarks and Attractions)
1. Pena Palace
Sintra is a popular destination filled with a medieval palace with panoramic views. One of these places offering stunning views is Pena Palace.
Pena Palace’s history dates back to the Middle Ages, when a chapel was built. In the 15th century, King Manual ordered a monastery built on the site.
The Great Lisbon Earthquake of 1755 destroyed the monastery and left it in ruins for decades.
In 1838, King Ferdinand and Queen Maria ll received the monastery and started to refurbish it. Over the years, the Pena Palace was used by the Portuguese royal family.
2. The Moorish Castle
While not as elaborate as the Pena Palace, the Moorish Castle remains a worthy visit. The Moorish Castle was built during the 8th and 9th centuries. The Castle of the Moors served as a fortress.
Over the decades, the castle changed hands frequently and sustained partial damage in the Lisbon earthquake. The people refurbished the Moorish Castle at the same time as the Pena Palace.
While a visit to the Moorish Castle does not take as long as a visit to Pena Palace, it is a main attraction. Walk through the castle walls for panoramic views.
3. Monserrate Palace
The Monserrate Palace is another beautiful place, similar to the Pena Palace. But to visit the palace, you will need a car.
It was initially built as a summer home for Sir Frances Cook. The combination of Indian, Arabic, and Gothic architecture makes this palace stand out.
You will find the Monserrate Palace outside the town near the Convento dos Capuchos.
4. Convento dos Capuchos
You can also visit this humble Franciscan monastery while visiting the Monserrate Palace. It is much less visited than the Pena Palace, but it will provide a quiet afternoon. Explore the simple cells, chapter hall, and more.
5. Sintra National Palace
Regarding Pena Palace and Sintra National Palace – a 15th-century former royal palace, this one has more to see than Pena Palace.
You can stroll through the rooms and see the largest set of tiles and artifacts from the 16th and 18th centuries.
Stand on the terrace to enjoy the breathtaking views of the garden, and check out the Palace Chapel, Arab Room, and Swan Room.
You can even head down to explore the garden paths.
Tip: The town has a lot to explore and see, and I recommend you check out the other things you can do in this beautiful summer retreat.
5. Spend Some Time at The Beaches
Sintra makes for a great summer retreat, and one of the best ways to cool down during hot summers is to visit nearby beaches.
If you stay more than one day in Sintra, you can take day trips to several beaches, such as Praia da Adraga and Praia da Ursa.
A favorite is Praia da Ursa, a small beach surrounded by cliffs with rock formations.
The only way to reach the beach is on foot, and you can park your car along the road to Cabo da Roca, a charming beach town.
Tip: Check out some other beaches near Sintra at some of the best resort towns.
How to Travel to Sintra
Two inexpensive train services are available to help you plan a trip to Sintra from Lisbon.
The first departs from Rossio train station, and the other departs from Estação do Oriente.
Your train journey will take 40 minutes from Rossio and 47 minutes from Oriente. Both will cost €4.80 a round trip. Three departures per hour are available to Sintra Station.
The town is not for heavy traffic and has nearly no parking. During the summer, a constant traffic jam leaves frustrated drivers everywhere, so it is best not to go here with a car.
Direct bus routes to the town from resorts like Estoril and Cascais are available. The 417 bus service from Cascais takes 30 minutes and costs €4.25 for a single ticket.
From Estoril, you take the 418 route departing from the train station, which also takes 30 minutes.
Noteworthy Information: If you plan to stay in the beautiful town, you can also reach Sintra from Lisbon airport. Check out the complete guide here.
How to Get Around Sintra
Once you arrive in this historic town, you can reach the attractions by public transport or on foot.
Most palaces and the Moorish castle are easy to walk to, but you should wear comfortable shoes as they are built on hills.
Alternatively, you can reach the attractions with tuk-tuk drivers. In town, there is also a reliable bus network.
You can take the Tourist Bus 434 to visit the Castle of the Moors and Pena Palace.
Tip: Check out these other fantastic Lisbon day trips you can also take.
Where to Eat in Sintra
While it is not known for its food, you can still find some great places to enjoy a meal and wine, as follows:
- Head to Cafe Saudade at lunchtime for great coffee, pastries, salads, and paninis. A full breakfast is included if you stay at Chalet Saudade.
- For the best desserts, which are also great treats at lunchtime, head to Piriquita for your sugar fix.
- Enjoy a delightful time at Tascantiga, a great little spot with tables outside. Before dinner, enjoy some great tapas and drinks here.
- For homestyle Portuguese cooking, visit Apadeiro, a large restaurant, to enjoy a local favorite, such as pan-fried codfish with lemons and olives.
- Tucked away on a side street, Romaria de Baco serves traditional dishes with a modern twist.
Where to Shop
Sintra is an incredible town, and the historic town center has some quick-service shops, cafes, and boutiques.
For some good quality t-shirt souvenirs, head to Almorabida and Violeta. Or visit A Esquina or Casa Alegria as well.
You can find different galleries around the Praca de Republica with paintings for sale.
If you like fancy jewelry, it is considered cheaper in Sintra, and many shops are available. You can search for antiques, decorative items, and furniture closer to the station.
A place that has a great selection is Henrique Teixeira.
Where to Stay in Sintra
While Sintra is a small town, there is no shortage of accommodation. If you are visiting for the first time, I recommend you stay in the old city to make the most of the attractions. Here are some hotel options to stay:
Tips For Visiting Sintra
When you visit Sintra, there are a few things to know. So check out my helpful tips here:
- Be aware of parking tickets: If you do not pay for parking, you will get a ticket for around $10, which is annoying.
- Grab the first spot on a street or closer to the new town for the best parking.
- Sintra only has one free parking lot in the town, Parque de Estacionamento Estacao de Sintra, which is mostly full.
- While it can get warm in Sintra during the summer, the nights still get chilly, so it’s best to pack a light jacket.
Wrap-Up: Visiting Sintra, Portugal
Sintra, Portugal, is a truly enchanting destination. It perfectly blends historical richness, natural beauty, and a laid-back atmosphere.
From the fairytale-like landscapes to the magnificent palaces and ancient castles, Sintra has so much to offer every traveler.
Whether you’re exploring the timeless architecture of the Pena Palace or taking a stroll through the old town’s charming streets, the experience will surely be unforgettable.
With its easy accessibility from Lisbon and its many sights, Sintra is a must-visit for anyone seeking a magical and immersive travel experience.
