Sintra is a beautiful city just outside of Lisbon and makes it a perfect day trip destination! While we were staying in Lisbon, we decided to venture out and explore this city full of castles and stunning palaces. Follow us along on our day in Sintra!
1. Pena Palace
Pena palace is a unique 19th-century Romantic castle in Sintra, known for its vibrant colours and eclectic architectural styles. It was originally a monastery before being transformed into a summer palace for King Ferdinand II. This is one of the must-see attraction and thus, can get extremely busy. We recommend getting a ticket in advance here for one of the earlier times or near the ends. They are strict on timed-entry slots, so plan your visit accordingly.
While many wonder whether it’s worth the wait to enter the palace, we highly recommend witnessing the palace’s distinctive interior designs first-hand. Additionally, palace’s terrace that was once free to enter is now inaccessible without the entry ticket. You can get a beautiful view of Sintra from Pena palace on the terrace, which is an added bonus!
You can get to Pena palace in several ways. To get to the park itself, train to Sintra is one of the most convenient methods of transportation. You can also reach there via bolt/uber or bus (which is generally slower). Once you are at Sintra, you can reach pena palace by hiking the palace trail, taking tuk-tuks or bolt/uber, or taking the bus. For more detailed explanation on different ways to get to Pena palace, check out this post here.
2. Moorish Castle
Moorish castle dates back to the 8th and 9th centuries and is located on the highest point of Sintra. The castle served as an ancient fortress and with its impressive stone walls and scenic paths, it offers a glimpse into the region’s history and stunning panoramic views. However, please note that the Moorish castle’s steep paths and uneven terrain can make it challenging to access for those with physical limitations. You can also get your ticket in advance here.
From Pena palace, you can take a short walk to Moorish castle. The entrance to Moorish castle pathway is just downhill from Pena palace – note that following google maps here would make you descend and back up again, making it a longer and more tiresome walk.
Once you get to the Moorish castle, you will be able to walk along the castle wall and take in the beautiful panoramic views of Sintra and surrounding landscape. The elevation is quite high and steep, making it both challenging and rewarding hike. You can also get a glimpse of Pena palace in the distance so we highly recommend this hike 🙂
3. Grab lunch in centre of Sintra
After a tiring morning, head back to the centre of Sintra to grab your well-deserved lunch. When returning to the centre of Sintra, you can either walk, take tuk-tuks, bus or bolt.
One thing we did not expect: it was really difficult to get a bolt ride back down from the top as most drivers would not pick-up or cancel. We ended up taking a drive down with one of the drivers waiting for the tourists for 10 euros. One thing to keep in mind is to agree on the price before you hop on a ride.
After finally returning to the centre, we were very tired and ready to eat. We headed to Fatto da Cláudio Coelho to have some Italian cuisine. The affordable cost, great service, and its convenient location made a great dining spot for us.
4. Quinta da Regaleira
Just about 5-10 minutes walk away from the centre of Sintra, you’ll find Quinta da Regaleira. This site is a stunning estate in Sintra, known for its romantic architecture and enchanting gardens. Built in the late 19th century, it features intricate designs, mystical symbolism, and captivating structures like the Initiation Well, which spirals deep into the ground. The lush grounds are filled with hidden grottos, fountains, and pathways, making it a perfect place to explore and soak in the magical atmosphere.
Initiation well is a spiral staircase that descends deep underneath. Designed as a mystical initiation site, it features 9 levels representing the ascent to spiritual enlightenment. You can explore its captivating tunnels and passages! Initiation well is by-far one of the most popular attraction within Quinta da Regaleira, so expect a line-up to get inside the initiation well.
We recommend you to get a ticket prior to your visit right here as it also gets quite busy. Quinta da Regaleira now endorses timed-entry, so select your time according to your plan! We selected a time-slot for 2:30pm and it worked out perfectly for us, following this itinerary.
5. Cabo da Roca
Just in time for sunset, we headed over to Cabo da Roca, which is the westernmost point of mainland Europe. The cape offers breathtaking cliffs and stunning ocean views, making it a perfect destination to end the day. Located about 40 minutes from Sintra, it features dramatic landscapes where the rugged coastline meets the Atlantic ocean. The iconic lighthouse and a monument marking its significance also stand there, making it a popular spot for photography.
To get to Cabo da Roca from centre of Sintra, you can either take bolt which takes about 30 minutes or public transit directly from Quinta da Regaleira by taking 1253 line for about 40 minutes.
The beauty of Cabo da Roca does not end here! The real gem of cabo da roca is the scenic trail that winds along the cliffside of Cabo da Roca, offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and rugged coastline. The trail starts right as you pass the lighthouse and is well-marked. It can be a little challenging at times but most of the trail is suitable for walkers of various skill levels. This is an amazing spot to watch sun set over the lighthouse and to see different beaches from the top.
Other Attractions
There are many more sites you can see in Sintra that we weren’t able to fit into the schedule! See below for some ideas:
- National palace of Sintra: A medieval palace known for its unique architecture and iconic twin chimneys. It was originally a royal residence, featuring a blend of Gothic, Manueline, and Moorish styles. Inside, you can explore richly decorated rooms filled with historical artifacts, exquisite tiles, and stunning ceilings, offering a glimpse into Portugal’s royal past.
- Palace of Monserrate: The palace is another unique site, which was built in 19th century and showcases a blend of Gothic, Moorish, and Indian architectural styles. Set amid lush gardens filled with exotic flora, its ornate interiors feature intricate details and vibrant stained glass.
- Capuchos Convent: A serene 16th century Franciscan monastery located near Sintra, is known for its simplicity and humble stone cells. Surrounded by lush greenery, it offers a peaceful escape and insight into monastic life.
- Chalet of the Countess of Edla: This is a 19th-century villa built for King Ferdinand II and his second wife, Countess of Edla. It showcases an iconic yellow exterior and beautiful wooden details. This is another peaceful site where you can relax and enjoy the scenic garden and nature.
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