Sintra is a must-visit gem in Portugal, especially if you’re already nearby in Lisbon. It’s packed with amazing attractions, making it perfect for a day trip or more. Let me give you some handy tips and highlight the best things to do while you’re there.
Sintra is a stunning spot in Portugal that offers breathtaking sights. Just glancing at pictures might convince you to visit, as was the case for us. We heard how easy it was to reach from Lisbon, so we rented a car and made our way there. You can also get to Sintra with private transfers, tours, and buses from Lisbon.
To make the most of your trip, here’s what you should do when you visit Sintra. The town is quite close to Lisbon, almost like it’s on the city’s outskirts. Driving there is straightforward, and you can easily combine your visit with a trip to Cascais, known as the Monte Carlo of Portugal.
Parking can be tricky due to limited spaces, but there are options in town where you can leave your car. From there, taxis, buses, or even walking can help you explore Sintra’s different palaces and sights. Alternatively, a 40-minute train ride from Lisbon’s Rossio station will get you there, with trains typically running twice an hour. Once in Sintra, the 434 Tourist Bus is a convenient way to see all the main attractions.
Sintra is rich with natural and cultural sites recognized by UNESCO for their historical significance. The entire area is a UNESCO World Heritage site, not just the beautiful palaces. There are many scenic spots to explore in the lush landscapes, like the 19th-century Parque de Pena. Built by Ferdinand II, this park boasts a vast collection of trees and plants from around the world, offering a stunning backdrop for a sunny day visit.
Monserrate Palace is another highlight of Sintra you can’t miss. While Pena Palace attracts most visitors, Monserrate is equally captivating with its unique blend of architectural styles. You can explore neo-gothic and Indian design influences within the palace and its gardens, which thrive thanks to a unique microclimate.
Pena Palace, perched high on Serra, is famous for its vibrant looks and is undeniably one of Sintra’s top attractions. The palace is stunning, but it gets crowded, so visiting during off-peak times is wise to avoid long lines. Designed by Possidónio da Silva, it’s a must-see while in town.
Quinta da Regaleira is home to the intriguing Initiation Well, a series of subterranean towers filled with mysterious folklore surrounding its use by groups like the Freemasons and Knights Templar. Don’t miss the Terrace of the Celestial Worlds and the nearby Waterfall Lake within its grounds.
Close to Pena Palace, the Moorish Castle offers a glimpse of ancient ruins. Though in partial ruins, you can still walk its walls and explore features like the keep and barbican. The views from here are fantastic, providing sweeping vistas of Sintra and its palaces.
Quinta da Regaleira is a beautiful estate with a chapel and gardens, open to the public after being privately owned until the late 20th century. Look for the Manueline symbols on its main house turrets, a distinctive feature of this special place.
The Sintra National Palace is easy to visit, featuring ornate rooms like the Magpies’ Room, Swan Room, Arab Room, and the Palace Chapel. While there, grab a sweet treat from the family-owned Casa Piriquita across the street.
If time allows, check out the Chalet of the Countess of Edla, a charming 19th-century Alpine-style house. It’s different from the other attractions but worth exploring if your schedule permits.
Lastly, wandering through the Valley of the Lakes is a fantastic way to experience Sintra’s countryside. Located below Pena Palace, this area offers picturesque trails perfect for leisurely walks, provided you bring sturdy, comfortable shoes.