Sintra Travel Guide: Unveiling the Magic of Portugal’s Fairytale Town
Sintra Travel Guide: Unveiling The Magic Of Portugal’s Fairytale Town
Nestled in the lush green hills outside of Lisbon is a fairytale destination that seems to have emerged from the pages of a storybook: Sintra. With captivating palaces, mystical forests, and romantic gardens, Sintra was a place that gave me an epic fantasy escape during my time to Portugal. In this blog post, I’ll be uncovering all the hidden treasures and unique experiences I discovered that make Sintra a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a bit of magic and a glimpse into Portugal’s rich history and natural beauty:
sintra travel guide
Timing
Time of Year
Sintra’s mild and temperate climate makes it a year-round tourist destination. However, certain times of the year may enhance your experience based on weather, crowd levels, and specific events.
Springtime from March to May is a delightful time to explore. The landscape comes alive with vibrant blossoms and the weather is pleasantly mild, making it easy to explore the hilly landscapes. I personally visited during this time and loved my experience! The only downside I found is that Portugal typically experiences strong annual winds during these spring months. If you have seasonal allergies in particular, you may find yourself more aware of the wind than focused on the sights!
Summer in Sintra typically lasts from June to August, bringing warmer temperatures and an influx of tourists. While the weather is generally pleasant, it’s important to note that Sintra can get especially crowded during this time. To avoid crowds, it’s recommended to visit popular attractions early in the day or later in the afternoon – maybe even staying in Sintra proper to accommodate your schedule.
From September to November, Sintra presents a beautiful tapestry of Autumn colors throughout the hills, adding a touch of magic to the town’s already enchanting atmosphere. The temperatures start to cool down, making it an ideal time for hiking and exploring the region’s stunning natural landscapes, such as the Serra de Sintra.
Finally from December to February, Sintra experiences cooler temperatures and the occasional rainfall. However, despite the chilly Winter weather, Sintra still retains its fantasy-like charm. The mist and fog throughout the hills create an ethereal atmosphere around the castles and forests, only adding to the town’s mystery and enchantment.
Ultimately, the best time to visit Sintra depends on your personal preference and priorities. Whether it’s the vibrant blooms of spring, the long sunny days of summer, the colorful foliage of autumn, or the mystical ambiance of winter, Sintra is a magical experience year-round.
Trip Length
Many tourists choose to visit Sintra on a quick day trip from Lisbon, but in doing so, miss out on so many of Sintra’s enchanting sites! For a first time visit, I’d recommend spending no less than 2 days exploring so you to catch a majority of the sites at a leisurely pace and experience all the magic that the town has to offer.
sintra travel guide
Transportation
How To Get There
Sintra is located about 18 miles, or 29 kilometers, from Lisbon. And getting to Sintra from Lisbon is relatively straightforward and offers a few convenient options. One of the most popular ways is to take the train from Lisbon to Sintra. Trains depart regularly from Rossio Station in central Lisbon to Sintra Station. The journey takes approximately 40 minutes, and the train ride itself is quite beautiful.
Another option is to take a Guided Day Tour from Lisbon to Sintra, though I do not recommend this option as you’ll be competing with crowds and one day is simply not enough time to explore all that Sintra has to offer.
If you prefer a more private and flexible mode of transportation, you can also opt for a taxi or ride share service. Taxis can be found throughout the city, and rideshare apps like Uber and Bolt are widely available as well. This option offers the convenience of door-to-door service and the flexibility to customize your schedule.
How To Get Around
Once in Sintra, you can explore the town on foot or use public transportation options to reach the attractions.
For exploring the charming city center, Sintra National Palace, Quinta Da Regaleira and Villa Sassetti, I recommend exploring on foot. All these enchanting attractions are fairly close and while Sintra is full of hills, they are still easily walkable.
For visiting Pena Palace, Castle of the Moors, Monserrate Palace and Convent of the Capuchos, I recommend public transporation. These sites are not only spread out, but are high up in the Sintra mountains. And the alternative Caminho de Santa Maria footpath is not only steep, but will take you about one hour to reach Pena Palace at the top – not the most ideal if you’re limited on time.
As far as options, Sintra has a reliable bus network that connects its various attractions. Bus 434, also known as the “Tourist Bus,” is particularly convenient for visiting Pena Palace and the Castle of the Moors. The bus runs frequently from the Sintra Train Station and offers hop-on, hop-off service, allowing you to explore at your own pace.
Taxis, Tuk-Tuks, Ubers and Bolts are also available for a more direct, premium and private journey. For taxis and tuk-tuks in particular, I recommend confirming your fare with the driver before starting your journey to avoid any surprises.
sintra travel guide
Accommodations
Sintra may be a small town, but its proximity to Lisbon and its long list of architectural, historic and natural attractions means it also has a long list of accommodation options for visitors.
For your first visit, I recommend staying around Sintra’s old town so you can make the most of your time without worrying about travel back-and-forth from Lisbon each day. My favorite hotel options in the area are below:
Hotels
Tivoli Palácio Seteais Hotel – $$$$$
Sintra Palace Marmòris – $$$$
Rosegarden House – $$
Aguamel Sintra – $$
Chalet Saudade – $
sintra travel guide
Sights
Pena Park and Palace
Situated atop Sintra’s highest point and commanding panoramic views of the entire region lies the enchanting Pena Park and Palace. Adorned in hues of cherry red, mustard yellow and cobalt blue, the Palace was designed in the 19th century by King Ferdinand II, who poured his boundless creativity into fashioning the palace as a summer retreat for the royal family.
In the Park surrounding the Palace, the king also brought in exotic trees from all over the globe, planting them around winding garden paths that can lead you in search of the hilltop’s most stunning views.
Undeniably, Pena has emerged as a romantic symbol of Sintra and captivates a bustling crowd of visitors in its magical aura daily. It’s best to purchase your tickets in advance to secure your entry time slot. Tickets for the Park and Palace vary by age, with prices for adults ages 18-64 costing 14 Euro*.
Secret Tips:
The least crowded times to visit is either first thing in the morning (9:30AM) or in the late afternoon (after 4:30PM).
Once inside the gates, you have the option of taking a bus up to the Palace, however, I recommend walking. Not only is it faster to beat the crowds, but there’s truly nothing as wonderful as taking a stroll through Pena’s gardens.
Quinta da Regaleira
Another Sintra must-see is the romantic Quinta da Regaleira. Designed and built in the late 1800s, the property as a whole embraces an eclectic mix of architectural styles, with a particular focus on the Manueline, Renaissance, Medieval and Classical schools.
What makes Quinta da Regaleira so special is that it’s not just another stunning palace. Its grounds also include a brilliant chapel, an elaborate system of tunnels, mystical gardens, intriguing towers and, of course, the world-famous Initiation Well. Descending through a spiral staircase, visitors to the Initiation Well are granted access to one of Quinta da Regaleira ‘s hidden tunnels below.
Admission for adults is priced at 11 Euro* and can be conveniently obtained online or at the entrance.
Castelo dos Mouros
If you’re looking for an epic fantasy adventure that feels like its taken straight from The Lord of the Rings or Game of Thrones, you must visit Castelo dos Mouros.
Castelo dos Mouros, or the Moorish Castle, is a 9th century medieval fortress that stands as a testament to the region’s vibrant Moorish past. Its incredible stone walls and towers are an architectural marvel, offering breathtaking views of Sintra’s Old Town and the distant Atlantic Ocean.
Admission for adults is priced at 8 Euro* and can be conveniently obtained online.
Chalet of the Countess of Edla
The Chalet of the Countess of Edla is an enchanting 19th-century residence nestled amidst lush gardens. This whimsical place combines Romantic architecture and Swiss chalet-style design, making it a truly unique and captivating attraction in Sintra. The price for admission is included in the ticket for Pena Palace*.
Monserrate Palace
With its fantasy-like architecture and stunning gardens, my favorite sight in all of Sintra, Monserrate Palace, seemingly transported me to the halls of Lord Elrond in The Lord of the Rings. The Palace was constructed in the 19th century using Gothic, Indian, and Moorish architectural styles.
Sitting amid lush gardens and breathtaking views, Monserrate is truly an otherworldly and ethereal setting to explore in Sintra.
Admission for adults is priced at 8 Euro* and can be conveniently obtained online.
Sintra National Palace
The National Palace of Sintra is an enchanting landmark that dominates the town’s skyline. With distinctive twin conical chimneys and vibrant yellow walls, this medieval palace, offers visitors a fascinating journey through centuries of Portuguese royalty and culture.
Admission for adults is priced at 10 Euro* and can be conveniently obtained online.
Secret Tips:
The afternoon is typically a wonderful time to explore the National Palace with fewer crowds.
Don’t miss out on all of the Palace’s unique tiled designs and fairytale-like charm. One of the rooms even holds an old spindle that feels like it’s been taken straight from Princess Aurora in Disney’s Sleeping Beauty.
Convento dos Capuchos
Convento dos Capuchos, or the Capuchin Convent, is a humble and serene religious retreat. Built in the 16th century, this Franciscan convent is renowned for its simplicity and integration with nature, where moss-covered stone walls and narrow cork-covered passageways create a tranquil atmosphere and unique, contemplative experience.
Admission for adults is priced at 7 Euro* and can be conveniently obtained online.
Villa Sassetti
A short walk up into the Sintra mountains from old town will lead you through captivating gardens to Villa Sassetti. This is small and Italian-inspired villa is unable to be visited inside, however, its beauty and panoramic views make this attraction worth a quick visit.
sintra travel guide
Restaurants
Cantinho do Lord Byron – Wine Bar
Cantinho Gourmet – Sandwiches and Salads
Garagem Cafe – Salads, Burgers, Bagels and Cakes. Has veggie friendly options.
Incomum – Fine Dining
Raíz Sintra – Sandwiches, Salads and More with a Portuguese Twist. Lots of vegetarian and vegan options.
Tascantiga – Classic Portuguese Cuisine
sintra travel guide
Day Trips
Cascais
Cascais is a charming coastal town located just 20 minutes from Sintra. With stunning beaches, a picturesque marina, and a vibrant atmosphere, Cascais has become a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike. The town also has a beautiful historic center, filled with colorful buildings, quaint streets, and inviting cafes.
Here, you can enjoy leisurely walks along the promenade, soak up the sun on the sandy beaches or explore the impressive Cascais Citadel. With its unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and lively entertainment, Cascais offers a delightful escape on Portugal’s stunning coastline.
Distance from Sintra: 20 Minutes
Lisbon
Not so much a day trip, but more of a multi-day gateway to Sintra, Lisbon is one of Portugal’s most fantastic cities and a must-see stop for any European vacation.
Climb the Castelo de São Jorge, enjoy a ride on one of Lisbon’s classic yellow trams, sample the offerings at some of Portugal’s best restaurants and wine bars and enjoy the colorful homes and businesses throughout the historic Alfama neighborhood.
Distance from Sintra: 30 Minutes
*At time of writing.
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