Sintra is one of Portugal’s most magical destinations, and a day trip from Lisbon is an unforgettable experience. Located just 30 km west of Lisbon, this mountain town boasts a wealth of romantic palaces, mysterious castles, and spectacular scenery that seems straight out of a fairy tale.
The name “Sintra” immediately conjures up the image of Pena Palace, with its colorful walls and fantastical architecture perched atop a hill. But Sintra offers so much more. The town is a veritable open-air museum, with historical monuments, magnificent gardens, and a mystical atmosphere that has inspired poets and artists for centuries.
Sintra was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, recognizing the exceptional importance of its monuments and landscapes. The town attracts millions of visitors each year, all drawn to discover the magic of Sintra.
This comprehensive guide tells you everything you need to know to visit Sintra from Lisbon: how to get there, what to see, where to eat, and how to plan your day to maximize your experience. Get ready for a magical day!
sintra_castle_Image by teojab from Pixabay
The train is the most popular and scenic way to travel from Lisbon to Sintra. The train journey offers beautiful views of the Portuguese countryside and takes approximately 30 minutes.
Practical details:
Advice :
✅ Buy a return ticket to save
✅ Take an early train to avoid the crowds
✅ Bring a bottle of water for the journey
If you prefer more flexibility, you can rent a car and drive to Sintra. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes from Lisbon city centre.
Practical details:
Advice :
✅ Leave early to avoid traffic
✅ Use a GPS or Google Maps
✅ Be careful on mountain roads
Many tour operators offer organized excursions to Sintra. These excursions usually include transportation, a guide, and access to the main attractions.
Practical details:
Pena Palace is Sintra’s most famous attraction and one of Portugal’s most beautiful structures. This romantic palace, built in the 19th century, is a masterpiece of fantastical architecture with its colorful walls, pointed towers, and elaborate ornamentation.
The palace was built by King Ferdinand II, who married Queen Maria II. Ferdinand, a visionary and art lover, conceived the palace as a romantic retreat from city life. The palace combines architectural influences from several styles: Gothic, Manueline, Moorish, and Renaissance.
To have :
Practical information:
Advice :
✅ Arrive early to avoid the crowds
✅ Book online if possible
✅ Wear comfortable shoes
✅ Bring sun protection
✅ Visit in the late afternoon for the best photos
The Moorish Castle is a medieval fortress perched on a rocky hill, offering spectacular views of Sintra and the surrounding area. The castle was built by the Moors in the 11th century and was conquered by the Christians in the 12th century.
Unlike Pena Palace, which is a romantic 19th-century palace, the Moorish Castle is a true medieval fortress with thick walls, defensive towers, and underground passages. The castle offers a unique historical perspective on the medieval period.
To have :
Practical information:
Advice :
✅ Go up early for the best views
✅ Wear hiking boots
✅ Bring plenty of water
✅ Be careful on steep stairs
Quinta da Regaleira is a historic estate with magnificent and mysterious gardens. The property was built in the early 20th century by a wealthy Portuguese businessman who was passionate about the occult and Freemasonry.
Quinta da Regaleira is famous for its initiation well, a 27-meter-deep underground shaft with spiral staircases. The well was used for initiation rituals and symbolizes the spiritual journey of the initiate.
To have :
Practical information:
Advice :
✅ Explore the gardens without a specific itinerary
✅ Descend into the initiation well (narrow stairs)
✅ Bring a flashlight
✅ Wear comfortable shoes
La Quinta da Regaleira_Image by Stefanie Konstanta from Pixabay
8:00 AM – Departure from Lisbon
9:00 AM – Breakfast in Sintra
9:30 am – Pena Palace
11:30 am – Château des Maures
1:30 PM – Lunch in Sintra
2:30 PM – Quinta da Regaleira
4:00 PM – Walk in Sintra
5:00 PM – Return to Lisbon
Restaurante Piriquita: A traditional restaurant specializing in Travesseiros (local pastries) and Portuguese cuisine. The portions are generous and the prices reasonable.
Restaurante Tulhas: A restaurant with a magnificent view of Sintra, offering authentic Portuguese cuisine and fresh seafood.
Café Saudade: A traditional café with a warm atmosphere, ideal for coffee and pastries.
Piriquita Pastry Shop: The most famous pastry shop in Sintra, known for its Travesseiros (cream-filled pastries).
| Element | Cost |
| Round-trip train | 5€ |
| Pena Palace | €14 |
| Moorish Castle | €8 |
| Quinta da Regaleira | 10€ |
| Local buses | 5€ |
| Meal | 30-50€ |
| TOTAL | 72-92€ |
✅ Comfortable shoes (lots of walking and stairs)
✅ Camera
✅ Water and snacks
✅ Sun protection
✅ Lightweight clothing + jacket (can be cool in the mountains)
✅ Small backpack
✅ Arrive early to avoid the crowds
✅ Book attractions online
✅ Take the local bus to get around
✅ Explore without a specific itinerary
✅ Taste the local specialties
✅ Visit in the late afternoon for the best photos
Pena Palace in Sintra – Spectacular Romantic Architecture
Moorish Castle in Sintra – Medieval Fortress
Visiting Cascais from Lisbon – Coastal Excursion
Visiting Lisbon in 4 days – Itinerary including Sintra
Complete Lisbon Guide – Back to the main guide
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Book your tickets – Go straight to our booking system for queue-free tickets.
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