Just 30 km from Lisbon, Sintra is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Portugal. Famous for its fairytale palaces, including the colorful Pena Palace and the mysterious Quinta da Regaleira, this charming town is surrounded by lush forests and hidden gardens. A short, scenic 40-minute train ride from Lisbon brings you to this UNESCO World Heritage site, offering a perfect day trip escape. To fully enjoy Sintra’s stunning palaces, cobbled streets, and breathtaking views, plan for at least one full day. Whether you’re into history, nature, or simply enjoying the atmosphere, Sintra is a place you won’t want to miss.
Day Trip from Lisbon to Sintra: Palaces, Castles & Travel Tips
If you’re planning to travel from Lisbon to Sintra, there are several convenient options to suit different preferences and budgets. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the best one.
Traveling from Lisbon to Sintra is quick and easy, with several transportation options. The most popular is by train, with frequent departures from Lisbon’s Rossio Station. The train ride takes just 40 minutes and is the most affordable and convenient way to reach Sintra.
For more flexibility, you can drive, with the journey along the IC19 highway taking about 30 minutes, depending on traffic. Parking can be limited near popular attractions, so plan ahead if driving.
Buses are another option, with routes departing from Marquês de Pombal in central Lisbon, but they tend to take longer than the train.
If you’re short on time or want a hassle-free experience, booking a guided tour is ideal, as many include transport and visits to Sintra’s key attractions like Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira.
Best Things to Do and See in Sintra
Discover the enchanting beauty of Pena Palace
The Pena Palace is one of the most famous sights in Sintra, known for its colorful towers and fairy-tale architecture. Built by King Fernando II in the 19th century, it’s a combination of styles, including Manueline and Moorish influences. Perched on a hilltop, the palace offers incredible views of the surrounding landscape. To reach it, visitors walk through the beautiful Pena Park, a lush garden filled with winding paths, exotic plants, and hidden stone benches. Its unique design and breathtaking scenery make the palace a must-visit during any trip to Sintra.
Explore the ancient majesty of the Castle of the Moors
Located high in the Sintra Mountains, the Castle of the Moors offers incredible views over the region. Built by the Moors in the 10th century to defend Lisbon, its winding stone walls follow the rugged hills, creating a dramatic silhouette against the sky. From its many viewpoints you can see the town of Sintra below, the lush surrounding forests and even the vibrant Pena Palace in the distance. The castle is also home to an archaeological site that gives an insight into its long history, making it a must-see for anyone exploring Sintra.
Uncover the mystical wonders of Quinta da Regaleira
Located in the lower part of Sintra, Quinta da Regaleira is a stunning palace surrounded by extensive gardens and hidden monuments. One of its most iconic features is the Initiation Well, a 27 metre deep inverted tower that leads to a series of underground tunnels connecting different parts of the estate. The area is full of winding paths, statues, ornate fountains and mysterious underground passages, making it a truly enchanting place to explore. A blend of architectural beauty and mystical symbolism, Quinta da Regaleira offers visitors an unforgettable experience.
Explore the magical gardens of Monserrate Palace
Monserrate Palace, built by English millionaire Francis Cook, is one of Sintra’s hidden gems. Set on the ruins of a 16th-century chapel, this palace is a beautiful mix of Gothic, Moorish, and Indian influences. The real highlight is its expansive botanical garden, home to rare plants from all over the world, carefully arranged by region. Wandering through the lush grounds and exploring the palace’s beautiful details offers a peaceful and unforgettable experience in Sintra.
Visit the westernmost point of Europe
Cabo da Roca is the westernmost point of mainland Portugal and continental Europe. This stunning site features a huge cliff that rises 140 metres above the Atlantic Ocean, offering breathtaking views and a picturesque lighthouse. Visitors can explore the scenic landscape of sheer cliffs and panoramic ocean views, all within the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. The lighthouse itself is 22 metres high and stands at an altitude of 165 metres above sea level, with its beam of light reaching approximately 48 kilometres. Cabo da Roca is a must for anyone seeking natural beauty and a sense of adventure.
Discover the coastal charm of Azenhas do Mar
Azenhas do Mar is a charming coastal village just 10 km from Sintra, and sits on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Its stunning whitewashed houses cascade down to the water, offering breathtaking views of the coastline. The village is famous for its natural swimming pools, perfect for a refreshing swim while enjoying the crashing waves. With its narrow streets and cosy atmosphere, Azenhas do Mar is a delightful escape for anyone wanting to experience Portugal’s beautiful coastline.
Discover the Royal Legacy of the National Palace
With Arabic origins, the National Palace of Sintra stands proudly in the heart of the city, having served as a royal residence since the 12th century. A unique example of Portuguese medieval architecture, it displays a mixture of styles reflecting the tastes of different monarchs, from Gothic to Mudejar and Manueline. Be sure to explore the enchanting chapel and impressive kitchens, known for their iconic conical chimneys. Don’t miss the magnificent Swan Room, the Coat of Arms Room and the unique Magpie Room, each offering a glimpse of the opulence of Portugal’s royal history.
Savour the sweet traditions of Sintra at Casa Piriquita
Casa Piriquita, a historic bakery founded in 1862, is a must-visit in Sintra for its famous queijadas and travesseiros. Encouraged by King Carlos I, the queijadas are delicious little pastries made with fresh cheese, sugar and cinnamon, while the travesseiros, created in the 1940s by the founder’s daughter, are flaky pastries filled with sweet almond cream. Located on Rua das Padarias, Piriquita is a beloved institution, attracting locals and tourists alike to enjoy these iconic treats in the heart of Sintra. Expect long queues, but it’s well worth the wait!
Where to Stay in Sintra
We have curated a diverse range of accommodation options that cater to every budget and preference, from charming hotels to cozy apartments and enchanting guest houses. Our selection process involved considering the location of the accommodations, reliable reviews from our partner Booking.com, and the opinions of the members of our Facebook group, Lisbon Travel, which has 40 thousand enthusiastic members. These options have been selected carefully to make sure that your stay in Sintra is truly memorable.
Recomended Hotels:
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Transportation in Sintra
Sintra’s transport system is well suited to exploring its stunning scenery and historic sites. The train station in Sintra has direct connections to Lisbon, making day trips easy. Once in Sintra, buses are the best way to reach key attractions such as Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira, as they climb the hilly streets. Tuk-tuks and taxis offer more personalised, comfortable rides between sights. For those looking for a more scenic route, the Eléctrico de Sintra tram runs from Sintra to the coastal town of Praia das Maçãs. Walking is also a great way to explore Sintra’s picturesque streets and lush parks.
Best Restaurants in Sintra
We have curated a list of the best restaurants in Sintra, inspired by the region’s rich culinary and cultural traditions. To create this list, we used trusted TripAdvisor reviews and insider tips from our amazing Lisbon Friends Facebook group, where over 40,000 members share their favourite recommendations.
Romaria de Baco
European, Portuguese, $$ – $$$
Tacho Real
Seafood, Mediterranean, $$ – $$$
COMO Restaurante
Mediterranean, European, $$ – $$$
Arola
Mediterranean, European, $$$$
Best Tours in Sintra
We have selected a diverse range of tour options to suit all budgets and preferences. Our selection was based on the reliable reviews of our partner GetYourGuide and the opinions of the members of our Facebook group, Lisbon Travel, with 40,000 passionate members. These options have been carefully selected to ensure that your stay in Sintra is truly memorable.
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