Things to Do in Sintra
Sintra is a small and charming Portuguese town known by its fairy-tale castles and historical legends. It is one of the most popular destinations in the country, especially due to its proximity to the capital, Lisbon.
Half-Day Sintra Tour: National Palace, Cascais and Cabo da Roca
Full-Day Sintra Tour: Pena Palace, Cabo da Roca, Cascais and Estoril
Best of Lisbon City Tour: Belém, Alfama & Ajuda National Palace
Fado Show in Lisbon with Traditional Portuguese Dinner
There are countless things to do in Lisbon: from wandering through the iconic Alfama district to visiting the monumental Belém neighborhood and tasting the delicious pastéis de nata. But there’s one visit that should never be missed, and that is Sintra.
This beautiful Portuguese town was once a summer retreat for royalty. It is characterized by its colorful castles and palaces, wooded hills, and a rich, diverse culture steeped in history.
This magical setting is located in the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, one of the most important in the country. It’s an easily accessible destination from Lisbon, and given it's one of the top day trips from Lisbon, we strongly recommend dedicating at least one day to visiting Sintra.
In this article, you'll find the best things to do in Sintra and the best tours to explore it.
Sintra, a Must-Visit from Lisbon
View of the National Palace of Sintra
The city of Sintra, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, lies at the foot of the picturesque hills of the Serra de Sintra and is just 25 kilometers from the Portuguese capital.
It stands out for the stunning natural beauty of the surrounding landscape, although visitors are also drawn to the history within its attractive collection of castles, palaces, and villas that belonged to the royal family and the nobility of Lisbon.
Things to Do in Sintra
Visiting Sintra is like stepping into a world straight out of a fairy tale. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to taste its renowned local cuisine. Two good options for dining are Bacalhau na Vila, which specializes in the famous cod, and Incomum by Luis Santos, offering Mediterranean fusion.
Pena Palace
Pena Palace is considered one of the seven wonders of Portugal, notable for the striking yellow and pink colors of its facade and its whimsical Romantic architecture reminiscent of Disney. It features a fascinating mix of historical styles, showcasing influences from Neo-Gothic, Neo-Manueline, Neo-Islamic, and Neo-Renaissance architecture.
Its historically rich halls and bedrooms are truly spectacular, and the park surrounding it, in close harmony with the palace’s magical character and filled with trees from around the world planted by King Ferdinand II, evokes feelings of intrigue and mystery.
If you don’t have much time to visit on your own, we recommend this one-day excursion to Sintra and Pena Palace, which includes transfers and a English-speaking guide.
Quinta da Regaleira
Opened to the public in 1998, Quinta da Regaleira is a complex that belonged to António Monteiro, a Brazilian coffee magnate who spent many years remodeling it according to his eccentric tastes, sparing no expense.
It is filled with small monuments reflecting his fascination with Freemasonry, the Knights Templar, and divination, all featuring Gothic, Egyptian, Manueline, and Renaissance characteristics.
Some activities you can enjoy during your visit include walking through its underground passages, enjoying the view from the Regaleira Tower, photographing the iconic Initiation Well, and connecting with nature in the palace park.
Castle of the Moors
At the highest point of the city are the walls and remnants of the powerful Castle of the Moors. Built after the Muslim conquest of the Iberian Peninsula in the 8th century, it is one of the oldest and most historic monuments in the area.
Restored in the 19th century under the direction of King Ferdinand II, the castle walls offer stunning panoramic views of the Sintra mountains, where you can even see the Atlantic Ocean.
National Palace of Sintra
Located in the heart of Sintra, Lisbon, and identified by its pair of white conical towers amidst a mix of buildings and white annexes, the National Palace of Sintra is an ancient medieval royal residence built in the 14th century.
Inside, you must see the Swan Room, adorned with tiles; the chapel, which is 600 years old and dedicated to the Holy Spirit; and the incredible Sala dos Brasões, which displays the 72 coats of arms of Portuguese royalty and nobility.
The Best Excursions to Sintra from Lisbon
The best part about Sintra is that you don’t need much time to discover its charms, so you have no excuses not to visit. While you can reach it by train or by driving, a car isn’t the best option for this short trip, especially because parking can be challenging.
A hassle-free option is this half-day tour, which visits Sintra and Cascais. It's a 5-hour tour that includes a guided visit to the National Palace of Sintra, Estoril, and Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of Europe.
If your schedule allows, you can opt for a 9-hour full-day excursion to Sintra. It’s the perfect choice to enjoy all these activities without time constraints.
Portugal is a land full of places to discover. Just as there’s much to see in Lisbon, Porto is another charming city with a great variety of things to do.
From visiting famous wine cellars to exploring the most beautiful towns in Porto and its surroundings, there is much to uncover in this northern city of Portugal.
Half-Day Sintra Tour: National Palace, Cascais and Cabo da Roca
Full-Day Sintra Tour: Pena Palace, Cabo da Roca, Cascais and Estoril
Best of Lisbon City Tour: Belém, Alfama & Ajuda National Palace
Fado Show in Lisbon with Traditional Portuguese Dinner