In this Sintra guide, we will show you one of Portugal’s most enchanting towns and one of the best day trips from Lisbon. So, if you’d like to know more about what to do and what to see there, please read our guide.
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Introduction to Charming Sintra guide
Firstly, Sintra is a gorgeous town near Lisbon. It is known for its stunning scenery, historic buildings, and magical atmosphere. Despite being just 30 km from Lisbon, Sintra has a unique charm that attracts thousands of visitors annually. Besides, this town has a rich cultural and artistic heritage that has fascinated kings and intellectuals over the centuries. The famous poet Lord Byron described it as a glorious Eden, and the writer Hans Christian Andersen called it the most beautiful place in Portugal.
Furthermore, the town center is full of elegant and extravagant palaces, castles, and boulevards that coexist harmoniously with the modesty of its streets. However, the most extraordinary aspect of Sintra is its natural beauty. Its breathtaking landscapes over the ocean, pink skies, and lush forests make it one of the world’s most romantic destinations. Sintra is just 18 km from Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of Continental Europe, where people once thought the world had ended. Although the world has not ended, time seems to have stopped in this magical town. And that’s why we decided to write this Sintra guide article in the first place.
Things to do in Sintra
It’s incredible how a small town like Sintra could preserve so many palaces of historical and cultural significance. However, it’s unsurprising that Sintra was once a favorite destination among kings, nobles, and wealthy people who built their vacation homes there. Sintra’s stunning architectural heritage, seamlessly blending with its natural surroundings, has earned it UNESCO World Heritage Site status. You should check out the charming attractions that we have included in our Sintra Guide. However, don’t forget to stroll through the city center’s narrow streets and enjoy its magical atmosphere.
Note: To see the finest and the most valuable deals in Sintra, we suggest checking out Viator.
©Singa Hitam /flickr.com
Palácio Nacional da Pena
Palácio da Pena is a fairy tale castle in Sintra, Portugal, with pastel yellow, pink, and violet walls. It was built in the 19th century by Dom Fernando of Saxe Coburg-Gotha, husband of Queen Dona Maria II. The palace is an eclectic mix of Gothic, Baroque, Renaissance, and Arabic styles. The interior has a strange combination of elegant and kitschy elements, with many bizarre objects to admire.
©Diego Delso
Palácio Nacional de Sintra
Palacio Nacional de Sintra is a medieval palace in Sintra-Vila with a rich history. Palácio da Vila is a notable feature with its 33-meter-high kitchen chimneys and large square. The castle is well worth a visit for its stunning halls, impressive collection of azulejos, and colorful Portuguese ceramic tiles. You’ll be amazed by the oriental ambiance, Arabian halls and courtyards with bubbling fountains, Chinese pagodas, and kitchens with massive fireplaces.
©Jorge Lobo
Monserrate Palace and Gardens – Best Overall Estate
Visit the Monserrate Palace, located 4 km from Sintra’s historic center. This palace combines various architectural styles and has beautiful rooms to explore. The botanical garden surrounding it is a stunning Romantic landscape with plant species worldwide, lakes, and waterfalls. In 2013, it won the European Garden Award. Plus, it’s less crowded than other palaces in Sintra.
©portugalbywine.com
Gastronomy and wines
Sintra has a rich gastronomic heritage that is as impressive as its monuments and landscape. Some famous meat dishes include Negrais Piglet, Mercês Pork, and roast goat and veal. Sintra’s coastline is rich in fish, seafood, and mollusks. The must-try dessert is Queijadas de Sintra. Other sweet treats include Travesseiros, Pastéis da Pena, Colares Walnuts, and Fofos de Belas. Colares wine, especially the famous Ramisco grape variety, is essential for any meal.
©Tugatrips
The Quinta da Regaleira
Quinta da Regaleira is a romantic mansion built in the 20th century, located 15 minutes from Sintra’s center. The gardens, inspired by the owner’s mystic ideologies, cover 4 hectares, with hidden tunnels and an impressive well. You can enter the secret tunnel network by walking down the stairs in the well.
©puzzlemania.fi
The Castelo dos Mouros
The Moorish Castle, or Castelo dos Mouros, was built by North African Moors in the 8th and 9th centuries to protect Sintra and Lisbon. It was restored in the 19th century by King Ferdinand II and turned into a romantic ruin. The castle has high walls and massive battlements and offers stunning views of the Sintra hills and Lisbon.
Tickets for a visit to Sintra
Firstly, Charming Sintra attracts visitors year-round. More importantly, to enjoy the magical atmosphere, avoid busy days, and come early or late. Thirdly, see the sunset from a lookout, garden, or palace for a romantic experience. However, if you have only one day, book a tour to visit all the main monuments.
Next, enjoy hiking, mountain biking, or horse riding in the Sintra-Cascais Park. Take a guided tour or rent an SUV. Photography is also popular. Sintra offers rich architecture and breathtaking landscapes. To book an organized tour, click here.
How do I visit it in one day?
Firstly, you must remember that Sintra offers many things to see. That’s why exploring the vast landscape can take some time. But there is a piece of good news! You can see Sintra in one day, but deciding what you want to focus on is best. Decide if you want to take a tour or visit independently.
If visiting independently, we will share information on the best way to do a day trip to Sintra from Lisbon. However, most visitors follow a similar itinerary. Consider swapping significant attractions for smaller sights to have a different experience without the crowds.
Getting to Sintra from Lisbon
It’s better to take the train than drive to Sintra due to the lack of parking options. Regular trains run from Lisbon’s Rossio train station up to 6 times per hour during the busy season. Return tickets cost €4.60, and the journey takes about 40 minutes. You can also get a combo ticket for the train and Sintra buses for €14, available at the station.
Note: If you’d like to buy train or bus tickets, we recommend Omio.
Getting around Sintra
When visiting Sintra, avoiding driving and taking the tourist buses instead is best. The 434 and 435 buses run regular routes to all popular attractions.
Where to stay in Sintra
The following hints this Sintra guide wants to reveal are where and how long to stay. Firstly, we suggest you visit the night in Sintra instead of leaving. Most tourists go on a day trip, but you can enjoy a romantic evening under the stars or a peaceful walk as the town settles down for the night. There are plenty of accommodations in Sintra, so you should be able to find one that meets your needs. Most importantly, we recommend booking in advance as Sintra is a popular destination. Consequently, it will also help you secure better rates.
That’s all for now from our Sintra Guide. However, if you want to know more, please ask the question in the comments below. We’d love to answer you.
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