Sintra is magical. It’s only a 40-minute drive from the hustle and bustle of Portugal’s capital city, yet entering Sintra was like turning a page in a childhood fantasy book and stepping into an enchanted village. This tiny town boasting three palaces and a castle is an unexpected delight.
The cultural landscape of Sintra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as it is the first centre of European Romantic architecture. It is home to 10 national monuments, ancient ruins, hours of hiking trails, beaches, and impressive architecture. There is no shortage of things to do in Sintra.
We had only a day in Sintra. Our highlight, Palácio Nacional da Pena (National Palace of Pena), is not the only place to visit, but clearly the most popular. One glance at the striking mix of colourful terraces, ornamental battlements, and mythological statues and this castle will pull you in like a magnet.
The easiest way to get to the Palace of Pena, the other castles, and major sites is with the Hop-on Hop-off Sintra bus.
→ Check prices and get advanced tickets for the Hop-on Hop-off Bus or Buy Now
Palácio Nacional da Pena exemplifies the 19th-century Romanticism style of architecture.
Welcoming us, this is the entrance to Palácio Nacional da Pena.
Holding up one of Pena’s windows is this mythological Triton symbolising the story of the creation of the world.
I was fascinated by the twisted columns of this neo-Manueline entrance inside the palace.
A view from Pena Palace.
The 20-minute uphill walk through the lushly forested park that surrounds the palace is filled with ornate surprises and hidden pathways.
We hadn’t originally planned a day in Sintra. Our time constraint was a pre-booked apartment an hours drive north in Obidos, another charming and recommended village. We had only enough time to visit two of the three palaces.
If I could redo our visit, we would have climbed to the Castelo dos Mouros (the Moorish Castle) rather than taking this photo from a distance.
The Palacio National de Sintra (National Palace) is in the centre of the historic district. Cobblestone streets lead to shops, restaurants, and other tourist destinations, intermixed with old homes and businesses.
The two massive twin chimneys are the most noted characteristic of the Palácio Nacional.
Great Hall
Staircase
Kitchen in Palácio Nacional
Getting to Sintra
- It’s easy to get to here from Lisbon, and it makes for a great day trip.
- Primary transportation options are the train to Sintra, the public bus, a rental car, or a private guide.
- We had a car included in our home exchange (we swapped cars as well as houses) and our agreement allowed us to use their vehicle to travel through Spain, Portugal and France. The home exchange saved us money on both our lodging and car rental.
→ Learn more about Home Exchange or See Options
Sintra Travel Tips:
- While we had only a day in Sintra, if I went back I would stay a week (or at least a few days). With nearly 200 accommodation options, there is one to fit every budget.
→ Check prices and availability for local hotels on Booking.com or Book Now
- The old town area is crowded with limited parking, while we had a car, we didn’t use it. We parked once and walked or took various busses.
- The Hop-on Hop-off Sintra bus is an ideal option. Its seven stops include: Estação de Caminhos de Ferro, Palácio Nacional de Sintra, Portão dos Lagos, Castelo dos Mouros, Palácio Nacional da Pena, Igreja de S. Pedro de Penaferrim, and Volta do Duche
→ Check prices and get advanced tickets for the Hop-on Hop-off Bus or Buy Now
- We explored the town on our own. We would have seen more with a tour, and a private tour would have allowed us to customise our day.
→ Check prices on group tours and private guides with Viator or Buy Now
- Large crowds visit Pena Palace, especially in summer. Parking is difficult. There is a low-cost shuttle bus that runs from the entrance of Pena Park up or back down the hill. Otherwise, it’s a 20-minute easy, but uphill walk.
Neighbouring Regions – Our Itinerary
We visited Sintra amongst a handful of cities in Portugal as we drove up the coast. We started this journey as we drove south from our Costa Brava home-exchange through the centre of Spain, then headed west to Seville before entering Portugal where our first stop was Evora. From there we bypassed Lisbon, and headed straight to Sintra, before travelling north with our next two primary destinations being Obidos and Alcobaca, both in Portugal.
Have you been to Sintra?
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Despite having been to Portugal many times I’ve never quite made it to Sintra, this is inspiring me to pack up and go!
Portugal looks lovely, and your photos have really cheered me up after looking out at our dreary, rainy weather. You and your family have had a lifetime of fabulous travels. Thanks for reposting this fun adventure, Rhonda!
Yay, I am happy to make you smile. Portugal is a hidden gem.
Never heard of Sintra. After seeing your photos and reading your article, I have made a mental note of it, It is the unplanned destinations, we travellers love don’t we?
I think Portugal cities are very under-promoted.
Sintra seems to a real gem of Portugal! I love historical cities with interesting architecture (and especially the cobblestone streets!), so I really should visit Sintra as well.
There are so many gems in Portugal. I hope I get back some day.
Sintra is indeed magical with all the photos and experiences you acquired! Keep sharing the magic!! Xx
Thanks Trisha.
It is true that Sintra and its architecture has great photo opportunities but I also found it too much touristy. Did you taste the pasteis de queijo ? (cakes made of cheese) They are typical of Sintra
We only had a short less than one day visit in Sintra, and I can’t remember anything we ate other than ice cream.