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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Sarah Carter says
Despite having been to Portugal many times I’ve never quite made it to Sintra, this is inspiring me to pack up and go!
Julie Kemp Pick says
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!
Rhonda Albom says
Yay, I am happy to make you smile. Portugal is a hidden gem.
Nisha says
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?
Rhonda Albom says
I think Portugal cities are very under-promoted.
Veronika Tomanova says
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.
Rhonda Albom says
There are so many gems in Portugal. I hope I get back some day.
Trisha Velarmino says
Sintra is indeed magical with all the photos and experiences you acquired! Keep sharing the magic!! Xx
Rhonda Albom says
Thanks Trisha.
Elisa says
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
Rhonda Albom says
We only had a short less than one day visit in Sintra, and I can’t remember anything we ate other than ice cream.
mark wyld says
Amazing destination, we have been to Sintra twice and will certainly go again when we visit Portugal next time. There is no other place in the world like Sintra for castles and palaces in the one place
Rhonda Albom says
You are probably correct, but either way, it is a really special place.
Photo(Geo)grapher says
Wow ! I would love to visit here. It’s really beautiful. Great photos!
Rhonda Albom says
Thanks. And I know I won’t have to remind you to bring a camera.
Laura (48 No Interstate) says
I know next to nothing about Portugal, but this town looks like a magical place to visit!
Rhonda Albom says
I didn’t know much before we visited. I just wished I had know enough to know I would want a much longer visit.
Mark says
Hi Rhonda,
Thanks for this post and the wonderful photos! My wife and I have been dreaming of visiting castles and going to Europe for quite sometime now. Portugal’s been on the list after we hosted a couple from Porto and we have this idea that there’s going to be some incredible food out there. The travel tips are much appreciate considering we’ll likely be out there during the summertime.
Cheers,
Mark
Rhonda Albom says
Yes, the Portuguese food is fabulous too. I just don’t remember any of the specific places or dishes that we ate. Now I photo all my food, then I didn’t.
Rob+Ann @TravelLatte(.net) says
I’m a little surprised the Portuguese left to discover new places. I mean, we’re all dying to go TO Portugal and they wanted to leave? Granted, from a historical perspective, things are a little different now. 😉 Love your photos – very enticing! Thanks for sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcard!
Rhonda Albom says
I live in New Zealand, I am sure people wonder why I want to leave, even if it’s just a few months at a time.
CHLOE LIN says
Wow Sintra is really beautiful, not just the architecture, but also the nature and scenery outside of the architecture. I’m totally inspired to be there now!
Rhonda Albom says
Sintra is all that and more.
Kat says
Wow, this is really nice! I’m looking forward to my trip to Portugal in September, and the Palaces of Sintra is definitely on my must-visit list while staying in Lisbon. Your photos are convincing me that I made the right decision to add the Palaces to the list 🙂 #TheWeeklyPostcard
Rhonda Albom says
As soon as you arrive, you will know you made the right decision. I loved Sintra. Also, check out Evora.
Jim ~ Reflections Enroute says
Sintra was one of our favorite places in Portugal. You’re photography captures it beautifully, Rhonda! #wkendtravelinspiration
Rhonda Albom says
Thanks Jim. It sure is magical, but I also loved Evora. If I were forced to pick a favourite, I think that would be it.
knycx journeying says
Sintra palace is definitely Portugal’s best kept secret and I still remember my visit like it was yesterday. Did you visit Cabo da Roca? It’s the westernmost point of the Europe continent, and the view is great there! – you could checkout https://knycxjourneying.com/2016/02/21/my-lisboa-encounters-the-kids-got-left-behind/ @ knycx journeying
Rhonda Albom says
Actually, I could kick myself for missing Cabo da Roca. I know we can’t do it all, but that is the kind of place we love to add to the list.
Rosemary says
I can’t wait to visit Portugal, and now you have introduced me to a new region – Sintra. Thank you for the wonderful introduction. Your pics are amazing and there is so much natural beauty. Absolutely adding Sintra to my list of places to check out when we finally get to Portugal. Thanks for sharing.
Rhonda Albom says
Lisbon is a city that we missed, but we did hit all of the key day trips from there. If I were to go back and base myself there, I would be sure to add at least three extra days just for the surrounding towns like Sintra.
Raksha nagaraj says
First of all I would like to start off with u saying you have amazing shots of the palace. I loved them. And Sintra looks magical and spectacular. I will add it to my bucket list. I am sure to visit that place and I will refer your article back when I am planning.
Rhonda Albom says
Thanks Rakasha. Portugal is a country worth some exploration. We only visited a few cities, but I loved every moment of my travels.
Michele {Malaysian Meanders} says
Sintra looks like something out of a fairy tale. I especially like those arched openings looking out from Pena Palace and the photo of your girls in the mini castle in the forested park. I’ll have to keep it in mind for any Lisbon trip.
Rhonda Albom says
We actually skipped Lisbon and went straight to Sintra. Our girls had so much fun in that forest, it was enchanted to match the fairytale.
Laura Lynch says
Places like this are what they use to build theme parks. It’s such a fairytale looking town. And so close to the city that it’s easy to visit. Love it.
Rhonda Albom says
LOL I never thought about it, but you are probably correct. I could see it as the basis for a theme park design.
Debra Schroeder says
Sintra does sound magical. The castles look right out of a fairytale. That window with Triton is outstanding. Your photo of the view framed by the walls is awesome.Adding Sintra to my list and will be sure to allow for several hours, if not an overnight.
Rhonda Albom says
I wish we has stayed longer in Sintra. If it were not for the crowds and hordes of tourists, I would think it would be a beautiful place to live.
Linda Aksomitis says
Palaces and castles are my very favorite historical buildings! My first trips to Europe were all planned to just get inside as many of them as I could. Thanks for sharing these great photos.
Rhonda Albom says
We love castles and palaces too, and have seen many.
Drew says
I love Sintra. I have a framed photo hanging on my wall right now of the National Palace of Penes. There is something special about that location and the architecture that makes it such a unique site. Something any visitor to Lisbon should check out, that’s for sure!
Rhonda Albom says
To be honest, we skipped Lisbon and just drove through it on our way to Sintra.
Jenn and Ed Coleman says
Love what you have done with the Sintra post. We keep looking back at our old photos and imagine what it would take to bring them up to snuff. I shutter to think of the photos I was taking in 2012. Memories have a way of preserving the idea of me taking a great photo instead of the reality that’s on my hard drive.
Your photos were well shot from the beginning and the digital remastering only served to bring out every more vibrate colors. Great article and it gives me hope that the gems I treasure in my memories might be dug from the depths of my hard drive one day.
Rhonda Albom says
Thanks. Dig up the photos. You might be surprised. Mine needed a lot less editing than I would have thought. Actually more often than not, it was removing the original editing that improved the photos. I have done very little to the colour in these shots. For me, in the last five years, I think it is my post production abilities that have made the biggest change.
budget jan says
We’ve been to Sintra and chose to go to the castle which was great. We didn’t see the palace as we only chose one place to visit. It would have been good to see more but we were happy with the castle and town.
Rhonda Albom says
Just like us, we had limited time and had to pick and choose. There was a medieval fair in town and our tween wanted to ditch both castles and go to the fair.
Megan Jerrard says
Wow, I can see why Palácio Nacional da Pena is the most popular – such an incredible castle! Thanks for this post Rhonda – Portugal is not actually a country I had associated with incredible castles – I had more thought this would be Germany, Spain ,France, so I don’t know why I discounted Portugal! Obviously I need to re-asses and add it to this years travel list!
Rhonda Albom says
Portugal surprised around every turn. It is a hidden gem, just waiting to be explored.
eileen g says
i visited Sintra with a girlfriend several years ago. I remember the long walk up to the palace more than i remember the palace it self. I’m enjoying your photos thought and they are jogging my memory a bit. I also remember the restaurant where we drank vino Verde and ate lunch after walking back down. It’s a lovely town and over all i recommend it as a day trip from Lisbon.
Rhonda Albom says
The walk was long, and we took many of the side paths as we were not in a hurry, and we love walking. However, it is the colours of the palace that stayed with me.
David @Travelsewhere says
Sintra has to be one of my favourite towns in Europe, full stop. The castles are amazing, the smaller palaces are charming and the forest is so peaceful to walk in, even if I did get kinda lost. I’m actually revisiting Portugal as we speak and was considering seeing Obidos and Albacoa so will take a look at your posts.
Rhonda Albom says
I will be rewriting my post on Obidos on Tuesday, with more images, and less silliness. If you are heading north, I would recommend both destinations. We spent two nights in Obidos, as we arrived late and left early, so only one full day. My one warning, if you arrive late, there are limited choices for dinner.
Chrysoula says
Wow Sintra is stunning. I haven’t been to Portugal but I really must go, it looks so beautiful and your photos from Sintra are impressive.
Rhonda Albom says
Sintra is one of those places that really does live up to all the hype.
Anisa says
Perfect timing on republishing this as I will be headed to Portugal in exactly one week. We are planning on doing a day trip to Sintra from Lisbon and your post is really helpful. Sounds like we need to get up early to really make the most of it. I am really excited. Thanks for sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcard.
Rhonda Albom says
Early would be great. Head to Pena first before it gets too crowded. I look forward to your photos.
Jill says
Simply beautiful! I’ve heard and seen more about Portugal lately – and many have said that it’s a very underrated country that flies under the radar. I definitely would love to visit here!
Rhonda Albom says
Totally underrated, and I don’t know why. Sintra was probably the most crowded place we visited in a country filled with surprises. .
Jessica @ Independent Travel Cats says
Wow, beautiful palaces, and sounds like Sintra has a lot to offer travelers!
Rhonda Albom says
It is a city not to be missed.
Lyn aka The Travelling Lindfields says
We visited Pena Palace with our boys when they were young. It was a great experience.
Rhonda Albom says
Our girls were teens when we visited. I imagine their experience would have been different if they were younger as they would have been sure there were fairies living in Pena Park.
Mary (The World Is A Book) says
We were in Sintra last year and loved it. It’s such a chsrming town and all those castles were amazing. Pena Palace was everything I had dreamt of and more.
Rhonda Albom says
I love when well publicised places live up to my expectations.
Anda says
What a gorgeous architecture! It’s a sure thing, I’m adding Sintra to my bucket list. Great pictures, like always!
Rhonda Albom says
Anda, you will love Sintra. Actually, everywhere we went is Portugal is spectacular, European cities with their own flare.
Kathy Marris says
Stunning architecture! I haven’t been to Portugal but it is on my bucket list.
Rhonda Albom says
It’s one surprise after the next. I am really surprised Portugal isn’t more popular, but I am glad that most of the crowds were reasonable.
Pat -- Mille Fiori Favoriti says
Sintra does look like an enchanted place! I’ve heard Portugal has many beautiful sights to see and I’d love to travel there one day. I’m sure the food there was delicious too.
Rhonda Albom says
We were just talking about how we should go back to Portugal. Everywhere we did visit was special, in its own way. We didn’t have enough time to really explore the country.
Ahila says
Beautiful photos! Sintra is in my travel list. #wkndtravelinspiration
Rhonda Albom says
It’s an easy city to get to, if you are already in Portugal.
Lexa Cain says
I know the first castle! It’s on my Castles Screensaver and it’s very cool! lol The kitchen surprised me. Who puts an open fire in the middle of a room? Strange, huh? Thanks very much for sharing the great pics!
Rhonda Albom says
I would find it difficult to work, if not working meant I could stare at this castle all the time. 🙂
jo says
Fantastic pictures I love the spiral staircase and the Great Hall. I’m off to Portugal in a couple of weeks I don’t think we will make it to Sintra which is a real shame it looks like a place with a new discovery around every corner. I wonder what that little building covered in moss with the turret is? Thanks for hosting #Wkendtravelinspiration
Rhonda Albom says
It’s and easy day trip from Lisbon, so maybe you could sneak in a visit.
Sandee says
I would love to tour the inside of a palace. That would be most fun.
Have a fabulous day. ☺
Rhonda Albom says
It is just as interesting inside as out, only it’s quite crowded.
Ruth says
I have wanted to visit Sintra (and Portugal) in ages. For what I have seen, I think I would prefer to stay in Sintra at least one night. There are so many wonderful places yo visit in there. #TPThursday #wkendtravelinspiration
Rhonda Albom says
I would love to go back and spend significant time in Portugal. We went through too quickly, and loved everywhere we stopped. And I would also spend a night in Sintra.
Paula McInerney says
Sinatra looks very magical. I love fairytale cities and Europe does them so well
Rhonda Albom says
Pena is one of my favourites.
Christine | The Journey of Christine says
Wow that architecture! It looks so intricate but beautiful at the same time!
Rhonda Albom says
It is what fairytales are made from.
L. Diane Wolfe says
Absolutely beautiful. We would’ve loved all the hiking trails.
Rhonda Albom says
When my girls were little they would have been sure the grounds were fairy gardens and would have been looking under every rock and around every bend for some of the magic.
beatravelling says
The palace looks stunning! Hadn’t heard of it before I got into the travel blog world. Now it’s on my list 🙂
Rhonda Albom says
It’s a fairytale come to life.
Tomas says
Yeah Sintra 🙂 I love this place, I hope we will come back soon and spend there more time. We haven’t visited Castelo dos Mouros and Palácio Nacional de Sintra. Thanks for your nice pics 🙂
Rhonda Albom says
I hope we both get a chance to go back to Sintra.
Hilary Melton-Butcher says
Hi Rhonda – definitely a place to add to the list – what an amazing place … and how lovely you decided to visit … cheers Hilary
Rhonda Albom says
I really enjoyed Portugal. I hope you get a chance to visit someday.
Lolo says
Ah this is the one castle I want to go to the most!!!!!! A Portugal trip keeps getting pushed back bc too many other things keep coming up! 🙁 Such a beautiful castle! #wkendtravelinspiration
Rhonda Albom says
That’s how I feel about Jordan. I really want to go, and somehow it keeps falling from the top of the list.
Lolo says
OOH yes, I also want to go there too! There are just too many places to see and not enough time!! Happy to read this again for #TheWeeklyPostcard!
Rhonda Albom says
Isn’t that the way it always is. There is just so much to see out there. It would take more than a lifetime to see it all.
Shelly says
This palace is a mixture of Arab minarets, towers and domes. It was built between 1840 and 1850.Prince of Baviera D. Fernando of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, husband of D. Maria II ordered it to be build on the site of the ruins of the monastery of Our Lady of Pena.Inside the palace you can see a large ball room, the kitchen and several rooms.The palace has been painted yellow and pink in the 90’s. These were its original colors.
Rhonda says
Thanks Shelly.
Nancy says
Magical!!!
Love your family photo.
Rhonda says
Thanks Nancy. Weren’t we lucky to start chatting with people who were photographers. Actually, they initiated the conversation, all about my teen’s cool pants.
Tony Payne says
This does look amazing. Sometimes the best experiences on vacation are those places you stumble across.
Rhonda says
That seems to be our travel experience – although some of our planned ones have been pretty good too.
Samuel says
Wow, love that castle. What fun.
Lisa says
Awww what a lovely family pic.
PS I would have wanted to go to the medieval Fair too 🙂
Joan says
Looks like another amazing place.