Sintra is an easy day trip from Lisbon and neighboring towns like Cascais. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site, filled with castles, palaces, and beautiful views of the surrounding area. I’ve visited the region twice now and still have the urge to go back and explore. If you’re planning a trip to Portugal, visiting Sintra is a must! Here’s everything you need to know to plan your visit to Sintra…
PRESET COLLECTION USED IN THIS BLOG POST: EUROPE COLLECTION
Left to right from top: Rossio Train Station in Lisbon (depart from here for Sintra), a lookout at Pena Palace, the interior detail of Montserrate Palace, the grounds of Quinta Da Regaleira.
What to Know
Getting around – Regardless of how you get to Sintra, you will be doing a lot of walking there. Make sure to wear shoes that are comfortable.
Weather – it’s often unpredictable. Sometimes it’s hot and sunny, and moments later the fog will roll in and the temperature will drop. I’ve been twice and both times this has happened (on the same day!). Bring sunscreen, water, and a sweater before leaving — even if it’s hot in Lisbon.
Logistics – visiting three castles is realistic if you leave in the morning and stay until the late afternoon, with a break for lunch. If you want to maximize your time (and beat the crowds), get in early and bring a picnic lunch with you.
Tickets – you can purchase tickets in advance at a 5% discount or at the entrance of each castle. Note that if you’re visiting multiple castles, you can usually purchase a discounted package at the ticket booths.
My 3 favorite photogenic castles: Pena Palace, Quinta Da Regalaira, and Montserrate Palace.
Getting to Sintra
If you’re traveling from Lisbon, I recommend taking the train. It’s a quick journey (40 minutes) and costs €2.25 for a one-way ticket. You’ll depart from Rossio Train Station in Lisbon, and you can buy your tickets there from the ticket counter or an automated machine. The train runs every 30 minutes but you can also check this site for all train times. If you prefer to drive, know that you will be taking narrow mountain roads. Parking is a bit far from the castles (and fills up fast).
Getting around Sintra
There are two buses that run different loops to the castles in Sintra. I recommend deciding which castles you plan on seeing the day before your visit. You can buy the corresponding bus tickets the day you arrive, either on the bus or at the train station.
The buses run approximately every 15 minutes in summer and every 20 minutes in winter. Note that they tend to get busy in summer! You can alternatively walk (important to note the castles are far apart) or take a tuk-tuk (but negotiate your fare). Here’s the breakdown of each bus route:
- Sintra Train Station
- National Palace of Sintra
- Castle of the Moors
- Pena Palace
- Sintra Train Station
- National Palace of Sintra
- Quinta da Regaleira
- Seteais Palace
- Monserrate Palace
Castles + Palaces in Sintra
Pena Palace (Palácio Da Pena)
Pena Palace is the most colorful and well-recognized castle of the group. It’s an example of 19th century Romanticism architecture, and its real attraction is the colorful towers and façades which overlook Sintra. A must-see during any Sintra trip.
Go for: the colorful façades and ornate rooms. Tickets €13.30.
One of the many colorful towers at Pena Palace.
Fog rolling in over Pena Palace.
Quinta da Regaleira
The Quinta da Regaleira is most known for its incredible gardens, which were designed to mimic secret orders and initiation ceremonies. Here you’ll find hidden tunnels, towers, and passageways. Many of them reference the Knights Templar and ancient Greek symbolism. Easily my favorite stop in Sintra!
Go for: the gardens, which include old passageways and the famous initiation well (as seen below). Tickets €6 in person.
One of Quinta Da Regaleira’s walking paths.
The initiation well at Quinta Da Regaleira.
Montserrate Palace (Palácio de Monserrate)
Often overlooked, Montserrate is one of the more unique palaces in the region. It blends a series of gothic, Arabic, and Indian architecture together — though it was commissioned by an Englishman! I loved the views of the rolling hills from this castle, and the intricate designs along the interior and exterior. In general, it’s smaller and less crowded than the other castles.
Go for: peaceful gardens, rolling hills, and a palace that seems to belong in Morocco or India. Tickets €7.60.
Montserrate Palace looking out into the hills.
The moroccan-inspired facade of Montserrate Palace.
Castle of the Moors (Castelo Dos Mouros)
The Castle of the Moors is perched atop one of the highest hills in the area. It dates back to the 9th century, so unlike the other castles in Sintra, it has deteriorated and left in ruins. You can walk along the crumbling walls and also grab the best views over Sintra from here. Photos on Instagram.
Go for: incredible old castle ruins and views of the region. Tickets €7.60.
National Palace of Sintra (Palácio Nacional de Sintra)
The National Palace of Sintra is the most accessible as it’s located in the old town center. The history states that Portugal’s ruling nobility lived here from the 15th to 19th century. Photos on Instagram.
Go for: old palacial rooms, including an old chapel and small garden. Tickets €9.50.
Seteais Palace (Tivoli Palácio de Seteais)
Seteais Palace was originally built in the 18th century, and is now open to the public by day — and by night! For a true experience, you can book a stay in this palace-turned-five-star-hotel, which is conveniently located across the street from Quinta de Regaleira. Definitely on my bucket list. Photos on Instagram.
Go for: the beautiful gardens and elegant interior, plus a once-in-a-lifetime overnight stay. Check out the hotel here.
Full Day Tours to Sintra
If you don’t feel like planning your own trip, here are some guided tours I recommend checking out (some of which include skip-the-line access):
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Don’t miss our Weekend Guide to Lisbon if you’re planning a trip to Portugal. To maximize a visit to the castles, consider booking an overnight stay in Sintra!
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Roxy Says
Such beautiful photos! I can’t wait to visit Sintra after poring over your blog. In the terrace photo in Pena Palace, do I have to buy tickets inside the palace or is it part of the park tickets?
Selena Says
Post authorAll the photos above are taken from within Pena Palace so you’d have to have tickets to access! I’m not sure what you mean specifically by ‘park tickets’, are you referring just to accessing multiple palaces?
ally Says
Hi! About how far apart via bus is the Pena Palace from the Monserrate Palace?
Selena Says
Post authorNot sure to be honest! Montserrate is a bit out of the way, so I believe 2 buses are required to get there.
This tripadvisor thread has a bit of info: https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g189164-i1529-k12145956-Travel_from_Monserrate_Palace_to_Pena_Palace-Sintra_Sintra_Municipality_Lisbon_District_Ce.html
Good luck!
Milenka Says
Oh I can’t get over how beautiful Sintra looks! The pretty colours and breathtaking landscapes remind me of a fairytale, and you’ve captured it in such a lovely way.
My partner and I *almost* picked Lisbon as our summer break this year and we planned to visit Sintra, of course; now I’m really gutted that we didn’t! There’s nothing like an action-packed day trip like this abroad!
Milenka
Blushing Lately
Selena Says
Post authorDefinitely a reason to head there next! 😉 Lisbon has gotten really packed in summer with tourists, so I’d suggest going in off season when you do decide to go! Sintra is just wonderful, you’ll have the best time.
Lauren Says
Love your blog! My husband and I are planning a day trip to Sintra from Lisbon, and I was wondering if you thought visiting Pena Palace, Montserrate, and Quinta de Regaleira was feasible in one day without an organized tour/transportation? I have been looking for organized tours that would allow for visiting all of these locations but haven’t found anything. Does taking a taxi between them seem feasible, or is the bus more reliable? Thanks!
Selena Says
Post authorYes, definitely! I would start in the morning at whichever one you’re most excited for, since each spot will get busier as they day goes on. Pena Palace is by far the most popular, but I’ve found Quinta de Regaleira to be somewhat quiet in the early morning. The buses are reliable since they’re running constantly (especially in summer). If you ever don’t want to wait for one, there are usually tuk-tuks hanging around outside each castle as well!
The reality of opting for a taxi is that you’d have to essentially hire one for the whole day if you want to avoid waiting, since they’re dealing with narrow roads on the hills and no parking.
Ed Holdren Says
Do you have a suggestion for a guided tour for 12 to Sintra for the day?
Selena Says
Post authorHi Ed! I found this tour, perhaps message them regarding a group of 12?: https://www.getyourguide.com/lisbon-l42/visit-sintra-cabo-da-roca-cascais-in-all-day-private-tour-t130908/?partner_id=4Q28N9P&utm_medium=online_publisher&placement=other
Erica J Says
Hi Selena,
First thank you for writing such a detailed blog post about Sintra. Very helpful. Do you recommend a good time to get started? You took great pics of Pena but I heard it get’s crowded quickly. What time did you make your visit with Pena and the other castles. And to confirm did you take a tuk tuk in between the castles or the buses?
Thanks,
Erica
Selena Says
Post authorHi Erica! The earlier you go to Pena, the less crowded it will be. Right when it opens is your best bet if you want to avoid the crowds. I’ve visited in the morning and late afternoon, and it’s pretty busy even before closing.
We took a bus for this trip, and a tuk tuk the last time I visited (a few years back). Both will work, but you have less flexibility with a bus since you will be waiting in between pick-ups and there are set routes. In some cases, they also can’t drop you off as close to the gates.
I hope that helps!
Melanie cho Says
Hi, quick question.
If you had to choose between one, either Montserrate Palace or National Palace of Sintra. Which would you recommend.
Our priorities are ease of getting there and the view and architecture, not so big on grand rooms and tapestries.
Thank you!
Selena Says
Post authorThe view at Montserrate Palace is beautiful. I can’t comment on the National Palace (I’ve skipped it both times I’ve visited Sintra). From what I understand it’s more about the interiors, so Montserrate will most likely fit what you’re looking for between those two!
Anna Dudek Says
Hi Selena,
Is it complicated to take the photo inside the initiation well at Quinta Da Regaleira, like you did? I dont see many photos taken there and this is a beautifull spot so I imagine there must be some inconveniences?
Selena Says
Post authorThat’s a great question! I actually found the hardest part to be the reflection at the bottom of the well, since it’s always wet being so far below ground. We went here in the morning (it was our first stop in Sintra) so there were less crowds and tour buses. I was able to take photos no problem since there were so many gaps between people. I imagine that is not the case in the afternoon since it gets crowded.
Unless I’m mistaken, most people tend to head to Pena Palace first as it’s the most famous – so if you want to be here when it’s quiet, I’d suggest going first thing in the morning!
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Selena Says
Post authorThanks Samara xx
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Selena Says
Post authorThanks TukTuk! Glad it was useful to you. xx
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