Views from Quinta da Regaleira near Lisbon in Sintra, Portugal

Last Updated June 2025

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…

Rossio train station to visit Sintra, Portugal from Lisbon
Pena Palace castle photo spot in Sintra, Portugal via @finduslost
Moroccan Monserrate Palace in Sintra, Portugal a day trip from Lisbon
The grounds of Quinta da Regaleira near Lisbon in Sintra, Portugal

Left to right from top: Rossio Train Station in Lisbon (depart from here for Sintra), a lookout at Pena Palace, the interior detail of Monserrate Palace, and the grounds of Quinta da Regaleira.

Last Updated June 2026

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 comfortable shoes.

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 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 late afternoon, with a break for lunch. If you want to maximize your time and beat the crowds, get there 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 Regaleira, and Monserrate 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 to see 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, though the castles are far apart, or take a tuk-tuk, but negotiate your fare. Here’s the breakdown of each bus route:

Bus 434

  • Sintra Train Station
  • National Palace of Sintra
  • Castle of the Moors
  • Pena Palace
Bus 435

  • 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 in the group. It’s an example of 19th-century Romantic architecture, and its real attraction is the colorful towers and façades that overlook Sintra. A must-see during any Sintra trip.

Go for: the colorful façades and ornate rooms. Tickets €32.30.

Pena Palace, the colorful castle a day trip away from Lisbon in Sintra, Portugal

One of the many colorful towers at Pena Palace.


Pena Palace, the colorful castle a day trip away from Lisbon in Sintra, Portugal

Fog rolling in over Pena Palace.

Quinta da Regaleira

The Quinta da Regaleira is best 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.

Walking path over the water in Quinta da Regaleira near Lisbon in Sintra, Portugal

One of Quinta da Regaleira’s walking paths.


Spiraling initiation well at Quinta da Regaleira near Lisbon in Sintra, Portugal

The initiation well at Quinta da Regaleira.

Monserrate Palace (Palácio de Monserrate)

Often overlooked, Monserrate is one of the more unique palaces in the region. It blends 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 €19

Moroccan Monserrate Palace in Sintra, Portugal a day trip from Lisbon

Monserrate Palace looking out into the hills.


Moroccan Monserrate Palace in Sintra, Portugal a day trip from Lisbon

The Moroccan-inspired façade of Monserrate 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 is now left in ruins. You can walk along the crumbling walls and also get the best views over Sintra from here. Photos on Instagram.

Go for: incredible old castle ruins and views of the region. Tickets €21.00.

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. History states that Portugal’s ruling nobility lived here from the 15th to the 19th century. Photos on Instagram.

Go for: old palatial rooms, including an old chapel and small garden. Tickets €52

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 da 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.

Hotels in Sintra

Casa da Estefânea – A gorgeous boutique B&B in the heart of Sintra, known for its warm hospitality, sumptuous Portuguese linens, and an afternoon welcome of port wine and local pastries.

Chalet Saudade – A lovingly restored 19th-century chalet steps from the train station, with romantic gardens, antique fountains, and elegant trompe l’oeil frescoes inside.

Quinta da Maquia Hotel – A polished 4-star retreat on a restored 19th-century estate, with an infinity pool, excellent restaurant, and near-perfect guest scores.

Passeio Sintra Collection – A beautifully designed hotel right in the center of Sintra with spacious rooms and an exceptional breakfast — a great base for a full day of palace-hopping.

Airbnbs in Sintra

Charming Cerrado dos Pinheiro house – $ – a couples’ favorite with a beautiful garden, distant sea views, and walking distance from Sintra’s historic center.

Classic Sintra apartment – $ – an elegant apartment inside a century-old building in the heart of town, ideal for groups of up to 6.

Casinha das Vinhas in Sintra’s Old Town – $$ – a family-friendly 1890s house with original stone finishes and Moorish castle views.

Romantic Vintage Cottage with garden – $$ – a vintage chalet in the Historic Center with a sweeping private garden perfect for a barbecue, just a short walk from some of Sintra’s best palaces.

Boutique Family Retreat – $$$ – a refurbished design townhouse with two private suites and a patio overlooking the “Castelo dos Mouros” right in the heart of Sintra village.

View Hotels in Sintra | View Hotels in Lisbon

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!