Must-See Attractions in Sintra, Portugal

One of the most notable day trips from Lisbon, a journey to Sintra should rank high on every visitor’s itinerary. Once a royal retreat, today, you are more likely to encounter tour buses than elegant carriages; however, this charming town and its surrounding attractions remain deserving of your exploration.

From lavish palaces to austere monasteries, Gothic estates to expansive parks, you will never find yourself short of options. Below, we highlight six of the top attractions in Sintra.

1. Pena Palace

Perched atop a hill, the UNESCO-listed Pena Palace is visible from far away, even as far as Lisbon. Commissioned by Ferdinand II in 1842, the vividly painted structures incorporate a myriad of architectural styles that showcase the king’s passion for the arts.

The palace’s interior is as captivating as its exterior, having been restored to reflect the final years of the Portuguese monarchy.

As Sintra’s most renowned attraction, long queues are common, especially on weekends. The palace operates from 9:45 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. during summer, thus planning your visit for early or late in the day is advisable to dodge the heaviest crowds.

You may hike from the town up to the palace; however, the trail is steep for at least an hour. Alternatively, if you wish to conserve your energy for exploring, consider taking bus 434 or one of the many taxis or tuk-tuks available for hire.

The entrance fee for the palace and the encompassing Pena Park (detailed below) is €14 for adults, with discounts available for online purchases or when visiting multiple attractions.

2. Pena Park

Boasting over 200 hectares (500+ acres) of hilly, forested trails, Pena Park is a paradise for walkers. Created alongside Pena Palace, its grounds are home to over five hundred varieties of trees, ferns, and flowers from all corners of the globe including the United States, New Zealand, Australia, China, and Japan. Its expansive space allows for a tranquil experience away from the usual tourist crowds.

While the trek from the town to the park can be challenging, taking about an hour on foot or around ten minutes by car, once inside, the paths are far more manageable, with plenty of seating available to rest when needed.

Notable features of Pena Park include Cruz Alta (an iron cross at the highest point on the Sintra hillside) and the wooden Casa do Regalo chalet. Additionally, there are many hidden fountains, sculptures, and other detailed decorations along the numerous trails crisscrossing the picturesque landscape. Collecting a free map at the visitor center is recommended to enhance your visit.

If palace lines are overwhelming, or if nature appeals more than indoor attractions, a park-only ticket costs €7.50. Plan to spend at least a couple of leisurely hours exploring, though you could easily extend your visit if desired.

3. Castle of the Moors

Dating back to the 8th century and having undergone numerous expansions and reconstructions, Sintra’s Castle of the Moors is an impressive fortress. As is customary for castles, it is elevated on a hill, surrounded by formidable walls stretching nearly half a kilometer.

Once forgotten, the castle underwent significant restoration in the 1800s following several natural disasters and years of neglect.

Recent excavations have revealed artifacts dating back to the Bronze Age, along with the foundations of Moorish dwellings and a medieval Christian graveyard. Many of these recovered items are displayed in a small church that now serves as an interpretation center adjacent to the castle.

While the castle ruins and their history are captivating, the breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside are a highlight. The panoramic vistas from the castle walls encompass Pena Palace, its parklands, Sintra town, and the Atlantic coast beyond.

Visiting the Castle of the Moors is a logical step before or after exploring nearby Pena Park and Palace, as they are within walking distance. Entrance fees are €8 for adults, and the castle is open from 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. during the summer.

4. Quinta da Regaleira

In the heart of the town, navigate the bustling streets to reach the entrance of Quinta da Regaleira, a captivating 19th-century estate located just outside the historic center. Featuring an elaborate palace adorned with turrets, spires, and gargoyles, along with an adjacent chapel showcasing exquisite frescoes and stained glass, this estate is a visual feast.

However, the main attraction lies beyond the buildings. The sprawling 10 acres of gardens are richly wooded, where occult symbols and Masonic emblems enhance its intriguing ambiance.

The underground network is as captivating as the surface, connecting various areas of the estate, including the chapel, a lake, and the iconic ‘initiation wells,’ perhaps the most photographed spot at Quinta da Regaleira.

These mysterious towers served ceremonial purposes, including initiation rites. The larger well features a stunning 90-foot circular staircase, making your descent into the earth a notable highlight of your visit.

Quinta da Regaleira opens at 9:30 a.m. and closes at 6:00 p.m. in winter or 8:00 p.m. in summer. Adult tickets are priced at €6, with family options available as well.

5. National Palace of Sintra

Sintra’s National Palace is unique as the only medieval Portuguese palace that has survived almost completely intact. The precise date of its construction is unknown, but it was referenced in historic documents prior to the Christian recapture of Sintra in 1147.

Having been continuously used from the 15th century until the monarchy’s fall in 1910, the palace features conical chimneys that rise distinctly from its kitchen. The relatively unadorned exterior belies the richly decorated rooms within, with the most notable being the ‘magpie room,’ which symbolizes the chatter and intrigue of the royal court.

Other displays include exquisite tapestries, a valuable celestial globe, and a striking model of a Chinese pagoda.

The entrance fee is €10 for adults, and the palace operates from 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. in summer. Like many popular sites in Sintra, the palace attracts significant crowds between late morning and mid-afternoon. To sidestep the rush, visiting at opening time or a couple of hours before closing is advisable.

6. Convento dos Capuchos

In stark contrast to the grandeur of palaces and vibrant streets, a visit to the Convento dos Capuchos provides a serene and simplistic experience.

This diminutive Franciscan convent seamlessly blends into the natural surroundings, crafted from local granite with minimal comfort for the resident monks.

The monks made extensive use of cork for decoration and insulation, enhancing the convent’s practical adaptations to Sintra’s cool, damp climate.

Continuously inhabited for almost three centuries, the convent was abandoned in 1834 with the dissolution of religious orders in Portugal. Surrounding vegetation showcases remarkable biodiversity, representing one of the few remaining parts of Sintra’s hillside that survived deforestation.

Located nearly five miles from the town, accessing the ruins may require a taxi or private transport. Adult tickets price at €7, and the site is open from 9:30 a.m. until 8 p.m. during the summer months. Expect to spend a leisurely hour wandering through this historical landmark.