I flew to Lisbon to get my Portuguese passport during the Covid.
To my delight and sadness because of the coronavirus, there were almost no tourists in Lisbon when I traveled and when I went to Sintra there were very few people there, too.
In regular times, Sintra is considered a very touristic place with thousands of people every day.
This made the visit to Sintra more fun for me because I could be photographed and take pictures without people in the background. And there were no queues anywhere, which was more convenient.
How to get to Sintra from Lisbon
The truth is that at first, I thought of joining a tour out of Lisbon to meet people on the way (because I was traveling alone) but then I explored the options and realized that it would be best for me to travel there on my own and not be depending on tour times.
I have created a dedicated post with all the information on how to get to Sintra from Lisbon and I keep it updated with recent changes.
Get to know Sintra town
Sintra is a town that is around 35 km from Lisbon. It is a magical place with castles and palaces and a stunning historic town center. It has crazy views and also special beaches. UNESCO declared the cultural landscape of Sintra a World Heritage Site in 1995.
I think it’s worth dedicating two or three days to Sintra and not just one. There is a lot to see and in every site you will spend a few hours for sure, so it is impossible to get everything done in just one day. On my next opportunity, I will go there for a few days.
*Tip: note that the entrance to each castle and palace costs money. There are machines for purchasing tickets at the entrance to each site and the payment at the machine is by credit only, so it is recommended to arrive with credit (there are also cash registers, but the queue can be very long).
How to get around Sintra
The castles and palaces are up in the mountains and it is very difficult to access them by foot unless you are there for a few days and love a sporting challenge. You can easily get around by bus, at least that’s what I did.
There are 2 bus lines, line 434 and 435. Both are circular and goes out from the Sintra Train Station. You buy a daily ticket which allows you to travel as many rides as you need for 24 hours from the moment of activation. In the past they sold a single line ticket for 7 euros but it is no longer available and you need to buy the city ticket for 15 euros per day for both lines.
I took line 434 from the Sintra Train Station, which passes through Dos Mouros Castle (The Moorish Castle), Pena Palace and the historic town center. The frequency of the bus is every 15 minutes at peak time (10:00-17:00). The first bus goes around 09:15 during summer season or 09:30 on the low season. Buses go every 30 minutes until 19:50 during summer or 18:20. I created the bus stops map for line 434 below but please consider the pins might not be on the exact point, it is more for you to get around.
Line 435, goes from the Sintra Train Station and pass through: São Pedro de Sintra, Sintra Vila, Regaleira, Seteais Palace, Monserrate Palace, Colares, Ribeira de Sintra, Montes Santos and back to the train station.
I took the 7 euro single line ticket because in one day I think it’s hard to get to more than three destinations, especially if you take a lot of pictures and stay for a few hours in each location.
Planning note: I read from other visitors that the buses during peak time can be packed and there are queues in the more popular bus stops, so while I was traveling during Covid and had the entire seat for myself, things might be different for you, so plan ahead and consider an extra of 30 minutes between every bus ride.
In addition to the buses, there are tuk-tuk drivers (though I do not know what price they charge) and some people mention that they have used Uber which can be faster than buses as you don’t need to wait in queues. It might even be cheaper if you are a group of 3-4 people and only plan to visit one or two places (up to 3 rides).
Coffee break
The first thing I did when I got to Sintra was go for coffee. There was a cafe that looked nice near the train station, but it was crowded so I went to a calmer one. It was a nice cafe with desserts and drinks and you can sit outside or inside – Garagem cafe (directions). There is a bus stop close to it so from there you can start exploring Sintra.
Dos Mouros Castle – Teachers Castle
I recommend buying tickets in advance – Order entrance tickets online
The first stop of line 434 is the crazy castle Dos Mouros. The castle was built by the mores in the eighth and ninth centuries. The castle was built on the mountain and was once a defense of the entire area.
The road to the castle is impressive and special but when you enter it and walk into the area of the walls and defense towers, then you are truly amazed. The medieval walls (and the view from them) give the feeling of being inside a movie.
I really recommend going to this castle and not missing out on it.
Pena Palace is located about 400 meters further up from the castle. You can continue by bus first to the palace and then get off on foot to the castle. Either start at the castle and then walk to the palace or wait for the bus to take you there.
Tip: I started at the castle, but it is better to start at the palace and then go down to the castle because the palace is more touristy and the queues there can be very long.
Pena Palace – Park and National Palace of Pena
I recommend buying tickets in advance – Order entrance tickets online
WOW! It really is the most beautiful palace I have ever seen and the truth is I think anyone who has visited it will agree with me. This palace looks like it was taken from a legend and is so colorful and special that you can’t believe that it really exists. This palace is known as the jewel in the crown of the Sintra Mountains.
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The palace demonstrates the architectural style of the 19th century. Around the palace there are wooded areas, continuing the design ideals of the palace’s romance, with hidden routes, mystical ornaments, and stunning views.
It is advisable to get there as early as possible because it is considered the busiest place in Sintra.
The historic town center of Sintra
When I got there I was already starving and exhausted from walking in the palace and castle so I did not get to walk around too much and it’s a shame because it seems like a fun place to explore.
I sat there in a cool restaurant outside whose highlight for me was their excellent and refreshing sangria that cost 3.5 euros – Tasca Saloia Restaurant (directions).
I ordered a portion of shrimp in olive oil and chips which were very tasty and, in short, I was very pleased with the choice.
Sintra National Palace
I recommend buying tickets in advance – Order entrance tickets online
Unfortunately, I was already exhausted from running around that day, so I only managed to see the Sintra Palace from the outside, but it looked impressive. For those with more time, I think it’s worth going inside to explore. Its location is very convenient, right in the center of Sintra, near restaurants and cafés. The palace combines Gothic and Moorish styles and served as a summer residence for Portuguese kings throughout history. Today, it is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Directions.
Sintra with Kids
Although I traveled solo this time, but I did my homework before wandering between Sintra’s palaces, reading blogs and browsing travel forums. The verdict was clear: Sintra is a great destination for families with children. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your visit.
Palácio da Pena (Pena Palace)
Sintra’s most popular attraction. A colorful fairytale-like palace that captures kids’ imagination. Be sure to buy your tickets online in advance (Order entrance tickets online). Families with babies can use the “parent priority line,” which helps skip most of the queues. Kids under 6 enter for free. The upper parking lot involves a steep climb, so most families drop passengers near the entrance and either park below or take a paid shuttle. Due to the cobblestone paths and many stairs, a baby carrier is much more convenient than a stroller.
Quinta da Regaleira
A magical estate full of mysterious gardens, a spiral initiation well, and underground passageways. Very popular with kids thanks to the adventurous “hide-and-seek in tunnels” vibe. Queues are usually short, and early mornings (before 11:00) are especially calm. The underground paths aren’t stroller-friendly, so it’s best to leave them at the ticket booth.
Cabo da Roca
The westernmost point of mainland Europe, with dramatic cliffs and breathtaking ocean views. About a 20-minute drive from Sintra. Some walking paths are close to the edge of the cliffs, so keep a close eye on curious little ones.
Monserrate Palace & Gardens
A peaceful, spacious park with exotic trees, wide lawns, and a beautifully decorated palace. Much quieter than Pena Palace and perfect for families with younger children. Easy to navigate even with a stroller.
Museu do Brinquedo (Sintra Toy Museum)
A small, nostalgic museum with a collection of toys from different eras. A quick and pleasant stop—great for rainy days or a slower-paced morning in town.
Castelo dos Mouros (Moorish Castle)
Best for kids over 6 who enjoy climbing and playing make-believe as knights. There are lots of stairs and high viewpoints—not stroller-friendly and less suitable for toddlers, but a thrilling experience for those ready to hike up.
Tips for Parents:
– Bus line 434 covers most of the main sites, but with kids, taking a taxi or Uber can save time and stress.
– Bring your own snacks and water—on-site food stalls are expensive and limited.
– Even in summer, the weather at higher elevations can be chilly. Pack an extra layer for the kids.
– To truly enjoy the experience, plan for at least two days in Sintra.
– Start early—most attractions open around 9:00 a.m., and mornings are the quietest time to visit.
More recommendations for things to do in Sintra
Before I visited Sintra, I did some research on the places I wanted to visit. Unfortunately, I didn’t manage to see everything. Here are some more recommendations for your visit:
Quinta da Regaleira
Quinta da Regaleira is an impressive estate with well-maintained gardens, located just a short distance from the center of Sintra and covering about four hectares. The estate is named after Baroness Regaleira, who originally purchased the property in 1840.
The palace is about a 10-minute walk from the town’s historic center, but keep in mind that the walk includes an uphill climb.
Parque e Palácio de Monserrate
The Monserrate Park and Palace are located about 4 kilometers from the center and are a perfect example of the 19th-century Romantic style, which greatly influenced the architecture throughout Sintra. Although the palace was emptied of its contents in the mid-20th century, its rooms are still impressive and worth visiting. The “Music Hall” on the premises continues to host cultural events, adding a unique touch to the experience.
Notes about Sintra
- You will walk a lot while you’re there, so come with comfortable shoes.
- Sintra is colder than Lisbon, so bring a jacket (after 5 in the evening it gets even colder).
- It is advisable to visit as early as possible in the morning both to get as much time as possible and also to avoid queues that are too long.
- Charge your camera and your cell phone before you visit because you won’t stop taking pictures while you’re there.
- If you are in Lisbon for a few days, then do not miss out on visiting Sintra. It’s really close and it’s definitely worth it!
A table with opening hours and prices for 2025
| Site | Opening Hours | Prices |
|---|---|---|
| Pena Palace and Park | Park: 09:00–19:00 (Last entry: 18:00) Palace: 09:30–18:30 (Last entry: 17:30) | Palace & Park: Adult €20 |
| Quinta da Regaleira | 09:00–19:30 (Last entry: 18:30) | Adult €11 |
| Moorish Castle | 09:30–18:00 (Last entry: 17:30) | Adult €12 |
| Monserrate Palace & Park | Park: 09:00–19:00 Palace: 09:30–18:00 (Last entry: 17:00) | Adult €12 |
| National Palace of Sintra | 09:30–18:30 (Last entry: 18:00) | Adult €13 |
| Queluz Palace and Gardens | Palace: 09:00–18:00 (Last entry: 17:30) Gardens: 09:00–18:30 | Palace & Gardens: Adult €13 |
| Chalet and Park of Countess of Edla | Park: 09:00–19:00 Chalet: 09:00–17:30 | Included in Pena Park ticket |
| Convent of the Capuchos | 09:00–17:30 (Last entry: 17:00) | Adult €11 |
| Villa Sassetti | 10:00–18:00 | Free |
| Portuguese School of Equestrian Art | Mornings, Monday to Friday: 10:00–13:00 | “Morning” (Audience): Adult €8 |
Where to stay in Sintra
If my trip had been longer, I would have stayed in Sintra for at least one night.
I found some great accommodations in a central location:
- Chalet Saudade
- Villa Bela Vista
- Penha Longa Resort
- Casa do Valle
- Casa Holstein Quinta de Sao Sebastiao Sintra
When Is the Best Time to Visit Sintra?
Choosing the right season can make all the difference if you’re planning a trip to Sintra. This charming hilltop town near Lisbon has its microclimate, cooler, mistier, and often breezier than nearby areas. Here’s a quick guide to help you plan the perfect visit:
Spring (April–June)
This is the ideal time to visit. The weather is mild, flowers are in full bloom, and the main attractions are not yet overcrowded. Perfect for exploring gardens, palaces, and walking trails.
Summer (July–August)
High season. Expect warm temperatures (though not extreme), but also large crowds. It’s essential to book tickets in advance and arrive early in the morning to avoid long lines.
Fall (September–October)
Still great weather, but with fewer tourists. A lovely time to enjoy the scenery at a slower pace, with early signs of autumn in the forests and gardens.
Winter (November–March)
Low season. Weather can be chilly, rainy, and foggy, less suitable for families with small children, but a good option for travelers seeking quiet and moody landscapes.
Tip: Even in summer, Sintra can feel surprisingly cool due to its elevation. Bring a light jacket or sweater just in case.
