Sintra: The Complete Guide

Sintra Palacio Da Pena — CC BY-SA 2.0 / Singa Hitam

Sintra is a charming Portuguese town situated within the cooling hills of the Serra de Sintra. With its undulating mountains, lush forests teeming with ferns and lichen, exotic gardens, and dazzling palaces, feels like a fairytale come to life. The town’s centre, Sintra-Vila, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is adorned with pastel-colored mansions nestled into verdant hills that slope towards the deep blue Atlantic.

The Celts venerated their moon god in Sintra, the Moors constructed a precipitous castle, and 18th-century Portuguese royalty strolled around its idyllic gardens. Even Lord Byron was entranced by Sintra’s beauty and described it in his epic poem Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage as, “Lo! Cintra’s glorious Eden intervenes, in variegated maze of mount and glen.”

While it’s a must-visit destination for those in Lisbon, many attempt to cram it into a single day trip, which can feel rushed. If time permits, Sintra is captivating enough to warrant a few days’ stay.

History of Sintra

Sintra’s history is rich and diverse, with traces of human habitation dating back thousands of years. Here’s an overview of the key historical periods and events in the history of Sintra:

Prehistoric Era: Sintra’s region has evidence of human occupation dating back to the Paleolithic era, with archaeological finds such as cave paintings and megalithic monuments like the dolmens and menhirs scattered throughout the landscape.
Roman Occupation: During the Roman period, Sintra, known as “Cynthia” or “Mount Moon,” was appreciated for its natural beauty and mild climate. Romans established villas and agricultural estates in the area, taking advantage of its fertile land and strategic location.
Islamic Rule: After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, the Iberian Peninsula came under Islamic rule. Sintra, with its lush forests and elevated position, became a favorite retreat for Moorish rulers and nobility. The Moorish Castle, perched high on a hill overlooking the town, dates back to this period.
Reconquista and Christian Rule: In the 12th century, Portugal’s first king, Afonso Henriques, conquered Sintra from the Moors as part of the Reconquista. The town became a royal retreat and a center of Portuguese court life, with numerous palaces and estates built in the area.
Medieval and Renaissance Period: During the medieval and Renaissance periods, Sintra flourished as a center of art, culture, and learning. Kings and nobles constructed lavish palaces, including the iconic Pena Palace, blending Moorish, Gothic, Manueline, and Renaissance architectural styles.
Age of Exploration: Sintra’s fortunes continued to rise during Portugal’s Age of Exploration in the 15th and 16th centuries. Wealthy merchants and explorers built extravagant homes and estates in the town, contributing to its reputation as a playground for the elite.
Modern Era: In the 19th century, Sintra experienced a revival as a romantic destination and cultural center. European aristocrats, artists, and writers flocked to the town, enchanted by its scenic beauty and historical charm. The construction of the Sintra Line railway in 1887 further enhanced its accessibility and popularity.

Today, Sintra is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding cultural landscape, characterized by its historic palaces, castles, and gardens, as well as its natural beauty and picturesque setting amidst the Sintra Mountains. It remains a beloved destination for travelers seeking to explore its rich history and enchanting ambiance.

Visiting Sintra for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Sintra on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!

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9 Best places to See in Sintra

This complete guide to Sintra not only tells you about the very best sights and tourist attractions for first-time visitors to the city but also provide insights into a few of our personal favorite things to do.

This is a practical guide to visiting the best places to see in Sintra and is filled with tips and info that should answer all your questions!

Sintra National Palace

Palacio Sintra February — CC BY-SA 4.0 / Alvesgaspar

The National Palace of Sintra is a remarkable building and one of the most notable mediaeval palaces in Portugal. From the earliest days of the nation, Sintra has been a favourite location of Portuguese monarchs, but the palace as we see it today was rebuilt by Dom João I and enriched by Dom Manuel I. […]

Visiting Sintra National Palace

Castelo dos Mouros

The ruins of the Castelo dos Mouros tower over Sintra and were once a formidable defense for the region during the Moorish era from the 8th to the 12th century. Built on a rocky outcrop, it afforded the Moors a strategic view of the coastline and surrounding lands. However, after the Christian Crusaders stormed the […]

Visiting Castelo dos Mouros

Palácio e Quinta da Regaleira

Quinta Regaleira, one of Sintra’s most mysterious attractions, is located very near to the town’s historic center. The Palácio da Regaleira, surrounded by lush greenery, was constructed in the early 20th century by António Augusto Carvalho Monteiro (1848-1920), a millionaire who fulfilled one of his dreams with the help of architect Luigi Manini (1848-1936). The […]

Location: Quinta da Regaleira, Rua Barbosa du Bocage, Sintra, Portugal | Hours: 9.30am-7pm Apr-Sep, to 5pm Oct-Mar | Price: adult/child €6/4, tours €12/8 | Quinta da Regaleira Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket | Distance: 1.40km

Visiting Palácio e Quinta da Regaleira

Pena Palace

The magnificent Palácio da Pena exemplifies 19th-century Romantic revivalism in Portugal, and is a must-see for visitors to Sintra. Perched atop the Monte da Pena, the palace occupies the site of an old monastery belonging to the Order of St. Jerome. Its creation was inspired by Dom Fernando of Saxe Coburg-Gotha, who married Queen Dona […]

Visiting Pena Palace

Cruz Alta Viewpoint

Rising 529 meters above sea level, this viewpoint stands as the tallest peak in the Sintra Mountains. Situated in the heart of Pena Park, 4 km away from the historic centre, it offers a breathtaking view of the Sintra Mountains in all their glory. With a panoramic landscape and the ocean on the horizon, visitors […]

Location: Cruz Alta, Sintra, Portugal | Hours: 24 Hours | Price: Free | Distance: 2.70km

Visiting Cruz Alta Viewpoint

Park and Palace of Monserrate

William Beckford, who fell in love with the Serra de Sintra, created this magnificent Romantic park. Monserrate was originally a farm with fruit orchards and crop fields that was first imagined by Gerard DeVisme in the 18th century. Subsequently, William Beckford and Francis Cook also lived on the property. However, it was Francis Cook, the […]

Visiting Park and Palace of Monserrate

Convento dos Capuchos (Sintra)

Capuchos Convent, also called Santa Cruz or the Cork Convent, was constructed in 1560 by Dom Álvaro de Castro to fulfill a vow made by his father, Dom João de Castro, who was Viceroy of India. The convent’s small cells, chapel, refectory, and other facilities are built into the rock and lined with cork, showcasing […]

Visiting Convento dos Capuchos (Sintra)

Cabo da Roca

Don’t miss out on visiting Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe, when you’re in Sintra. This important landmark, located at latitude 38º 47´ north and longitude 9º 30´ west, has historical significance for those navigating along the coast, as it serves as the most westerly point of mainland Europe. Visitors can even […]

Location: Cabo da Roca, Estrada do Cabo da Roca, Colares, Portugal | Hours: 24 Hours | Price: Free | Distance: 10.50km

Visiting Cabo da Roca

Palácio de Queluz

Palácio Queluz — CC BY-SA 4.0 / Alvesgaspar

The Palace of Queluz, built during the late 18th-century at the command of Pedro III, the husband of D. Maria I (1734-1816), is an exceptional example of Portuguese architecture. As a former royal residence, the palace is a fine specimen of 18th-century Portuguese architecture, enriched with an extensive collection of decorative art, mostly belonging to […]

Location: Palacio de Queluz, Queluz, Portugal | Hours: 9am-7pm Apr-Oct, to 6pm Nov-Mar | Price: adult/child €10/8.50 | Website | Distance: 12.10km

Visiting Palácio de Queluz

Best Time to Visit Sintra

The best seasons to visit Sintra are spring (April to June) and fall (September to October). During these times, the weather is generally mild and pleasant, with fewer tourists compared to the peak summer months. The landscapes are lush and vibrant, making it ideal for exploring the town’s gardens, parks, and historic sites. Additionally, the shoulder seasons offer comfortable temperatures for outdoor activities without the intense heat or crowds of summer. However, Sintra’s beauty can be appreciated year-round, so visiting during other seasons can still provide a memorable experience, albeit with potentially more tourists during the summer months.

Average Temperatures in Sintra

January 16°C 8
February 17°C 8
March 18°C 9
April 21°C 8
May 22°C 5
June 24°C 2
July 27°C 0
August 27°C 0
September 25°C 4
October 24°C 10
November 19°C 12
December 17°C 11

How to get to Sintra

To get to Sintra, you have several transportation options depending on your starting point:

Train: From Lisbon, you can take a train from Rossio Station or Estação do Oriente to Sintra. The journey takes around 40 minutes, and trains depart frequently throughout the day.
Bus: There are also regular bus services connecting Lisbon to Sintra. You can catch a bus from various locations in Lisbon, including Sete Rios or Praça Marquês de Pombal. The bus journey takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic.
Car: If you prefer driving, you can rent a car and take the A16 or A37 highways from Lisbon to Sintra. The journey typically takes around 30 minutes, but travel times may vary depending on traffic conditions.
Tour: Another option is to join a guided tour from Lisbon to Sintra. Many tour companies offer day trips that include transportation, allowing you to explore Sintra’s attractions with the convenience of a guided experience.

Choose the option that best suits your preferences and schedule, and enjoy your visit to Sintra!

Tours and Activities from Sintra

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