Sintra, Portugal is every bit a fairy-tale town; where secret gardens hide upside-down towers, an ancient stone fortress stands as sentinel and a fanciful rainbow castle looks out over all the land. The palaces of Sintra are less than an hour away from Lisbon but feels worlds away, and it’s very easy to get to Sintra from Lisbon. Portuguese and British nobility have long been swayed by Sintra’s charms, and with scenery that would be right at home on Game of Thrones it’s easy to see why Sintra is the best day trip you can take from Lisbon.
Pena Palace
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Gracing the covers of travel magazines and guide books the colorful spires of Pena Palace are one of the most recognizable symbols of Portugal. Fairytale meets Crayola, this castle was the whimsical creation of King Ferdinand II and construction of the modern structure began in 1838. A mix of architectural styles ranging from Romanticism to Moorish and Gothic, Pena Palace and Sintra were declared an UNESCO World Heritage Site. A restoration in the late 20th century brought back the original vibrant colors of the castle, it’s hard to believe that this technicolor castle had faded to gray after the royal family was exiled from Portugal in 1910.
There are two ticket options available for Pena Palace. The Palace and Park ticket (14 euro) allows for entrance to the grounds and the interior of the palace. Unless you have a huge interest in palace interior or the history of Pena Palace I would opt for the Park only ticket (7.5 euro) which still gives you access to the exterior of the palace.
The Castle of the Moors (Moorish Castle)
Occupying a strategic hilltop perch with views stretching out to the Atlantic Ocean, the stone ramparts of the Moorish Castle look like they were taken straight out of Game of Thrones. Originally built during the 9th century this castle was used as defense by both Moorish and Christian rulers. The Church of São Pedro de Canaferrim contains archeologic artifacts but to best experience the Moorish Castle lace up you shoes and climb the seemingly never-ending steps of this medieval fortress. The narrow steps are a workout but the views of Sintra, Pena Palace and the Atlantic Ocean are definitely worth the climb. (Tickets-8 euro.)
Quinta da Regaleira
Built as a lavish summer residence in the late 1800s for António Augusto Carvalho Monteiro, the Quinta da Regaleira is one of the prettiest homes in Europe. Throughout the palace and garden you’ll find symbols related to the Freemasons and the Knights Templar, both interest of the estate’s eccentric owner. Perhaps the best known feature of Quinta da Regaleira is the Initiation Well, an inverted tower that spirals underground that was said ti be used for Tarot ceremonies. Today the spiral staircase is filled with visitors looking to get the perfect picture. (Tickets-6 Euro).
Other Palaces
Sadly I visited Sintra for just one day and didn’t have time to explore the 8 palaces and sites of Sintra. In addition to the places I’ve already mentions you can visit the National Palace of Sintra, the National Palace and Gardens of Queluz, the Palace of Monserrate, Convent of the Capuchos, and the Chalet and Garden of the Countess of Edla.
How to Get to Sintra from Lisbon
The best way to get get to Sintra from Lisbon is by train. The most direct route leaves from the Rossio train station in Lisbon and takes about 40 minutes, and at $4.50 euro for a round trip is a bargain. Be aware that Sintra’s train station is in town and you will still need to use the bus, taxi or a tuk-tuk to get to Pena Palace and the Moorish Castle.
Tips for Sintra
Sintra, and Pena Palace in particular, is the most popular tourist site in all of Portugal and crowds aren’t unual. Be prepared.
There is a walking trail from the town of Sintra to Pena Palace and the Moorish Castle but it can take up to 40-50 minutes one way. To maximize your time in Sintra you can use the tourist buses 434 or 435, or hire a taxi or a tuk-tuk.
Whether you’re at the palaces or in the town of Sintra it can be quite steep. Wear comfortable shoes with good tread.
If you plan on seeing multiple sites be sure to purchase a combination ticket for a 5-10% discount.
Where to Stay in Sintra
Casa Miraduoro is a charming pastel striped inn with views of Pena Palance and the Moorish Castle.
Live out your fairytale fantasies at Tivoli Palacio de Seteais, an 18th century palace reimagined as a luxury hotel.
Bliss House is a modern guesthouse with a great breakfast just steps from the train station.
Andi says
I really enjoyed my visit to Sintra. We had a rental car so were able to see other spots close by as well. It’s quite an impressive little town!
Brianna says
Wasn’t it gorgeous?
mikkelpaige says
Next time I’m in Portugal I definitely want to visit here! Thanks for the tips!
Brianna says
Who doesn’t love castles and gorgeous scenery?
Medha Verma says
I love the architecture in Sintra and that’s one of the biggest reasons why I want to visit Portugal. Castles and palaces are my favourite and Pena Palace as well as Moorish Castle look so intriguing! I can’t wait to get to Portugal and spend a few days exploring Sintra.
Brianna says
Such a beautiful place, you will love it!
Shweta Singhal says
I so agree with you that Sintra makes for a great day trip from Lisbon. After a business conference, I am glad I toik out time to see both the colourful Pena Palace and walk up the Moorish castle. I hadn’t known about the Quinta da Regaleira bacj then.
Brianna says
Perhaps it’s time for a return trip?
Shweta Singhal says
Sure! I would love to go back to Portugal.
Lydia says
Sintra is the perfect day trip that anyone exploring Lisbon should take, Brianna. I enjoyed my time there and would go back anytime. Your pictures are so colorful and inviting!
Brianna says
I want to go back to explore even more!
Boarding Call says
soo beautiful! I visited Pena Palace and the Moorish castle but sadly missed the other one but they were also some of the highlights of my trip to Portugal, they are just so stunning and picturesque!
Brianna says
Easily one of the prettiest places I’ve ever been!
Jenn and Ed Coleman says
I love the look of Pena Palace. Portugal isn’t afraid of being bright and bold. I really need to go someday and I’ll definitely hit up Sintra. I would love to stay overnight to see both the colors at sunset and let the crowds thin out.
Brianna says
I bet it’s gorgeous at sunset!
Paige says
I totally agree that this is the absolute best day trip you could make from Lisbon. We went to four of the castles in Sintra. We were there on a super foggy day, so I’m so sad that we didn’t get to see the views from the top. Quinta da Regaleira was my absolute favorite though!
Brianna says
I loved Quinta da Regaleira too!
Kirstie Saldo says
The castles are really beautiful and made me want to plan a trip to Portugal all the more! My favorite will have to be the Castle of the Moors. The view that you get is spectacular!
Brianna says
The views go on forever!
WanderingCarol says
Castles, palaces and crayola colours. Is there anything Sintra doesn’t have? I really haven’t explored Portugal enough. Other than the coast I haven’t really discovered it at all, and this is giving me so much travel inspiration. Thanks.
Brianna says
TIme to go back!
Alouise says
I love how colourful Pena Castle is. I’d been told Sintra was a great place to visit from Lisbon from my an old roommate (who was Portuguese). I didn’t know Sintra had so many castles and sites to see. Seems like it would be worth a day trip (or maybe even two days).
Brianna says
I would want to go for 2-3 days to see all the palaces.
Ami Bhat says
These are totally fairy tale like. The Penna palace is so colorful and those sculptures around the windows…just so intricate and lovely. Love the views from the Moorish castle. Must have been quite windy to climb all that way.
Brianna says
All the steps were worth it for the views!
topmeohay says
I totally agree that this is the absolute best day trip you could make from Lisbon. We went to four of the castles in Sintra. We were there on a super foggy day, so I’m so sad that we didn’t get to see the views from the top. Quinta da Regaleira was my absolute favorite though!