Are you planning a trip to Sintra from Lisbon? If so, prepare yourself to be amazed by the beauty of Pena Palace, the intrigue of Quinta da Regaleira, and the majestic Moorish Castle’s stand the test of time. This guide to Sintra provides streamlined travel tips, lesser-known facts, and a glimpse of the captivating sights at this hotspot. From Sintra’s treasured places, towns, and sites to navigating the town, all within easy reach of Portugal’s capital city in a single day.
Ultimate Day Trip To Sintra
With its beautiful scenery and historic palaces, Sintra makes one of the best destinations for a day trip from Lisbon. To avoid crowds, especially at Quinta da Regaleira and Pena Palace, it is best to begin the journey early in the morning. Travelling to Sintra by train is simple and direct. Sintra is only a 30 minute train ride from Lisbon and is one of the places of interest frequented by the Portuguese nobility and affluent families who built beautiful sprawling houses and maintained gardens.Uber, tuk-tuks, and the 434 bus are all effective alternatives for moving around in Sintra. To optimize your time and funds, purchase online tickets in advance for sites like Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira, and plan your visit for the calmer spring or autumn seasons.
Can You Go for a Day Trip to Sintra from Lisbon?
Yes, it is indeed possible to go on a day trip to Sintra from Lisbon, and for good reason given the astounding beauty and rich history it offers. Sintra is captivating as it has ancient castles, royal palaces, and extravagant estates all conveniently located within a landscape that is easy to traverse. Its culture makes it extraordinary, allowing you to spend a whole day (if not more) indulging yourself. Shrines of unique architectural styles and palatial retreats located in hills of Sintra served as the summer sanctuary for Portuguese royalty.
Typically, a day trip begins with the Pena Palace which is positioned at the most top of the hill so all other attractions can be explored while walking down towards the town. Recommended is to start early in the morning if you intend on making the most out of a one day trip to Sintra from Lisbon.
Lisbon to Sintra: Get There by Train
You can conveniently begin your day trip to Sintra by boarding a train. It takes approximately 40 to 45 minutes to travel to Sintra on a train from Rossio Train Station in Lisbon (Oriente Train Station takes a little longer). There’s no need to worry about time; the ride is both quick and comfortable. Trains operate approximately every twenty minutes from around 8 AM, and the last train returns around midnight. So, you have ample time to plan your trip to Sintra.
Traveling to Sintra from Lisbon is hassle-free. The Sintra train station is the last stop of the line and is conveniently located near the historic center.
The cost of a return train ticket from Lisbon to Sintra is €4.60. If you want to skip the long queue at the ticket machine, consider booking the tickets online through Omio, as we did, or using a reloadable Via Viagen card. Regardless of how you choose to book your tickets, the pre-trip transportation management is efficient and straightforward.
For the best experience, arriving early will set you up perfectly for your journey. Merely arriving early allows you to explore Sintra without having to worry about being interrupted by the larger crowds. So why not grab a cup of coffee and catch the 8 A.M. train to Sintra?
One Day Sintra Itinerary
You should plan on leaving Lisbon early so that you can maximize your itinerary. It is recommended to start with either Pena Palace or Quinta da Regaleira. Due to its popularity, the majority of visitors start with Pena Palace. Should you choose to do Pena Palace in the afternoon, you could switch this itinerary around and start with Quinta da Regaleira, which is closer to Sintra station.
Ascend to Romanticism: Visiting Pena Palace
For Palácio da Pena, weekdays are the best time to visit, especially in the early morning or late afternoon. Therefore, as per our earlier suggestion, you need to secure a timed ticket for either opening or late afternoon near closing time. In case you decide to go in the morning, you should be able to book your timed entry ticket for the first entry.
We recommend using Uber, taxi, or Tuk Tuk for a more direct route to the train station. The bus from Sintra to Pena Palace can be caught at 8:50 a.m. and the journey takes around 20 minutes. The bus can be boarded at the train station, but be aware of possible waiting lines, especially during peak season.
Even with the first bus at 8:50 a.m., you will also require an additional 15- to 20-minute walk to the entrance of the palace. You may take one of the shuttle buses for €3, but if you are truly in a time crunch, it can be faster to walk than waiting to board.
Currently, as with most famous attractions across the globe, attendance is restricted to visiting by timed entry. This can be done directly via the official website where they offer a 15% discount for purchases made at least three days in advance, or you can do as we did and purchase it through Get Your Guide. It is advisable, in particular, for those wishing to attend the first or last entry of the day, to book in advance as early as possible to secure their desired date and time. This is particularly important if you intend on visiting the interior of the palace. Basically, there are two basic ticket options available: the combined ticket which includes access to the palace and park, or only park access. If you are not keen on entering the palace, purchasing only the Pena Park ticket is an option, but in my opinion, that is a decision you would regret.
Pena National Palace is open daily from 9:30 a.m to 6:30 p.m and the last entry is usually around 5:45 p.m.
Inside Pena Palace
Pena Palace houses numerous lavishly furnished chambers, each complete with its own intricately decorated fortification featuring ancient Portuguese domes. I recommend taking a stroll within the castle boundaries, soaking in the breathtaking views offered from all angles while wondering about the lifestyle of the residents within.
When you set eyes on “The Palácio Nacional da Pena”, imagine being submerged in opulence as the intricacies carved into every surface invite you to explore and discover new details concealed within them.
The Park of Pena
In addition to being intertwined with the Pena Palace, Parque de Pena is equally magnificent and essential for preserving Sintra’s romantic charm with its multitude of plant species. One of the most popular walks in the park is the trail leading to Cruz Alta, a prominent peak known for its unobstructed view of Sintra.
From the Cruz Alta viewpoint, you can appreciate both the stunning views of the palace and the beauty of the nearby unnamed peak. This nearby peak offers visitors peaceful respite with undisturbed views of the surrounding area. Would it not be nice to take a stroll and let nature stimulate your senses?
The Moorish Influence: Discovering the Castle Walls
Our next destination is the Moorish Castle, or Castelo dos Mouros as it is also called. It is a captivating marvel that takes you back to the 8th-9th century. It was first built by the Moors as a castle overlooking the fortified Sintra region. One of the most significant moments in its history is when it was captured by the Christians after taking control of Lisbon and Santarém, which were the King of Portugal Afonso Henriques’s conquests in 1147.
At the present moment, tourists who visit Castelo do Mouros are able to stroll along the castle walls and witness the castle’s rock-hewn silos for cereal storage which showcase ancient methods of food preservation. The rich history and the panoramic sights of Sintra from the Moorish Castle brings an abundance of tourists, although the castle does not enjoy the same amount of popularity due to lack of inclusion in most guided tours. The Interpretation Centre of the Moorish Castle allows users an immersive and vibrant way of learning about the castle and its early inhabitants.
Moorish Castle should be next on your travel list. It provides an experience unlike any other for those who enjoy peace and quiet, all while offering rich historical value. The scenic lookouts, historic allure, and well preserved castle walls all promise to make your trip to Sintra a very memorable one.
Sintra’s Royal Legacy: Unveiling the National Palace
The Palace of Sintra preserves the royal history of Portugal. Its construction began in the 15th century and serves as a reminder of Portugal’s ancient empire. The merging styles of Gothic, Moorish, Mudéjar, and Manueline architecture make the Palace of Secunda one of the crowning parts of the town, not forgetting the booming chimneys of the secunda that tower in the skyline.
One of the oldest sections of the palace is the chapel built in the reign of King Dinis I during the 14th century. The Moorish Chapel is enriched with Moorish latticework, which reminds us of the Portuguese history of the palace. From there you can go to the Coats-of-Arms Room, a remarkable erection by King Manuel I during the Age of Discoveries. Other palace’s interiors include highly decorated tile ceilings and the Swan, Magpie, Arab, and Coat of Arms rooms.
The opening hours are the same 7 days a week, from 9:30 am to 6:30 pm, the last entry is at 6:00 pm. Entrance fee for adults is set at €13 and with a Lisboa Card you can get a discount.
Quinta da Regaleira: A Mystical Journey
Quinta da Regaleira was with no doubt the most breathtaking place to visit in Sintra. A large mansion is located within the borders of the multi-tiered gardens that include fountains, a chapel, and even some towers. Going into regaleira is akin to entering a universe that is mystical and enchanting. It was constructed in the early twentieth century by António Auguosto Carvalho Monteiro. Monteiro was a lover of art, amassing many pieces of exquisite art and rare objects, he constructed the Quinta da Regaleira to use as an exhibit for his collection.
Leading attractions of renown at quintada regaleira:
It’s possible to spend a day or more without getting bored at Quintada Regaleira. The spotlight was placed on the Initiation Well, whose main feature certainly was one of the many. This gothic spiral staircase looks like an inverted tower descending deep into the earth. The FreeMasons utilized the inverted tower as the initial step of an initiation rite, symbolizing the journey of a rebirth filled with Masonic imagery.
We were first in the gate and went directly to the Initiation well to get some photos with no crowds. Following us, a constant parade of people started streaming down the staircase and guides started hurrying you without sufficiently going through the photographs.
If you prefer to visit this site first, you can simply change the order of the itinerary, starting at Quinta da Regaleira, which can be accessed directly from the train station. You can then conclude your tour at Pena Palace later in the day, which we suggest doing. It is also worth noting that Quinta da Regaleira is a short walk from the city center, around 15 minutes, and close to the train station.
This is yet another location where reservations are required. Although there are no timed entries, it is possible to purchase a “skip to the front of the line” pass that includes a complimentary audio guide. We strongly recommend this since it enabled us to skip to the front of the line on our visit. Here is a tip: you may find 2 queues at the entrance: one for ticket holders and another for those looking to buy tickets on the day. Be sure to choose the correct line.
Strolling Through Sintra Town: A Syncretism of History and Culture
It is time to walk through the charming streets of Sintra Town after visiting the palaces and exploring the mystical gardens. The historic town center of Sintra is one of the best examples of Romantic architecture and it is a delight to traverse the narrow streets and the staircases. It is not hard to understand why The Portuguese Royal Family adored Sintra as their holiday retreat.
Do not forget to visit some of the local cafes and restaurants that we have recommended below, as they will enable you to appreciate some great Portuguese cuisine, a dish that Sintra is famous for.
Gems That Are Off the Beaten Path and Little Known Attractions
Having UNESCO World Heritage Site status gives Sintra’s primary attractions a stunning luster, but Sintra also possesses some sights that are less known and worth exploring. While you might not be able to tick off every one of these on a day’s trip, if you have a few days in hand, some of these off the beaten path attractions will be ideal.
Monserrate Palace
Monserrate Palace is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Portugal and has numerous architectural styles like Gothic, Moorish, and Indian. Built in 1863, it was the home of a wealthy British businessman known as the ‘Visconde de Monserrat.’ Apart from serving as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Monserrate is a majestic sight not to be missed.
Monserrate Palace features grandiose halls filled with ornate furnishings, exquisite detail and expansive rooms. One can easily spend days in awe of the beauty of this palace. Furthermore, one of the primary attractions of this palace is its lush gardens, which span across vast acres and are home to more than 3000 varieties of coolest flowers. Unlike others, I would urge you to set aside a generous amount of time to wander through the castle gardens since they rank as some of the top I have had the opportunity to see in my travels.
Cabo da Roca
The first thing that comes to mind when the Cabo da Roca monument is mentioned is the breathtaking experience of witnessing the sunset at Europe’s most westerly point. Cabo da Roca along Vila Sassetti Mansion and Gardens offer free access to their hiking trails which lead to rock climbing areas. For those that are exploring Sintra, I would recommend that you go off the established recreational and tourist paths and seek out these hidden monuments as they enhance the appeal of the town.
Best Use of Hours: Organizing Your Day Trip to Sintra
A day trip from Lisbon to Sintra can be daunting when considering all the places to visit. However, with some consideration, you can optimize your time best to capture everything Sintra has to offer. You can easily begin your trip before the city wakes up by taking the 8 a.m. train from Lisbon, which gets you in well before the crowds, allowing for a bit of peace and quiet at all these incredible locations. A rare occurrence these days.
After exploring the beauty of Pena Palace and its exquisite parklands, you have the option of either proceeding to the Castelo dos Mouros or heading back towards Sintra town for lunch at one of the local eateries.
After indulging over lunch, you are better placed to head to Palácio Nacional de Sintra and the Initiation Well at Quinta da Regaleira.
With your day trip mostly completed by this hour, it’s time to head towards the city center or around Sintra train station for an early dinner. From there, you will have no issues catching one of the trains back to Lisbon, with an abundant service of trains roughly every thirty minutes until midnight.
Navigating Sintra: Transportation Tips and Tricks
There is an assortment of Sintra transportation methods making the town very accessible. The most affordable option is a 12.50 euro, 24-hour hop-on-off ticket valid on tourist buses 434 and 435. The 434 tourist bus, like the rest of public transport, operates in a loop in one direction. Just keep in mind that it can get quite busy during peak season.
More preferred options include the private tuk-tuk tour or Uber which allow for greater flexibility. In Sintra, it is possible to arrange tuk-tuk tours ahead of time or on the spot, granting tourists flexible travel opportunities between sights. Uber pickups from more elevated areas, such as Pena Palace, can be challenging, however. A few of our drivers cancelled the ride while we waited. If you are considering taking a taxi or tuk-tuk, remember to set the price before departure to avoid being charged more.
While driving in Sintra is an option, we don’t really recommend it. The roads are very narrow and there is little parking space. We suggest leaving the car behind and walking.
We do not advise on foot approaches to Pena Palace as the distance is quite far and it is a steep walk up. Many opted to walk from Pence Palace to the city center. This allows for varied travel preferences that suit individual travel styles.
Culinary Delights: Where to Eat During Your Sintra Day Trip
You cannot truly call it a day trip if you visit without sampling what Sintra has to offer in terms of food. The diversity of restaurants, including traditional Portuguese ones, and famous local pastry shops, caters to every culinary need. The outdoor patio at Quinta da Regaleira is perfect for dining and sipping refreshment. For confectionary fans, Piriquita Bakery, in business since 1862, is a place you must go to. This family-owned bakery, now in its sixth generation, was recommended by a tuk-tuk driver and never fails to impress people with their delicious pastries.
For an exquisite dinner, it’s worth going to Saudade, Incomum by Luis Santos, and Restaurante Metamorphosis located around the Sintra train station. The culinary options in Sintra, whether you wish to indulge in traditional Portuguese food or something different, will definitely indulge your palate.
Beforehand: Ticket Options and Purchase Details
The foremost tip to anyone planning a day trip to Sintra is to purchase tickets ahead of time. This could help streamline your experience as well as save time.
Regarding intermediary options for exploring Sintra, you could decide to traverse the town on your own or go for private group tours and day tours that incorporate other locations like Cabo da Roca and Cascais. Guided Sintra tours tend to minimize hassle since the guides provide fascinating insights into the history of the palaces, while private vehicles can access spots unreachable to most vehicles, avoiding public transport congestion.
As an independent traveler, there are picturesque routes to explore guided ones, and either sidespace is cluttered with cars. Just ensure that you prepare in advance, especially with booking tickets, and determine the type of tour you want in order to get the most out of the day trip to Sintra.
When to Visit: Timing Your Trip for the Best Experience
Timing is essential while planning a day trip to Sintra. It is most recommended to visit during spring and autumn due to the warm weather and the natural beauty of the area. You will also find that there are fewer visitors during this period which gives you the opportunity to explore the entire town at a slow relaxing pace. All attractions mentioned earlier can be explored due to favorable conditions in weather.
If you are looking for a more relaxed and thorough exploration, a two-day trip will provide you with complete ease. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays are also among the best days to visit Sintra as these days tend to be less crowded. Keep in mind that Sintra is at a higher elevation and has proximity to the Atlantic meaning it is generally cooler than Lisbon and warmer during summer.
Whether Sintra is a part of your short day trip or extended stay, ensuring that you incorporate the right timing into your visit can greatly improve your overall experience. From avoiding crowded places to getting the best possible weather conditions, the perfect day trip is filled with fun and excitement.
Accommodations in Sintra: Extend Your Stay
Sintra, as we did, has accommodations that fit all types of travelers which can be found in the town’s hostels and hotels. There are Casa Azul Hostel for budget travelers and for the more luxurious ones, Vila Gale Sintra.
Here are some places that you can stay when you are in Sintra:
From cozy, budget-friendly hostels to elegant city hotels and luxurious resorts, Sintra has it all. You can tailor your vacation to suit your pace so why not prolong the duration of your stay?
Sintra will give you an unforgettable experience that can be done in a day while traveling from Lisbon. Sintra can be enjoyed with or without a tour guide and will always be stunning which makes it intriguing. Why wait? Start organizing your day trip to Sintra, a place filled with wonders as it is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Frequenty Asked Questions
Before we leave, let’s highlight some of the most important questions people have when planning their trip to Sintra.
Is a day trip enough to explore Sintra?
Yes, if you want to visit all key locations within a day, be sure to start your trip very early so that you can get a head start before the crowds arrive. This will enable you to leverage the time available to you.
How do I get to Sintra from Lisbon?
The easiest way to reach Sintra is by using the train services from Rossio Station. There are trains available every 20 minutes and they reach Sintra in 40 to 45 minutes. Have fun the whole way to the destination!
What are the key attractions in Sintra?
Main points of interest that you simply cannot forget to visit when you are in Sintra includes the Pena Palace, Moorish Castle, Sintra National Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, Monserrate Palace, and Quinta da Penha Verde. Be sure to visit these places at the top of your itinerary!
When is the best time to visit Sintra?
The best time to go to Sintra is when the weather is nice likely indicates the Spring or Autumn period. The town is relatively less tourist-filled, making it easier to navigate. If you want a more calm experience, aim for Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday.
What are the dining options in Sintra?
In Sintra, you have plenty of dining options to choose from. Savor a light meal at the outdoor terrace of Quinta da Regaleira or a pastry at Piriquita Bakery. For dinner, consider Saudade, Incomum by Luis Santos, or Restaurante Metamorphosis for a delectable dinner. Do make a reservation during the high season. Bon appetite.
