Sintra is a beautiful Portuguese town, just a few kilometres away from Lisbon. Declared a World Heritage Site in 1995, Sintra looks like a film set, surrounded by beautiful palaces, gardens and romantic legends. There are so many interesting places to see in Sintra that it is worth spending as much time there as possible. Sintra is set in a rich natural environment, which makes its beauty all the more special.
It is a destination where the green of the mountains and the blue of the sea blend together, inspiring residents and visitors alike. It also has a gastronomic heritage as rich and diverse as its landmarks and landscapes. Discover all the charm of Sintra so you don’t miss the opportunity to get to know this destination.
To organise your trip we recommend using the Passporter app. Get inspiration from the experiences of other travellers and add the places that interest you to the route map. You can also keep all important documents in one place such as travel tickets or hotel reservations, among many other features, completely free of charge.
Things to see on your trip to Sintra
Miradouro das Azenhas do Mar @patryroig 
Palacio Monserrate @elisab_moyua
Sintra National Palace
A unique example of the medieval royal palaces in Portugal, the Sintra National Palace is a symbol of the town. The National Palace of Sintra, also known as Palácio da Vila, was one of the palaces used by the Portuguese Royal Family until the end of the monarchy in 1910. It has features of medieval, Gothic, Manueline, Renaissance and Romanesque architecture.
The palace is considered an example of organic architecture, an ensemble of apparently separate bodies, but which form part of an articulated whole through courtyards, staircases, corridors and galleries. It also has the largest collection of Mudejar tiles in the country.
Pena Palace, the must-see palace in Sintra
The Palacio de Pena is a jewel of 19th-century Portuguese Romanticism, a colourful blend of architectural and decorative styles that stands in the Sintra hills, just minutes from Lisbon. The Palacio de Pena is the most renowned of the palaces and stately homes in the historic area of Sintra. It is also the most popular with tourists.
The architecture of the Palacio da Pena will catch your attention because of its domes, its Moorish horseshoe-shaped arches and its towers with pink and yellow battlements, from which there are fantastic views of the Sintra Mountains. It has elements of Gothic, Manueline, Islamic and Renaissance styles, which means that each room has its own personality and details.
@carlotavies 
@lamochiladesara
Castelo dos Mouros
The Castelo dos Mouros is a exceptional place to admire the view stretching from Sintra to the sea. Stretching over two peaks of the Serra de Sintra, the castle dates back to the beginning of the Arab occupation of the peninsula in the 8th century. Strategically built on one of the highest peaks of the mountains and on an outcrop of large granite rocks, which to the north act as an impassable natural defence, the castle stands full of nobility and excellence.
Palacio da Regaleira
This palace is the main building and the most well-known name of the Quinta da Regaleira. It is also known as the Monteiro dos Milhões Palace, a name associated with the nickname of its former owner, António Augusto Carvalho Monteiro. The 4-hectare estate boasts lush gardens, lakes, caves and enigmatic buildings, places that conceal alchemical meanings, such as those that recall the Freemasons, the Templars and the Rosicrucians.
The palace is located on the hillside and within walking distance of the historic centre of Sintra, and in 2002 was classified as an Asset of Public Interest. Feel the landscape and its mysteries at Quinta da Regaleira.
Regaleira Palace @patribv 
Regaleira Palace @sheilaromero
Cascata de Pisões
This small waterfall is very close to Quinta da Regaleira, and interrupts a line of high walls flanking the road. The green landscape and the sound of running water make it a unique place. Another one of nature’s beauties that Sintra has to offer to those who visit.
The Monserrate Palace
Four kilometres from the historic centre of Sintra are the Monserrate Palace and Park, unique examples of 19th century eclecticism, where the exotic plant motifs of the interiors extend harmoniously to the exterior. The lawn in front of the palace provides space for a well-deserved rest while discovering one of the richest Portuguese botanical gardens and one of the most beautiful landscape creations of Romanticism in Portugal.
@elisab_moyua 
@sheilaromero
Sintra Old Town
The lower part of Sintra encompasses the historic centre of the town and is situated at the foot of the mountain. It is served by the railway. Sintra is a town that retains its traditional feel, with steep, narrow streets and many handicraft and souvenir shops. The best thing to do in the urban area of Sintra is to wander through its narrow streets and discover its most charming corners.
@olaya_serrano 
@claudiavies
Miradouro da Ferraria
The Miradouro da Ferraria is located in the heart of the historic centre of the town, between alleys and stairways. It is a special place to be dazzled by the excellent panoramic view of the historic centre and the countryside of northern Sintra, framed by the sea in the background.
Praia da Adraga
Known for the purity of its waters and the immense, easily accessible sandy beach, Praia da Adraga stands out for the scenic beauty that frames it. Scattered along the beach, there are several dark rocks that give it its own personality, combining the mountainous landscape and the beach.
On the southern cliff of the beach, visitors can admire the Pedra de Alvidrar, a huge rock that falls almost vertically into the sea. In the same place, about fifty metres from the cliff, you must check out the Fojo, a very deep natural well that links to the sea. Praia da Adraga has been awarded on several occasions the honour of “Gold Quality Beach” by the National Association for the Conservation of Nature.
@albertrf 
@patryroig
Praia da Ursa, the must-see beach in Sintra
Praia da Ursa is one of the most beautiful natural treasures of Sintra, located very close to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of Europe. The fine sand, the waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the rocky surroundings welcome visitors into nature’s unusual beauty, named after Rocha da Ursa, a huge rock in the shape of a bear with a cub on its lap, when seen from the north, in contrast to the blue of the sea.
This is a beach that is difficult to access, but it retains a distinct and wild character. The descent from the car park to the beach takes about 1 hour on foot through the cliffs, which is well worth it just to see this fantastic scenery.
Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.
What to see in and around Sintra?
@jorgecervera__ 
@arad_al
Cascada da Fervença
Also known as the Bajouca Waterfall, this waterfall is located in the village of Fervença, hence the name by which it is best known. It is fed by a stream with a reasonable flow, which comes from the Granja do Marquês and flows downhill towards the Ribeira de Cabrela, a tributary of the river Lizandro. This waterfall is breathtakingly beautiful, located in a corner that is difficult to access, which is perhaps why it has so much charm as it remains in its natural state.
Praia das Azenhas do Mar
Azenhas do Mar’s surprising location with the houses cascading down the cliffside to the sea, bathed in an idyllic white light, is truly postcard-perfect.
The beach of Azenhas do Mar is one of the most popular beaches for swimmers, as it has an oceanic pool that delights visitors. A former fishing village, in recent decades it has become a quiet summer resort and a place of inspiration for many painters.
Miradouro das Azenhas do Mar
A lookout point built on cliffs and flanked by the picturesque landscape of small tiled houses built into the cliff rock with the sea below. The high vantage point of this location offers a great view of the Atlantic Ocean – breathtaking!
@luciarubio 
@patryroig
Cabo da Roca
Cabo da Roca is the westernmost point of the European continent, situated on the edge of the Serra de Sintra, and one of Portugal’s most symbolic places. It boasts an impressive 165-metre high lighthouse, dating back to 1722. It is without a doubt a magical place where you can admire the vastness of the Atlantic Ocean, and be seduced by the natural environment.
What to see in Sintra in 1 day?
Many people make the most of their trip to Lisbon by taking a day trip to Sintra. In one day you can visit the most magical palaces and see the most spectacular natural areas in Sintra. Here is a possible itinerary of a day trip to Sintra, including the most special places in this town.
- Palacio de la Pena
- Sintra Old Town
- Miradouro da Ferraria
- Monserrate Palace
- Praia da Adraga
What to see in Sintra in 2 days?
Sintra is a place to stay and to discover slowly. A two-day trip to Sintra will allow you to appreciate the authentic beauty that this unique environment has to offer. Discover what you can see in Sintra with this two-day itinerary:
Day 1:
- Pena Palace
- Sintra Old Town
- Miradouro da Ferraria
- Monserrate Palace
- Praia da Adraga
Day 2:
- Sintra National Palace
- Cascata de Pisões
- Praia das Azenhas do Mar
- Miradouro das Azenhas do Mar
- Cabo da Roca
Frequently Asked Questions about your trip to Sintra
Sintra can be reached by car, bus or train. By car from Lisbon, it takes about 20 minutes. By bus you can take bus lines 403 and 417 to Sintra from Cascais. On the other hand, by train from Lisbon, you will find a direct train from the Oriente Station, which takes about 35 minutes.
Sintra is 25km west of Lisbon, and the recommended means of transport to get there is by train.
There is the Great Route “Camino del Atlántico” that is 27 km long and 11 routes that vary in difficulty, adding up to a total of about 90 km, with the routes being duly signposted on the ground.
Cabo da Roca is located 19 km from the centre of Sintra.
Sintra has several museums to visit. Among the most visited are: Archaeological Museum of S. Miguel de Odrinhas, Ferreira de Castro Museum, Natural History Museum, MU.SA – Museum of the Arts of Sintra, Living Science Workshop of Sintra, or the Air Museum.
Meat dishes include Negrais pork, Mercês pork, goat and roast veal. The coast of the Sintra region is rich in fine fish, shellfish and molluscs. As for confectionery, the highlight is, of course, the Queijadas de Sintra, an ancient treat from the Middle Ages. To accompany any meal, Colares wine is a must.
If you want to try the local food, here are two of the most recommended and best rated places by users:
Apeadeiro: Located next to the train station you will find this family restaurant, serving typical Portuguese homemade food. The portions are plentiful and the desserts are homemade. The average price is around 15 € per person.
Fabrica das Veriras Queijadas da Sapa: This is the most famous pastry shop in Sintra, known for its delicious cheesecakes.
Here is a list of the best rated and most charming hotels in Sintra, to make your visit one to remember.
– Casa Holstein Quinta Sao Sebastiao
– Sintra Marmòris Palace
– Villas das Rosas
– Villa Maria
– Sintra Marmòris Palace
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