Magical Sintra is something that cannot be missed when travelling in Portugal. Soak into the rick history and admire the mesmerising architectures hidden inside Sintra National Park. Be it Pena Palace, or the Moorish castle, they will not fail to impress you!
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Sintra National Park
Sintra is synonymous to fairy land. Similar to what we have seen and heard in Disney movies. The national park is dotted with castles and historic sites. Hill top castle ruins surrounded by vast green lands. Above all, visiting Portugal and not seeing the attractions in Sintra is certainly not a great idea.
Surprisingly, for such a small town like Sintra, there are many tourist attractions to see. Most of these attractions are heritage sites. This tiny town is conveniently located close to Lisbon.
With only an hour’s drive, you will be in a contrasting landscape to Lisbon. On a cold and a windy day in December, we drove from Lisbon to Sintra very early to be able to maximise our time in Sintra.
Pena Palace
We took a combo ticket for Pena Palace and Moorish Castle, supposedly the two most visited monuments in Sintra. As we parked our car near tourist office, we started our hike. Walking past beautiful houses and gardens before we entered into the Pena Palace Gardens. The garden was lush green and looked lovely. The hike was around the green landscape that had lovely ponds, ducks, swans, and some exotic trees.
After a good 30 minute hike (or possibly more than that!), we reached the foot of what is considered an exemplary architecture in Portugal, Pena Palace. A UNESCO world heritage site, this palace is also considered one of the Wonders of Portugal. It is one of the finest example of mixture of architecture from Moorish to Renaissance to Neo-classical. It mesmerized us at the very first glance itself. The intricate and distinctive details on the pillars, walls and interiors are second to none.
The exterior work seemed very unique with tile work. Usage of geometric designs were evident from the picture – triangle and circle embedded entrances. Marveling at this architecture simply made us wonder how much of creativity and hard-work would have gone into creating such a masterpiece. The interiors of the Palace included beautifully painted walls with numerous royal collections.
Inside housed a Chapel, Noble Room, Royal Dining Room, Kitchen etc. The stark brick red paint on the exteriors of the Palace combined with faded lime yellow certainly captures everyone’s attention. The vistas from the palace were breathtaking. We saw birds eye view of Sintra town and the remains of Moorish Castle, and magnanimous portion of natural scenery.
Moorish Castle
After that, we spent some more time admiring the palace architecture trying to capture them with our gadgets. Later, we continued to hike to reach Moorish Castle, another but ruined castle that sits on a bit smaller hill overlooking Sintra town and the Pena Palace. The distance from Pena Palace to the Moorish Castle is an easy 10-15 minute walk.
It is definitely one of the superior castle ruins we’ve seen so far, sitting on a great vista and offering breathtaking views. But as we neared the castle, it was getting really cold and windy. We stopped at every view point to take pictures. The steps that lead to the top most point of the castle was really steep and a bit slippery with moist.
The feeling it gave to be on top of the castle and see all things tiny is something we absolutely loved. All this while we were only seeing Sintra Town in a microscopic view, but it took us by surprise when we turned to the other side of the castle – an astounding view of Pena Palace! Thats when we wished it had been a blue sky day. But this picture isn’t bad at all, right? (below picture).
However, the moorish castle was very steep and narrow in many parts. And it was raining and the steps were wet and slippery. At one instance, I actually slipped and fell while focussing on taking pictures. Therefore utmost care should be taken as you climb up this castle ramparts.
Practical Information
1) Tourist attractions in Sintra include Quinta da Regaleira, Monserrate Palace, Sintra National Palace, Toy Museum, Queluz National Palace, Convento dos Capuchos.
2) Practically its not possible to visit all attractions on same day. While each one of them have their own charm, it’s best to research about the attractions well in advance and choose your combo tickets wisely to save a penny or two. Alternatively, stay in Sintra for a day or two, to enjoy all the attractions.
3) If you do not want to walk from the town to the castles/palaces, there are alternate options:-
Bus #434 circular route –>Train Station – Sintra centre – Pena Palace – Moorish Castle – Train Station costs €5. Alternatively there are tuk-tuk rides who prefer comfort.
4) There are various walking paths that lead to Pena Palace and Moorish Castles, and quite a hike from Sintra centre. Moorish Castle is really steep at places. So, if you plan to hike to the palace or castle, do bring good hiking shoes.
5) To visit both Pena Palace and Moorish Castle, it takes easily 4 hours, or more if you want to take more photographs. We totally recommend packing light snacks, box of sandwich or fruits when you are visiting these places. Plus there are queues at the entrance of the palace, so there’s a considerable waiting time.
How To Reach
Sintra can be easily reached from Lisbon. The road and rail network is good, reliable and affordable in Portugal. There are frequent trains connecting Lisbon’s Rossio Station – Sintra Station (every 30 minutes), and the ticket cost is €4.30 with return and the duration of the journey is roughly 40 minutes.
Bus service 434 connects from Lisbon train station to Sintra and costs €6.90. There are 3-4 bus services every hour.
Sintra is 25kms from Lisbon. While it is possible to drive to Sintra, we recommend train as the best choice of travel. However, if you choose to drive to Sintra, keep in mind two things. One- the roads are really narrow in the hilly region and around national parks. Two – it will be very crowded and getting a car parking space in the town or near palace/ castle can be extremely challenging. We went to Sintra in December (off-peak season), and we still struggled to get a proper car parking space, and it took us good 2 hours to find a spot.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Sintra is during the spring and autumn season, when it’s not sweltering hot and it is not too crowded. Definitely avoid visiting during the term holidays, as it will be very crowded. That said, if you are up for an off peak season challenge and can embrace winter, you can also visit Sintra during winter months. We visited in December after the Christmas, and the attractions were still crowded. Only that it was damp and cold!
Where To Eat
Sintra is a peak tourist spot all year round. Naturally, there are many restaurants and cafes that cater to all diet requirements. Some of the vegetarian and vegan friendly restaurants are listed below.
1) A Praca, Rua do Paço 16, 2710-602 Sintra: This is a proper vegetarian restaurant in Sintra and they serve 3 course veg meal and desserts at an affordable price. The restaurant is located near to Museum de Historic Natural de Sintra
2) Salla de Estar, R. João de Deus 70, 2710-579 Sintra: Located behind Sintra Train Station, this is yet another vegetarian bar/family friendly, serves toast, salad, soups and drinks. Vegan options available.
3) Mela Canela, R. Marquês Viana 1, 2710-516 Sintra: This cosy, child friendly restaurant is vegetarian/vegan and sustainable and serves fresh soups, curries and gluten free brownies.
Where To Stay
From posh villas to beach resorts, Sintra & Cascais National Park is dotted with many accommodation options. If you want to stay put in Sintra, closer to the attraction, we recommend Sparrow Sintra Nest, Villas de Cintra, Chalet Saudade. Alternatively, click the link here for more options around Sintra.
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In conclusion, Sintra and it’s heritage sites are one not to be missed out if you are visiting Lisbon. Did you enjoy travelling virtually to Sintra National Park? Have you been to similar castles and palaces that stole your heart at first sight?
This article is now available as a mobile app. Go to GPSmyCity to download the app for GPS-assisted travel directions to the attractions featured in this article.
Renuka
Sintra looks like a magical town indeed! I like places that are a blend of both natural beauty and mystic. Your pictures look amazing! I like the photoshop effect in the last pic. 🙂 Thanks for the practical info. That's very important.
Country Hopping Couple
Yes, and it just makes me want to go there for a summer or autumn where the days are much brighter. Actually the last pic is not a photoshop effect! It's a photographic technique called Zoom burst, which we can do manually if we have a big lens.
B
wowo, it looks so beautiful .. I would love ot go there for sure ..
thanks for sharing .. where have i been that is like this .. well the closed i can come is Scotland , it has natural beauty and lovely castles
Bikram
Country Hopping Couple
Hello Bikk, nice to hear from you after such a long time. Will soon have to catch up with you blog!
Destination Infinity
The photo of the gargolyte is too good 🙂
Destination Infinity
Country Hopping Couple
That's one of my fav too! The expressions on the face of gargoyle looks classic la?
Katrina Elisabet
My jaw dropped. I had never heard of this place before, but it has rocketed to my list of places I want to go! Your pictures are stunning, and I can't imagine how gorgeous this looks in person!
Rama Ananth
Beautiful place. We have been to SIntra, and I really enjoyed the trip. The pictures are beautiful.
foreignsanctuary
The town of Sintra looks like a great town to explore! Your photos of the place are gorgeous and the Pena Palace is absolutely amazing!! I love the architectural detail of the place – both the buildings and the stairs!!
theworldonmynecklace
Sintra is so magical! I was reliving my own experiences there looking at your photos. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Sammi Wei
Wow that view – amazing! I've never actually visited a castle before so I'm fascinated to see pictures of the different types and architecture. I 've never heard of Sintra but it looks like a beautiful and very interesting place to visit. That gargoyle is a bit scary but the detail on it is intense!
Tammy and Chris on the move
This really looks like the setting of a Gebrueder Grimm fairytale. So pretty!
Surfing the Planet English
I think Sintra is a wonderful destination, the palace, the medieval castles and the natural surroundings are all marvelous. I went there a few years ago, thanks for bringing me back to this beautiful site!
coffeetimesweety
This brought back wonderful memories. I spent my 23rd birthday in Sintra, loved it so much! Great pics guys!
Hannah
Ahh I wanted to go to Portugal so badly last trip but just wasn't able to fit it in- Sintra looks so stunning, right out of a fairytale. Your pictures just make me want to go more!
The Trusted Traveller
It looks really cool! Definitely like a fairytale. Will certainly be adding this to my Portugal itinerary especially the Pena Palace Gardens, I love how they look.
Lisa @ Gone with the Family
Sintra sounds like the perfect day trip from Lisbon and I know my daughter would love that castle! The architecture is incredible and your pictures are wonderful even if it was a gloomy day!
Brianna Simmons
I'd always heard the Sintra was beautiful but I had no idea all the small details. Great photos!
Heather
I loved Sintra! My mom and I spent three nights there during our road trip around Portugal and it was one of our favorite stops!
Avada Kedavra
National park with a castle in it! wow! that would be so nice to visit. Nice pictures, I loved the last one a lot.
Simply Alexandra // My Favorite Things
wow! so beautiful! Thank you for sharing, this is going on my list right now! 🙂 -Alexandra
Simply Alexandra: My Favorite Things
Tam @ TravellingBookJunkie
So, we now have another castle to be added to the list!!! I didn't know about Sintra before reading your post so thanks for sharing. If and when we visit Lisbon I know we will now be heading out there for a day trip, I know that Paul will be wanting to get some photos of the castle, the colours are especially striking! 🙂
Shere
Great pictures! I've been once to Sintra and really loved Pena Palace!! Seeing the pictures I realized that it has been a lot of time since I've been there and may be it's time to plan a new trip.
Shere y Paul
Chris Boothman
What a gorgeous collection of pictures you have included in this post! We have never visited Sintra but after reading this it really inspires me to get there and experience this for ourselves. We love experiencing castles, our favorite being Windsor Castle in England but each one is so very different and unique and I am sure this one is too.
Alliha Jonson
Sintra is a beautiful and fascinating place. I have visited two months ago after completing mybus tours from boston to washington dc. I love this place. It has a mysterious effect on its visitors. Pena Palace and Moorish Castle are the most important destinations for tourists. They have spectacular views of their surroundings. After seeing your blog I am recollecting my memories and I am feeling very happy.
Maya
I can’t believe I missed on my last visit to Lisbon. We were planning on going back to Portugal for a road trip but obviously, now it’s not the time. Great post! I will definitely check these recommendations when I go back to Portugal.
Emma
Sinatra looks so magical! I love the castle and all the colours. Definitely going to do this as a day trip when I visit Lisbon!
Vanessa Shields
I’ve been wanting to visit Portugal so much and bummed as I almost visited last fall. Now I’m kicking myself for not going as Sintra looks so charming with the castles. Pena Palace looks amazing and love that gargoyle’s expression as you enter. Good to know that parking is bad year round as it seems like the train might be the easiest!
Katy Kuhlwilm
What a beautiful place. Great information and Beautiful pictures, thanks for sharing
Kooky Loves to Travel
Your photos are great and your post made me fall in love with this place! Great job!
Elena Pappalardo
Sintra is such a fairytale dream and it’s been sitting atop my bucket list for far too long now! Thank you for this inspiring post – love all of your photos by the way! Just pinned for my future travels 🙂