Sintra, Portugal, is a captivating destination renowned for its vibrant palaces, ancient castles, and lush, mystical gardens, offering visitors a unique journey into a fairytale-like setting. This UNESCO World Heritage site attracts those eager to explore a rich blend of history, culture, and stunning natural beauty, including its dramatic coastline.
While Sintra's historic center provides charming streets with local shops and cafes for casual interaction, specific areas dedicated to vibrant nightlife or extensive social gatherings are limited. For backpackers and solo travelers, several hostels in Sintra offer common areas, bars, and a friendly atmosphere to meet fellow tourists.
Top 5 Things to do in Sintra
Exploring Sintra involves discovering majestic palaces and castles, wandering through mystical gardens, and experiencing breathtaking natural viewpoints.
1. Pena Palace and Park (Palácio Nacional da Pena)
Perched atop a hill, the Pena Palace is a vibrant, Romantic-era castle famous for its eclectic architectural styles and bright, contrasting colors. Surrounding the palace is a sprawling park with diverse flora, winding paths, and hidden features, offering both grand vistas and secluded spots for exploration. Visitors should plan to book tickets online for a specific time slot to manage crowds and ensure entry. It is advisable to visit early in the morning.
Cost: Entrance to the Palace and Park costs approximately €20 per adult. A ticket for the Park only is around €10. Online booking is recommended to skip ticket queues.
Transport: The palace is not easily walkable from Sintra town centre due to its uphill location. From Sintra train station or the historic centre, take the Scott Urb 434 tourist bus, which runs a circular route, for approximately €4.55 for a single fare or €13.50 for a 24-hour pass covering all Sintra buses. Taxis or ride-sharing services (like Uber) cost around €5-€7 from the town centre.
2. Quinta da Regaleira
This enchanting estate features a Gothic-style palace and extensive gardens filled with mysterious grottoes, lakes, fountains, and symbolic structures, most notably the 'Initiation Well'. The well is an 'inverted tower' with spiral staircases leading deep underground, thought to have been used for ceremonial purposes. Exploring its hidden tunnels and pathways feels like stepping into a fairytale. Like Pena Palace, this site can get very busy, and visitor numbers are now limited. Arriving at opening time is a good tip for a more tranquil experience.
Cost: Admission for an adult is around €12. Tours may be available, offering additional insights at a higher price.
Transport: Quinta da Regaleira is about a 20-minute uphill walk from the historic centre of Sintra. Alternatively, take the Scott Urb 435 bus from Sintra train station, which serves the historic centre and Monserrate Palace. Taxis or ride-sharing services are also available for approximately €5-€7.
3. Moorish Castle (Castelo dos Mouros)
The ancient Moorish Castle, with its rugged stone walls, offers a glimpse into Sintra's early history and provides spectacular panoramic views of the town, the Pena Palace, and the surrounding landscape. Visitors can walk along the battlements and explore the ruins, appreciating the strategic importance and the breathtaking vistas.
Cost: Entry for an adult is approximately €12. Combination tickets with Pena Palace are often available at a reduced rate.
Transport: The Moorish Castle is located on the same hill as Pena Palace and can be reached by the Scott Urb 434 bus from Sintra train station or the historic centre. It is a short walk from Pena Palace's entrance. Taxis or ride-sharing services are also an option.
4. Sintra National Palace (Palácio Nacional de Sintra)
Distinguished by its two iconic conical chimneys, this palace is centrally located in Sintra's historic town. It served as a royal residence for centuries, known for its beautifully preserved interiors, unique azulejo tile work, and rich history, reflecting various architectural periods.
Cost: An adult ticket is about €13.
Transport: Situated directly in the historic centre, the Sintra National Palace is easily accessible on foot. It is approximately a 10-minute walk from Sintra train station.
5. Cabo da Roca
For those seeking natural beauty and dramatic landscapes, Cabo da Roca marks the westernmost point of mainland Europe. Here, towering cliffs plunge into the Atlantic Ocean, offering expansive, windswept views and a sense of being at the 'edge of the world'. It is an ideal spot to witness a sunset over the ocean.
Cost: Visiting Cabo da Roca is free.
Transport: Cabo da Roca is not in Sintra town. From Sintra train station, take the Scott Urb 403 bus towards Cascais. The journey takes approximately 40 minutes. Taxis or ride-sharing services would be significantly more expensive but offer direct transport. A taxi from Sintra to Cabo da Roca costs around €8.
At TFA Travel we believe in travel for all. Our mission is to enable people to explore the world as easily as possible without having to pay a travel agent a huge commission.
Our typical audience are those that want to see something new and get involved with authentic experiences of a country. Whether you are a backpacker, solo traveller, solo female traveller, straight or LGBTQ+ couple, family, you will find local and authentic experiences here.
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