Sintra Day Trip: Top Attractions and Ticket Guide

A Guide to Sintra – Visitor Information for Pena Palace, Castle of the Moors, Quinta da Regaleira and the Sintra National Palace

In the picturesque outskirts of Lisbon lies Sintra, a town that beautifully blends history, nature, and culture into one captivating experience. Famous for its romantic architectural monuments, including the vibrant Palácio da Pena and the Moorish Castle, Sintra offers a step back into a fairy-tale era, where each corner unfolds a piece of Portugal’s rich history and natural beauty.

Sintra Overview

In Sintra, you won’t just find one or two attractions, but a full day of adventure and discovery. From ancient castles nestled in the hills to stunning gardens, there’s a lot to see. It’s a place where history meets natural beauty, offering visitors a rich and varied experience. Make sure to set aside a whole day to truly immerse yourself in everything Sintra has to offer!

Main Attractions of Sintra

Getting to Sintra from Lisbon

Getting to Sintra from Lisbon is quite straightforward. You’ve got a couple of good options:

• Train: The most popular method, and probably the easiest, is to take a train. Trains to Sintra depart from Lisbon’s Rossio Station pretty frequently, almost every 15-30 minutes, and the journey takes about 40-45 minutes. Just make sure to get there a bit early, especially in the peak tourist season, as it can get quite busy.
• Guided Tour Bus: There are also organized tour buses that go to Sintra. These might be a good option if you prefer a guided experience and not to worry about transportation logistics.
• Taxi/Uber: You can also take a taxi or an Uber, which offers convenience and comfort, although it would be more expensive compared to the train. Depending on time of day, taxi fares cost between €30-€40.

Pena Palace (Palácio da Pena)

Perched on a hill in Sintra, the Pena Palace is a vibrant blend of architectural styles surrounded by lush gardens. Its vivid colors and fairy-tale appearance make it a favorite among visitors. A stroll around the palace offers a glimpse into Portuguese royal history, alongside panoramic views of the Sintra hills.

Pena Palace (Palácio da Pena) General Information
Location	Estrada da Pena, 2710-609 Sintra, Portugal. Located atop the Sintra Mountains, it is accessible by bus from the Sintra train station.
Opening Times	Winter Season (November to February): 10:00AM – 6:00PM, Summer Season (March to October): 9:30AM – 7:00PM Closed on December 25th and January 1st
Book your tickets for direct entry into the Pena Palace starting from €14. Planning to visit Quinta da Regaleira as well? Save money by booking a full guided day tour including entry to both venues, professional tour guide and roundtrip transport from Lisbon (save the hassle of the train!) Entry Ticket: Full Day Tour:

Quinta da Regaleira

This is more than just a stately home. Quinta da Regaleira offers a fascinating journey through hidden tunnels and caves that lead to enchanting gardens and stunning structures. The blend of Gothic, Egyptian, Moorish, and Renaissance architectural features captivate everyone who visits, promising a surreal exploration of artistry and symbolism.

Quinta da Regaleira General Information
Location	Quinta da Regaleira, 2710-567 Sintra, Portugal. It’s a short walk from the historic centre of Sintra.
Opening Times	Winter Season (November to February): 9:30AM – 6:00PM, Summer Season (March to October): 9:30AM – 8:00PM Open all year round except on December 25th and January 1st
Book your tickets for direct entry into the Quinta da Regaleira and tour starting from €25. Planning to visit Pena Palace as well? Save money by booking a full guided day tour including entry to both venues, professional tour guide and roundtrip transport from Lisbon (save the hassle of the train!) Entry and Tour: Full Day Tour:

Moorish Castle (Castelo dos Mouros)

Standing on a high hill overlooking Sintra, the Moorish Castle is a testament to the region’s rich history. As you walk along its fortified walls, you’ll be treated to sweeping views of the surrounding area. It’s a place where you can feel the whispers of the past and the spirit of the knights who once guarded its grounds.

Moorish Castle (Castelo dos Mouros) General Information
Location	Castelo dos Mouros, 2710 Sintra, Portugal. Nestled on the Sintra mountains, it offers a fantastic panoramic view of the region.
Opening Times	Winter Season (November to February): 10:00AM – 6:00PM, last entry at 5:00PM Summer Season (March to October): 9:30AM – 8:00PM, last entry at 7:00PM The castle is open all year, with the exception of December 25th and January 1st
Book your tickets for direct entry into the Castle of the Moors from €8. Planning on visiting other attractions in Lisbon? Want to get all your travel included? Then consider the Sintra-Lisbon Pass! Entry Ticket: Sintra-Lisbon Pass:

Sintra National Palace (Palácio Nacional de Sintra)

Distinguished by its twin chimneys, the Sintra National Palace is nestled right in the heart of Sintra. This palace is a living testament to the rich tapestry of cultures and histories that shaped Portugal. Inside, you’ll find beautifully decorated rooms that tell the story of the nation’s bygone eras, offering a serene yet awe-inspiring glimpse into Portuguese royal history.

Sintra National Palace (Palácio Nacional de Sintra) General Information
Location	Palácio Nacional de Sintra, Largo Rainha Dona Amélia, 2710-616 Sintra, Portugal. Situated in the heart of the historic centre of Sintra, it’s easily accessible from various parts of the town.
Opening Times	Winter Season (October to February): 10:00AM – 6:00PM, last entry at 5:30PM Summer Season (March to September): 9:30AM – 7:00PM, last entry at 6:30PM The palace remains open all year round except on December 25th and January 1st
Book your tickets for direct entry into National Palace Sintra starting from €10. Want to get the most of your day? Save money by booking a full guided day tour including entry to Sintra Palace, Cascais & Estoril, a professional tour guide, and roundtrip transport from Lisbon (save the hassle of the train!) Entry Ticket: Full Day Tour:

The Lisbon-Sintra Pass

Tips and Advice for Visiting Sintra

Here are some tips to make your visit smooth and enjoyable:

• Start Early: Sintra is popular and can get crowded. Starting your day early will allow you to explore the attractions before the crowds set in.
• Comfortable Footwear: There’s quite a bit of walking involved, especially if you plan to visit the palaces and castles. So, wear comfortable shoes.
• Weather-Ready: The weather in Sintra can be a bit unpredictable. It might be a good idea to carry a light jacket or an umbrella just in case.
• Transport: While Sintra is accessible by train from Lisbon, getting around in Sintra can be challenging due to the hilly terrain. You might consider taking a tuk-tuk, bus, or even hiring a car to get from one attraction to another.
• Food & Drink: There are numerous cafes and restaurants where you can try traditional Portuguese dishes. Don’t forget to try the local pastries like Travesseiros and Queijadas de Sintra.
• Buying Tickets: To avoid long queues, consider buying tickets to the main attractions online in advance.
• Pacing Your Visit: Since there’s a lot to see, try not to rush. Pick a few key attractions and take your time to enjoy them fully rather than trying to see everything in one day.
• Guided Tours: If you’re interested in the history of the places you’re visiting, a guided tour can be a great way to learn more.
• Luggage: Try to travel light. Many attractions don’t allow big backpacks inside.
• Photography: Don’t forget your camera! The palaces and gardens are truly picturesque.