2 Days in Sintra: Your Comprehensive Guide

Last Updated on December 1, 2023

Planning to spend 2 days in Sintra? This guide to Sintra covers everything you need to know to visit this Portuguese municipality that’s known for its small mountains, palaces, castles, and gardens. 

Sintra is a municipality of Portugal, just outside of Lisbon. Because it’s a quick one hour train trip from Lisbon, visiting Sintra is often done as a day trip. There is so much to see in Sintra that when I made the trip, I decided to spend 2 days in Sintra town.

I’ve put together this 2 days in Sintra guide to help you plan your own visit. Read on to learn everything you need to know, including how to get there, what to see, and tips for visiting Sintra responsibly. 

Don’t have 2 days? Read my guide to spending 24 hours in Sintra instead.

Disclosure: This article includes affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase through one of those links, I earn a small commission. Affiliate links cost you nothing to use, and keep Pina Travels reader-supported. Thank you!

A Quick History of Sintra

According to historical records, Sintra has been inhabited as early as the 2nd century BC. For centuries, much of Portugal was ruled by Arabic-speaking Muslims known as Moors.

During this period, which was from the early 8th century to the 13 century, Sintra started to appear in geography documents. This is also when Sintra’s famous Castle of the Moors (Castelo dos Mouros) was built. 

Following the Moors, between the 18th century and the 20th century, Portuguese royalty and wealthy figures from throughout Europe gravitated to Sintra because of its beautiful hills, cooler climate, and proximity to Lisbon. Many members of nobility built palaces and summer residences there.

For example, in the 19th century, King Ferdinand II took an old monastery that was in ruins, and transformed it into the Pena Palace, a castle that combines Gothic, Moorish, and Renaissance design. The new castle was surrounded by beautiful gardens that had fauna imported from all over the world. 

Today, the old town of Sintra as well as many of the region’s palaces and castles are designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

My 2 Days in Sintra

My visit to Sintra was a highlight of my travels across Portugal. The famous sites, like Pena Palace and Castle of the Moors did not disappoint. But I also fell in love with just wandering Sintra town. I could spend hours exploring the town’s streets and gardens with views of Sintra mountain.

One of my favourite memories of my 2 days in Sintra in fact, had nothing to do with Sintra’s popular sites. On an evening walk, I spotted some sleeping cats on the porch of a seemingly abandoned building. As I watched them, an elderly couple came along.

The cats immediately popped up and ran to the couple, who pulled from their pockets a few cans of cat food. If you know me, you know I love cats, so spotting this interaction made my evening! 

Best Time to Visit Sintra, Portugal

The best time to visit Sintra is in the spring or early autumn. During those seasons, the weather is warm and there aren’t as many crowds as there are in the high season, which runs through July and August. During high season, the palaces at Sintra are so busy that there are often lineups to get in. 

Visiting Sintra in the winter (December to March) can be nice because there aren’t many tourists in town and at the palace. But, the weather can be very chilly and overcast.

I visited in late November, and while the sun came out for part of the day, it also rained and was very windy. If it’s possible to plan your trip for spring or fall, I definitely recommend it.

It’s also key to head to the palaces for opening time, which is typically 9:00am (but 10:00am in low season). By getting there first thing in the morning, you’ll avoid the midday rush of tours that come from Lisbon and elsewhere in Portugal. Even if you’re spending 2 days in Sintra, an early start is key!

How to Get to Sintra From Lisbon

If you’re spending 2 days in Sintra, you’ll likely be traveling there from Lisbon. Traveling from Lisbon to Sintra is easy and fast. The trip takes less than an hour, and can be done by train, bus, or by car.  

Lisbon to Sintra by train

The best way to get to Sintra from Lisbon is by local suburban train. The train is affordable, efficient, and comfortable, and I found the views quite nice. Trains run every 30 minutes on weekdays and weekends from Rossio Station, which is in the center of Lisbon, and goes to Sintra Train Station. The trip takes 40 minutes each way, and costs €4,40 return. 

Lisbon to Sintra by bus

It’s also possible to make the trip by bus. There is a direct bus that departs from Marquês de Pombal in Lisbon and arrives at Sintra Train Station station. The bus service runs hourly, and operates every day. It takes about 27 minutes to get to Sintra from Lisbon this way. Tickets for the bus range in price from as low as €1 and up to €10.

Lisbon to Sintra by car 

The drive from Lisbon to Sintra takes about 30 minutes. If you plan to drive, be sure to go very early in the morning so that you can avoid traffic on the roads of Sintra, and find a parking spot. Parking in Sintra is somewhat limited to the outskirts of the city.

There are parking lots near the Portela de Sintra train station and another below the Sintra village. There is also some street parking available, along the road that winds up to Pena Palace—but it fills up fast.

Given how simple it is to take the train from Lisbon to Sintra, I do recommend that over driving. But if you really prefer to drive, that can absolutely be done, just be prepared to go early and know where the parking lots are. 

Planning Your Visit to Sintra

I’ve always been the type of traveler who rolls out of bed and then decides at breakfast what’s on the agenda for the day. While I love traveling this way, it doesn’t work for every destination, and Sintra is one of those places.

Because there is so much to see in Sintra, planning your 2 days in Sintra is important. Before I arrived in Sintra, I read about the different sites there are to see, and figured out how long I would need to spend in Sintra to see them.

I also purchased my entry tickets in advance, figured out where I could go for an early morning breakfast, and where I could purchase a packed lunch to bring with me for the day.  

Lastly, I decided on what time I would start my day, sorted out how to take the local buses, and planned the route I would follow through the Sintra hills to see all the sites that I had purchased tickets for. I put much more coordination into visiting Sintra than I typically do, but it was worth it and necessary! Planning the day in detail ensured I was able to fit in everything I wanted to see, and the day went really smoothly.

Planning your day in Sintra is my top tip for visiting this region, and I’ve covered everything you need to know to plan your visit in this guide. Read on to learn the perfect itinerary for 2 days in Sintra. 

How Many Days in Sintra?

While many people visit Sintra as a day trip, I recommend spending 2 days in Sintra if you can. Doing so gives you an opportunity to see more of Sintra’s palaces, and means you’ll have time to explore Sintra town and its museums. 

I spent 2 days in Sintra and was really glad that I did. Spending longer there made for slower, relaxing days. I was able to see some lesser known spots, wander Sintra town, enjoy dining in some of the restaurants there and pop into a couple shops. 

I like to travel slowly and so I tend to spend as long in a place as possible, which is why I planned on 2 days in Sintra. But, I recognize that not everyone has enough time on their trip to Portugal to spend that long. If you can only fit in a day trip, go for it! I’ve covered how to spend one day in Sintra later in this guide.

How to Get Around Sintra 

Is Sintra walkable? Yes, the town of Sintra is very walkable. But most of the points of interest, like Sintra’s palaces, are not in town, they are quite spread out. Many of the palaces are found up in the Sintra Mountains, and so walking between them can take a lot of time and be quite tiring. 

The best way to get around while spending 2 days in Sintra is through a combination of walking and the local bus. There are two buses that operate in Sintra and they cover all the places that tourists typically go. Alternatively, you can hire a tuktuk driver or cab to bring you between the landmarks. 

Getting around Sintra on foot

Wandering Sintra’s historical center on foot is totally doable, and a nice way to explore the town. But when it comes to visiting the palaces during your 2 days in Sintra, don’t be fooled by looking at a map.

It looks like the palaces are near Sintra town, but because they are up in the surrounding hills, they are actually quite a challenge to walk to. Unless you’re in good shape and have time to spare, I don’t recommend trying to walk to all of Sintra’s landmarks.

Getting around Sintra by bus

There are two useful bus routes in Sintra. The 434 connects Sintra train station to the historic center of Sintra, and then goes up to Pena Palace and the Castle of the Moors. This bus costs about 4 euro per trip.

The 435 departs from Sintra station and goes to Sintra’s National Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, and Monserrate Palace, before returning to Sintra station. This bus also costs about 4 euro per trip.

Tickets for both buses can be bought directly from the driver and you only need to pay once for each route per day. It’s also possible to purchase a day pass that covers hopping on and off both buses. 

Getting around Sintra by tuk tuk or taxi

Another option for getting around Sintra is by taxi (or rideshare services like Uber), or by tuktuk. I took one Uber trip while exploring Sintra, and it was very convenient.

Getting around this way can get expensive fast, so it might not be the best option for a solo traveler. But if you’re traveling in a group, the price is more doable. There are plenty of regular cabs around, but for a bit of a thrill, consider hiring a tuk tuk. 

Where to Stay in Sintra

There are plenty of options for staying overnight while spending 2 days in Sintra. For convenience, plan to book a place to stay in Sintra’s historic center. Staying in the historic center is convenient because it’s within walking distance of the train station, restaurants, and both bus lines. 

While I spent 2 days in Sintra I stayed in Mouralua Sintra Guest House. I was traveling solo, and so I booked two nights in their single room with a shared bathroom. At 23 euro a night, it was a great deal, and I was very comfortable during my stay.

Just note that this guesthouse is a 15 minute walk outside of the historic center. If you don’t mind walking, this isn’t a bother at all. Alternatively, you can grab the local bus to get to Sintra’s main sites.

If you’re looking to stay in a location a bit more convenient, here are some great options:

$$ Casa da Pendôa is budget friendly, and well located in the historic center. Rooms in this guesthouse are simple, but comfortable, with views of the Sintra Mountains. 

$$$ Sintra Bliss Hotel is a pricier option, in part because it’s conveniently located in the historic center. This hotel is just 100 meters from Sintra train station. All rooms include a TV, AC, and an ensuite bathroom.

$$$ Sintra 1012 Boutique Guest House is a charming B&B in a restored 15th-century building in the historic center of Sintra, a 13-minute walk from Sintra station. The rooms are homey and comfortable, and breakfast is included every morning.

2 Days in Sintra: Your Itinerary

Ready to plan what you’ll see while spending 2 days in Sintra? Read on for my suggested itinerary, based off of my own experience.

Before we dive in, here’s an important tip to keep in mind. If you’re visiting during peak season, be sure to make Pena Palace or Castle of the Moors your first stop in the morning.

These Sintra castles are the 2 most popular sites in Sintra and so they become the busiest. If you go right at opening time, you’ll avoid some of the tours that arrive from Lisbon. After seeing these sites, you can head to one of the lesser popular ones during the afternoon.

Day 1 in Sintra: Castles and Lookout Points

Even with 2 days in Sintra, there’s a lot to see. So, start your day bright and early! Head to Pena Palace for opening time so that you beat the crowds.

1. Pena Palace and Park

Pena Palace is a must-see while spending 2 days in Sintra. It’s probably the most popular palace in the region.

Pena Palace has a fascinating history. Back in the middle ages, a chapel for Our Lady of Pena was built atop Sintra. In the 15th century, King Manuel I ordered that a monastery be built alongside the chapel that could host monks.

In the 18th century, that monastery was damaged by a lightning storm, and left abandoned.

King Ferdinand II acquired the ruins and the surrounding land, so that he could build a summer residence on the site. When the royal family later had to flee during the revolution of 1910, the palace was purchased by the Portuguese state and classified as a national monument. 

From then on, it was a popular site to visit. People are drawn to this palace because of its interesting design. The palace is made up of a mix of architectural styles, and it’s painted bright yellow and red.

Sitting at the very top of Sintra mountain, from the palace you have beautiful aerial views of the region. In 1995, Pena Palace was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Pena Palace is one of the most popular sites in Sintra, and for good reason! Be sure to buy your ticket to the palace in advance, and if you visit in high season (the summer), get to the palace in the morning before it opens as this is when it will be quietest.

It’s possible to buy a ticket to tour the outside of the palace and the surrounding gardens, as well as to tour the inside of the palace. 

Many people report that the inside isn’t as impressive as the outside, so in the interest of time, I skipped the inside tour. You can easily spend hours exploring the outside of the palace, and the surrounding grounds and gardens. 

2. Walk to Cruz Alta

Cruz Alta (“high cross”) is a viewpoint that is found within Pena Park. It’s at the highest point in the Sintra Mountains, at 529 meters high. From Cruz Alta, you have gorgeous panoramic views of the mountains, the Tagus River, and more. The weather was foggy when I visited Pena Palace, and so I skipped the hike to Cruz Alta. But if it’s a clear day, it is worth the trek!

3. Castle of the Moors (Castelo dos Mouros)

After spending the morning at Pena Palace, take the short walk to your next activity of the day: Castle of the Moors. This Sintra castle another must-see while spending 2 days in Sintra.

The Castle of the Moors is believed to date back to the 8th or 9th century, when many areas of Portugal were occupied by the Moors. It was constructed in a strategic location for military purposes, in a high area of the Sintra mountains, above the River Tagus.

The castle was taken under Christian rule when Portugal’s first king, Afonso Henriques, reconquered it 1147. Today, the Moorish Castle is a National Monument, and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The Castle of the Moors is a 10 minute walk from Pena Palace, and so visiting it either before or after the palace makes sense. It’s recommended to buy your ticket to the Moorish Castle in advance to avoid waiting in line. 

4. Convento dos Capuchos

Your final stop of day 1 in Sintra is Convento dos Capuchos. You’ll want to take the bus or a taxi to this site.

The “Capuchos Convent” or “Cork Convent” was built in 1560 by Dom Alvaro de Castro, Counselor of State to King Sebastiao, with the name Convento de Santa Cruz da Serra de Sintra. Convento dos Capuchos was built with simplicity in mind. The monks who lived there had very few comforts.

The convent was acquired by the state in the 20th century, and has been preserved and restored. It isn’t considered one of the “main” attractions in Sintra, and it’s a little harder to get to than the others. This makes it a nice addition to your itinerary in Sintra, because it tends to be less busy at the convent. And, it provides a glimpse into a life of simplicity, which is a nice contrast to the elegance of the other estates in Sintra. 

5. Head back to Sintra town to wander

It’s been a busy day! Spend your evening wandering the old town, and have a relaxing dinner before tucking in for the night. This is the beauty of spending 2 days in Sintra – you have the evenings to enjoy the historic center of town.

Day 2 in Sintra: Palaces and Gardens

Day 2 in Sintra is going to be a busy one as well, so be sure to start out early! I recommend heading to your first stop, Quinta da Regaleira, for opening time.

1. Quinta da Regaleira

On your second day in Sintra, you’ll focus on palaces closer to Sintra town. Start your day at Quinta da Regaleira! This palace is popular to visit, so by going first thing in the morning you can beat the crowds.

A “quinta” in Portugal typically refers to a country estate or manor. Quinta da Regaleira dates back to 1697, when it was known as Quinta da Torre. Bought in 1840 by Baroness da Regaleira, the daughter of a wealthy trader from Porto, the name was changed to Quinta da Regaleira. She made the estate into an elegant summer retreat, with a beautiful house and chapel. 

In 1893 the quinta was acquired at a public auction by António Augusto Carvalho Monteiro, who added surrounding plots of land. In 1997, Quinta da Regaleira was purchased by the Sintra Town Council. It’s since been part of a conservation program, and is open to tourists. 

I spent hours visiting Quinta da Regaleira. I really enjoyed walking through the house and chapel, and exploring expansive gardens and grounds. Throughout the gardens are interesting statues, structures and pavilions.

You’ll also find the Initiation Well, which is a ‘subterranean tower’ that goes 27 meters down into the ground. You can walk down the stairwell to the bottom of the well, admiring symbols etched into the walls as you go.  

As with the other sites in Sintra, I recommend buying your entry ticket in advance to avoid lines. If you’re staying in Sintra town, it’s possible to walk to the quinta, it takes around 25 minutes and is a really nice walk! 

2. Biester Palace and Gardens

Your next stop of the day is Biester Palace. You will want to walk from Quinta da Regaleira to Biester Palace. It’s about a 15 minute walk, whereas the drive can be up to 25 minutes.

This small palace was built originally at the end of the 19th century. It’s a relatively new heritage site. It is private property, but it opened up to the public in 2022.

The palace was designed by Portuguese architect José Luiz Monteiro, in a neoclassical style. The interior of Biester Palace, also done in the neoclassical style, was decorated by some of the best artists of the time in Portugal, including Luigi Manini and Leandro de Souza Braga. 

Biester Palace’s architecture and decoration looks exactly like it did when it was designed in the 19th century. As you tour the palace, you’ll get to admire frescoes, the stuccoes of the Music Hall, paintings, and ceilings which were painted by Paul Baudry (a French artist who is known for having painted the foyer of the Paris Opera).

Surrounding the palace is a park designed by the French landscaper François Nogré. When visit Biester Palace, you can spend some time wandering the beautiful botanical park by following the pathways around the grounds.

3. Park and Palace of Monserrate

Next on your itinerary is Monserrate. I recommend taking the bus, or a taxi to get to this next site.

Montserrate palace dates back to 1540, when Friar Gaspar Preto had the estate constructed, and dedicated to Our Lady of Monserrate. He had recently traveled across the Iberian Peninsula, and the design was therefore inspired by the hermitage of Montserrat near Barcelona, in Catalonia. 

Although the history of the estate dates far back, the Monserrate Palace itself is pretty modern. In 1856, an English merchant named Francis Cook bought the grounds, and construction on the palace started in 1863.

The palace’s design was inspired by Islamic traditions, but mixed with other design influences. The resulting palace is a gorgeous mixture of decoration. 

The Portuguese government acquired Monserrate in 1949. In 1995, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Monserrate is a lesser known site in Sintra, and so it tends to be less busy than the popular ones like Pena Palace.

You can easily spend hours walking around the quiet gardens and enjoying the different rooms within the palace.

4. Sintra National Palace

Your final stop of the day is back in Sintra town. Take the bus or a taxi to get to Sintra National Palace.

Sintra National Palace is within the village of Sintra. With over 1000 years of history, it was inhabited for nearly eight centuries by the Portuguese monarchy and its court, and it’s one of the oldest palaces in Portugal!

The 1910 revolution in Portugal brought a sudden end to the use of this palace as a royal residence. Queen Maria Pia was the last royal to live in the Palace, before the revolution forced her to go into exile.

When touring the outside and inside of the palace, you’ll see notable rooms like the Palace Guard Room, Swan Room, and Magpie Room. And, you’ll learn a bit about the history of Portuguese royalty. 

More Than 2 Days in Sintra? Visit Sintra’s Museums

If you have more than 2 days in Sintra, I recommend visiting some of Sintra’s museums.

Museu Anjos Teixeira

Museu Anjos Teixeira is a small art museum features works by Portuguese sculptors, Artur Gaspar and Pedro Augusto Teixeira. The museum has four rooms that show the sculptures and sketches of this father and son duo. It’s free to visit!

MU.SA – Museu das Artes de Sintra

MU.SA – Museu das Artes de Sintra is Sintra’s main art museum features exhibits that show a range of Portuguese art, including paintings, sculptures, and photography. The museum is small, so it can be visited in just an hour, and it’s free!

Museu do Ar

Museu do Ar, the Air Museum, is an aviation museum, run by the Portuguese Air Force. It is a must see for any aviation enthusiast visiting Portugal. The museum has a collection that highlights various aspects of aviation, and features old airplanes and helicopters.

Museu Ferreira de Castro 

Museu Ferreira de Castro is a little museum that celebrates the works of famed author Ferreira de Castro. The exhibits feature books, objects and artwork. It’s worth popping into this museum if you’re a fan of Ferreira de Castro, or just wanting to learn who he is. 

Museu de História Natural de Sintra

Museu de História Natural de Sintra, the Sintra Natural History Museum, is in the historic center of the village of Sintra. Like Sintra’s other museums, this one is small. But it’s worth visiting to see its collection of over 10,000 fossils. The museum has a very small entrance fee (1 euro per person, as of 2021). 

What to Eat in Sintra

There are lots of fantastic options for eating in while spending 2 days in Sintra. The town has tons of restaurants and cafes that serve meals ranging in price from just a few euros to more upscale.

If you’re on a tight budget, the alternative is to buy groceries (check out these Lisbon supermarkets!) and cook for yourself in your hotel, hostel, or Airbnb’s kitchen.

While in Sintra there are a couple local sweet treats that should be tried! First is the queijada, which is a small circular cake that’s made with eggs, milk, sugar and cheese.

It tastes both sweet and savory, and is perfect paired with a coffee. Another must-try is travesseiro, a puff pastry that’s filled with a cream made of almond and egg. This one is also delicious paired with coffee!

Restaurants in Sintra

To help with your planning, here are four notable Sintra restaurants that range in price. These are all great dining choices while spending 2 days in Sintra!

• Romaria de Baco $$

Just outside Sintra center, this Portuguese restaurant has indoor seating and a terrace. Prices are mid-range, and the menu includes Portuguese and European dishes, tapas, as well as vegetarian options. You can also try some Portuguese wines! Romaria de Baco is generally well rated, so worth a visit! 

• Tulhas $$

Tulhas is a little outside the city center, next to a church. It’s the spot to go for traditional Portuguese dishes like octopus soup, and of course, port wines. Tulhas is small and tends to be busy, but has a lovely atmosphere.

• Nau Palatina $$

This is a quaint little spot, known for its friendly and personal staff. They serve Portuguese dishes, including tapas, and are known for being very allergen and gluten friendly.

• Burger & Co $

This small burger joint is conveniently located right across from the Sintra train station. They have a great menu of burgers, fries, and sandwiches for an affordable price, and your food is ready fast! Their garlic mayo is delicious. 

• Villa Craft Beer and Bread $

I love a good craft beer, so I made a point of visiting this small brewery that’s tucked away on a side street of Sintra’s old town. It’s a cozy spot with indoor and outdoor seating, as a menu of rotating craft beers. They also serve hot bread with a variety of fillings, for a super reasonable price.

• Ca.fé Coffee House $

This cafe is also just across from the train station. They serve lots of delicious pastries, as well as sandwiches and coffee. I had breakfast here every day and always enjoyed it. Plus, they kindly packed up an extra sandwich for me to take along on my Sintra adventures for lunch. 

Local Tip for Sintra: Be sure to try travesseiros in Sintra! Travesseiros are traditional pastries from the region. They’re made with puff pastry, egg yolks, almonds and sugar. Most coffee shops and bakeries should have them, just ask at the counter. You won’t regret it, these pastries are incredibly delicious!

Tips For Visiting Sintra, Portugal

Ready to spend 2 days in Sintra? Here are some Sintra tips to keep in mind for your trip.

Start your days early!

There is so much to see in Sintra, you’ll want to make the most of it by starting your days early. Especially during peak tourism season, an early start will ensure you avoid lines. And it will help maximize the daylight hours you have to explore Sintra!

Pack lunch and lots of water. 

While exploring up in the hills of Sintra, you’ll find there are barely any options for purchasing food or dining in. While you could pop back into Sintra town in between visiting the sites, it’s more convenient to pack a lunch and lots of water. Rather than preparing lunch in my hostel, I ordered an extra sandwich when I had my breakfast in a cafe in Sintra town, and popped it into a tupperware to bring with me for the day. 

Wear comfortable shoes.

You will do lots of walking while exploring Sintra’s palaces, gardens, and grounds. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes so you don’t end up in pain part way through the day. I wore a good pair of runners, which was perfect.

Pack layers for the weather.

Sintra is at a higher altitude than Lisbon and so you can expect the weather there to be a bit different. The summers are typically warm and dry, the winters are chilly and wet, and all year round it is very windy. Visiting in November, I found myself putting on and taking off layers throughout the day as the weather changed. 

Buy your Sintra tickets in advance. 

Buying tickets to the palaces you’d like to visit in advance will save you some time, because you’ll be able to skip the queue for entering. It’s possible to buy tickets in one of the many tourism agencies in Sintra town, or purchase online directly or through a reputable third party issuer.

In the summer when Sintra is at its peak in business, buying your tickets in advance is essential if you want to avoid long lines. In the off-season (November to March) it isn’t as necessary. Many of the tourism offices sell combined tickets that include entrance to several of the palaces for a small discount.  

How to Visit Sintra Responsibly

If you’ve read more of my blog, you know I am always trying to think of ways to travel in a way that is better for people and for the planet. Here’s some ideas for being a responsible tourist in Sintra, Portugal. 

Visit in the off-season or shoulder season. 

Sintra is very busy during peak travel season in Portugal, which runs from late May to late September. While peak season is a nice time to visit Sintra because the weather is pleasant, you’ll face more crowds.

Overcrowding unfortunately contributes to overtourism, which can have a harmful effect. To help reduce overtourism, consider visiting Sintra when it’s quieter, during the late fall, winter, and early spring.  

Stay more than one day in Sintra.

It’s very popular to visit Sintra as a day trip from Lisbon. While it’s certainly doable to visit the region this way, spending more time in Sintra has a lot of benefits. You’re able to travel slower, and invest more tourism dollars in the local economy. Plus, you have more time to get to know Sintra, and what makes it so special!

Hire local tour guides. 

This might seem straight forward, but if you book a tour with a global tour operator, you may find yourself with a guide who isn’t actually from Sintra, or even Portuguese.

It’s always best to support guides who have a connection to the place you’re visiting, so if possible, take care to check that the guide you hire is local. 

Respect local rules and guidance. 

Throughout Sintra’s palaces, gardens, and other sites you’ll notice signage that’s in place to inform you about local rules. For example, you may see signage instructing you to keep out of some palace gardens.

Be on the lookout for this signage and be sure to follow instructions, because the signage is there to protect the heritage and nature of the region. 

Pack in and pack out. 

This phrase is used a lot amongst hikers, but really it applies to any time spent outdoors! Pack in and pack out means leave no garbage or food waste behind.

While exploring Sintra, use disposal facilities, or bring any waste back to where you’re staying so you can dispose of it properly there. This makes your visit much more sustainable.  

Leave the car behind.

It’s not impossible to use your own car to visit Sintra’s various sites, but it isn’t recommended. There are not many parking spots available, so most travelers find it’s simpler to leave the car behind and rely on the fantastic network of public transport in Sintra to get around.

Not only does this mean no wasted time looking for parking, but it’s a more sustainable transport option! Alternatively, you can hire taxis or Ubers. 

Take it easy! 

There is so much to see in Sintra, it can be a bit overwhelming to pack it all in. Rather than stuffing as much as possible into one or two days, consider picking a few highlights instead of all of them.

This way, you can explore Sintra at a slower pace which makes it easier to soak up the experience. Quality over quantity! 

Guide to Sintra F.A.Q.

If you’re going to spend 2 days in Sintra, know all the basics before you go!

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