14 Best Things To Do in Sintra, Portugal

Sintra is one of Portugal’s most popular day trips, famous for its fairytale palaces, castles, and gardens. Located just outside Lisbon, it’s home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the colourful Pena Palace and the enchanting Quinta da Regaleira.

When I visited Sintra as part of a solo trip to Portugal, I spent three days there. I went excited to see famous attractions like Pena Palace. And while Pena Palance and other famous Sintra sites absolutely lived up to the hype, what surprised me most was everything in between.

I loved wandering the narrow streets of Sintra town, visiting the region’s small museums, and walking around the lesser-known palaces.

In this guide, I’ll share the best things to do in Sintra, from famous attractions like Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira to lesser-known sites that are worth adding to your itinerary. I’ll also cover some options for tours from Lisbon to Sintra, and whether a day trip tour is the right option for your visit.

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1. Pena Palace and Park

Pena Palace is one of the most famous places to visit in Sintra, which is why it’s first on this list. In the 1800s, King Ferdinand II acquired ruins that were once where today’s Pena Palace is. There, he built a summer residence. 

When the royal family later had to flee during the revolution of 1910, the palace was purchased by the Portuguese state and named as a national monument. In 1995, Pena Palace was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Pena Palace has a beautiful and interesting design. It’s made up of a mix of architectural styles, and it’s painted bright yellow and red. And because the palace sits at the very top of Sintra mountain, you have panoramic views of the region from the palace.

There are several highlights within the palace grounds that you won’t want to miss. Walk out onto the Queen’s Terrace for some of the best views in Sintra, admire the elaborate Triton Arch, and explore the colourful courtyards that make Pena Palace so recognizable.

If you purchase an interior ticket, you’ll also have the chance to see the royal apartments, dining rooms, and kitchens used by Portugal’s last monarchs before the 1910 revolution.

It’s recommended to buy your ticket to Pena Palace in advance. If you visit in the high season (the summer), get to the palace before opening time. 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. 

You can easily spend hours exploring the outside of the palace, and the surrounding grounds and gardens. If you want to experience the site in depth, plan to spend 3-4 hours.

If you get hungry while visiting Pena Palace, stop by Parques de Sintra Cafeterias. This is one of the only places within the park that serves food. 

You can buy your ticket to Pena Palace in advance, right here.

2. Walk to Cruz Alta (High Cross)

Cruz Alta (“High Cross”) is a viewpoint located within Pena Park. At 529 metres above sea level, it marks the highest point in the Sintra Mountains and offers sweeping views across the surrounding forests, rolling hills, the Atlantic coastline, and, on clear days, the Tagus River.

Getting there is part of the experience. The walk to Cruz Alta takes you through the lush forests of Pena Park, passing winding paths, giant ferns, and exotic trees that were planted as part of King Ferdinand II’s vision for the estate.

The trail is well-marked and relatively easy, taking about 20 minutes each way from the palace area.

One important thing to know is that Cruz Alta is located within Pena Park, so you can only visit it if you’ve purchased a ticket to enter Pena Palace and its surrounding grounds.

Many people who go to Pena Palace focus exclusively on the palace itself, but taking the time to explore the wider park and hike to Cruz Alta is one of the best ways to escape the crowds and experience the natural beauty that makes Sintra so special.

3. Castle of the Moors

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. 

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

The main thing to do at this castle is to walk all along the old fortress walls. From them, you have gorgeous views of the surrounding region – and of Pena Palace!

These walls are old, and the stairs can sometimes be steep, so be cautious as you climb them.

When you’re finished imagining medieval life at the Castle of the Moors … it’s time to eat! If you haven’t already, take some time to enjoy your packed lunch, or plan to grab something to eat at your next stop: Quinta da Regaleira. 

If you haven’t bought your entry ticket in advance, stop at the ticket machine right at the entrance, to purchase your ticket. 

It’s always best to buy your ticket in advance. I recommend buying this ticket ahead of time.

4. Quinta da Regaleira 

A “quinta” in Portugal 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.

In 1893 the quinta was acquired at a public auction, and 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. 

At Quinta da Regaleira, you’ll find a beautiful palace, gardens, and other buildings that show symbols related to alchemy, Masonry, the Knights Templar, and the Rosicrucians. Be sure to visit these sites on the estate: The Palace of Quinta da Regaleira, Promenade of the Gods, and the Chapel of Holy Trinity.

You should also see 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.  

5. Sintra National Palace

Sintra National Palace is within the village of Sintra. This palace has over 1000 years of history. For nearly 8 centuries, it was inhabited 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.

It’s best to do a guided tour of the palace, which takes 1-2 hours. When you go with the tour, you get to 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. 

6. Convento dos Capuchos

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 is one of the best things to do 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. 

7. Biester Palace and Gardens

Biester Palace is a small palace 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 visiting Biester Palace, you can spend some time wandering the beautiful botanical park by following the pathways around the grounds.

8. Park and Palace of Monserrate

Monserrate 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.

9. Visit Sintra’s Museums

Sintra might be mostly known for its palaces, but it’s also home to many museums! Here are the key museums worth visiting in Sintra:

Museu Anjos Teixeira is a small art museum featuring 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 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, 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 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, 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. Entrance to this museum is free.

10. Hike in the Serra de Sintra

The Serra de Sintra is a beautiful mountain range located just outside of Sintra. It’s here that many of the famous palaces of Sintra, like Pena Palace, are located. 

But this area is also known for its hiking trails, making it a perfect activity for anyone who wants to get out into nature. 

Serra de Sintra has a variety of trails to choose from. A popular trail is the Santuário da Peninha trail, which is a 14.2 kilometer (8.8 mile) loop trail that brings you to several historical sites, and a beautiful lookout point. 

Along this trail, you can visit three important monuments of this region: the Sanctuary of Peninha, the Pedra Amarela, and the Monge-Pé or Alto do Monge.

11. Visit Nearby Praia da Ursa

The Praia da Ursa is a beautiful beach surrounded by cliffs, located just outside Sintra. This beach is known for its incredible coastal views, and the rugged cliffs and greenery that surround it. 

It’s a perfect swimming and sunbathing spot. You can also go for a wander while the tide is low, to find coves as well as caves that are along the shore. Be sure to also drive or walk up to the top of the cliffs, for views of Praia da Ursa from above.

Because it’s in a more secluded location, Praia da Ursa tends to be less busy than other beaches in Portugal, especially compared to Algarve beaches.

Unfortunately, the only way to reach this beach is by driving – so you’ll need a car if you’d like to visit Praia da Ursa while in Sintra. 

12. Drive to Nearby Cabo da Roca (Cape Roca)

Cabo da Roca is the westernmost point of mainland Europe. The coastal cliffs of this cape jut out into the Atlantic Ocean, which means you’re treated to gorgeous views of the coast and the sea. 

There’s an observation deck from which you can safely take in the panoramic views, and you can also visit Cabo da Roca’s lighthouse, which is open to visitors. The lighthouse was built back in the 17th century to help with guiding ships to Lisbon.

Cabo da Roca’s significance as the most western point in Europe means you can get a special souvenir there. A certificate of attendance! Be sure to pick up your certificate, which comes in manuscript handwriting, as a reminder of passage through the westernmost point of mainland Europe.

13. Visit Villa Craft Beer and Bread For Local Food and Drink

Sintra has a craft brewery! Villa Craft Beer and Bread makes the list of best things to do in Sintra because it’s a unique experience to have in this historic village.

Villa Craft Beer and Bread is a cozy spot that offers a selection of rotating craft beers, along with delicious breads stuffed with a variety of fillings like flour sausage, slow roasted pulled pork, ham and cheese, and chorizo.

Villa Craft Beer and Bread is tucked away in a quiet part of Sintra, with seating inside and outside. Be sure to taste some of their beers, and try the spicy sardine bread.

14. Walk Around Sintra Town 

While the palaces and gardens are the highlights of Sintra, Sintra town is very much worth spending some time in.

Sintra town is divided into two areas: the new town, and the old town. Both of these areas are small and walkable. While the new town is worth checking out, the old town is the original village, and it’s where you’ll find points of interest like the National Palace of Sintra.   

The old town’s few streets are filled with little shops, cafes, restaurants, and bakeries. It’s lovely to stroll around, popping into shops, and admiring the town’s beautiful buildings.

Be sure to pop into A Loja, a small shop that sells souvenirs, many of which are hand-made Portuguese goods. For traditional hand-painted Portuguese tiles, head to Ceramica De Sintra.

Tours From Lisbon to Sintra

Prefer to visit Sintra with a tour? Tours run daily from Lisbon, typically cost around €120. Tours are about 8 hours long, and bring you to Sintra’s most well-known sights. 

There are different tour options to choose from. Some focus only on the palaces at Sintra, and others combine the trip with more stops like Cascais and the Cabo da Roca coast.

Below, I’ve highlighted some well-rated tours that you can consider booking for your visit to Sintra.

1. Lisbon: Pena Palace, Sintra, Cabo da Roca, & Cascais Daytrip

RATING: 4.8 / 5 Stars | TOUR LENGTH: 8 Hours

This popular Pena Palace, Sintra, Cabo da Roca, & Cascais Daytrip combines a visit to Sintra’s famous Pena Palace, with stops along the beautiful Portuguese coastlines of Cabo da Roca and Cascais.

This is a full-day, guided tour that includes pick-up and drop-off in Lisbon. You can choose to include a ticket entry to Pena Palace in Sintra, or, opt out and do your own thing. Following the visit to Pena Palace, this tour includes 1.5 hours to explore the town of Sintra. 

This Pena Palace, Sintra, Cabo da Roca, & Cascais Daytrip includes: 

• Guide
• Pena Palace entry ticket (if option selected)
• Pena Palace guided tour
• Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle
• Hotel pickup and drop-off service (if private tour option selected)

2. From Lisbon: Sintra and Pena Palace Tour

RATING: 4.9 / 5 Stars | TOUR LENGTH: 6 Hours

This Sintra tour from Lisbon is a little shorter than the first one I mentioned, lasting 6 hours. While this one might end up being a little more rushed, it’s a good choice for if you’d like a shorter day. 

The Sintra and Pena Palace Tour includes a visit to the Pena Palace, free time for exploring the historical center of Sintra, and stops at Cabo da Roca, Guincho Beach, and Cascais bay. This is a small group tour by minivan. During your tour, the local tour operator’s driver and guide are there to answer questions and support the trip. 

This Sintra and Pena Palace Tour includes:

• Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel or apartment in central Lisbon
• Transportation by air-conditioned minivan
• Guide
• Driver
• Personalized guided tour inside the monument
• Free time in the historical center of Sintra

3. Sintra and Cascais: Full-Day Private Sightseeing Tour

RATING: 4.9 / 5 Stars | TOUR LENGTH: 6 Hours

If you prefer to have a private tour, this is the trip for you. On this private tour (which accommodates up to 2 people), you’ll visit Sintra’s monuments, castles, and parks, stop in the popular seaside town of Cascais, and visit the westernmost point in continental Europe.

The Sintra and Cascais: Full-Day Private Sightseeing Tour is designed to be an entire day of sightseeing, but the duration can be adjusted according to your schedule. Since this tour is private, you also have the option to let the tour leader know your main areas of interest, so the trip can be customized for you.

This Sintra and Cascais: Full-Day Private Sightseeing Tour includes:

• Pickup and drop-off at a meeting point in central Lisbon
• Transportation by air-conditioned car or van
• Private guide, just your group and your guide
• Guide will accompany you inside most of the monuments and locations for historic explanations

If you have limited time in Portugal and really want to see Sintra, then a day trip is absolutely worth it. In one day you can see the highlights of the region, like Pena Palace, Castle of the Moors, and Quinta da Regaleira.

Why Sintra Is Worth More Than a Day Trip

With fairytale palaces, historic estates, scenic hiking trails, and incredible viewpoints all packed into a relatively small area, Sintra is very much worth visiting.

Many people choose to visit Sintra as a day trip from Lisbon, and that’s enough time to see highlights like Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira.

But I recommend spending 2 or more days if you can. With more time, you’ll have the opportunity to embrace slower travel and see beyond the most famous attractions, including places like Biester Palace, Monserrate Palace, and the coastline around Cabo da Roca.

The great thing about the attractions in this guide is that they can all be visited independently using a combination of walking, public transportation, rideshares, and local buses.

If you’re short on time or prefer a more structured experience, there are also excellent day tours from Lisbon that bundle together transportation and the area’s top sights.

Whether you explore Sintra on your own or join a guided tour, one thing is certain: make sure you give Sintra at least one day of your Portugal itinerary.

More from Pina Travels on Portugal:

• 2 Days in Sintra: Your Comprehensive Guide 
• 24 Hours in Sintra: Your Comprehensive Guide
• Weekend in Porto: 16 Things to Do
• 10 Reasons To Visit Portugal In Winter

Want to have a more thoughtful trip? Here are some of my responsible travel tips to get you started.

• Learn the main tips for being a responsible tourist.
• Use sustainable tourism tips to travel eco-consciously. 
• Choose responsible wildlife tourism experiences.
• Travel to places that aren’t facing overtourism to reduce your impact.
• Be aware of cultural appropriation and avoid it. 
• Use second city tourism when you do want to visit more popular places.
• Be thoughtful in how you shop for souvenirs.
• Take and share photos and videos respectfully.
• Avoid tourism leakage by supporting local businesses.
• Consider your travel privileges.