Things to do in Sintra

Activities, attractions and tours

A coastal rock formation with waves crashing against it.
A street with shops including a wine bar and a pâtisserie.
A historic castle with ornate architecture, surrounded by lush greenery and a stone bridge.
A cobblestone street lined with shops and a signboard.
A stone castle with a flag on top, surrounded by lush green hills and a clear blue sky.

Things to do

Sintra, Pena Palace and Cascais Full Day Tour from Lisbon

Sintra, Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira & Cascais Group Tour

S$99
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Sintra, Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira & Cascais Group Tour
Castle in Lisbon

Day Trip to Sintra & Cascais with Admission to Pena Palace and Garden Walk

S$118
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Day Trip to Sintra & Cascais with Admission to Pena Palace and Garden Walk
Belem Tower

Tour Lisbon: Belém Tower, the Cathedral & Parque das Nações

S$114
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Tour Lisbon: Belém Tower, the Cathedral & Parque das Nações
The remarkable Pena Palace

Sintra-Cascais-Pena Palace 8-People Small Group Tour from Lisbon

S$103
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Sintra-Cascais-Pena Palace 8-People Small Group Tour from Lisbon
Tastes & Traditions of Lisbon Food Tour

Tastes & Traditions of Lisbon Food Tour

S$93
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Tastes & Traditions of Lisbon Food Tour
2-Hour Lisbon Traditional Boats Sunset Cruise with White Wine

2-Hour Lisbon Traditional Boats Sunset Cruise with White Wine

S$52
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
2-Hour Lisbon Traditional Boats Sunset Cruise with White Wine
Skip the line Entry Tickets to Castel Sao Jorge

Lisbon Castel Sao Jorge Skip the line Tickets with Audio Guide

S$40
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Lisbon Castel Sao Jorge Skip the line Tickets with Audio Guide
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Top places to visit

1. Sintra National Palace

From the Moors to the nation’s first imperial dynasties, Sintra has always been one of the preferred places for Portugal’s rulers to build their royal palaces. And this one has to be one of the most impressive examples.
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A town with white buildings, red roofs, and a view of the countryside.

2. Pena Palace

An icon of the region, the striking orange-and-yellow Pena Palace stands out amid the lush forest-covered Sintra Mountains. Inspect the eclectic architecture and ostentatious interior of this former royal summer retreat and stroll through the pretty surrounding park, where you’ll find temples and other follies hidden among the trees and flowers.
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Pena Palace with its distinctive yellow and white facade, domed towers, and ornate balconies.

3. Quinta da Regaleira

The property has changed ownership a number of times over the years. The Barons of Regaleira from Portom who owned it since its constructions, sold it to the millionaire, Carvalho Monteiro, in 1892. With the help of the Italian architect Luigi Manini (architect of La Scala Milan), he then remodelled the palace by adding buildings with enigmatic symbols, related to alchemy, Masonry and the Knights Templar. Later the Palace was sold to Waldemar d'Orey, who confined its usage to that of a private residence.
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A historic castle with ornate architecture, including turrets and arched windows.

4. Cape Roca

Cape Roca, or Cabo da Roca as it’s known in Portuguese, is a dramatic, wind-battered tract of headland located at the most westerly point of mainland Europe. Admire the wild and windswept coastal scenery, follow trails along the cliffs and take photos of the monument that marks the spot as the westernmost on the continent.
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A coastal cliff with a lighthouse, ocean waves, and rocky terrain.

5. Moorish Castle

Though the Moorish Castle of Sintra has been reduced to ruins, it is still a powerful presence on the forested slopes of the Sintra Mountains. Wander up to the hilltop ruins, trekking past fortified stone walls and precariously placed ramparts. Enjoy views that extend over the surrounding hills of Serra de Sintra and the Atlantic Ocean.
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A historic stone castle on a rocky hill with flags.

6. Monserrate Palace

Monserrate Palace is often said to be the most striking palace in Sintra. Admire the unusual, almost fantastical, design of the palace building and the gorgeous, wild gardens that sprawl on the hillside surrounding the structure.
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A historic building with ornate stonework, a dome, and a red-tiled roof.

What to do in Sintra

Stay near popular Sintra attractions

A town with white buildings, red roofs, and a view of the countryside.

Sintra National Palace

9.0/10 (2,437 reviews)
The Sintra National Palace dazzles with iconic twin conical chimneys and Gothic, Moorish, and Manueline styles. Explore ornate rooms with intricate tilework and painted ceilings revealing Portugal's royal heritage.
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Where to stay in Sintra

Find the best Sintra areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Sintra
Learn more about Sintra
A lush green landscape with a variety of buildings, including a prominent church with a tall bell tower and a red building with white windows.

Historic Center

When in Historic Center, you can plan a visit to Quinta da Regaleira and Castle of the Moors, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

A yellow castle on a hill overlooking a city.

Galamares

The gardens and monuments make Galamares worth a stop. Make a stop by Sintra Mountains, and jump on the metro at Galamares Tram Stop to get around the area.

A coastal town at sunset with a beach, a cliffside staircase, and white buildings.

Azenhas do Mar

While there might not be top attractions in Azenhas do Mar, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Magoito Beach and Macas Beach.

A grand, historic building with intricate architecture, surrounded by lush greenery and a stone staircase leading up to it.

Santa Maria e São Miguel

If you're spending time in Santa Maria e São Miguel, check out sights like Sintra Mountains or Castle of the Moors and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Sintra Tram Stop or Monte Santos Tram Stop.

A castle with yellow and red buildings, surrounded by forest and overlooking a coastal town.

São Pedro de Penaferrim

While visiting São Pedro de Penaferrim, you might make a stop by sights like Penha Longa Golf Course and Pestana Golf Resort.

 

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A bustling street with shops and cafes, including 'Justtea' and 'Amorguera'.

Cascais

A coastal cityscape with terracotta-roofed buildings, a prominent white church, and a view of the sea and distant city lights.

Lisbon District

A large historic building with two towers and a central dome.

Mafra

Frequently asked questions

Is Sintra worth visiting?
Providing a mix of history and walking trails, there's no shortage of things to do in Sintra. When you're here, visit Carcavelos Beach, a leading attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Sintra?
Once you've checked off leading attractions like Carcavelos Beach and Guincho Beach, spend some time exploring the food and retail options in Sintra.
What is the top tourist attraction in Sintra?
You can't go home without visiting Carcavelos Beach, ranked the top tourist attraction in Sintra.
Is three days enough to stay in Sintra?
Three days will give you plenty of time to tick off popular city attractions, including Guincho Beach, Sintra National Palace and Grande Beach. The average stay in Sintra is two days. If you have the urge to extend your break, Lisbon District isn't far away.
Is Sintra a walkable city?
That depends on what you'd like to do and see in Sintra. Several attractions, such as Sintra National Palace and Moorish Castle, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a wander through some of Sintra's best neighbourhoods, Santa Maria e São Miguel, São Martinho e São Pedro de Penaferrim is 0.64 kilometres away from downtown, while Santa Maria e São Miguel is 2 kilometres away from the city centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Sintra with kids?
If you are after tours and attractions for all the family, have a look at these excellent ideas for what to do in Sintra with kids.
What to do in Sintra for adults?
National Hotel School and Lagoas Park are just a couple of the things to do in Sintra. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Sintra?
From relaxing in parks to strolling around vibrant neighbourhoods, it's a breeze to find free things to do in Sintra. If you're stuck for ideas, ask for recommendations from a local tour guide. Guincho Beach is a great spot for anyone wanting to save on their travelling adventures.

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