Sintra

Sintra is one of Portugal’s most distinctive destinations, combining natural beauty, deep historical roots, and a strong cultural identity.

Its strategic location meant that Sintra has long been favoured by Portuguese royalty, nobility, and intellectuals. Over centuries, they built summer residences, landscaped gardens, and spiritual retreats here, leaving behind a legacy that is both architecturally rich and emotionally evocative. In the 19th century, Sintra became a symbol of the Romantic movement in Europe, attracting poets like Lord Byron, who called it a “glorious Eden.”

Today, Sintra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and part of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. While many tourists visit on day trips, the town rewards those who take the time to explore it in depth. Its old town still preserves medieval streets and small artisan shops. The surrounding hills offer hiking trails, viewpoints, and vineyards, while the coastline provides access to beaches and cliffs just a short drive away.

This guide offers a comprehensive look at what to see and do in Sintra, including must-visit monuments, local gastronomy, annual events, and practical tips, so you can plan a visit that goes beyond the surface.

Sintra is known for its high concentration of historic sites, many of which are set within lush parks or perched on dramatic hilltops. While some places are world-famous, others are less visited but equally worthwhile.

Main Points of Interest

Pena National Palace

Arguably the most famous site in Sintra, Pena Palace is a 19th-century Romantic palace that sits at the top of the Sintra hills. Its vivid colours and eclectic architectural style – mixing Neo-Gothic, Neo-Manueline, Islamic and Renaissance elements – make it a visually striking landmark. Don’t miss the surrounding Parque da Pena, a vast forested park with exotic trees, lakes, and hidden paths.

Moorish Castle

Dating back to the 8th–9th century during the Islamic occupation of the Iberian Peninsula, this ruined fortress offers panoramic views over Sintra, the coast, and as far as Lisbon on clear days. It’s accessible via scenic walking trails through the woods and provides a glimpse into the region’s defensive history.

Sintra National Palace

Located in the town centre, this palace is easily recognised by its twin chimneys. It was used continuously by Portuguese monarchs from the 15th to the 19th century. The interior features rooms with intricate tilework, painted ceilings, and furnishings that reflect changing styles across centuries. An interesting fact is that locals refer to it as the “Village Palace”!

Quinta da Regaleira

A symbol of Sintra’s mystical side, this estate is known for its symbolic architecture, hidden tunnels, and the famous Initiation Well. Built by a wealthy Portuguese businessman with a deep interest in esotericism, Freemasonry, and alchemy, the property is filled with mysterious symbols and lush gardens.

Biester Palace

Nestled in the heart of Sintra’s lush hills, Biester Palace is a captivating example of 19th-century Romantic architecture. Recently opened to the public, this once-private residence offers visitors a rare glimpse into a world of opulence, mystery, and artistic grandeur. With its neo-Gothic interiors, intricate woodwork, and stunning frescoes by Luigi Manini, the palace feels like a step back in time. Surrounded by a beautifully landscaped park filled with exotic plants and secret pathways, Biester Palace is a must-visit for those seeking a quieter, more intimate experience beyond Sintra’s major landmarks.

Monserrate Palace

Less frequented by tourists, this palace is a masterpiece of Romantic and Orientalist architecture, with detailed stucco work and domed ceilings. The botanical gardens feature plant species from all over the world, laid out in themed areas. Ideal for those looking to avoid crowds.

Convent of the Capuchos

Also known as the Cork Convent, this Franciscan monastery is carved into rock and lined with cork as insulation. It reflects a life of spiritual retreat and poverty, in stark contrast to Sintra’s grand palaces. Its simplicity and harmony with the natural environment are striking.

Chalet da Condessa d’Edla

Built in the 19th century by King Ferdinand II for his second wife, Elise Hensler, this alpine-style chalet is located within the Pena Park. It was recently restored and offers insights into the private lives of the Portuguese royal family. The surrounding gardens are also worth exploring.

Seteais Palace and Gardens

Now operating as a luxury hotel, Seteais Palace can still be visited for its neoclassical architecture and formal gardens. It offers one of the best viewpoints in Sintra, known as the Seteais Arch, with sightlines to both the Pena Palace and Moorish Castle.

Queluz National Palace and Gardens

Located just outside Lisbon, the Queluz National Palace is a stunning 18th-century royal residence often called the “Portuguese Versailles.” With its elegant Rococo interiors and beautifully landscaped French-style gardens, it was once a summer home for the Portuguese monarchy.

Fun fact: Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles III (then Prince of Wales) stayed overnight at the palace during their state visit to Portugal — making it not only a historic landmark, but also a royal guesthouse in modern times.

Natural History Museum of Sintra

Located in the historic centre, this museum offers a small but well-curated collection of fossils, minerals, and dinosaur specimens—ideal for families or visitors interested in geology.

Adraga Beach & Cabo da Roca (coastal sites)

Although not in the town centre, these are key extensions of a Sintra visit. Praia da Adraga is one of Portugal’s most scenic beaches, framed by cliffs and rock formations. Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe, is about 20 minutes by car from Sintra and offers dramatic sea views.

Villa Sassetti & Trail to the Moorish Castle

Recently restored, Villa Sassetti is a 19th-century house with gardens and walking paths. It also serves as a connecting trailhead between the town centre and the Moorish Castle—great for those who enjoy hiking.

Anjos Teixeira Museum

Located near the historic centre, this small sculpture museum showcases the work of two generations of Portuguese sculptors. It’s often overlooked but is a calm and enriching cultural stop.

Recommended Activities

Walking trails: Sintra-Cascais Natural Park offers several marked trails. Popular ones include the hike from the town to the Moorish Castle or down to Praia da Adraga.

Cycling and e-biking: Available through local tour operators. Useful for visiting palaces that are not close to each other.

Wine tasting: The region is part of the Colares wine-producing area, known for its Ramisco grape. Consider visiting a local winery such as Adega Viúva Gomes.

Horseback riding or carriage rides: Available near the entrance of the Pena Park for a more relaxed experience.

Historic tram to Praia das Maçãs: Operational in summer months, it’s a scenic, if slow, way to reach the coast from Sintra.

Recommended Restaurants

Tascantiga: Known for Portuguese petiscos and a relaxed atmosphere. Near the castle route.

Romaria de Baco: This intimate, rustic‑chic wine bar and tapas restaurant lies just beside the Igreja de São Martinho and the tourist office. The menu draws deeply from Mediterranean and traditional Portuguese cuisine, offering generous tapas-style as well as full meals.

Tira-tapas: Serves typical Portuguese dishes in tapas style to be shared by everyone

Café Saudade: Good for breakfast, brunch, light meals or a coffee break.

Café da Natália: One of the most beloved tea houses by locals for its wide selection of sweets and tea.

Pastelaria Gregório: Is one of the oldest and most cherished bakeries in the region, founded in 1890. It is known for its famous honey cakes (broas de mel), Russian cake, and also for the typical Sintra sweet queijadas without dough on the outside.

Piriquita: No visit to Sintra is complete without tasting the local pastries travesseiros and queijadas, or try the house specialty, pasteis da cruz alta.

Incomum by Luís Santos: A more refined experience, suitable for a longer lunch or dinner.

Festivals Throughout the Year

Festival de Artes de Rua: Includes theatre, music and street performances, usually in spring or summer.

Festival de Sintra (June): A classical music festival held in several heritage locations, including palaces.

Feira Medieval de Sintra (July): Historical reenactments, food, and craft stalls in the historic St. Peter’s Square.

Natal em Sintra (December): Christmas markets and decorations spread across the town and surrounding areas. The Christmas kingdom is located in Liberty Park, where children can meet Santa Claus and his elf helpers.

Useful Tips

Arrive early: Sintra is a popular day trip from Lisbon, and it gets crowded, especially around noon.

Transport: The town is best navigated by public buses (Scotturb or Carris), tuk-tuks, or on foot. Driving is discouraged due to narrow roads and limited parking.

Buy combo tickets: Parques de Sintra offers packages that combine entrance to multiple palaces and help save money. To avoid queues at the ticket office, buy your ticket online and get a 15% discount if you purchase at least three days in advance.

Dress appropriately: The weather can change quickly and it’s usually windy at night. A light jacket and comfortable shoes are highly recommended.

Avoid peak lunch hours: Restaurants fill up between 12:30 and 14:00, especially in high season.

Sintra is not just a postcard town. It’s a layered destination that offers far more than a single palace or photo opportunity. With its rich architectural heritage, diverse natural landscapes, and active cultural calendar, it deserves more than a rushed visit. Whether you’re drawn by history, hiking, or gastronomy, Sintra offers a complete and rewarding experience.