4 Reasons To Visit Sintra, Portugal
Our first time in Portugal.
After renting our car, we took the scenic route from Lisbon Airport to Sintra. The 30-kilometer journey took us about 40 minutes.
Our decision to rent a car was a game-changer, allowing us to venture beyond the usual tourist spots. The thrill of exploring a wider area, including the coastal sites for a day trip, added an adventurous twist to our journey.
Sintra, a region of Portugal to the west of Lisbon, has unparalleled natural beauty. This area, also known as Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, is most famous for its palaces and mountain castles, including the picturesque Pena Palace, the mystical Quinta da Regaleira, and the National Palace of Sintra. It also boasts a stunning coastline, adding to its allure with its natural beauty, fairy-tale palaces, lush gardens, and scenic views.
**Remember, the weather in Sintra can be pretty unpredictable. The weatherman might say, ‘Today is sunny all day,’ but don’t be surprised if you experience a sudden downpour just a few hours later. It’s always best to be prepared for changing weather conditions in Sintra, so pack accordingly!
Here are some tips to help you make the most of your two days in Sintra
1. Transportation and Accessibility
**Buses have a local bus service (like the 434 tourist loop) that connects crucial attractions, which is convenient for avoiding uphill walks.”
**Hop-On-Hop-Off Tours- These are great for exploring multiple sites without much walking and offer flexibility for rest stops.
** Taxi: Ask the price first; they might charge for each person. Try a Rideshare App. It will cost you a third less than a taxi.
***It’s crucial to exercise caution when using the BOLT app to hail a cab. Find a better one.
2. Accessible Attractions
**Pena Palace-
**Quinta da Regaleira-
**Sintra National Palace-
**Monserrate Palace and Garden-
** The Historic Center
3. And More
**Cafés and Restaurants
**Museums and Cultural Sites
**Local Markets and Shops
**Landmarks and Monuments
**Architectural Heritage
4. Guided Tours—Booking a guided tour can be a great option, as many tour operators offer tailored experiences for travellers. These tours often include transportation and can adapt routes based on accessibility needs. I don’t like guided tours; I prefer walking at my own pace.
How Much Time Do You Need in Sintra?
How long does it take to visit Sintra? It depends on what you have in mind when visiting Sintra.
On our first day, we explored the unique charm of Sintra, a historical town. We visited the Palacio Nacional de Sintra, indulged in the local cuisine at the restaurants, and explored the quaint shops. The walk down to the train station was a delightful experience in itself.
The second day was dedicated to the awe-inspiring Pena Palace, a sight I eagerly anticipated.
After waiting in line for over three hours, the sun left, and we experienced a 10-minute downpour. Let me tell you, we were wet!!
After that, It was time to go to the hotel.
We realized that you could genuinely savour the essence of this enchanting town in just one full day.
Our time in Sintra was so captivating that we regret not being able to explore more of the sites.
If you have the luxury of time, visit the charming streets of the Historical town of Sintra. If you only have one day, Quinta da Regaleira is worth it.
Our visit in two days
1- Historic Center
The Historic centers are the old towns or historic districts, the city’s heart. Narrow cobblestone streets characterize these areas, and the real gems are the centuries-old buildings with timeless beauty.
Sintra’s Historical Town Center is a prime example, with its charming squares, iconic monuments, and many lovely cafes and restaurants with outdoor seating, perfect for enjoying a meal while taking in the inspiring scenery.
2-National Palace
The National Palace of Sintra is located in the historic town center,
It is one of the most accessible, offering flat ground and easy entry. It is the oldest palace in Portugal. The first palace was constructed around the 10th and 11th centuries when the area was under Moorish rule. From the Middle Ages to the 19th century, the rulers of Portugal used this palace to escape the summer heat. In 1910, it became a national monument.
Remember to visit the small garden beside.
Cost: 13€
Hours: 9:30 am to 6:30 pm; last entry at 6 pm
3-Quinta da Regaleira
With its enchanting gardens and unique architecture, this site is a treasure trove for the curious traveller. While some paths are steep, the central courtyard and surrounding gardens are more accessible, offering a glimpse of the site’s mystique.
Verdant Gardens: Set amidst lush green surroundings in Sintra, the estate is further enriched by the garden complex and park designed by the French landscapist hired by Carvalho Monteiro. Explore the beautiful flora with fountains, lakes, caves, wells, benches, and other elements.
Ticket from €12.89…
4-Pena Palace
This yellow palace is a true gem of Sintra. However, its hilltop location can pose a challenge. To maximize your visit, consider taking the shuttle service from the entrance to the palace to minimize walking.
The extensive gardens, with their unique blend of flat and hilly areas, are a delight to explore.
The palaces in Sintra can be bustling, especially during peak season (July through early September). If you visit during this time, be prepared for large crowds. (The line was more than three hours long.)
What are Pena Palace’s Opening Hours?
Monday – Sunday: 9:30 am to 6:30 pm
Park Timings: 9 am to 7 pm
Last Entry: 6 pm
Pena Park Ticket only €15
Pena Palace & Park Ticket €20
Pena Palace & Park Ticket + Transport €24
Around Town

**I recommend purchasing all your tickets in advance to avoid the ticket lines. This will save you some time.
For your convenience, you can purchase your entrance tickets using the official websites or through GetYourGuide. The latter is exceptionally user-friendly, and all your tickets will be saved on their app, ensuring you’re well-prepared for your visit.
**Remember, comfort is critical when it comes to footwear. Comfortable shoes are essential, especially since some gardens may be slippery and the cobblestone walkways are uneven.
**The weather is challenging while you visit and away from the hotel!!
Be prepared for a variety of weather conditions. We experienced mist, sun, clouds, and a 10-minute downpour one day.
Due to the mountainous location, this is a common occurrence, but with the proper preparation, it can be easily handled.
Hotel
We stayed at IBIS in Sintra. The hotel’s location could be better, but you can go anywhere if you rent a car. Well, not quite; most places in Sintra don’t have parking.
You cannot just take the bus or the train, it is too far or not have any.
The rooms are clean, and the beds are comfortable.
IBIS offers a self-serve continental breakfast with various options, including slices of bread, pancakes, juices, and hot drinks.
The staff is friendly and helpful.
After this experience, I’ve learned to be more discerning about my future accommodation choices. (Look closer to the activities.)
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Note
About renting a car: We rented from booking.com and chose MOVIDA. The process was straightforward: We selected pick-up and drop-off locations, chose the car type we wanted, and paid online.
The service was excellent, and we were delighted to drive away in a brand-new car for 95 euros.
I highly recommend getting a toll pass for all the tolls you encounter. It’s a smart move that can save you significant money. Some tolls can cost over 22 euros one way.
About calling a Taxi: Cabs are costly. They will charge you a price, and after you sit, they say, “Oh, no, it is per person.”
When it comes to apps, choose wisely. I received multiple invoices after we were home, so pick a straightforward and reliable app.
Do not use BOLT!!
A cab is expensive; another app service will cost a third of the price.
It is worth it, with all the places you want to visit and no places to park the car.
I didn’t have time to go to Sintra last time I was in Portugal, but it’s definitely on my radar. It looks really beautiful! Thanks for sharing!
More nice places to visit close to Sintra :O)
Oh, this looks like a lovely place to visit. I have never been to Portugal, and rarely travel to begin with, but I love seeing guides for places like this. Who knows, maybe one day I will give into the travel but and if I do, I’d definitely want to visit a place like Sintra.
Bookmarking this for when I travel overseas. Thank you!
We’re planning a trip to Portugal this year and everyone is telling us that we need to visit Sintra so I’m saving this article. Thanks for sharing.
You will love Portugal. I will add more places to visit around Portugal this week. Cascais is beautifull, also a medieval town in Evora.Keep looking for them and enjoy :O)