18 Spectacular Places to Visit and Things to Do in Sintra

Sintra is a city situated on the Portuguese Riviera and is part of the greater Lisbon municipality. Lisbon to Sintra day trips is very common among tourists. Both cities are quite close by, in fact, Sintra can be considered an extension of Lisbon.  Though the vibe and feel of this city is very different. The best things to do in Sintra include exploring palaces, castles, mansions and mountains. It is a city most famous for its hilltop palaces. Some parts of these palaces have also been converted into parks of sorts. These palaces are known for their marvelous architecture, interior decor and history. They are definitely the best places to visit in Sintra. While getting to these palaces, you will also come across small villas, mansions and old houses which you can add to Sintra sightseeing without deviating from the route.

Sintra is home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites which are included in its cultural landscape. Besides monuments, Sintra attractions also include natural landscapes as well. The Cascais Natural Park is the primary nature retreat close to the city. The natural park includes plains, forests, mountains, and valleys and extends all the way to the coast. This natural park is also popular for several outdoor activities including hiking, trekking and water sports. The park also has beaches, coastal cliffs, bays and capes. The coastal trek offers some of the most beautiful things to see in Sintra. Another popular aspect of Sintra travel are the beautiful beaches. The long coastline is bristled with a variety of beaches. The Sintra beaches offer a variety of water sports and boat cruise tours.

Inside the city, you get to explore museums, public squares, markets, gardens and a few historical buildings. Some of the Sintra’s top sights within the city are Aviation Museum, Art Museum, News Museum and so on.

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The Top 18 Tourist Places to Visit in Sintra

1. Park and National Palace of Pena (Parque e Palácio Nacional da Pena)

The palace was first built under the reign of Ferdinand II and was later restored to look as it was in 1910. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and also one of the seven wonders of Portugal. For its history, architecture, design and activities, Pena Palace is one of the best places to visit in Sintra. You will need 2 hours at least to explore this vast palace complex.

I suggest you should book your Skip-the-Line Ticket for Park and National Palace of Pena in advance.

2. Regaleira Palace and Gardens (Quinta da Regaleira)

This palace is also a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its elaborate architecture and romantic style design elements. This palace is one of the best things to see in Sintra as far as aesthetics are concerned. The palace complex has fountains, lakes, gardens and several other elements to explore. You will need an hour or two to explore this place during Sintra travel.

I suggest you should book your Skip-the-Line Entrance Ticket of Regaleira Palace in Advance.

3. Initiation Wells

The initiation wells are part of the Quinta de Regaleira complex. They are important cultural structures and are famously associated with Tarot mysticism, Knights Templars, Rosicrucianism and Freemasonry. They are historically and culturally significant Sintra attractions and will require 30 to 45 minutes to explore.

4. National Palace of Sintra (Palácio Nacional de Sintra)

Also known as the Town Palace, this is the best preserved royal residential structure in Portugal. It is the most historically significant Sintra tourist attraction. The palace was built in the 15th century and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The exterior though huge, is not as elaborately designed as other palaces of the region. The interiors however as are lush and vibrant. You will need about an hour from Sintra sightseeing to tour this palace.

I suggest you should get your Skip-the-Line Ticket of the National Palace of Sintra in advance.

5. Castle of the Moors (Castelo dos Mouros)

Also known as the Moorish Castle, it was built between the 8th and 9th centuries by Muslim rulers of the region during the Middle Ages. For admirers of architecture, this castle is among Sintra’s must-see places. The castle was later restored in a romantic style of architecture by Dom Fernando II in the 12th century. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will need 2 hours or so to tour this castle.

I suggest you should book your Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket of Castle of the Moors in advance.

6. Monserrate Palace (Palácio de Monserrate)

This palatial villa was built to be the summer resort for the Portuguese court. It is said that the palace was built on the ruins of a chapel of Virgin Mary. It is one of the most beautiful places to see in Sintra. The palace is known for its history, Neo-gothic architecture and regal interiors. It will take you a little more than an hour to explore Monserrate Palace when you visit Sintra.

I suggest you should book your Entrance Ticket of Monserrate Palace in advance.

7. Chalet of the Countess of Edla (Chalet e Jardim da Condessa d’Edla)

This chalet was built in 1869 for Queen Maria II, the Countess of Edla. This quaint villa is included among Sintra’s top attractions owing to the popularity of the love story between King Fernando II and Queen Maria II. The exterior exhibits a little quirky design but the interior is quite splendid. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to explore this Chalet.

8. Valley of the Lakes (Vale dos Lagos e Pateira)

This botanical garden has several lakes, gardens, sculptures and interesting structures. It feels more like a forest than a garden and has a fairy tale element to it. It is one of the best places to go in Sintra for a leisurely stroll. You will need about an hour to explore it.

9. Sintra-Cascais Natural Park (Parque Natural de Sintra-Cascais)

This beautiful nature expanse starts from Mount Serra de Sintra and extends all the way to the coast, which is the westernmost point in Continental Europe. The natural park has several Sintra points of interest within its borders such as Anta de Adrenunes, Azanhas do Mar, Cresmina Dune and many more. The majority of the top things to do in Sintra including the palaces and villas are part of the natural park. It also included natural attractions, beaches, bays and coastal cliffs. It is visited of outdoor activities in Sintra such as hiking, trekking, bicycle tours, water sports and more. You will need at least a day to explore this place.

At Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, you can go for Hiking and Mountain Biking.

10. Convent of the Capuchos (Convento dos Capuchos)

Also known as the Convent of the Frairs Minor Capuchin, this is a historical convent founded in 1560. It is one of the most beautiful things to see in Sintra as the vegetation and structures mingle with one another. The place has a very fairy tale look. You will need about an hour for this place.

I suggest you should get your Entry Ticket of Convent of the Capuchos in advance.

11. Beaches

Being close to the coast, Sintra beaches are among the biggest attractions for tourists. Some of the most popular beaches in Sintra include Praia da Adraga, Praia do Magoito, Praia das Macas, Praia Grande and Praia do Guincho. You can enjoy several fun things to do in Sintra including beach sports and water sports. You would need at least a couple of hours to fully enjoy any of the beaches.

12. Regional de Colares Winery (Adega Regional de Colares)

Portuguese wines are famous around the world. So the wineries are naturally among popular Sintra attractions. You can see how the wine is made, processed and stored. Most wineries also have good wine tasting sessions. You would need an hour for this experience during Sintra travel.

13. Sintra Arts Museum (MU.SA – Museu das Artes de Sintra)

This museum is dedicated to Portuguese modern art. Besides a permanent exhibition of renowned artworks, the museum also has a section of rotating exhibit to promote regional and national artists. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to explore this museum.

14. Cape Raso (Cabo da Raso)

This cape is part of Cascais Natural Park and is situated on the coast facing the Atlantic Ocean. It is one of the most beautiful Sintra tourist attractions. You can explore the coast and visit the lighthouse on the cape to get a breathtaking view of the ocean. You will need about 2 hours to explore this place. Some people make Lisbon to Sintra day trip just for this place.

You can visit Cabo da Raso with your tour of Cascais.

15. Anjos Teixeira Museum (Museu Anjos Teixeira)

This quaint little museum is dedicated to father and son sculptors Artur and Pedro Anjos Teixeira. The museum exhibits some of the finest works created by them as well as focuses on the influence of sculpting style that ran in the family. It is not very well known, but is an interesting addition to Sintra sightseeing if you are interested in arts. This museum will require 30 to 45 minutes of time to explore.

16. Air Museum (Museu do Ar)

Also known as the Air Museum, this aviation museum is dedicated to the Portuguese Air Force. The museum has numerous aircraft on display including fighter planes, bombers, cargo planes and more. You will need about an hour to explore this vast museum.

17. Sintra Mountains (Serra de Sintra)

This mountain is famous for many things. It is a great natural landmark, but also for various attractions including palaces, castles and villas. The mountain attracts several people for fun activities in Sintra such as hiking, trekking, mountain climbing and so on. It is also associated with Greek mythology. It was known as Lunae Mons and was considered the retreat of Diana the Huntress. You will need about 2 to 3 hours to explore this mountain.

18. Seteais Palace (Palácio de Seteais)

This palace is a Portuguese National Landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It now operates as a hotel, but is deeply intertwined with the history and culture of the city. The Neo-classical architecture of the palace is quite well known among Sintra tourist attractions. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to explore this palace.

If you are looking for more places to see in Sintra, check out the sections below. We have compiled an exhaustive list of interesting places to visit and fun things to do in and around Sintra.

Things to do in Sintra

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Sintra

1. National Palace of Pena
2. Quinta da Regaleira
3. Castelo dos Mouros
4. Sintra National Palace
5. Palace of Monserrate
6. Convent of Capuchos
7. Initiation Well
8. Chalet of Countess of Edla
9. Aviation Museum
10. Camara Municipal de Sintra
11. News Museum
12. Museu de Arte Moderna
13. Museu Anjos Teixeira
14. Cruz Alta
15. Museu de Historia Natural
16. Sintra Mitos & Lendas
17. The Warrior Statue
18. Cascata de Piseos
19. Sintra Science Workshop
20. Biester Palace
21. Temple of Columns
22. Museu Ferreira de Castro
23. High Cross
24. Cabo Raso Lighthouse
25. St. Martin Church
26. Palacio de Seteais
27. Monumento ao Bombeiro
28. Church of Santa Maria
29. Chapel Santa Eufemia
30. Abegoaria e Quinta a Pena
31. Capela da Quinta da Regaleira
32. Church Sao Pedro
33. Casa Dorita
34. Local Memory Museum
35. Banhos de Santa Eufemia
36. Ruinas da Capela de Monserratte

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Sintra

1. Sintra Casais Natural Park
2. Sintra Mountains
3. Quinta do Pisao
4. Pedra Amarela
5. Fervenca Waterfall
6. Barragem do Rio da Mula
7. Lagao dos Mosqueiros
8. Reserva de Burros
9. Rio da Mula
10. Ribeira de Caparide

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Sintra

1. Sintra Monte da Lua Park
2. Regional de Colares Winery
3. Park Liberdade
4. Vale dos Lagos e Pateira
5. Quinta da Ribafria
6. Pedra Amarela Campo Base
7. Olga Cadaval Cultural Center
8. Parque das Merendas
9. Jardins do Parque da Pena
10. Gruta do Labirinto
11. Poco Imperfeito
12. Parque Urbano da Caveleira
13. Jardim Correnteza
14. Jardim da Vigia

Shopping in Sintra

1. Forum Sintra
2. Casa Alegria
3. Praca de Republica
4. Sao Pedro Market
5. Sintra Bazaar
6. Beloura Shopping

Beaches in Sintra

1. Poca Beach
2. Praia da Rainha
3. Adraga Beach
4. Praia da Bafureira
5. Sao Pedro do Estoril
6. Riberia Beach
7. Praia da Torre
8. Guincho Beach
9. Praia do Abano
10. Duquesa Beach
11. Praia da Aroeira
12. Magoito Beach
13. Praia das Azenhas do Mar
14. Ursa Beach
15. Praia Grande do Rodizio
16. Tamariz Beach
17. Praia do Giribeto
18. Azarujinha Beach
19. Praia de Assentiz
20. Moitas beach
21. Praia das Macas
22. Conceicao Beach
23. Praia da Aguda
24. Cresmina Beach

Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventure Activities to Do in Sintra

1. Hiking
2. Watersports
3. Boat Cruise
4. Jeep Safari
5. Bicycle tours
6. Trekking

Sightseeing in Sintra

1. Villa Sassetti
2. Fonte dos Piseos
3. Miradouro de Santa Eufémia
4. Fonte Mourisca
5. Villa Romania de Miroico
6. Fonte da Sabuga
7. Pelourinho de Sintra
8. Torre de Relogio

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Sintra

1. Romaria de Baco
2. Apaedeiro
3. Incomum
4. Garagem Cafe
5. Tascantiga
6. Casa Priquita
7. Nau Palatina
8. Queijadas da Sapa
9. Tacho Real
10. Alba Gelato
11. Tulhas
12. Botica Saloia
13. Mammasantissima
14. A Raposa
15. Bar do Fundo
16. Cafe Saudade

Where to Stay in Sintra?

Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-Range and Budget Hotels in Sintra. You can check below listed hotels for your perfect stay in Sintra.

Luxurious Hotels

1. Chalet Saudade – Vintage Guest House
2. Tivoli Palacio de Seteais
3. Sintra Boutique Hotel
4. Sintra Marmoris Palace
5. Pestana Sintra Golf
6. Vila Gale Sintra
7. Lawrence’s Hotel
8. Casa Holstein Quinta de Sao Sebastiao Sintra
9. Storytellers Villas
10. Villa Estefania

Mid-Range Hotels

1. Quinta das Murtas
2. Sintra 1012 Boutique Guest House
3. Tivoli Sintra Hotel
4. Hotel Nova Sintra
5. Hotel Sintra Jardim
6. Sintra Bliss House
7. Casa da Pendoa
8. Palacio de Sintra Bed and Breakfast
9. Vila Vitorino
10. Aguamel Sintra
11. Quinta de Sao Thiago
12. Villa das Rosas

Budget Hotels

1. ibis Lisboa Sintra
2. Moon Hill Hostel
3. Casa da Estefanea Boutique Bed and Breakfast
4. Cosy Sintra
5. casa de hospedes Dona Maria da Parreirinha
6. Casa das Hortensias – Charming Guest House
7. Monte Da Lua
8. Mouralua

Custom Tours Package in Sintra

How to Reach Sintra?

By Air

The closest airport for Sintra travel is the Humberto Delgado Airport in Lisbon, situated about 28 kms away. This airport received direct flights from several cities in Europe, North America and Asia. You can check out our article on Lisbon to get a more detailed list of cities connected to this airport.

You will have to head to Lisbon’s central bus station or central train station to find transport to visit Sintra.

By Road

You can reach Sintra by train from Lisbon, Rossio and Agualva. There are also tram services available from Sintra to Praia das Macas.

The bus network is quite well connected in Portugal. Aside from train, you can also use a bus for Lisbon to Sintra day trip. There are also fixed itinerary tours to facilitate this.

You can also join guided bicycle tours from Lisbon with Sintra sights to see along the way.

If you are planning to travel by car, you options to reach Sintra are routes A37, A9, N247, N249 and A16.

By Water

Though you can enjoy boat trips and coastal activities in Sintra, there are no cities or towns connected to by passenger waterways.