taytrum travels

If you’re making your way to Lisbon, you absolutely must make time for Pena Palace and Sintra. It is truly one of the most beautiful, unique palaces in Europe.

This Sintra one day guide features how to get there, where to eat, what to see, where to stay, and other Sintra tips.

A Little Sintra History

Sintra, nestled in the hills just outside Lisbon, is a town steeped in history and cultural significance. Its historical importance dates back to Moorish times, and it served as a summer retreat for Portuguese royalty.

The Moors occupied the Iberian Peninsula from the 8th to the 13th century, leaving hundreds of years of influence and legacy. They established a fortified settlement atop the hill in Sintra, constructing the Moorish Castle. The castle is known for its strategic location and stunning views, which really go hand in hand.

After the Christian Reconquista, it became a retreat for Portuguese monarchs. During the 19th century, Sintra experienced a surge in popularity among the European elite, attracting artists, writers, and aristocrats.

Best Guides for Sintra

One of the easiest ways to visit Sintra is through an organized day trip. A trip through GetYourGuide or Viator makes visiting Sintra and Pena Palace super easy and stress free. As a bonus, these organized guides usually also include a visit to the pretty fishing village of Cascais. This is a great way to do a day trip to Sintra and Cascais from Lisbon. If you are visiting Lisbon solo, an organized tour is also a great way to meet new people.

How to Get to Sintra

Sintra is easily accessible from Lisbon. Trains run frequently from Rossio Station to Sintra, taking around 40 minutes. There are plenty of seats on the train and I found the station and train to be clean and well serviced. Tickets can be purchased online or at the station and cost just a few euros. A day trip to Sintra from Lisbon by train is a popular choice. This is the option I chose, and that I find most visitors opt for to visit Sintra as an easy day trip.

You can also take the bus to Sintra. Buses to Sintra depart from the Sete Rios bus station in Lisbon. Buses run less frequently than trains, and the journey takes about 50 minutes to an hour.

If you have your own car or a rental, you can drive to Sintra easily. The drive will take about 30-40 minutes. While taking a car is convenient, parking is limited in Sintra, especially during peak season (summer). You could alternatively use a ride hailing app like Uber or a hired taxi to take you to Sintra. However, it would be the most expensive option. There would also be fewer Ubers available on the way back and wait times may be long. You can usually find taxis available though.

Ultimately, I think the best way to visit Sintra is through a small tour or by train.

Must-Visit Attractions in Sintra

Sintra in 1 day is totally feasible, but there are a few must-see things to fit into the Sintra day itinerary. The first is the most famous and the biggest draw for the crowds: Pena Palace. This colorful Romanticist castle, perched atop a hill, offers amazing panoramic views. Its whimsical architecture and flowery, groomed gardens entertain visitors for hours. I spent a long time here just wandering around.

Next, be sure to see the Moorish Castle. Here you can explore the old walls and towers of this historic fortress, showcasing great views of Sintra’s surroundings.

Finally, Quinta da Regaleira is known for its enigmatic palace, charming chapel, and mysterious wells. The “Initiation Wells” found here are two structures on the property that more closely resemble underground towers lined with stairs. These wells were never used as water sources; instead, they were allegedly used for ceremonial purposes. The site is thought to have a connection to the Knights Templar, who the former owner, Carvalho Monteiro, is thought to have been connected to.

Exploring Sintra

While everyone runs for Pena Palace, Sintra the town has a historic center. You can wander through the charming streets of the historic center, lined with traditional shops, cafes, and restaurants.

Be sure to visit the Sintra National Palace. Here you can see the distinctive chimneys of this palace, which served as a royal residence with opulent rooms and exquisite tilework. The Sintra National Palace is the best-preserved medieval royal residence in Portugal. It was being inhabited almost continuously from at least the early 1400s to the late 1800s.

Practical Tips for Sintra

First and foremost, I recommend wearing comfortable shoes as there is a good deal of walking involved in this day trip to Sintra. Plus, some of it is uphill and on uneven terrain. A day in Sintra can be derailed by poor shoe choice. As a small town, there isn’t an easy way to fix an outfit malfunction or find Band-Aids to cover up blisters.

Second, if you can, visit Sintra when it is not too hot. There is a lot of outdoor activity and you will not enjoy the day if the sun is beating down on you. There is usually a nice breeze at the top of the hill, but you may find yourself moving slowly through crowds and in hot stuffy rooms if you go in the peak of summer heat and tourism season.

Food in Sintra

All the walking in Sintra will work up an appetite. There is a fair variety of cafes and restaurants in Sintra given its size. Try to save time to sample queijadas (cheese pastries) or travesseiros (sweet almond pastries) from local a bakery. The top spot to try these is at Dona Estefânia, located in the town center.

While people venture to Sintra for the palaces, a day in Sintra is incomplete without at least one meal. For a budget friendly lunch in Sintra, Sopa d’Avo has good plates and desserts, plus vegetarian options. A top-rated restaurant is Metamorphosis. They have nice plates of steak, octopus, fish, and more. While the building and atmosphere are nothing special, the entrées are bit elevated.

Best Time to Visit Sintra

The best time to visit Sintra, Portugal largely depends on your preferences regarding weather and crowd levels. Of course, most people usually prefer temperate weather and little crowding. We can’t always travel at the ideal time of the year, so here is what you can expect in every season at Sintra. I say it’s better to go on the hottest, most crowded day than to not go at all.

In spring (March to May), you can expect pleasant temperatures ranging between 58°F to 68°F (15°C to 20°C), with blooming flowers and lush gardens. The crowds are relatively moderate compared to peak summer season, making it a good time for sightseeing with fewer tourists.

In the summer (June to August), you can expect warm temperatures averaging between 68°F to 82°F (21°C to 28°C). It can occasionally get very crowded and hot. This is the peak of tourism season, especially during July and August.

I visited Sintra and Pena Palace in late summer. Really, it was early September to be exact so almost fall. This shoulder season is a good time to go.

In the fall (September to November) you can expect mild temperatures ranging from 59°F to 72°F (15°C to 22°C). Some rainfall might occur, but it’s generally short lived and overall pleasant time to go. Crowds also begin to decrease compared to the summer months.

The winter season (December to February) has mild and occasionally cold temperatures fluctuating between 50°F to 59°F (10°C to 15°C). Rainy days are more frequent. This is the nadir of tourist activity, allowing for a quieter exploration of the sites.

Overall, spring and fall offer the most comfortable weather days and have only moderate crowds, making them ideal for a balanced experience.

In addition, and like most other major tourist sites in the world, consider visiting early in the morning (or shortly before closing if you’re willing to risk it) to reduce crowding. The best day to visit Sintra is definitely a weekday. Going during weekdays is a good way to avoid the busiest days with the longest lines.

Where to Stay in Lisbon

If you’re visiting Sintra as a day trip, you’re most likely staying in Lisbon. The best option for solo travelers on a budget will be to stay in a hostel. The best ones can be booked through Hostelworld. When I visited as a solo traveler I stayed at Inn Possible. It was very clean, excellently located, and quiet. If you are looking for more of a social hostel, try Lisbon Central Hostel or the unique Lisbon Destination Hostel with its cool central oasis lounge.

For a perfectly located, moderately priced hotel in Lisbon, head to Hotel Mundial. This four-star hotel has an amazing rooftop and clean modern rooms. Weekend bookings are about $200 a night as of 2024, with weekday prices lower.

For a more luxurious experience at a high price point, try the five-star EPIC SANA Marquês Hotel. Located next to the Parque Eduardo VII, this hotel offers high end finishes and great attention to detail, not to mention a rooftop pool. Weekend rates are around $400 per night as of 2024.

Where to Stay in Sintra

If you decide to stay in Sintra, you have many good options. Sintra is not particularly budget-friendly, but your best bet is the top-rated Casa Azul starting at $30 a night for dorm beds and $80 a night for private rooms.

For a mid-range hotel, head to Chalet Saudade. The rustic stone-walled rooms help keep the room cool for sleeping and add character to the hotel. It is also perfectly located.

If you want a bit of luxury, Sintra’s Penha Longa Resort is truly amazing. This resort is tucked into the hills of Sintra’s natural reserve. It is an estate featuring multiple pools and endless gardens. Perfect for a relaxing visit. If you like hiking and cycling, this hotel is also perfect for you given its connectivity to trails.

Is Sintra Worth Visiting?

Definitely. A day trip to Sintra and Pena Palace promises a memorable experience into Portugal’s history on the Iberian Peninsula, one-of-a-kind architecture, and relaxing gardens and landscapes. In my opinion, it is a can’t miss in Portugal. The quirky sculptures and red, blue, and yellow of Pena Palace will stay with you for a long time. A day trip to Sintra from Lisbon is a great (and dare I say necessary) addition to your time in this region of Portugal.

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