When I first started planning this trip to Portugal, I kept getting swept away by the dreamlike images of Sintra on Pinterest—misty forests, fairytale towers, mysterious wells. Those photos were a big part of what pulled me toward Portugal in the first place. Nearly every guide I came across suggested Sintra as a quick day trip from Lisbon. And yes, it’s an easy ride—about 40 minutes by train, free with the Lisboa Card. But here’s the thing: Sintra deserves (needs) more than just one day.
We had decided to spend a couple of nights in Sintra, and we’re so glad we did. Not only did we get to explore at a relaxed pace, but we also experienced Sintra without the daytime crowds. By early evening, once all the day trippers had caught their return trains to Lisbon, the streets became quiet and atmospheric—the perfect time for a slow dinner, a golden-hour stroll, and an early night.
If you’re thinking about rushing through Sintra in a few hours—don’t. It’s not about how much more time you technically get (most sights open around 9:30 am and close by 7 pm), it’s about how you get to experience them: unhurried, less crowded, and with space to enjoy the magic. Because each of the sights is so unique, you will likely need at least 2 hours to explore!
Suggestion:
Day 1 – You are likely coming off the train from Lisbon. Take bus 434, which will get you to Pena Palace, Park and Moorish Castle. Spend the afternoon and evening in Sintra town, perhaps visiting the National Palace (one with the big white chimneys).
Day 2 – I recommend seeing Quinta da Regaleira either at opening or near closing, in the hopes of fewer people. Fortunately, Palácio de Monserrate is always quieter, being a little farther away. You can take bus 435 to get to both of these palaces.
Day 3 – Take a little day trip to some of the nearby sights.
The Sights of Sintra
Pena Park & Pena Palace
Pena Palace is the crown jewel of Sintra and one of the most iconic landmarks in Portugal. Perched high on a hilltop, this colourful Romanticist palace looks like something out of a fantasy novel, with its red and yellow towers, ornate domes, and whimsical details. Built in the 19th century on the ruins of a former monastery, Pena Palace reflects a mix of architectural styles—Gothic, Moorish, and Manueline—woven together into a dreamlike design. From its terraces, the sweeping views stretch over Sintra’s forests all the way to the Atlantic Ocean.
Surrounding the palace is the Pena Park, a vast forested area with winding trails, hidden pavilions, and tropical trees. When we arrived, the area around the ticket entrance was packed, so we decided to explore Pena Park first and circle back to the palace later. Pena Park is lush and a little surreal. Sintra’s unique microclimate keeps it cooler and greener than Lisbon, even in summer, and you’ll find non-native plants and decorative structures tucked throughout. The whole area felt otherworldly.
To get to Pena Palace, which sits high above town on the Serra de Sintra, we recommend catching the tourist bus 434. It might be busy, but the walk up along the Caminho de Santa Maria footpath is steep and takes about an hour. It is not necessarily the best if you are visiting in summer when it’s hot. As this route is very scenic, I recommend taking it going downhill, also because it passes the ticket office for Castelo dos Mouros.
Castelo dos Mouros (The Moorish Castle)
A short walk from Pena is the ancient Moorish Castle, one of Sintra’s oldest and most dramatic landmarks, perched dramatically along the ridge. Built in the 8th and 9th centuries by the Moors, this hilltop fortress once guarded the region. If you’re like me and have a deep love for castles, this one is a must. Windy, wild, and sprawling, with panoramic views that stretch across Sintra to the Atlantic—it was a stunning way to end our day. It’s less polished than Pena or Monserrate, but it’s got character. Also slightly terrifying if you’re afraid of heights (don’t look down!).
Quinta da Regaleira
This gothic-style estate was hands-down our favourite stop of the day. Built by one of Portugal’s wealthiest men, the mansion itself is ornate and fascinating, but it’s the gardens that make it unforgettable. Think winding stone staircases, secret tunnels, grottoes, fountains—and of course, the iconic Initiation Well. A mystical spiral tower that descends underground. It felt like stepping straight into a fantasy novel, which makes sense, as the estate is filled with symbolism tied to alchemy, Masonry, and myth. It gets busy here, so consider coming either first thing in the morning or later in the afternoon (the golden hour glow would be amazing).
Palácio de Monserrate
The Park and Palace of Monserrate in Sintra is one of Portugal’s most enchanting estates. The palace itself is a striking example of 19th-century Romantic architecture, blending Gothic, Moorish, and Indian influences into a fairytale-like retreat. Its domes, arches, and intricate details feel straight out of a storybook. Surrounding the palace is an expansive park, filled with plants collected from around the world, flowing streams, and hidden pathways. Each section of the gardens is designed around a different landscape theme, from Mexican succulents to lush English-style lawns.
Visiting Monserrate offers a quieter, more intimate experience compared to Sintra’s grander palaces, making it a perfect stop for wandering, picnicking, and soaking in the serene beauty of both architecture and nature. Not on the main visiting route – you’ll need a car/taxi to get out here (or just walk).
Other Sights Worth Seeing in Sintra
If you have more time, here are a few other places to add to your Sintra list:
- Palácio Nacional de Sintra – The white twin chimneys are hard to miss in the town center.
- Convento dos Capuchos – A simple, atmospheric 16th-century monastery tucked deep in the woods.
- Take the tram to Praia das Maçãs – because you’ll never tire of the iconic trams
- Trip out to Cabo da Roca – the westernmost point of mainland Europe
- Day trip or continue your journey to Cascais via bus (1623 direct ~30 min or 1624 scenic ~60 min via Cabo da Roca)
Final Thoughts
Sintra is whimsical, mysterious, and steeped in history—from its Moorish roots to its Christian palaces and extravagant architecture. Staying overnight let us slow down and really take in the magic, rather than cramming it all into a hectic few hours. Next time I’m in Portugal, Sintra will be on the list again—no question—and I’ll be booking at least a couple of nights.
Share in the comments your favourite parts of Sintra!
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