11 Best Things to do in Sintra

Colourful, whimsical Sintra must be one of Portugal's most unusual destinations. While just a short distance from Lisbon and Cascais, it has an atmosphere all of its own. This is largely a result of the city's extraordinary assortment of castles, palaces and green spaces. So special are they, that much of Sintra has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The one that is sure to bring a smile to your face is the Romanticist design of Pena National Palace, which stands proud on a hill overlooking the town. In form it lies somewhere between a child's fantasy and Disney fairy-tale castle. Visible from Lisbon on clear days, it also acts as a perfect introduction to the natural beauty of the 145 square kilometre Sintra-Cascais Nature Park, which includes some simply exquisite beaches whether you're looking for family-friendly sands or tiny hidden coves and the rocks.

  • Sintra Town Hall

    Sintra Town Hall
    Sintra Town Hall

    Visitors flock to the UNESCO-protected World Heritage Site town of Sintra to admire the stunning collection of palaces and villas built as country retreats for the wealthy, amongst the wooded hills and beautiful vistas of the Serra de Sintra. Just below the Palacio Nacional de Sintra stands a lavish Neo-Gothic building with elaborately decorated spires.  Is this yet another castle, or maybe a church?  No, it’s simply the Câmara Municipal de Sintra - the local town hall.

  • Monserrate Palace

    Monserrate Palace - Sintra
    Monserrate Palace
    felipeyerabarchi

    This exotic palace was Built in 1858 for English nobleman, Sir Francis Cook. The Moghul-inspired features are not out of place alongside other examples Romanticism in Sintra

  • Sintra National Palace

    National Palace - Sintra
    National Palace - Sintra
    IPPA/Jose Manuel

    The National Palace mainly dates back to 15th and 16th century. Set in the heart of Sintra's old town, the twin conical chimneys still dominates the skyline. Built in a mixture of Gothic, Manueline and Moorish styles, the palace is not out of place in Sintra

  • Elétrico de Sintra Trams

    Sintra Tram Eletricos
    Sintra - Praia das Macas Tram
    Alain GAVILLET CC BY-SA

    This vintage narrow-gauge tramway connects Sintra with the lively coastal resort of Praia das Macas, 14 kilometres to the west.  The line dates back to 1904 and the open red, wooden carriages are a favourite with younger visitors. 

  • Castle of the Moors

    Moors Castle - Sintra

    Situated on a high hilltop above the town of Sintra the site does indeed date back to the Moorish occupation of Portugal. The walls and towers that you see now though are the Romantic/decorative work of the 19th century King Ferdinand II

  • Quinta da Regaleira

    Quinta da Regaleira - Sintra
    Quinta da Regaleira
    bgnauka

    Stunning romantic style palace and chapel set in parkland featuring lakes, grottoes, wells and fountains. Built by Carvalho Monteiro at the turn of the century as a private residence the estate was in private hands until it was purchased by the local council in 1997

  • Seteais Palace

    Palacio de Seteais - Sintra
    Palacio de Seteais - Sintra
    Can Stock Photo Inc All rights reserved

    This 18th century neoclassical palace was built for the then Dutch Consul. It later came into the hands of the 5th Marquis of Marialva who extended it significantly, adding the arch in 1802.

    The Seteais Palace occupies a prime position on the edge of the Serra de Sintra overlooking the countryside and town. It is surounded by extensive gardens with many fruit trees and features inspired by the then popular Romantic movement.

  • Pena National Palace

    Pena Palace Sintra
    Pena Palace
    IPPA/António Sacchetti

    Fairytale castle meets Disney palace set on top of the hill high above Sintra. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the finest examples of 19th century Romanticism anywhere in the world

  • Convento dos Capuchos

    Convento dos Capuchos
    Convento dos Capuchos
    User:W.Rebel CC BY-SA

    If you’re looking to escape from Sintra's well-trodden tourist hotspots, and find a quiet, contemplative spot, this former monastery is just the spot. Almost hidden in a shroud of greenery, it gives a glimpse of the simple lifestyle of 16th century Franciscan monks and an opportunity to get away from it all. 

  • Cabo da Roca

    Cabo da Roca
    Cabo da Roca
    pcdazero

    The rocky headland of Cabo da Roca , 40 kilometres southwest of Lisbon, has the distinction of being the most westerly point of mainland Europe and the Eurasian landmass and there is a monument here to tell you just that. To make sure you are still in no doubt, certificates to prove you have been here can be bought from the souvenir shop.

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Sintra travel guide »

Considered not only one of the wonders of Portugal but indeed of Europe, Sintra is truly a gem. Once the royal town of the country, it now deservedly holds UNESCO world heritage status and attracts hordes of visitors throughout the year. Its unusual geography, nestled in a stretch of hills surrounded on all sides by plain, estuary or ocean, and its subsequent climate, which is perhaps more…