Sintra has a denser concentration of palaces, castles and manors than nearly any other place I’ve been in. That, combined with it’s proximity to Lisbon, makes it an absolute must-visit!
At a glance…
- Days To Spend: 1 or 2
- Get Around: Bus or walk
- Get In and Out: By train
- Pay: With Euros, cash or card is fine
- Speak: Portuguese or English if you can’t
- See: Pena Palace, Castle of the Moors, Quinta da Regaleira
- Should you go?: You have to!
General Impressions
A short train ride from Lisbon, Sintra is practically a requirement on an itinerary to the Portuguese capital. It is a city of architecture and beauty, nestled amongst mountains, from whose summits one can see the azure water of the Atlantic. Sintra is a city quite unlike any other.
Public Transport
Getting Around
The centre itself is very walkable, but reaching the mountain-borne attractions like Pena Palace or the Castle of the Moors requires either a hike (not pleasant in the summer heat) or taking a bus. This is quite expensive unfortunately, as tourists flock to the city in droves. Still, it is a sad necessity for any except enthusiastic hikers.
Getting In and Out
A train connects Sintra with Lisbon, and this is, by far, the best way to get to Sintra.
Money
Portugal uses the Euro, and you can generally pay in both card and cash in Sintra.
Language
As with most tourist destinations in Portugal, everyone will speak English, but attempts at Portuguese are welcomed.
Time
Sintra is typically a day trip from Lisbon for most traveller, and, indeed, that is how we saw it. However, it is definitely impossible to see all that is worth seeing in Sintra with just 1 day. It’s best to do some research as to what you want to see, and then plan accordingly for 1, 2 or even 3 days in this city.
My Favourite Spots
Pena Palace
Pena Palace is the postcard attraction of Sintra. A former royal residence, the palace is colourful and vibrant, and the views over the Portuguese countryside are simply stunning. It is very busy though so try to arrive early to miss at least some of the crowds.
Castle of the Moors
Located on the same hill as Pena Palace, the Castle of the Moors is a rawer attraction. Stone fortifications and ruins dating back to the Middle Ages rise out of the summit, and provide an atmosphere of antiquity.
Quinta da Regaleira
A manor located in the actual town of Sintra itself. It’s a small complex, containing extensive gardens featuring numerous sites like caves, lakes, a chapel and various follies. It was our favourite part of Sintra.
Conclusion
Sintra is, to put it simply, a must visit for anyone in proximity to Lisbon, and definitely one worth considering spending a good few days at!
We May Roam 