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15 Best Sintra Tours

Located in the Greater Lisbon area along the Portuguese River, Sintra is a city of about 400,000 residents that’s particularly well-known for its abundant castles and palaces.

For those staying in Lisbon looking for a convenient day trip option, Sintra is usually no more than an hour away, depending on traffic, which is often bumper to bumper during rush hour and other peak travel times.

Sintra is one of the country’s architectural wonders and is also known for its friendly people, vibrant food and art scenes, and stunning natural beauty.

Below are 15 of the best tours of Sintra that previous visitors have ranked highly.

1. Sintra Walking Tour with Palace, Castle, and Old Town Visit

Palace of Pena in Sintra

After meeting their guide at a central location and getting an overview of the day’s events, guests of this Sintra walking tour will set out to visit many of the city’s most iconic attractions.

Especially for those who’ve never been, the city is an alluring mix of historical and contemporary sites. Depending on the interests of guests, tour stops can be personalized to ensure maximum value.

Of course, the tour’s centerpieces are palaces, castles, and the Old Town area, but there are also natural and cultural attractions.

Tours last four hours, start mid-morning and have a relatively casual pace.

2. 3 ½-Hour Rock Climbing Experience

Rock Climbing In Sintra

For those who’ve never tried it, rock climbing is among the most exhilarating full-body workouts you’re ever likely to have.

Eager climbers will meet their guide either in the morning or the afternoon, after which they’ll get an intro to rock climbing, all the gear they’ll need, and a safety briefing before heading into nature to put their newfound mountaineering skills to the test.

Within sight of the Moorish Castle, Palacio da Pena, and the majestic Sintra Mountains, participants will experience a unique blend of exercise, nature, and history that their tour bus bound counterparts can only dream of.

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3. Sintra Heritage Hike

The Moorish castle in Sintra

Sintra-Cascais Natural Park is just a short drive from the city center. It is crisscrossed with a network of hiking trails that are appropriate for a wide range of ages and levels of physical activity.

On this full-day tour, nature-loving hikers will leave the city’s hustle and bustle in the rearview mirror and delve into an idyllic setting characterized by towering cliffs, rocky coastlines, otherworldly sand dunes, and quiet forests dotted with lakes and streams.

You’ll get up close and personal with the 8th century Moorish Castle and Pena Palace, which looks like it leaped from the pages of a fairytale.

4. Portuguese Beaches and Colares Private Jeep Tour

Azenhas do Mar

Sintra’s coastal location gives lovers of sun, sand, and surf easy access to many of the country’s most amazing beaches.

This seven-hour private beach and Jeep tour includes morning pick-up at your accommodation and a brief meet and greet with your guide before the adventure gets underway.

After boarding their trusty 4×4 Jeep, guests will set out to explore not only several beaches and stretches of undisturbed coastline but the region’s mountainous interior as well.

Make sure to charge your camera because the views will be nothing short of breathtaking; you’ll get up close to Monserrate Palace, Pena Palace, and the Moorish Castle.

5. A Taste of Pena Palace Food Tour

Pena Palace

Whether you’re staying in Sintra, Lisbon, Ericeira, or Cascais, this tour has you covered. It includes either hotel pick-up or a convenient meeting point at an easy to reach central location.

Once in Sintra, guests will head to Pena Palace.

It’s the perfect place to start, as it’s considered one of the most impressive and historically significant attractions in the entire country.

Guests will learn about its history and take in its impressive architecture before heading off to experience other sites and sample some of the country’s most flavorful cuisine.

Plan on enjoying everything from Portuguese coffee and fresh pastries to port wine and queijadas.

6. Pena Palace, Cascais, and Natural Park Day Tour

Sintra National Palace

Tours that offer multiple options are popular with travelers who prefer to focus their energies on the attractions that interest them the most.

On this six-hour morning tour, guests can opt to explore a number of the city’s most prominent symbols, like the Moorish Castle, the National Palace, or the Convent of the Capuchos before heading into the hinterlands.

The Sintra Natural Park offers a variety of scenic gems that include impressive boulder fields, sweeping ocean views from the continent’s westernmost location, and the rugged landscape of Cabo da Roca.

Tours begin and end in Sintra and include a relaxing lunch in a traditional restaurant.

7. The Inquisition’s Hand Private Walking Tour at Night

Sintra at Night

The Inquisition was a particularly dark time in the history of Spain, and according to historians, thousands of residents lost their lives in purges designed to uphold the country’s Catholic traditions.

Thankfully, those days are long gone, but there are a number of attractions in Sintra that are tied to events from the 15th century.

This private night walking tour begins in Sintra’s historic center and includes the services of a local guide-historian, who’ll take guests to relatively obscure corners of the city and regale them with fascinating tales of life back then.

Highlights include the Pena, Royal, and Seteais palaces.

8. All Monuments and Cabo da Roca Self-Drive Tour

Cabo da Roca

Regardless of whether you’ve got just a few hours or a whole day to spare, this self-drive tour from Sintra would be a great way to see the Portuguese countryside at your own speed.

Before the tour begins, guests can plan their route and the things that they want to see, so when they get their electric car, they can set out without wasting valuable time.

From historic villages and impressive monuments to castles, palaces, and large tracts of undeveloped coastline along Cabo da Roca, there are options for participants of nearly all stripes.

Tours meet at a central location and include an overview of local driving laws and a tutorial on how to operate their e-car.

9. Sintra Half-Day Trekking Tour

Sintra Trekking Tour

There’s definitely no shortage of activity options in and around Sintra for those who value physical exertion as much as they do sightseeing and cultural immersion.

This half-day trekking tour begins at the National Palace, where guests will rendezvous with their guide and get an overview of the day’s events.

After a casual walk around the park, trekkers will pass several key attractions, like the Palacio da Pena, Sintra Castle, and the National Palace.

Along the way, you’ll benefit from your guide’s interesting insights and have ample time to take photos, ask questions, and relax at a café with a traditional pastry and cup of coffee.

10. Private Half Day-Tour of Key Highlights

Guincho Beach

The stretch of coastline between Sintra and Cascais is one of the most scenic areas on the coast and features an impressive array of historic attractions and amazing views of rivers, the ocean, and the cliffs just inland.

Guincho Beach is popular with wind, kite, and body surfers. It is just a hop, skip, and a jump from Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, where the bulk of the tour will take place.

Along with their guide, guests will visit palaces, castles, and a number of vista points, as well as sample traditional Portuguese food in a quaint village.

Tours can begin and end in either Sintra or Lisbon and include round-trip transportation.

11. Sintra Full-Day Road Bike Tour

Sintra Road Bike Tour

The hills and winding roads leading out of Sintra along the coast are perfect for bikers intent on seeing things from a street-level perspective.

After meeting their guide at the train station in central Sintra, energetic bikers will head toward Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, where they’ll get up close and personal with Pena Palace, the Moorish Castle, and some of the most stunning scenery in the region.

Tours include a nice mix of hilly and flat terrain, picturesque villages, undeveloped natural areas, and a visit to Cape Roca—the westernmost tip of the European continent.

Click the link below for important booking details.

12. Guided Sightseeing Tour by Tuk-Tuk

Tuk-tuk in the old town of Sintra

Sintra’s designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site means that lovers of history and culture can spend days exploring and never run out of new attractions to see.

Though walking, biking, and bus tours are plentiful, many guests agree that seeing the city by tuk-tuk is definitely the way to go.

Tours meet at a convenient central location and include stops at many of Sintra’s most impressive historic sites that include castles and palaces featuring Egyptian, Moorish, and Renaissance architectural influences.

Two-hour tuk-tuk tours include the services of a local guide and are available in multiple start times and four languages.

13. Legends and Medieval Stories Private Walking Tour

The Castle of the Moors

Not every tour of Sintra includes the services of a guide who’s also a historian; that’s exactly what makes this legends and medieval stories private walking excursion such great value.

Starting in the city’s historic center, participants will set out to explore Sintra’s history and culture while hearing interesting and obscure tales of intrigue, war, corruption, and long-standing family feuds from their chaperone.

Sintra Castle is one of the tour’s most impressive and historically significant highlights. Those who choose to trek to the top will have impressive panoramic views of the city and countryside far below.

14. 2-Hour Private Surf Lesson at Praia Grande

Beach of Praia Grande

For those who’ve never climbed onto a board and hit the waves, learning to surf may seem a bit intimidating.

Though it’s not something that can be mastered in just a few hours, this private surf lesson experience offers participants of most ages and levels of physical ability the chance to get up to speed relatively quickly.

Everyone will get a board and wetsuit and be paired with an experienced and patient instructor, who’ll give them an overview of basic safety and surfing techniques before taking to the water.

Tours meet at a convenient location, take place at Praia Grande, and are laid back and stress-free.

15. Sintra Life and Death at the Capuchos Convent Guided Tour

Capuchos Convent

For those who prefer to sleep in and spend the morning relaxing before taking in Sintra’s sites, this early afternoon guided tour of the Capuchos Convent would be a great fit.

Located in the Sintra Mountains, the convent is steeped in history, legend, and lore, and many guests are surprised to learn that it was far from an idyllic setting where dedicated monks prayed, mediated, and worked for the good of the common man.

The convent’s history stretches back centuries, and the tour features both in and outdoor portions.

Tours last about five hours in total, three of which will be spent on-site before guests are returned to the original starting point in town.

15 Best Sintra Tours:

  • Sintra Walking Tour with Palace, Castle, and Old Town Visit
  • 3 ½-Hour Rock Climbing Experience
  • Sintra Heritage Hike
  • Portuguese Beaches and Colares Private Jeep Tour
  • A Taste of Pena Palace Food Tour
  • Pena Palace, Cascais, and Natural Park Day Tour
  • The Inquisition's Hand Private Walking Tour at Night
  • All Monuments and Cabo da Roca Self-Drive Tour
  • Sintra Half-Day Trekking Tour
  • Private Half Day-Tour of Key Highlights
  • Sintra Full-Day Road Bike Tour
  • Guided Sightseeing Tour by Tuk-Tuk
  • Legends and Medieval Stories Private Walking Tour
  • 2-Hour Private Surf Lesson at Praia Grande
  • Sintra Life and Death at the Capuchos Convent Guided Tour

THE 10 BEST Sintra Tours & Excursions

Tours in sintra.

  • Historical & Heritage Tours
  • Cultural Tours
  • Walking Tours
  • Up to 1 hour
  • 1 to 4 hours
  • 4 hours to 1 day
  • 5.0 of 5 bubbles
  • 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
  • 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
  • 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
  • Likely to Sell Out
  • Special Offers
  • The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

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1. Sintra and Cascais Small-Group Day Trip from Lisbon

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2. Sintra Private Day Trip: a Dreamlike Experience

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3. Small-Group Sintra, Pena Palace, Regaleira, Roca, Cascais Tour

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4. Full-Day Tour Best of Sintra and Cascais from Lisbon

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5. Sintra-Cascais: 2 Palaces+4 spots, coast, small group! 10 hours!

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6. Sintra Full-Day Private Tour - A Journey through Wonderland

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7. Guided Tour to Sintra, Pena, Regaleira, Cabo da Roca and Cascais

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8. From Lisbon: Sintra Highlights Full Day Private Tour

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9. Sintra, Regaleira with Ticket Included, Pena Palace from Lisbon

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10. Experience a magical day in Sintra, Palace of Pena, Quinta da Regaleira and Cabo da Roca from Lisbon

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11. Sintra & Cascais de E-Bike Tour

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12. Sintra and Cascais Full-Day Private Tour

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13. Sintra Small Group Tour from Lisbon: Pena Palace Ticket Included

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14. Sintra Small-Group with Regaleira, Pena Palace, Roca and Cascais

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15. Sintra Private Tour with All Tickets Included

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16. Sintra Tour with Pena Palace & Regaleira All Tickets Included

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17. Private Custom Sintra Tour with Local Guide from Lisbon

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18. Small group tour to Sintra, Pena Palace, pass by Regaleira, Cabo Roca, Cascais

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19. Sintra Half-Day Private Tour - A Journey through Wonderland

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20. PRIVATE Tour from Lisbon to Sintra, Pena Palace and Cascais

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21. Sintra Private Tour from Lisbon Full-Day

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22. From Lisbon to Sintra Full Day Tour with All Tickets Included

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23. Full Day Tour: Sintra, Pena Palace, Cabo da Roca, Cascais

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24. Full Day Private Tour Sintra, Cabo da Roca & Cascais

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25. Sintra, Pena Palace, Cabo da Roca, Cascais Day Trip from Lisbon

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26. Sintra Full Day Small-Group Tour: Let the Fairy Tale Begin

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27. Half-day tour to discover Sintra, the romantic village

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28. Lisbon: Sintra, Regaleira, Pena and Cascais with all tickets

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29. Sintra & Coastal Havens Day Tour | Exclusive Experience w/Tickets

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30. Quinta da Regaleira Skip the Line Ticket

What travellers are saying.

Jamie T

  • Sintra and Cascais Small-Group Day Trip from Lisbon
  • Full-Day Best of Sintra and Cascais
  • Small-group Sintra, Pena Palace, Regaleira, Roca, Cascais Tour
  • Sintra Private Tour: a dreamlike experience
  • Sintra-Cascais: 2 palaces & most complete tour, approx. 10hours!
  • LAS Tours Sintra
  • Picta Travel
  • Portugal Unknown Tours
  • Villa Tours
  • Go2Cintra Tours
  • FlaminGO_Experiences
  • Ó turista! tours and trips
  • HAPPY TOURS PORTUGAL
  • Jump in tours
  • RoadTrip Sintra & Lisboa
  • Ana's Adventures in Sintra
  • Walk Hike Portugal
  • Cycling Rentals & Tours
  • Portugal Nature Trails

Top Tours in Sintra, Portugal

Sintra tours.

  • Historical & Heritage Tours
  • Cultural Tours
  • Walking Tours
  • Up to 1 hour
  • 1 to 4 hours
  • 4 hours to 1 day
  • 5.0 of 5 bubbles
  • 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
  • 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
  • 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
  • Likely to Sell Out
  • Special Offers
  • The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

sintra cuban tours

1. Sintra and Cascais Small-Group Day Trip from Lisbon

sintra cuban tours

2. Sintra Private Day Trip: a Dreamlike Experience

sintra cuban tours

3. Small-Group Sintra, Pena Palace, Regaleira, Roca, Cascais Tour

sintra cuban tours

4. Full-Day Tour Best of Sintra and Cascais from Lisbon

sintra cuban tours

5. Sintra-Cascais: 2 Palaces+4 spots, coast, small group! 10 hours!

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6. Sintra Full-Day Private Tour - A Journey through Wonderland

sintra cuban tours

7. Guided Tour to Sintra, Pena, Regaleira, Cabo da Roca and Cascais

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8. Sintra, Regaleira with Ticket Included, Pena Palace from Lisbon

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9. Private Full-Day Tour to Sintra The Pearl of Portugal

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10. Experience a magical day in Sintra, Palace of Pena, Quinta da Regaleira and Cabo da Roca from Lisbon

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11. Sintra & Cascais de E-Bike Tour

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12. Sintra and Cascais Full-Day Private Tour

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13. Sintra Small Group Tour from Lisbon: Pena Palace Ticket Included

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14. Sintra Small-Group with Regaleira, Pena Palace, Roca and Cascais

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15. Sintra Private Tour with All Tickets Included

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16. Sintra Tour with Pena Palace & Regaleira All Tickets Included

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17. Private Custom Sintra Tour with Local Guide from Lisbon

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18. Small group tour to Sintra, Pena Palace, pass by Regaleira, Cabo Roca, Cascais

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19. Sintra Half-Day Private Tour - A Journey through Wonderland

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20. PRIVATE Tour from Lisbon to Sintra, Pena Palace and Cascais

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21. Sintra Walking Tour and Quinta da Regaleira Guided Visit

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22. Sintra Private Tour from Lisbon Full-Day

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23. Full Day Tour: Sintra, Pena Palace, Cabo da Roca, Cascais

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24. Full Day Private Tour Sintra, Cabo da Roca & Cascais

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25. Sintra, Pena Palace, Cabo da Roca, Cascais Day Trip from Lisbon

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26. Sintra Full Day Small-Group Tour: Let the Fairy Tale Begin

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27. Half-day tour to discover Sintra, the romantic village

sintra cuban tours

28. Lisbon: Sintra, Regaleira, Pena and Cascais with all tickets

sintra cuban tours

29. Sintra & Coastal Havens Day Tour | Exclusive Experience w/Tickets

sintra cuban tours

30. Quinta da Regaleira Skip the Line Ticket

What travellers are saying.

Jamie T

  • Sintra and Cascais Small-Group Day Trip from Lisbon
  • Full-Day Best of Sintra and Cascais
  • Small-group Sintra, Pena Palace, Regaleira, Roca, Cascais Tour
  • Sintra Private Tour: a dreamlike experience
  • Sintra-Cascais: 2 palaces & most complete tour, approx. 10hours!
  • LAS Tours Sintra
  • Picta Travel
  • Portugal Unknown Tours
  • Villa Tours
  • Go2Cintra Tours
  • FlaminGO_Experiences
  • Ó turista! tours and trips
  • HAPPY TOURS PORTUGAL
  • Jump in tours
  • RoadTrip Sintra & Lisboa
  • Ana's Adventures in Sintra
  • Walk Hike Portugal
  • Cycling Rentals & Tours
  • Portugal Nature Trails

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Best Sintra Day Tours From Lisbon 2023

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Ready to find out the best Sintra Day Tours from Lisbon?

You’ve landed on the right article, and as you’re about to discover the 5 best Sintra day tours from Lisbon — all led by local guides, so you’ll learn all about the place from the best!

Don’t have time to read about all the tours on the list? No worries — the best day tour to Sintra from Lisbon is Lisbon: Pena Palace, Sintra, Cabo da Roca, & Cascais Daytrip . It has almost 5000+ amazing reviews, so you can’t go wrong.

Sintra is packed with mesmerising sites, and you can explore it all on one of these amazing day tours to Sintra from Lisbon. Without further ado, let’s get to this list of the best Sintra day tours from Lisbon, so you can book your tour already.

5 Best Sintra Day Tours From Lisbon

1. lisbon: pena palace, sintra, cabo da roca, & cascais daytrip.

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⭐RATING: 4.8 out of 5 | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  8 hours |   BOOK NOW

Visit the most romantic Pena Palace, and explore Sintra’s beauty with its historic estates and villas and numerous royal palaces and castles. See the stunning coastlines of Cabo da Roca and Cascais on this full-day trip from Lisbon.

Rated as one of the best day tours to Sintra from Lisbon, this Lisbon: Pena Palace, Sintra, Cabo da Roca, & Cascais Daytrip is  definitely  among the best day trips to Sintra from Lisbon you don’t want to miss. 

The trip starts at 8.30 in the morning, and you will first explore the famous city of Sintra. Here you will have the freedom of choice on whether you want an included entry ticket and tour of the Pena Palace or prefer to gain some extra time on your own. Next, head over to the centre of Sintra and explore the sights recommended by your guide.

After a fantastic time in Sintra, you will continue to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of continental Europe. Later wander the streets of the beautiful town of Cascais.

Check availability and book this fantastic tour Lisbon: Pena Palace, Sintra, Cabo da Roca, & Cascais Daytrip today.

2. From Lisbon: Sintra, Cascais and Cabo da Roca Coast Small Group Day Tour

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Explore Sintra’s historic centre, Pena Palace, Cascais, and more on this small group day tour to Sintra from Lisbon. This tour includes admission to Pena National Park and Pena Palace, and you will learn from your guide the fascinating history of Pena Place.

Next, visit Sintra’s historical centre and enjoy lunch or visit to the National Palace. Admire the breathtaking views at Cabo da Roca and take in the charm of Cascais. If this coastal day tour From Lisbon to Sintra, Cascais and Cabo da Roca is a bit of you, then make sure to book it in advance.

Check availability and book this fantastic day tour from Lisbon to Sintra, Cascais and Cabo da Roca Coast today.

3. Visit Pena Palace Gardens, Sintra, Quinta Da Regaleira, and Cascais

Pena Park, Quinta da Regaleria and Town of Sintra tours from Lisbon.

⭐RATING: 4.7 out of 5 | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  9 hours |   BOOK NOW

Visit the most famous attractions of Sintra: Regaleira and Pena Park. This is a perfect tour if you just want to visit the Pena Palace gardens and not the palace itself. After a short stop in Sintra town, you will head to Quinta da Regaleira to enjoy a guided walking tour. Later spend some free time in the Sintra town centre. The tour also includes a short stop at Cabo da Roca and Cascais.

If your main goal is to see Pena Park and Quinta da Regaleria and have more free time in Sintra, then this Sintra trip from Lisbon to Regaleira, Pena Garden, and Cascais is perfect for you.

Check availability and book this fantastic tour From Lisbon Sintra, Regaleira, Pena Garden, and Cascais today.

4. Sintra – Cascais: 6-Hour Electric Bike Trip from Lisbon

Sintra day tours from Lisbon on an e-bike.

⭐RATING: 4.8 out of 5 | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  6 hours |   BOOK NOW

Explore the mysterious and romantic village of Sintra on an e-bike tour. Meet your guide in the centre of Lisbon and head to Sintra by train. Once in Sintra, you get to see the National Palace of Sintra, Quinta da Regaleira and Monserrate Park and Palace.

The Sintra and Cascais cycle experience is by far one of the best bike tours in Sintra. This electric bike day tour from Lisbon will allow you to explore the Sintra mountain’s landscape with its breathtaking views.

Check availability and book this fantastic Sintra – Cascais: 6-Hour Electric Bike Tour from Lisbon today.

5. From Lisbon: Half-Day Private Trip to Sintra Village

Best Sintra Tours From Lisbon

⭐RATING: 4.8 out of 5 | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  5 hours |   BOOK NOW

You can easily do Sintra in half a day! This is by far the best half-day trip to Sintra from Lisbon, where you get to learn from your guide about its impressive landmarks. See Sintra and Pena Palace and learn about the history of the palace and admire its stunning design.

Next, visit the historic centre of Sintra and discover a variety of shops with typical regional products. This fantastic Sintra Half-Day tour from Lisbon allows you to see the best of Sintra in just a few hours.

Check availability and book this fantastic Half-Day Private Tour to Sintra Village today.

Final thoughts

I have been to Sintra many times on a tour and on my own. From personal experience, I must say that there is no better way to explore Sintra than on a tour.

If you decide to explore Sintra with a car rental , keep in mind that the parking situation in Sintra is quite difficult, and there are limited car parking options in town.

It took me over an hour to walk uphill to reach the Pena Palace from the train station the first time I visited Sintra . Taking public transport to Sintra means that you will most likely have to take a bus, Uber or tuk-tuk to the palaces. It can be hard to squeeze in all the fantastic sites into one day. With a tour, everything is already planned ahead for you, so you don’t have to stress about missing out on seeing everything Sintra has to offer.

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Hi, My name is Sabina. I’ve lived in Portugal since 2019 and travelled a lot around the country. Today, I use my knowledge to help fellow travellers just like you explore Portugal like a local. I’m here to help you have the Portugal trip of your dreams, so you can cross it off your bucket list.

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SergioMata Tours

SINTRA,CASCAIS, CABO DA ROCA TOUR

Experience the ultimate Sintra, Cascais, and Cabo da Roca tour, the most sought-after private full-day excursion in Portugal. Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring beauty of Portuguese medieval architectural marvels and breathtaking vistas. Discover the UNESCO World Heritage area and indulge in the rich cultural and gastronomic treasures along the way.

Uncover the hidden treasures of Sintra, Cascais, and Cabo da Roca with our expert guide, ensuring an unforgettable experience. Book your tour now to embark on a journey that combines history, natural beauty, and authentic Portuguese cuisine.

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Our meticulously crafted itinerary ensures you don’t miss any highlights:

Begin your adventure with convenient pick-up from your hotel between 9:00 am and 9:30 am.

  • Immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of Sintra’s historical center, while savoring the delectable flavors of traditional Sintra pastries, known as “queijadas e travesseiros.”
  • Marvel at the magnificent exterior of the National Sintra Palace, an architectural masterpiece.
  • Embark on a mesmerizing journey through the mystical Quinta da Regaleira, a place of wonder and mystery.
  • Explore the awe-inspiring Moorish Castle, standing as a testament to centuries of history and heritage.
  • Behold the grandeur of the iconic Pena Palace ** and step inside to witness its opulent interiors (optional visit).
  • Revel in the breathtaking beauty of Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of continental Europe, where rugged cliffs meet the vast ocean.
  • Conclude the tour with a visit to Cascais, a charming coastal town renowned for its idyllic landscapes and rich cultural heritage.
  • Finally, relax as we drop you off at your hotel or Cascais train station around 6:00 pm or 6:30 pm.

**Important note : To ensure a seamless visit to the Pena Palace, we recommend purchasing your tickets online 1 or 2 days in advance. Opt for the 11:00 am time slot if you wish to begin your tour at 9:00 am, or the 11:30 am time slot if you prefer starting at 9:30 am. Click  here to purchase your tickets.(This is the link to the official Pena Palace Website)

Pick-up from Sintra train station/Drop-off Cascais train station: 

2 people – 150€  3 – 4 people – 200€  5 -8 people – 240€ 

Pick-up/Drop-off Hotel:

2 people – 200€ 3 – 4 people – 250€  5 -8 people – 300€

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Sintra's Best Beach Guide for a Day Tour 2024: Cabo da Roca, Azenhas do Mar & Praia da Ursa

Updated: Feb 16

Welcome to an unforgettable adventure along the stunning coastline of Sintra, Portugal, where rugged cliffs, breathtaking vistas, and serene beaches await your exploration. In 2024, a Sintra beach day trip to Cabo da Roca, Azenhas do Mar , and Praia da Ursa promises an unparalleled experience. Here’s your guide to maximizing this picturesque journey.

Getting There from Lisbon:

By Car: Renting a car offers flexibility, allowing you to set your pace and explore at leisure. The journey from Lisbon to Cabo da Roca takes approximately 45 minutes via the A5 highway . From there, it's a short drive to Azenhas do Mar and Praia da Ursa.

By Public Transport: From Lisbon, take a train from Rossio Station to Sintra. Upon arrival, catch bus 403 or 417 from Sintra Train Station to Cabo da Roca . For Azenhas do Mar and Praia da Ursa, consider hiring a taxi or using a ride-sharing service for ease and convenience.

To go to Azenhas do Mar and Cabo da Roca by public transport read the full guide here.

Tips Before Visiting:

1. Weather Check:  Ensure to check the weather forecast, as coastal conditions can vary. Comfortable shoes and layered clothing are recommended for exploring.

2. Plan Ahead:  As these locations can get busy, especially during peak seasons, plan to start early to avoid crowds and make the most of your day.

Since a number of Sintra beaches are along the same costal line, we thought of a day itinerary so you could make the most of the beaches:

Morning: Cabo da Roca As the westernmost point of continental Europe, Cabo da Roca offers awe-inspiring views. Wander along the cliff edge, stand at the iconic monument marking the spot, and soak in the panoramic vistas of the Atlantic Ocean.

sintra cuban tours

Lunchtime: Azenhas do Mar Head to the charming village of Azenhas do Mar for a delightful lunch overlooking the sea. Enjoy fresh seafood or traditional Portuguese cuisine at one of the local restaurants, savoring the ambiance of this picturesque coastal town.

Afternoon: Praia da Ursa For the adventurous souls, a visit to Praia da Ursa awaits. A steep but rewarding trek leads to this secluded beach with golden sands, towering cliffs, and stunning seascapes. Take caution with the descent and wear appropriate footwear.

Getting Around:

From Cabo da Roca to Azenhas do Mar: Taxi/ Bolt services or ride-sharing apps provide convenience and flexibility for this short journey.

Going to Azenhas do Mar By Bus:  To reach Azenhas do Mar from Sintra , one of the most budget-friendly options is by taking a bus. Bus 441, operated by Scotturb, runs from Sintra to Azenhas do Mar . The journey takes approximately 30 minutes, and you'll be treated to scenic views along the way. Keep in mind that bus schedules may vary, so it's a good idea to check the latest timetables and routes before your visit. Another bus to take would be to take either bus 1247 or 1254 from Carris company (yellow buses) from station Portela de Sintra. Get out at Av. Luís Augusto Colares and after 2 minutes of walk you are at the beach!

Going to Cabo da Roca By Bus Fom Sintra: Watch this video.

From Azenhas do Mar to Praia da Ursa: Consider arranging transportation in advance or utilize a local taxi/ Bolt service, as public transport options may be limited. Remember these two beaches are along the same coastal line and therefore rather close to each other.

Azenhas do Mar Seafood Delight Itinerary:

Morning: Arrival at Azenhas do Mar

10:00 AM: Begin your day trip from Sintra or Lisbon, arriving at the picturesque village of

Take a moment to appreciate the stunning coastal views and the quaint charm of this cliffside town.

12:30 PM: Head to the renowned restaurant, "Azenhas do Mar," nestled along the cliffs. Revel in the breathtaking vistas from the restaurant's terrace while anticipating the gastronomic feast that awaits.

Savor the flavors of grilled octopus, buttery garlic shrimp , succulent fish stew , or the restaurant's specialty seafood rice , accompanied by crisp local wines or refreshing beverages. The restaurant's oceanfront location enhances the dining experience, offering unparalleled views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Afternoon: Exploring Azenhas do Mar

2:30 PM: After a satisfying meal, take a leisurely stroll through the village. Admire the whitewashed houses perched on the cliffs and capture Instagram-worthy moments of the iconic seawater swimming pool carved into the rocks.

4:30 PM: Spend some time relaxing by the cliffs or exploring nearby viewpoints. The Miradouro das Azenhas do Mar p rovides breathtaking panoramic views of the village and the Atlantic coastline.

Conclusion: Departure from Azenhas do Mar

6:30 PM: As your time in Azenhas do Mar draws to a close, take one last glance at the mesmerizing seascape before bidding farewell to this charming coastal haven

Consider exploring nearby attractions like Praia das Maçãs or continuing your adventure to other points of interest along the Sintra coastline. If you’re heading back to Lisbon or Sintra, arrange for transportation and depart with the memories of a delightful seafood experience amidst stunning natural beauty.

This itinerary encapsulates the essence of Azenhas do Mar , combining exquisite seafood dining with the exploration of its scenic beauty. Enjoy the flavors, immerse yourself in the ambiance, and relish every moment of this culinary and visual feast by the Atlantic shores.

Conclusion:

A Sintra beach day trip exploring Cabo da Roca, Azenhas do Mar, and Praia da Ursa promises a blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and adventure. Prepare for a day filled with awe-inspiring vistas, authentic experiences, and memories that will linger long after you've left the shores of Sintra's coastal gems. Embrace the journey, savor every moment, and immerse yourself in the splendor of Portugal's breathtaking landscapes.

Get ready to capture moments that will undoubtedly become the highlight of your 2024 travel escapades.

*Explore tours here.

*Read Sintra castle guides here.

*Explore transport in Sintra here.

*Buy bus 434 tickets here.

*Buy skip the line Sintra palace tickets here.

*Explore Sintra tours here including pick up from Lisbon.

*Buy Lisbon card for transport and palace discounts.

*Read transport guide to Pena palace here.

*Read tips for visiting Quinta de regaleira here.

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Sintra Tour

A stone's throw from lisbon.

Just 30 minutes from Lisbon lies the enchanting town of Sintra, nestled amidst nature’s splendor. Join us on an 8-hour journey to explore the captivating beauty and history of this UNESCO World Heritage site. From the fairy-tale Palácio da Pena to the mystical gardens of Quinta da Regaleira, Sintra promises a day of wonder and discovery. Conclude your adventure by wandering through the charming streets of Sintra’s historic center.

Experience the magic of Sintra with us and create memories that will last a lifetime!

Language options:

English, Spanish, Portuguese

Start Time:

10 AM. *Private tours offer flexible timings

Based on participants' locations or a central spot for all

Tour Highlights

Palácio da Pena

What's Included:

Comfortable travel in an air-conditioned coach

Expert driver services

Central Lisbon pick-up, with the exact location set by group majority or a universally accessible point

Exclusions:

Admission fees

Meals and beverages

Child Safety:

Special seats for children (0-11) available on request. Book children as "adults" for seating purposes.

Booking Requirements:

Minimum participants needed. If not met, an alternate date or full refund is offered. If you want to guarantee your tour, choose the private tour option.

Group Size:

Tour fits 4 to 6 participants.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 48 hours before the experience's start time. Cancellations made within 48 hours will not be refunded. Changes within this period are not accepted. The experience may be rescheduled due to bad weather or if minimum traveler requirements aren't met.

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Sintra Day Trip From Lisbon: The Best Sintra Tours, 1-Day Itinerary & Essential Tips!

Posted on Last updated: June 10, 2023

Need help planning a day trip to Sintra from Lisbon? You’ve come to the right place!

Sintra is considered a must on any Portugal itinerary, and it’s easy to see why. It’s the home to many gorgeous and unique castles, which make it one of the most interesting places to visit in Portugal.

Being only a 45-minute journey away from Lisbon, most travellers visit Sintra on a day trip from Lisbon.

Whilst a day trip might not be enough time to see everything Sintra has to offer, it will be enough to see the highlights and get a taste for this incredible Portuguese city.

If you’re planning a Lisbon to Sintra day trip, this is the guide for you! In this article I have outlined everything you need to know about doing a day trip to Sintra.

After my own personal experience day tripping to Sintra, I have included information on the best ways to get there, the most important sights you must see, where to stay and some local insider tips.

So without further ado, let’s dive in and discover everything you need to know to plan your own Sintra itinerary and day trip.

  • 1 About Sintra & its castles
  • 2.2 By public transport
  • 2.3 With a Lisbon to Sintra tour
  • 3 One thing you MUST do before your Sintra day trip
  • 4.1 Palacio Nacional da Pena
  • 4.2 Castle of the Moors
  • 4.3 Sintra Old Town
  • 4.4 Quinta da Regaleira
  • 4.5 Sintra National Palace
  • 5 Estimated cost for a Lisbon to Sintra day trip
  • 6 Is doing a day trip to Sintra worth it?
  • 7 Where to stay for a day trip to Sintra from Lisbon
  • 8 What to pack for one day in Sintra

Exploring Pena National Palace in Sintra, Portugal

Exploring Pena National Palace in Sintra, Portugal

About Sintra & its castles

Sintra is both a town and municipality in the Greater Lisbon region of Portugal. The town of Sintra is located close to the Sintra Mountains, and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Portugal.

With its Romanticist architecture, royal palaces, historic villas and castles, it’s easy to see why. The whole town is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which only makes it even more popular.

Sintra has lived through a long and tortuous history, which to this day is reflected in the castles and streets of the town.

From the Moorish Castle, which dates back to the 9 th – 6 th centuries BC, to Pena National Palace being the seat of Portuguese monarchy, there is a rich history in Sintra, just waiting to be discovered.

The castle walls of Castle of the Moors in Sintra, Portugal

The castle walls of Castle of the Moors in Sintra, Portugal

How to get from Lisbon to Sintra

There are multiple ways to get to Sintra from Lisbon , each with its own pros and cons.  

Especially if you’re doing a longer Portugal road trip , you might be tempted to simply drive to Sintra. Having done this myself, it’s actually the option I recommend the least.

You won’t be able to drive to the actual castles, as traffic in the area is limited to local residents, plus even if you were able to there is very limited parking, which makes it very hard to accommodate for the huge numbers of tourists that visit Sintra every day.

Exploring the Romantic palace of Quinta da Regaleira in Sintra, Portugal

Exploring the Romantic palace of Quinta da Regaleira in Sintra, Portugal

It can be very hard also to find parking in Sintra city centre. Your best bet is to head for this huge parking area , where you can leave your car all day for free, although it won’t be monitored.

From there it’s a 5-10 minute walk to Sintra train station, where you can get the tourist bus number 434. It’s like a hop-on hop-off bus tour, where for 10 EUR per day you can get on and off as many buses you want.

The bus number 434 touches all the main stops like Pena National Palace, Castle of the Moors and Sintra Old Town. If you want to head to other parts of Sintra you can use the same ticket for the other tourist bus routes.

So even if you drive to Sintra and have your own car, you will still have to pay for the tourist bus to visit the castles.

The distinctive architecture and colours of Pena National Palace in Sintra, Portugal

The distinctive architecture and colours of Pena National Palace in Sintra, Portugal

By public transport

Given that you will have to take the tourist bus anyway if you want to visit the castles independently, this is actually a great option.

There are trains more or less every 30 minutes from Lisbon, which take approximately 40 minutes to arrive in Sintra. Simply hop on a train to Sintra, and once there jump on bus number 434 to visit all that Sintra has to offer.

The tourist bus runs very regularly throughout the day (every 5-10 minutes) and only takes around 15 minutes to reach Pena National Palace from Sintra train station.

The view over Sintra and the countryside as seen from the Moorish Castle

The view over Sintra and the countryside as seen from the Moorish Castle

With a Lisbon to Sintra tour

If you’ve read my blog before you know I’m not a huge fan of organised tours. I’m more of a “let’s get there and figure it out” sort of person.

Which is exactly what we did in Sintra, and although it was still a great day, it was a bit more stressful than it needed to be.

Sintra might be one of the few tourist destinations where doing an organised tour will save you time, effort and even money.

Guided tours from Lisbon will usually include pick-up and drop-off, eliminating the hassle of driving, finding parking, paying for parking or train travel.

They usually also include entrance to the castles, so you don’t have to pay for them separately.

Wandering around the cute streets of Sintra Old Town

Wandering around the cute streets of Sintra Old Town

Some tours even have skip-the-queue privileges, which will save you loads of time, especially in high season. Having seen how busy Sintra was in mid-August, I would recommend doing an organised Sintra day trip tour.

Here are some Sintra tours with excellent reviews:

From Lisbon: Sintra Highlights Full-Day Tour   – As the name suggests, this Lisbon to Sintra day trip covers all the main highlights; Quinta da Regaleira, Monserrate Palace, Sintra town, Pena Palace and the Sintra mountains!

Lisbon: Pena Palace, Sintra, Cabo da Roca, & Cascais Daytrip – This day trip doesn’t do as many stops in Sintra, but it will take you to explore Cabo da Roca and Cascais, two other beautiful destinations!

Sintra – Cascais: 6-Hour Electric Bike Tour from Lisbon – Discover all the highlights of Sintra and Cascais, while also getting in your vacation workout!

Check out prices & availability for your Sintra Highlights day trip below!

Exploring Pena National Palace in Sintra, Portugal

One thing you MUST do before your Sintra day trip

If you’re visiting Sintra independently you will have to purchase your own entrance tickets to the palaces. I 100% recommend buying them online beforehand.

You don’t necessarily have to buy them loads of time beforehand (although this might be preferable in high season). You can also buy them on the day like we did, just make sure to have them before reaching the castles you want to visit.

At the entrance of most castles you will find three queues; one for the ticket office, one for the automated ticket kiosks, and one for online ticket holders. Guess what those queues looked like?

Almost non-existent for online ticket holders, versus the absolutely gigantic queues for both the ticket kiosks and ticket office. I’m not kidding when I say some people spend 1+ hours queuing just to get tickets (and that’s for every castle)!

Enjoying the view over Sintra from the walls of the Moorish Castle

Enjoying the view over Sintra from the walls of the Moorish Castle

Especially if you’re visiting Sintra on a day trip , to me that seems like a silly way to spend your time. Plus, if you purchase tickets online you get 5% off! You save time and money, seems like a no brainer to me!

You can purchase Sintra tickets online here:

Pena Palace and Park Skip-the-Ticket-Line Entrance – Purchase it here!

Castle of the Moors Fast Track Ticket – Purchase it here!

National Palace of Sintra and Gardens Fast Track Ticket – Purchase it here!

Sintra National Palace and part of Sintra Old Town as seen from the Moorish Castle walls

Sintra National Palace and part of Sintra Old Town as seen from the Moorish Castle walls

Sintra 1-day itinerary – Best things to see

There are loads of castles in Sintra, and they are all simply gorgeous. However if you only have one day in Sintra, you have to be realistic about how much you can see.

Taking into account enough time to properly see each castle and travel time between places, you will probably have time to see three, maximum four castles.

I have listed below the most popular attractions in Sintra, which are also the ones we visited during our day trip and that I can recommend.

Click here to book your Sintra highlights day trip,  or check out prices & availability in the calendar below!

The view over the Portuguese countryside and sea from the Pena Palace walls

The view over the Portuguese countryside and sea from the Pena Palace walls

Palacio Nacional da Pena

With its bright yellow and red façade, Pena Palace is not only one of the most famous attractions in Sintra, but probably all of Portugal. It features on every Portugal bucket list, and it’s easy to see why.

Pena Palace is a Romanticist castle, which stands tall on top of a hill and above Sintra town.

It was one of the main residences of the Portuguese royal family during the 19 th century, and it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995.  

Purchase your Pena Palace skip-the-line ticket here!

Getting up close to the gorgeous architecture of Palacio Nacional da Pena in Sintra, Portugal

Getting up close to the gorgeous architecture of Palacio Nacional da Pena in Sintra, Portugal

The epic views from Palacio Nacional da Pena in Sintra, Portugal

The epic views from Palacio Nacional da Pena in Sintra, Portugal

When you purchase the ticket online it will give you the option of purchasing entrance only or entrance with shuttle bus (for an extra 3 EUR).

This is a little bus that will take you from the Pena Park gates up to the actual castle doors.

The road isn’t long, but it’s very steep. If you have mobility issues you might want to consider taking the shuttle bus, which runs constantly throughout the day.

Another important thing to know is that once you enter the park gates, as you get closer to the actual Pena Palace, you will likely find a huge queue leading up to the castle.

Walking on the castle walls of Pena National Palace in Sintra, Portugal

Walking on the castle walls of Pena National Palace in Sintra, Portugal

This is the queue to get inside the actual palace rooms, not just the palace! Given we had limited time we decided to skip the palace interior, and just explore the exterior instead.

Personally, I think it’s the more interesting part anyway. You can walk on the castle walls and through the courtyards, exploring the rooftops and battlements, taking in the gorgeous countryside views.

Getting up close to this unique and colourful architecture is what was special for me, and I’d rather do that than spend 1+ hour queuing to see palace rooms.

Click here to see the latest prices and availability for a Sintra highlights day trip!

The distinctive architecture of Pena National Palace in Sintra, Portugal

The distinctive architecture of Pena National Palace in Sintra, Portugal

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The distinctive architecture of Pena National Palace in Sintra

Castle of the Moors

Located 850 metres and a short 15-minute walk away from Pena Palace, you will find the Castle of the Moors. In my opinion, this castle doesn’t get anywhere near the credit that it deserves.

Built on top of a hill by the Moors in the 8 th and 9 th centuries, during the period of Muslim Iberia, and it was an important strategic point during medieval wars.

It was probably my favourite castle that we saw during our Sintra day trip. This because of the unique historical architecture, the gorgeous views, and the considerably smaller tourist crowds.

Purchase here your fast track entrance to Castle of the Moors!

Castle of the Moors as seen from Pena National Palace in Sintra, Portugal

Castle of the Moors as seen from Pena National Palace in Sintra, Portugal

Enjoying the views from the castle walls of Castle of the Moors in Sintra, Portugal

Enjoying the views from the castle walls of Castle of the Moors in Sintra, Portugal

You can walk on the castle walls, relax in the courtyard and explore the gardens.

From the castle walls you will be able to take in an epic 360° view over Sintra, Pena Palace and the surrounding countryside, all the way to the sea.

Many day trip visitors skip it, as it’s not amongst the most famous castles of Sintra, but in my opinion it’s a must-see.

Check out the best Lisbon to Sintra day trips here!

Exploring Castle of the Moors in Sintra, Portugal

Exploring Castle of the Moors in Sintra, Portugal

Sintra Old Town

After visiting these two castles we hopped back onto the tourist bus, and let it take us to Sintra Old Town. Having heard so much about the castles but so little of Sintra, I wasn’t expecting to find such a cute town centre.

The Old Town centre is fairly small, and you can easily explore it on foot. Get lost in the quaint streets of Sintra, taste a delicious pastel de nata and take a quick break from all the castles of Sintra!

Wandering the streets of Sintra Old Town in Portugal

Wandering the streets of Sintra Old Town in Portugal

Quinta da Regaleira

From Sintra Old Town it’s a short 15-minute walk to Quinta da Regaleira, or you can take one of the other hop-on hop-off bus routes.

While the name of Quinta da Regaleira might not ring any bells for you, I’m sure this picture of the Initiation Well does.

Quinta da Regaleira isn’t officially part of the Parques de Sintra, but it’s still classified as a World Heritage Site within the “Cultural Landscape of Sintra”.

It’s composed by a Romantic palace and chapel, as well as a luxurious park with grottos, lakes and fountains, all designed by the Italian architect Luigi Manini.

The palace of Quinta da Regaleira in Sintra

The palace of Quinta da Regaleira in Sintra

Exploring the gardens of Quinta da Regaleira in Sintra, Portugal

Exploring the gardens of Quinta da Regaleira in Sintra, Portugal

I was surprised to discover how much Quinta da Regaleira had to offer. Like most people I had only seen photos of the Initiation Well online, and I had no idea there was such a beautiful park and other buildings connected to it.

We spent over an hour walking around the park, taking in the unique architecture, the peaceful gardens and famous sights. Be prepared to queue to enter the Initiation Well if you’re visiting in high season.

Overall Quinta da Regaleira surprised us, and it was amongst our favourite stops of our Sintra day trip.

The famous Initiation Well in Quinta da Regaleira in Sintra

The famous Initiation Well in Quinta da Regaleira in Sintra

Sintra National Palace

We didn’t personally visit Sintra National Palace as we were short on time and it didn’t massively interest us. However many travellers recommend it as one of the main Sintra highlights.

Since it’s located in the main square by Sintra Old Town, next to the bus stop that will take you back to the train station, you can decide whether to visit it depending on how you feel after the previous three castles.

Click here to book your Sintra day tour from Lisbon!

Sintra National Palace

Estimated cost for a Lisbon to Sintra day trip

Most Sintra day tours are priced around 60 EUR. Here is a breakdown of what I paid for one day in Sintra by doing it independently.

Entrance to Park and National Palace of Pena: 13.30 EUR

Entrance to Moorish Castle: 7.60 EUR

Entrance to Quinta da Regaleira: 10 EUR

Ticket for the 434 hop-on hop-off bus: 10 EUR

Total: 40.90 EUR

Exploring Pena National Palace in Sintra, Portugal

Add to that petrol for driving there, all day parking if you’re unable to find free parking, or a Lisbon return train ticket if you’re not driving and you can see that the prices are fairly similar.

Plus if you do a Sintra tour from Lisbon you’ll have someone driving you around all day and telling you about the history of the places you’re seeing, without having to worry about organising or where to go next.

Don’t miss out, book your Sintra highlights tour here!

The Moorish Castle walls and Pena National Palace in the distance

The Moorish Castle walls and Pena National Palace in the distance

Is doing a day trip to Sintra worth it?

Before visiting, I had heard mixed things about Sintra. It ranged from people saying it was the highlight of their Portugal itinerary to others saying it felt like a fake town built for tourists.

My thoughts on Sintra lie somewhere in between. While the castles of Sintra were undoubtedly very cool, and very different from anything else I’d ever seen, they did at times feel like purely tourist attractions.

This feeling was probably heightened by the fact I visited Portugal in peak high season, and Sintra was by far the busiest place we visited during our trip.

It’s by far the most popular day trip from Lisbon , with other famous destinations like Evora , Nazaré , Obidos and Ericeira receiving considerably less tourists (in our experience anyway).

Looking up from the bottom of the famous Initiation Well in Sintra, Portugal

Looking up from the bottom of the famous Initiation Well in Sintra, Portugal

Pena Palace was our least favourite stop. Despite its unique architecture and colours, it was just a little too crowded and it felt too much like something built purely to attract tourists.

Quinta da Regaleira was a pleasant surprise. We went to see the Initiation Well, and found a whole palace and park surrounding it.

We were also amazed by Castle of the Moors. It has more history than Pena Palace, and it offered awesome 360° views.

Overall I would still recommend visiting Sintra, just make sure to go beyond Pena Palace. While it might be touristy, it’s one of the most famous cities in Portugal, and there’s a reason for it.

The recognisable architecture of Pena National Palace in Sintra

The recognisable architecture of Pena National Palace in Sintra  

Where to stay for a day trip to Sintra from Lisbon

The best place to stay in Lisbon to visit Sintra will depend on whether you have to drive there or take a train. If you choose an organised tour it won’t matter, as they will usually pick you up at your hotel.

I have listed below some accommodation options in Lisbon for every budget.

Budget: Lisbon Destination Hostel – Located inside Rossio Train Station this hostel is perfect for those taking the train to Sintra. The hostel has a very cool interior common area, and offers both dorms and private rooms.

Click here to book your stay at Lisbon Destination Hostel!

Mid-range: This Is Lisbon Hostel – This hostel is a little more expensive, as it has a gorgeous rooftop where you can eat breakfast while taking in the views over Lisbon.

Click here to see prices and availability at This Is Lisbon!

Luxury: Lisboa Pessoa Hotel –  If you want to treat yourself, this is the perfect place to do so. With their spacious rooms and gorgeous rooftop terrace, it’s the perfect place to relax after a Sintra day tour.

Book your stay at Lisboa Pessoa Hotel here!

The view from the rooftop of This Is Lisbon hostel

The view from the rooftop of This Is Lisbon hostel

What to pack for one day in Sintra

Being a city and a fairly popular tourist destination, there isn’t really much you need to bring to Sintra. If you forget anything, you’ll likely be able to buy it there.

That said, beyond the usual travel essentials here are some things I recommend you don’t forget.

Camera – Given how beautiful these castles are, you want to make sure you capture them in all their beauty!

Reusable water bottle – Especially if you end up walking from one castle to the next, bring a bottle you can refill and ensure you stay hydrated.

Walking shoes – During our day in Sintra we ended up walking 13.4km and 20,349 steps. Make sure you have comfortable shoes!

View over the Moorish Castle and the Sintran countryside

View over the Moorish Castle and the Sintran countryside

Final thoughts on the best Sintra day trips from Lisbon  

There you have it, the ultimate Sintra day trip guide! Have you been to Sintra before? How did you find it? Let me know in the comments below!

In this guide I tried to include everything you need to know about doing a Lisbon to Sintra day trip. From the logistics on how to get there and estimated prices to my personal thoughts on what is worth seeing.

With my Sintra 1-day itinerary I tried to outline what you can realistically expect to see during one day in Sintra. Overall, despite the huge crowds, I still think Sintra is worthy of a visit.

The castles are truly stunning, as well as incredibly different one from the other. By spending even just one day in Sintra you will see so many diverse types of architecture, landscapes and history.

For a smoother experience, you can also do an organised Lisbon to Sintra day tour .

Check out prices and availability for a Lisbon to Sintra day tour here!

The chapel and palace of Quinta da Regaleira in Sintra

The chapel and palace of Quinta da Regaleira in Sintra

I hope you find my Sintra day trip guide useful in planning your day trip to Sintra! If you have any questions about visiting Sintra, just let me know in the comments below.

Looking for more Portugal travel guides? Check out my other articles here !

  • How to spend 10 days in the Azores
  • Everything you need to know about hiking in the Azores
  • 10 best things to do in Sao Miguel, Azores
  • Best things to do in Terceira Island, Azores
  • The best whale watching tours in the Azores
  • The best Algarve 5-day itinerary
  • 13 beaches you must visit in the Algarve
  • Benagil Sea Cave – Ultimate guide & honest review
  • A perfect Porto 1-day itinerary

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Photo collage of Quinta da Regaleira and a blonde girl standing in front of Pena Palace in Sintra with text overlay saying

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COMMENTS

  1. THE TOP 10 Sintra Tours & Excursions (UPDATED 2024)

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    Sintra Cuban Tours. 1,646 likes · 20 talking about this. Tour Guide

  3. THE 10 BEST Sintra Tours & Excursions for 2024 (with Prices)

    from. $83. per adult. 9. Experience a magical day in Sintra, Palace of Pena, Quinta da Regaleira and Cabo da Roca from Lisbon. 288. Historical Tours. 6+ hours. Only tour in Sintra with guided tour inside the main monuments in the same day: Palace of Pena and Quinta da Regaleira. ….

  4. Tours

    Uncover Sintra's majestic palaces and monuments, including Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, Monserrate Palace, Sintra National Palace, Queluz Palace, and Mourish Castle. Immerse yourself in a UNESCO World Heritage site, where history and beauty intertwine. Experience awe-inspiring architecture, stunning vistas, and hidden treasures. Plan your visit, find guided tours, and indulge in the ...

  5. 15 Best Sintra Tours

    3. Sintra Heritage Hike. Source: Sean Pavone / shutterstock. The Moorish castle in Sintra. Sintra-Cascais Natural Park is just a short drive from the city center. It is crisscrossed with a network of hiking trails that are appropriate for a wide range of ages and levels of physical activity.

  6. Sintra Explorers

    Unveil Sintra's treasures with Sintra Explorers! Our captivating tours and experiences immerse you in enchantment. Discover Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, and more as our expert guides reveal secrets. ... Indulge in culinary delights and stay in charming hotels. Book your tour today! top of page. Unlock the Magic of Sintra! Contact Us. Help ...

  7. The BEST Sintra Tours and Things to Do in 2024

    The best outdoor activities to do in Sintra are: Sintra: Pena Palace and Park Entrance Ticket. Lisbon: Pena Palace, Sintra, Cabo da Roca, & Cascais Daytrip. Lisbon: Sintra, Pena Palace, Cabo da Roca, & Cascais Tour. Sintra: Monserrate Palace and Park Skip-the-Line Ticket.

  8. THE 10 BEST Sintra Tours & Excursions for 2023 (with Prices)

    These experiences are best for tours in Sintra: Sintra and Cascais Small-Group Day Trip from Lisbon; Skip the line Entrance Ticket for Pena; Sintra-Cascais: 2 palaces & most complete tour, approx. 10hours! Sintra, Regaleira and Pena Palace, Regaleira ticket included, from Lisbon; Full-Day Best of Sintra and Cascais; See more tours in Sintra on ...

  9. THE 10 BEST Sintra Tours for 2024 (with Prices)

    LIKELY TO SELL OUT*. 2. Sintra Private Tour: a dreamlike experience. 214. Historical Tours. 5-8 hours. This tour will be a day trip where travelers can enjoy the different faces of Sintra with the company of their own private…. Free cancellation. Recommended by 99% of travellers.

  10. Sintra Full-Day Private Tour

    Discover what makes Sintra the most romantic corner of Portugal on a private day trip to this forested enclave of palaces and estates that seem plucked straight from a fairy tale. With a personal guide arranging all the details, visit the former royal retreats of Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira, stroll through UNESCO-listed Sintra, and enjoy the ocean air in seaside Cascais. Keep in mind ...

  11. Sintra Tours with Local Private Tour Guides

    From. To. Take a Live Virtual Tour and explore the world from your home! View. Adventure / Active After Dark City Day Trip / Out of Town First Time Visitor Food and Wine Hiking and Walking Local Experience Museums / Culture Nature and Wildlife Religious Heritage Shopping Youth and Family Shore Excursions.

  12. Sintra: Private and Customizable Tour

    8 Sintra Tours. 9 Sintra Day trips. 10 Sintra Day trips. 11 Sintra Outdoor activities. 12 Sintra Deals & discounts. 13 Sintra Family-friendly activities. 14 Sintra Entry tickets. 15 Sintra Spring activities. 16 Sintra National parks. 17 Sintra Small group activities. 18 Sintra Nature & adventure.

  13. Full-Day Private Sintra Tour With Guide

    To sum it up, the Full-Day Private Sintra Tour with Guide is a must-do experience for anyone visiting Portugal. With its rich history, stunning landmarks, and captivating cultural gems, Sintra offers a truly enchanting journey. Led by knowledgeable guides, this tour guarantees a personalized and immersive adventure, allowing travelers to ...

  14. Best Sintra Tours From Lisbon

    5 Best Sintra Day Tours From Lisbon. 1. Lisbon: Pena Palace, Sintra, Cabo da Roca, & Cascais Daytrip. RATING: 4.8 out of 5 | TOUR LENGTH: 8 hours | BOOK NOW. Visit the most romantic Pena Palace, and explore Sintra's beauty with its historic estates and villas and numerous royal palaces and castles.

  15. Sintra Full-Day Private Tour

    About. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the mountain city of Sintra is known for its opulent palaces. Hit the highlights direct from your hotel on this private guided tour. Tour the Park and National Palace of Pena; explore the surreal underground landscapes of Quinta da Regaleira; see Europe's westernmost point, Cabo de Roca; and stroll seaside ...

  16. Lisbon to Sintra Small-Group Tour with Pena Park Entrance 2024

    from $130.33. Lisbon Airport or Cruise Port: Private Arrival Transfer to hotels. 465. Free Cancellation. English. 30 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes. from $14.01. Day Trips in Lisbon: Check out 1168 reviews and photos of Viator's Sintra Tour with Pena Palace & Regaleira All Tickets Included.

  17. Sintra

    Book your tour now to embark on a journey that combines history, natural beauty, and authentic Portuguese cuisine. Begin your adventure with convenient pick-up from your hotel between 9:00 am and 9:30 am. Immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of Sintra's historical center, while savoring the delectable flavors of traditional Sintra ...

  18. Sintra Full Day Small-Group Tour: Let the Fairy Tale Begin

    Succumb to Sintra's romantic, fairy tale allure with this full-day city sightseeing tour. This excursion allows you to travel to Sintra, Cascais, and Roca Cape in one day, transportation included, with a small group. Pickup and drop-off at centrally-located Lisbon hotels are included. Visit Roca Cape, Cascais, and Boca do Inferno.

  19. Sintra: Truly Private Tour to Pena Palace & Regaleira

    Marvel the colorful Pena Palace. Full description. Escape from Lisbon (or Cascais) and travel in comfort to Sintra on a full-day private sightseeing tour. Learn from your private guide about Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira where the misterious famous well is located. Admire the reagion's 19th-century Romantic architecture of the region.

  20. Sintra's Best Beach Guide for a Day Tour 2024: Cabo da Roca, Azenhas do

    Welcome to an unforgettable adventure along the stunning coastline of Sintra, Portugal, where rugged cliffs, breathtaking vistas, and serene beaches await your exploration. In 2024, a Sintra beach day trip to Cabo da Roca, Azenhas do Mar, and Praia da Ursa promises an unparalleled experience. Here's your guide to maximizing this picturesque journey.Getting There from Lisbon:By Car: Renting a ...

  21. Sintra Tour

    Sintra Tour. A Stone's Throw from Lisbon. Just 30 minutes from Lisbon lies the enchanting town of Sintra, nestled amidst nature's splendor. Join us on an 8-hour journey to explore the captivating beauty and history of this UNESCO World Heritage site. From the fairy-tale Palácio da Pena to the mystical gardens of Quinta da Regaleira, Sintra ...

  22. Sintra Day Trip From Lisbon: The Best Sintra Tours, 1-Day Itinerary

    2.3 With a Lisbon to Sintra tour. 3 One thing you MUST do before your Sintra day trip. 4 Sintra 1-day itinerary - Best things to see. 4.1 Palacio Nacional da Pena. 4.2 Castle of the Moors. 4.3 Sintra Old Town. 4.4 Quinta da Regaleira. 4.5 Sintra National Palace. 5 Estimated cost for a Lisbon to Sintra day trip.