A majestic, bright yellow castle that looks like it jumped straight out of a fairytale. That’s Pena Palace – that’s exactly the reason I packed my bags for Sintra as soon as I laid eyes on it. Trust me, it’s like something out of a dream, or even an amusement park!
This town used to be the royal family’s go-to summer getaway. Imagine their taste! The entire mountain is sprinkled with grand and charming buildings. These aren’t just any buildings but manor castles crafted by noble hands dating back from the 15th to the 19th century.
So, whether it’s the allure of Pena Palace or the rich history that tickles your fancy, Sintra is calling your name. It’s a place that seamlessly weaves together natural beauty and centuries of human artistry.
Get ready to rock Sitra in your own way with these comprehensive tips on getting there, essential travel cards, the best places to visit, and more!
How To Get To Sintra From Lisbon?
Sintra rests on the edge of the thriving Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. Though short to reach by car, it’s best to get there by metro as narrow and hilly roadways and limited parking lots will get you weak on the knees. However, if a road trip is your absolute must-do, book an Uber or charter a car instead of taking on the drive by yourself.
Depart from Rossio Subway Station bound for Portela de Sintra in about 40 minutes. Trains leave every 20 minutes but are subject to change on holidays. Keep an eye on the official website of the Comboios de Portugal (CP) – the state’s national railway company for updated timetables. The Lisbon to Sintra train cost is EUR 2.5.
Insider tip: opt for a Viva Viagem Card that only costs EUR 0.5 and can be topped up as you go. This handy travel card saves you time in queues at the ticket counters and comes with a steep discount of EUR 1.9 on public transport if you tend to rely on them during your trip.
The Viva Viagem Card is available for purchase at a ticket vending machine or ticket counter at any metro, ferry, and suburban train station. There are multiple types of Viva Viagem Card which are priced differently for Single tickets, One-day tickets (unlimited rides), and Zapping (credit stored from EUR 3 up to EUR 40). Once your credit runs out, you can easily top up again.
“How to tell if my card runs out of credit?” – you may ask.
Hit one of the ticket machines at the metro station, insert the card, and your balance is displayed on the screen. You can then choose if you wanna top it up or not.
Swipe your card at the reader port to open the entry gate at the metro station.
Navegante Train & Bus Card: What Is It And Is It Worth Buying?
Simply put, the One-day Navegante Train & Bus Card grants you unlimited rides on Sintra’s regional bus SCOTTURB within the same day, metro tickets from Lisbon to Sintra, as well as tickets to Cabo da Roca and Cascais on bus #434.
The Navegante Train & Bus Card is a cost-effective travel pass for those planning to cover Cabo da Roca, Sintra, and Cascais in a day. Skip it if you only have time for Sintra and return at the end of the day.
The Navegante Train & Bus Card is available at the ticket counter at Rossio Subway Station and is valid for the day of use. Start early at 8 am when fewer people show up in the queue.
Sintra Green Card: The Best Travel Pass For Sintra Alone
Sintra Green Card is an all-in-one ticket that includes round-trip trains from Lisbon to Sintra, SCOTTURB within route #434, as well as major attractions such as the National Palace of Pena, Sintra National Palace, and Sintra Natural History Museum amongst others.
Sintra Green Card is available for purchase at Lisbon’s Rossio Station at EUR 31.4.
How To Get Around Sintra?
By Bus
Attractions in Sintra are widely peppered throughout the mountainous region and covering all the main sights within a day on foot is not a walk in the park. The most common way to get around is to opt for one of the two Sintra bus routes, 434 and 435, to get around. These buses are waiting on the right side out of the exit terminal of Portela de Sintra. The bus frequency is every 15 to 30 minutes.
Sintra Bus 434 Route Map: Sintra Estação Bus Station, Sintra National Palace, Moorish Castle, Pena Palace.
If you’ve obtained the Navegante Train & Bus Card I mentioned above, then no extra tickets are required for this bus route. The Navegante already covered it all.
Sintra Bus 435 Route Map: Sintra National Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, Palácio de Seteais, and Palácio de Monserrate.
Sintra Bus 435 tickets are EUR 5 and available for sale directly by bus drivers. It’s not covered by the Navegante Train & Bus Card.
By A Mini Golf Cart
It’s not an actual golf cart per se but don’t mind me if I can’t find the right word to address it. This is simply a small open-air vehicle taking passengers from the train station to their desired spots. The fare may be higher than bus fares but in return, you don’t have to squeeze in the space-strapped buses.
Sign Up For An Organized Tour
Day trips to Sintra from Lisbon are plenty, ranging from eight to nine hours or even more. Start time begins around 8 am to 8:20 am at a designated meeting point, covering iconic landmarks such as the Pena Palace, Cabo de Roca, Quinta da Regaleira amongst others depending on your options.
Top 5 Activities In Sintra That Are Worth The Effort
There are loads of stunning spots up there, but if you can only spare a day, make sure to prioritize Pena Palace and the Moorish Castle. These two are must-sees and offer some of the most breathtaking views. If you’re not on a time-strapped journey, spare two days and an overnight stay to make the most of it. Here are some of my favorite things to see in Sintra for a heads-up.
National Palace of Pena (Palácio Nacional da Pena)
The National Palace of Pena steals the spotlight when it comes to Europe’s romantic architecture. It stands still as a time capsule where fairytales remain an enchanting scene in the minds of Portuguese kids. The castle sits on a summit, blending Europe’s most jaw-dropping architecture and lending a unique charm that’s not for everyone.
At a glance, the palace appears weathered and ancient, but that’s precisely what an old-world charm takes center stage.
Now, a little tip for you: buy your tickets online. This place draws crowds. Expect to clear off an hour at the palace to make the most of it.
Moorish Castle
Move on to another highly sought-after heritage building in Sintra, the Moorish Castles. Dating back to 1200 years ago, the Moors held sway over vast stretches of the Iberian Peninsula and set up a vast fortress that they called the Moorish Castle. The vast stone walls stood tall to protect the inner land from earthquakes, fires, and even the Christian Crusaders’ reconquest of Sintra in the 12th century.
As your steps kiss the ancient floor, gaze out over Sintra’s picturesque landscape and brace yourself against brisk winds once you reach the top of the building. All in all, it’s only a small price to pay for the incredible views.
Sintra National Palace (Palácio Nacional de Sintra)
Beholding an awe-inspiring beauty brought upfront by a stunning white facade, the Sintra National Palace acts as a living history book blending Gothic, Moorish, and Portuguese styles.
For a whopping period of four centuries spanning from the 15th to the late 19th century, this palace served as the royal residence for Portuguese royalty.
Today, the grand halls and master bedrooms once slept the Kings and Queens still embrace the timeless charm of architectural influences, a testament to Portugal’s rich cultural heritage.
Be prepared to be blown away by the intricate details of tile work and stunning archways that reflect the Moorish influence!
Quinta da Regaleira Palace
To complete your palace bucket list of Sintra, head out to Quinta da Regaleira Palace after a short ride from bus #435. Right here, be sure to take a stroll around the Initiatic Well!
This mystical exploration brings crowds who are willing to wait for the 20-minute queue to complete. Make your way down the cave-like tunnel with three pathways jutting out different outposts of the estate.
The Regaleira Palace isn’t your run-of-the-mill mansion. It’s a sprawling estate that goes beyond the main building. We’re talking about churches, mysterious underground passages, and even ecological pools. But what really sets it apart are the intriguing symbols hidden throughout the property, igniting your imagination.
Take On Sintra’s Top-Rated Restaurants
Taberna Criativa: Situated in the heart of Sintra, Taberna Criativa is a culinary haven that promises to delight your taste buds. Wondering what’s in store for you? Everything from succulent wild boar to the freshest local seafood comes in a roll call.
O Melhor Croissant da Minha Rua: Off the topic but French pastry in Sintra doesn’t sound bad at all. The result? A charming croissant shop that’s sure to make your taste buds dance with joy. Loving croissants? You come to the right place! Be prepared for that ooey-gooey goodness filled with golden beauties made of rich sesame leaves and delectable bacon.
Final Words: Is Sintra Worth Visiting?
Definitely yes! Even if you’re short in time, an overnight stay will do you good. The beauty of fairytale-like castles and enriched history woven into each broken cobblestoned street fetches you to a different era with varied sights and significant views.