Sintra, Portugal, is a magical destination made popular by its fairytale-like setting, rich history, and stunning natural beauty. Once known as "Cintra," Sintra has long been a magnet for royalty, poets, and romantics, earning praise from Lord Byron as a "glorious Eden." Here's what makes Sintra so special:

❶ Enchanting Palaces and Castles

Sintra is home to some of the most beautiful and unique palaces in Europe. The Pena Palace, with its vibrant colours and flamboyant design, looks like something straight out of a storybook. The Quinta da Regaleira, with its secret tunnels, mystical gardens, and the famous Initiation Well, adds a mysterious ambience to the town. The Moorish Castle overlooking Sinta, perched on a hilltop, offers breathtaking views and a glimpse into Sintra's medieval past. Most attractions are easily accessible via local public transport.

❷ UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Cultural Landscape of Sintra gained UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 1995 thanks to its historic significance, unique architecture, and harmonious blend of man-made and natural elements, boasting a millennium of history reflected in its abundance of monuments and attractions.

❸ Sensuous Natural Scenery

Ascending the Sintra Mountains, the town is surrounded by lush forests and gardens. The combination of rolling hills, dense woodlands, and ocean views creates a tranquil and laid-back experience. For those seeking outdoor adventures, well-marked hiking routes offer an up-close experience of this magical landscape.

❹ Cool Microclimate

Sintra enjoys a cool microclimate because of its elevation and proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, providing relief from the heat of Lisbon in the summer. The misty mornings add to the magical atmosphere of the region.

❺ Historic Gardens

The gardens of Monserrate Palace and Pena Palace are amongst the finest in Europe. They showcase a diverse range of flora, carefully curated to enhance the beauty of the landscape, offering peaceful places to explore and unwind.

❻ Proximity to Lisbon

Only a short train ride from the centre of Lisbon (Rossio Station), Sintra makes for a perfect day excursion or weekend getaway. Despite its proximity to the capital, Sintra feels like a world another world in another time.

Sintra is a popular day-trip location from Lisbon, and rightfully so. The town is blessed with an abundance of attractions, historical landmarks, breathtaking nature, and mysterious charm. To make the most of Sintra it is advisable to start your day early. Once in Sintra, you will be able to squeeze in two attractions or three at a push. Pena Palace is on most people's bucket list, so you should head there first, maybe just as the gates are opening for the day. A walk around the surrounding gardens is highly recommended. The Moorish castle is conveniently close by and an obvious second location choice. You should be able to head back to Sintra town centre in time for a leisurely lunch and explore its old cobbled streets before heading off to the next attraction. Usually, this is either the National Palace of Sintra, right in the old town centre, the enigmatic Quinta da Regaleira or possibly the beautiful Monserrate Palace. Your day will certainly be filled with plenty of adventures! Pre-booking tickets and making the most of combination tickets and travel passes, such as the Lisbon Card, will help immensely with time and cost savings.

Organised sightseeing tours to Sintra

If organising your day in Sintra seems a little too daunting or too much effort (you ARE on holiday, right?), then why not let someone else do all the work and allow yourself to be chauffeured in comfort to your chosen attractions? Below are examples of our most popular day tours:

Staying in Sintra for a few days, rather than darting through on a day trip from Lisbon, is like savouring a fine wine rather than gulping it down. Sure, you can dash through in a day, but why rush when there's so much charm to soak up? Sintra town has more attractions you can point a proverbial stick at, and staying two or three nights will allow you to see most things at a more leisurely pace. Walking around Sintra at night, bathed in moonlight and devoid of most tourists, is a magical experience.

Within a short distance of Sintra, there is also an abundance of beautiful places awaiting your discovery. Sintra also makes a fantastic base for exploring the coast. You’re just a short hop away from the dramatic cliffs of Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point in Europe, and the golden beaches of Cascais. Hop on the old rickety tram and stop in Colares for a spot of wine tasting or ride it to Praia das Maças.

Transport-wise, Sintra is super convenient. Regular trains connect you to Lisbon in under an hour, so if you need a city fix, it’s easy. The splendid Palace of Mafra is close by, as are Batalha, Tomar and Óbidos. If you decide to use Sintra as your base for exploring this area of Portugal, a stay of a week will still be packed full of experiences you'll never forget.