Sintra Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Ursa Beach showing a sunset, rugged coastline and general coastal views
Sintra
Sintra featuring heritage architecture and a castle
Sintra as well as a small group of people
Moorish Castle which includes heritage elements, tranquil scenes and a castle

Medieval castles, royal parklands and forested mountains surround historic streetscapes just a short drive from the fresh seafood and surf of the Portugal coast.

Sintra is a mountain region a short train ride from Lisbon with Moorish castles, royal palaces, aristocratic estates and manicured gardens. Make the scenic 30-minute drive from Sintra to Adraga Beach, known for its restaurant terraces and fresh seafood.

Start your adventure in Sintra in the Sintra National Palace near the center of town, easily located by its two distinctive domed chimneys. Explore the 1,000-year-old history of the palace from Moorish times to the house arrest of mad King Alfonso VI in the 17th century. The Moorish style was carried over in later extensions with decorative geometric tiles.

Wander through the famous Pena National Palace, a 19th-century pink-and-yellow palace that lies on a hill overlooking Sintra. Discover its opulent rooms with original Edwardian and late-Victorian furniture, paintings and decoration. The palace is surrounded by forested parkland created by Ferdinand II and features exotic trees from Japan, Australia, China and North America.

Go to the 9th-century Moorish Castle on the south side of Sintra for panoramic views over the Pena and Sintra Palaces and across the town. King Ferdinand II, a lover of medieval history, restored the castle in the 20th century.

Each of Sintra’s many historic buildings has its own distinctive style and charm. Visit the 18th-century National Palace of Queluz and the eclectic 19th-century Palace of Monserrate.

Explore tiny rooms constructed using cork at the Convento dos Capuchos (Convent of the Capuchos). Picturesque forest, mossy boulders and carved rock tables and chairs surround the convent.

Explore the nearby Sintra-Cascais Natural Park on foot, by mountain-bike or on horseback. Continue west through the park for a day of surfing and seafood on the coast. The area is known for its goose-barnacles and other fresh seafood dishes. Enjoy sunsets over the stunning Adraga Beach from restaurant terraces.

Where to stay in Sintra

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Azenhas do Mar

While there might not be top attractions in Azenhas do Mar, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Magoito Beach and Macas Beach.

Azenhas do Mar
Moorish Castle showing château or palace and tranquil scenes

Santa Maria e São Miguel

If you're spending time in Santa Maria e São Miguel, check out sights like Castle of the Moors or Sintra Mountains and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Sintra Tram Stop or Monte Santos Tram Stop.

Santa Maria e São Miguel
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São João das Lampas

While São João das Lampas may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Magoito Beach and Foz de Lizandro Beach.

São João das Lampas
Pena Palace

São Pedro de Penaferrim

While visiting São Pedro de Penaferrim, you might make a stop by sights like Quinta da Beloura and Penha Longa Golf Course.

São Pedro de Penaferrim
Sintra National Palace featuring a sunset, a garden and tranquil scenes

Historic Center

While visiting Historic Center, you might make a stop by sights like Sintra Mountains and Sao Martinho Church.

Historic Center
Macas Beach showing waves, a beach and rocky coastline

Praia das Macas

The beaches and restaurants make Praia das Macas worth a stop. Make a stop by Macas Beach, and jump on the metro at Praia das Maçãs Tram Stop to get around the area.

Praia das Macas
NH Sintra Centro
NH Sintra Centro
4 out of 5
Praca da Republica, Sintra
The price is ₹14,113 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
₹14,113
₹15,364 total
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Sintra. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (992 reviews)
"Great location for shopping, dining and having access to all the main attractions. Enjoyed being able to walk directly from the hotel to explore the town. Property is a bit dated but a good value for what you’re getting."

Reviewed on 18 Jun 2025

NH Sintra Centro
Pestana Sintra Golf Conference & Spa Resort
Pestana Sintra Golf Conference & Spa Resort
4 out of 5
Quinta de Beloura, Rua Mato da Mina, 19, Sintra
The price is ₹11,323 per night from 9 Jul to 10 Jul
₹11,323
₹12,403 total
9 Jul - 10 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Sintra. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (566 reviews)
Great location
"Pleasant"

Reviewed on 24 Jun 2025

Pestana Sintra Golf Conference & Spa Resort
Villas de Cintra
Villas de Cintra
3 out of 5
Rua Conde Ferreira, 11 A, Sintra
The price is ₹7,072 per night from 2 Jul to 3 Jul
₹7,072
₹7,901 total
2 Jul - 3 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Sintra. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and a picnic area. Popular attractions Sintra National Palace and Pena Palace are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (117 reviews)
"Close to all attractions and dining options. Helpful and friendly staff."

Reviewed on 13 Jun 2025

Villas de Cintra
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Casa da Pendôa
Casa da Pendôa
4 out of 5
Rua da Pendôa nº 17, Sintra
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Sintra. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an airport shuttle (surcharge) and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Sintra National Palace ...
9/10 Wonderful! (318 reviews)
"Great location"

Reviewed on 28 Jun 2025

Casa da Pendôa
Sintra Sol - Apartamentos Turisticos
Sintra Sol - Apartamentos Turisticos
3 out of 5
Avenida Eugene Levy, 29, Praia das Maçãs, Colares, Sintra, Lisbon
Stay at this 3-star beach aparthotel in Sintra. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Sintra National Palace and Pena Palace ...
7.4/10 Good! (61 reviews)
Don’t stay here. Nasty!
"This place is a dump. Do not stay here, and don’t trust the reviews that say otherwise! This place might have been great in the 90s, but that’s the last time anything was maintained and/or cleaned thoroughly. Our first room was dark and filthy, and located on the maintenance side of the property. ..."

Reviewed on 22 Oct 2023

Sintra Sol - Apartamentos Turisticos
Sintra Retreat Residences
Sintra Retreat Residences
3.5 out of 5
R. Tomé de Barros Queirós 14, Sintra, Lisboa
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Sintra. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, cable TV channels and an in-room espresso maker. Popular attractions Sintra National Palace and ...
"Close to interesting places to visit in Sintra and the train if you want to go to Lisbon. While the floor tiling just inside the door needs repair, the space was in otherwise great shape.;"

Reviewed on 13 Sep 2024

Sintra Retreat Residences
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Sintra

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
24
5 - Excellent 60%
4 - Good
16
4 - Good 40%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Fascinating place, plenty to see, most even in walking distance, or if you fancy the local transport is very well organised.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Interesting, medieval town. National palace well worth a visit. Prices very reasonable.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Full of wonderful sights and beaches - too much to see and do even on a 14 night break - will have to go again

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Beautiful place to relax .

4/5 - Good

Sylvie

Very beautiful city and amazing surroundings. The air humidity might be an issue for some people.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Sintra is a beautiful area. Lots and lots of steep hills though, a car is definitely needed to get from A to B.

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