Portugal's city of 1,000 palaces (we're exaggerating a little), Sintra's rich historical heritage is a real draw. Never have we seen so many palaces in one place! Witnesses to the town's rich past - such as the Palais de Pena, one of the most beautiful palaces in the world - they offer a fascinating plunge into the country's past. Full of color and historical marvels, Portugal's most beautiful city will never cease to amaze you. Let yourself be carried away by the bright colors typical of many Portuguese cities, before relaxing on its cliff-surrounded beaches. Let's take a look at the 13 must-sees in Sintra!
1. The historic Château des Maures
Castelo Dos Muros - Moorish Castle - is one of Sintra's architectural and historical wonders. Its position offers breathtaking panoramic views of Sintra, the nearby Palacio de la Pena, the ocean and Praia das Maçâs. With its two defensive wall enclosures and five fortified towers, it invites you to discover its rich history and defense. Inside, the remains of an ancient cistern and a Romanesque chapel dedicated to Saint Peter bear witness to the passage of centuries. A fascinating visit awaits you, so book your ticket for the Château des Maures here .
The icing on the cake : you'll have the chance to observe ongoing archaeological digs, revealing secrets about human occupation of the region.
2. The Palacio Nacional de Pena, a colorful visit
It's only natural that the Pena Palace should be one of the most beautiful castles to visit in Europe, so radiant is its beauty. Our Sintra palace marathon begins with the Palácio da Pena, a romantic jewel perched on a Sintra mountain. Built in 1854, this national monument boasts an eclectic mix of neo-Gothic, neo-Manuelen and Oriental architecture. A pure marvel 100% Instagrammable, so book your tickets for the palace and Pena Park right here .
Its fascinating history dates back to a medieval chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Pena, transformed into a monastery and then into a royal summer residence. Your visit also allows you to explore the surrounding park, whose paths, lakes and exotic trees selected by King Ferdinand stretch over 200 hectares.
3. Sintra National Palace, symbol of the town
Let's continue our historical tour at the Palácio Nacional de Sintra, witness to eight centuries of Portugal's royal history. Nestled in the heart of the historic center, it was the prized residence of monarchs and their courts. Here, too, you'll find a blend of Gothic, Manueline and Mudejar architecture. With stars already in your eyes, you set off to discover artistic collections reflecting the multicultural richness of Portuguese decorative art from the 16th to 18th centuries. From the Hall of the Magpies to the Hall of the Swans, via the kitchens and the Hall of Coats of Arms, the visit promises to be full of surprises: go here to reserve your tickets for the Sintra National Palace and its gardens and avoid the wait at the entrance.
4. Stroll through Sintra's old town
Once you've set foot in the old town to discover Sintra's National Palace, let your steps carry you through the town's charming alleyways. Its location, at the foot of Monte da Lua, offers a privileged environment. The narrow, colorful lanes lead you from small craft stores to local pastry shops. Why not try one of Sintra 's specialties ? Queijadas and Travesseiros are just waiting to delight your taste buds! Take the time to stroll around, have a drink or simply soak up the atmosphere of this adorable town center. It's one of a kind!
5. Le Couvent des Capuchos, a haven of tranquillity
Treat yourself to an escape at the Capuchin Convent, located in the heart of the Serra de Sintra. Enveloped in lush vegetation, this idyllic spot is also known as the Cork Convent. Built in 1560, it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995. Its rustic, austere ambience, in perfect harmony with the surrounding nature, immediately transports you to another era! Theunique use of cork to protect and decorate every corner of the convent is remarkable, offering a striking contrast to the sumptuous palaces of Sintra.
6. The Regaleira Palace, a Gothic jewel full of secrets
Incredibly unusual, the Regaleira Palace stands amid Sintra's lush vegetation. Captivating the imagination, it reveals its mysterious details step by step. Your escapade invites you to explore the manor house, its gardens, caves and secret passages. The result? A world filled with religious symbolism, mysticism and references to the Freemasons and Knights Templar awaits you in all its splendor! One of the highlights of this palace is the initiatory well, probably used in its day for occult ceremonies. Click here to to book your ticket in just a few clicks.
7. Ursa beach, Sintra's wild beauty
Named Praia da Ursa in Portuguese, this hidden gem attracts nature lovers with its striking natural beauty. Nestled near Cabo da Roca, this beach is famous for its unique rock formations and difficult access. Arm yourself with courage - you'll need a good dose of it! Is it worth it? Yes, it is!
Devoid of human presence and tourism, it promises an authentic, unspoilt experience. Explore hidden coves, hike along cliffs and capture breathtaking views. You've earned it!
8. Monserrate Palace, a touch of the Orient in Portugal
What splendor! You don't have to be an architecture buff to fall under the spell of the Palais de Monserrate, an eclectic treasure trove dating back to the 19th century. Surrounded by lush gardens, this exceptional site offers an experience rich in history. Built on the foundations of a neo-Gothic house by Francis Cook and architect James Knowles, the palace blends Gothic, Indian and Moorish influences, perfectly embodyingPortuguese romantic architecture. Book your tickets in advance by clicking here.
Did you like the palace? What about the surrounding gardens, with their astonishing botanical diversity? In this enchanting setting, the landscapes evoke scenes from Mexico, Japan and beyond. What a delight, and clearly a must-do in Sintra!
9. The Chalet da Condessa d'Edla, an unusual discovery in Sintra
The Chalet da Condessa d'Edla has a fairytale air about it, as adorable as it is astonishing. Restored after a devastating fire, it reveals a love story emblematic of Portuguese heritage. Part of the Pena Park visitor program, this Alpine chalet, a gift from Ferdinand II to the Countess of Edla, is brimming with romance. It's the ideal place to visit if you're traveling to Sintra as a couple!
Its mural decorations and exotic gardens bear witness to a bygone era, yet all we want to do is immerse ourselves in it. Although the entrance fee is a little steep, it's well worth it, and allows you to visit the chalet, the garden and the Parc da Pena.
10. Cabo Da Roca, the end of Europe
Cabo da Roca is the most westerly point on the European continent, overlooking the sea at 150 meters above sea level It's here that you can enjoy one of the region's finest panoramic views of the Serra de Sintra and the coastline. This historic site was once home to a strategic fort from the XVIIᵉ century. Today, only a few remains remain, accompanied by a lighthouse essential for navigation. A wild place, just as we love them at Le Petit Futé! Part of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, Cabo da Roca is also a popular stopover for hikers, offering spectacular coastal paths.
11. Peninha sanctuary, Sintra's woodland paradise
A gray and yellow shape rises up the hill... What is it? The Peninha sanctuary, also offering a great view for the curious. Dominated by a baroque chapel and the neo-romantic Peninha Palace from 1918, the site is steeped in history and spirituality. Although the interiors of the chapel and palace are not open to visitors, the architecture and remains of an ancient hermitage capture the imagination.
A little history : local legend tells of an apparition of the Virgin Mary in the XVIᵉ century at this historic site.
12. Palais Biester and its botanical park
The recently restored Palais Biester and its park are steeped in mystery and history. Theromantic 19th-centuryarchitecture, blending neo-Gothic and English influences, is home to incredibly beautiful artworks and rooms that reveal the life of the Biester family. Take advantage of your visit to discover the neo-Gothic chapel, testimony to the heritage of the Knights Templar.
In the park, designed by the famous landscape architect François Nogré, every nook and cranny offers its share of wonders, from lakes and waterfalls to a diverse botanical collection. A must-see is the Descobertas belvedere, offering - yes, again! - a breathtaking panoramic view.
A little anecdote: this exceptional location was used as a film set for Roman Polanski's The Ninth Gate , starring Johnny Depp. Interested in discovering this palace? Click here to book your ticket for the Biester Palace and grounds.
13. Sintra's most beautiful beaches
While the pretty Praia das Maças attracts visitors and locals alike for a dip in the Mediterranean, there are other beautiful beaches waiting to be explored. As we mentioned earlier, the Plage de l'Ourse, ranked among the most beautiful in the world, is not to be missed. Its white sand and unique rock formations make it an enchanting place to be. For its part, Magoito Beach is the spectacular "grandma" of the area, with its ten-thousand-year-old fossil dune bearing witness to the region's natural beauty. Finally, São Julião Beach offers an enchanting landscape, framed by impressive cliffs. An ideal spot for surfing and fishing
Where to stay in Sintra?
A romantic destination of choice, Sintra invites couples to travel together for Valentine's Day, or just to enjoy a romantic get-together.
- The most romantic
The Quinta de Sao Thiago may seem like a long way to get to, but it offers appreciable peace and quiet. Theartistic ambience creates the perfect romantic setting, in a grandiose establishment where you are greeted in French. The atmosphere of the place inspires a total change of scenery: a real favorite that you can book in just a few clicks here.
- The most charming
Nestled in a large period house, Chalet Saudade's charm is reminiscent of yesteryear. In an atmosphere sometimes worthy of a château, you'll set down your suitcases in an establishment of indisputable charm, offering spacious rooms, an English-style garden and top-of-the-range service. Click here for rates and availability!
- The oldest
Old, but not outdated, far from it! The hillside Lawrence's Hotel offers superb views, and you can book it right here . Conveniently located close to the city center, it exudes serenity. In the heart of an old-fashioned atmosphere, you'll enjoya quiet stay, with all the little touches you'd expect on vacation.
From €40 to several hundred euros, the accommodation on offer in Sintra is vast. Generally speaking, you can find very good establishments full of charm for as little as €70/€80.
What can you do in Sintra for free?
As we've seen, there's plenty to see and do in Sintra. However, when you think of period buildings and historical wonders, you also think of paying an entrance fee. So what can you do in Sintra for free?
For starters, visit the historic center and its colorful houses. Without spending a single euro, you'll be immediately immersed in typical Portuguese charm. As you stroll along, you'll discover the architecturally stunning Town Hall, numerous historic buildings and, most surprising of all, a host of sublime fountains.
We then invite you to stroll through the city' s superb botanical park: Liberdade Park, with its immense trees. It's thanks to them that you'll be able to locate this park of 1,000 wonders, located not far from Sintra's National Palace.
Visiting Sintra for free also means taking advantage of its beautiful beaches, such as Bear Beach, or Cabo da Roca and its breathtaking views. In a more historic style, you can also admire free of charge Quinta Da Ribafria, a superb manor house from the XVIᵉ century. The mansion, as well as the surrounding park, are a pure marvel! In the "free Sintra treasures" category, we invite you to discover the Santuario da Peninha. Your tour of free religious buildings continues at Sao Martinho Church, a colorful church whose belvedere offers a great view of the town.
Finally, take the opportunity to hike to the village ofAzenhas do Mar, a little wonder made in Portugal.
How to visit Sintra from Lisbon
These 19 must-see things to do in Lisbon prove it: the Portuguese capital is a fascinating place! So you might want to take advantage of your trip to Lisbon to visit Sintra, just 25 km away. The good news is that Sintra has excellent transport links! Of course, you can get there by car, but you should be aware thatparking in Sintra is difficult. The Place Dom Fernando II, the Estrada da Pena and the Avenida Aviaçao sometimes offer parking spaces... but you may still have to drive around for a while before you manage to park.
If you don't have a car (or if you'd rather avoid the hassle), the easiest solution is to take the train. The Rossio and Oriente lines take you to your destination in 40 to 50 minutes. You can then walk or take the bus (line 434) to the heart of the city in just a few minutes. The bus also provides a direct link between Lisbon and Sintra, taking around 50 minutes. We say yes to a low-cost trip!
Sintra is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Portugal. Don't hesitate to spend a week there, so you can discover every treasure while visiting the surrounding area. Would you like to extend your stay in Portugal? We understand! With these 25 must-see things to do in Portugal, you won't be short of inspiration.
