Sintra

🇵🇹 Portugal

A Fairytale Retreat in Portugal

Sintra - Vacation Briefing

Nestled amidst lush rolling hills and enchanting forests, Sintra is a fairytale destination that will transport you to another world. This picturesque town is known for its romantic charm, historic castles, and stunning palaces. Explore the whimsical Pena Palace with its vibrant colors and intricate architecture. Lose yourself in the mystical Quinta da Regaleira estate with its hidden tunnels and mystical gardens. Discover the rich history of the Moors at the Castle of the Moors and marvel at the beauty of Sintra National Palace. With its captivating landscapes, cultural heritage, and mesmerizing atmosphere, Sintra is a haven for nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and dreamers alike.

Popular Sights in Sintra

Pena Palace Castle of the Moors Quinta da Regaleira National Palace of Sintra Monserrate Palace Cabo da Roca Sintra National Park Capuchos Convent Seteais Palace Museum of Modern Art

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Things to do during your Sintra vacation

Sintra is a charming town located in Portugal, known for its beautiful palaces, lush green hills, and rich history. With its fairytale-like atmosphere, Sintra offers a wide range of activities that cater to every interest, whether you're an art enthusiast, nature lover, or history buff. Here are some of the top things to do in Sintra:

Pena National Palace: Visit the colorful Pena National Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore its stunning architecture and extensive gardens.
Quinta da Regaleira: Discover the enigmatic Quinta da Regaleira, an impressive estate featuring a palace, chapel, and mysterious initiation wells.
Moorish Castle: Enjoy panoramic views from the Moorish Castle, an ancient fortress perched on a hilltop overlooking Sintra.
Sintra-Cascais Natural Park: Embark on a hike through the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, exploring its diverse landscapes, including forests, cliffs, and sandy beaches.
Cabo da Roca: Visit Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point in mainland Europe, and admire the breathtaking coastal views.
Sintra National Palace: Step back in time at the Sintra National Palace, the former summer residence of Portuguese royalty, with its unique blend of Gothic, Manueline, and Mudéjar architectural styles.
Taste Sintra's Pastries: Indulge in Sintra's famous pastries, such as the travesseiros and queijadas, at local bakeries and cafes.
Convent of the Capuchos: Explore the serene Convent of the Capuchos, a humble Franciscan convent harmoniously integrated into the surrounding nature.
Chalet of the Countess of Edla: Visit the Chalet of the Countess of Edla, a romantic Swiss-style villa nestled in the lush surroundings of the Pena Park.
Cycling Tours: Take a cycling tour through Sintra's charming streets and picturesque countryside, enjoying the scenic beauty along the way.

Why you should visit Sintra

Overall

Sintra, Portugal is a highly desirable destination with its rich history and beautiful landscapes.

Safety

While Sintra is generally safe for tourists, it is always recommended to practice caution and be aware of your surroundings.

Culture

Sintra is steeped in culture and history, with its stunning palaces, ancient ruins, and charming architecture.

Nightlife

Sintra offers some nightlife options, but it is not known for its vibrant and bustling nightlife scene.

Adventure

While Sintra may not offer extreme adventure activities, it does provide opportunities for hiking, exploring caves, and enjoying outdoor pursuits in its natural surroundings.

Relaxation

Sintra provides a relaxing atmosphere with its picturesque gardens, peaceful walks, and stunning viewpoints.

Best time to visit Sintra

Sintra features mild winters and warm summers, making it a year-round destination. However, the best time to visit is from May to September when the weather is most pleasant and rainfall is minimal.

Jan

mild weather

8°C - 15°C

Feb

off-peak

10°C - 16°C

Mar

pleasant weather

12°C - 17°C

Apr

ideal conditions

14°C - 19°C

May

optimal time

16°C - 22°C

Jun

summer vibes

18°C - 25°C

Jul

sunny days

20°C - 28°C

Aug

summer fun

20°C - 28°C

Sep

mild climate

18°C - 26°C

Oct

autumn charm

15°C - 22°C

Nov

tranquil period

11°C - 18°C

Dec

festive atmosphere

9°C - 16°C

A guide To your first day of Sintra vacation

morning

Start your morning with a visit to the enchanting Pena Palace. This colorful and picturesque palace is a must-see in Sintra. Take a stroll through its beautiful gardens and enjoy the panoramic views from the top.
Explore the historic center of Sintra. Wander through its narrow streets lined with charming shops, cafes, and restaurants. Don't miss the National Palace of Sintra, a magnificent medieval palace.

afternoon

Visit the Moorish Castle. This ancient fortress offers stunning views of Sintra and the surrounding area. Take a walk along its walls and immerse yourself in history.
Discover Quinta da Regaleira, a stunning estate known for its mysterious and elaborate gardens. Explore its underground tunnels, grottos, and the iconic Initiation Well.

evening

Enjoy a leisurely dinner in the historic center of Sintra. Choose from a variety of traditional Portuguese restaurants offering delicious local cuisine.
Attend a music or cultural event at the Cultural Center Olga Cadaval. This beautiful venue hosts a wide range of concerts, theater performances, and exhibitions.

night

Take a romantic evening walk in the Park of Monserrate. The park's lush greenery and illuminated pathways create a magical atmosphere.
Indulge in some stargazing at the Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the starry sky and the Atlantic Ocean.

How to get to Sintra

By Plane

Lisbon Portela Airport (LIS) is the main international gateway to Sintra, Portugal. With excellent global connections, it offers convenient access to the town. From the airport, travelers can reach Sintra in just under an hour by taking a direct train or opting for a taxi. For those looking to explore other destinations in Portugal, Lisbon Portela Airport serves as a perfect starting point.

Check direct connections to LIS Airport

By other means

Sintra benefits from an efficient public transport network, making it easy to reach the town by train or bus. Sintra train station is well-connected to major cities like Lisbon, Porto, and Faro. Travelers can also take scenic bus rides to Sintra from nearby locations, providing them with picturesque views of Portugal's countryside. Exploring Sintra and its beautiful attractions is hassle-free due to the city's excellent public transport system.

Tips for Booking Your Trip

Planning a trip can get tricky, right? Don't worry, we've got some solid advice to make your life easier. Here's how you can find flights and accommodations without a hitch.

Flights: How to Score the Best Deal

First things first, check out Google Flights. Their price calendar and nearby airport options are really useful. Found a good deal? Great, but hang on a sec—make sure you compare it with prices on Kayak, Skyscanner, Momondo, and Kiwi. A little research can go a long way.

Accommodation: Find Your Ideal Spot

For places to stay, start by scanning Booking.com and Airbnb to get an idea of what's out there. Then, level up your search by looking at Hostelworld and Agoda. Oh, and a quick tip: the hotel's own website might have some special offers, so give that a look too.

Ready to make some moves? The links you need are right below. Happy booking!