How much time do you need in Sintra?

How much time do you need in Sintra? While you can see the main highlights of Sintra in one day, we recommend at least two days in Sintra. This will allow you to see the most popular castles such as Pena Palace, the Moorish Castle, or Quinta de Regaleira, but also explore the area deeper and visit some lesser-known gems such as Monserrate Palace.

How much time do I need at Pena Palace?

The visits are provided by specialised guides and last for around 1h30. The free visit of the National Palace of Pena last about 1 hour and the visit of the Park of Pena lasts about 1h30. For the visit of the Park there is an hop-on/hop-off service available.

How long do you need at the Moorish Castle in Sintra?

A typical visit to the Castelo dos Mouros lasts 60-90 minutes, and is a surprisingly large complex. The peak hours are the early afternoon (12:00-14:00) just after everyone has had their lunch in Sintra town and then head into the hills, where the Pena Palace and Moors castle are situated.

Is Sintra very touristy?

Hidden among its majestic pine forest, you will discover whimsical palaces, extravagant villas and the ruins of a 10th-century Moorish castle. This variety of fascinating historic buildings and stunning natural scenery, makes Sintra an outstanding tourist destination.

Can you do Sintra in half a day?

Sintra in half a day No matter what you've seen or read, half a day is not long enough to fully appreciate Sintra. Three hours is only just enough time to see the historic centre and the Quinta da Regaleira (or Palácio Nacional de Sintra).

Can I walk to Quinta da Regaleira from Sintra train station?

To reach Quinta da Regaleira from the Sintra train station, take bus 434 to Largo Ferreira Castro. The entrance to the palace is an 8 minute walk up the road from there. Alternatively, you can walk to Quinta da Regaleira. From Sintra train station it's a 22 minute walk, and from Sintra town it's about 15 minutes.

How long does it take to see the National Palace of Sintra?

The Palacio Nacional de Sintra is open every day from 9:30 until 19:00 and the last entrance at 18:30. The entrance fee is €10.00/€8.50/€8.50/€33.00 (adult/child/senior/family). A typical visits last between 30-60 minutes depending of level of exploration.

Can you go to Sintra without a tour?

You can visit Sintra without a tour and that's how many people will do it. But going from Lisbon to Sintra for the day does involve quite a few logistics, including the train to get there, the bus to get around, tickets at each sight – not to mention dealing with the crowds!

How to get to Pena Palace easily?

Is it better to go to Pena Palace in the morning or afternoon?

In my experience it's best to visit Pena Palace in the morning as it gets packed, while the other attractions have more manageable crowds. Ensure you book the tickets to Pena Palace online in advance to save significant time. The visit will take you around two hours.

Can you do Sintra as a day trip?

If you're only interested in a Sintra day trip, it makes more sense to take public transportation. Fortunately, it's incredibly easy to get to Sintra by train. From Lisbon's centrally located Rossio station, the journey takes around 40 minutes and costs just €2.25 (the return ticket is double this price).

How much is the hop on hop off bus in Sintra?

The 434 bus service is designed for tourists, and the fares reflect this. The highly promoted 24-hour ticket costs €15, a single fare costs € 4.10, and the Pena Circuit Round Trip €7.60.

Can you walk to Pena Palace from Sintra?

An alternative option is to follow the Caminho de Santa Maria footpath, which leads uphill from the historic centre of Sintra to the Castelo dos Mouros and Pena Palace. Be warned, this is a very steep hill and a demanding 55-minute hike, which can be very tiring in the heat of summer.

What happens if you are late to Pena Palace?

If you arrive at the Palace of Pena after the time slot you booked, you will not be able to enter and your ticket cannot be refunded (see the general sales conditions here). Plan your trip ahead, to ensure you do not get late.

How much time do you need at Quinta da Regaleira?

The time needed to tour the Quinta da Regaleira can vary depending on your interests and how much time you want to spend exploring the site. However, on average, it is suggested that you allow at least 2-3 hours to explore the property fully, including the palace, gardens, grottoes, and wells.

What can you do in Sintra without a car?

In Sintra, you can get around by walking, by bus, or by taxi. If you're just in Sintra for 24 hours, walking will take up too much time. With that amount of time, it's best to take the train from Lisbon to Sintra, and then use Sintra's bus lines or taxis to get around. There are two bus routes you'll use in Sintra.

Is there a hop on hop off bus in Sintra Portugal?

24-hour unlimited Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with 360-degree panoramic views of Sintra. Access to 2 bus routes around Sintra, with stops near palaces, parks, and beaches. Create your own itinerary to explore the city and its popular attractions.