How much time do you need to visit Sintra?


How much time do you need to visit 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 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.


What should I wear to Sintra?

Don't be like me—wear sneakers, or at least sturdier sandals. Due to its altitude and location closer to the coast, Sintra is often chillier than Lisbon, which was definitely the case when we visited. I recommend dressing in layers, and bringing a light jacket or sweater.


Do you need tickets for Quinta da Regaleira?

Children up to 5 years old and Seniors > 80 years old have free admission, but requires a ticket. Once inside Quinta da Regaleira the visit rules must be respected. Keep your ticket until the end of your visit. Throughout the year the Palace, the Chapel and eventual exhibition spaces close 30 minutes before de garden.


Can I visit Sintra without a tour?

There are tours you can book that will take you around Sintra for the day (like this one), but I recommend making the trip independently if you can so you can see things at your own pace. Read on for all my tips for planning an epic day trip to Sintra on your own!


Is it easy to get around 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.


How much is a tuk tuk from Sintra Station to Pena Palace?

Standard fare is 5 euros per person. They are slower than taxi but make for a very pleasant, open air ride up to Pena Palace. And no waiting for bus. There are tuk tuks waiting at the train station, at city center/National Palace, at Pena Palace and at Moorish Castle.


Is Pena Palace worth it?

The Pena Palace is a spectacular building situated in beautiful grounds. If you like, you could spend hours just walking the grounds. The exterior of the palace is like a fairy tale, and the inside is quite ornate. There were no line-ups when I was there (January) but the summer might be different.


What do I need to know about Sintra?

Sintra (Santa Maria e São Miguel, São Martinho e São Pedro de Penaferrim) is a civil parish in the municipality of Sintra, Lisbon District, Portugal. It was formed in 2013 by the merger of the former parishes Santa Maria e São Miguel, São Martinho and São Pedro de Penaferrim.


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).


Can I 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).


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.


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.


Why is Sintra so popular?

Sintra is a charming destination in the Lisbon district of Portugal. The town is best known for its castles, palaces, and the natural beauty of the surrounding mountains.