Is half a day in Sintra enough?


Is half a day in Sintra enough? 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 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.


Can you walk around Sintra for free?

Exploring Sintra town centre – As obvious as it sounds, but exploring the historic centre of Sintra is free.


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.


Can you do 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!


How do I get from Sintra to Pena Palace?

The best way to get from Sintra (Station) to Pena National Palace without a car is to line 434 bus which takes 25 min and costs €3 - €5.


Is Sintra a whole day trip?

Visiting Sintra is one of the must-do things in Lisbon! So most people only come here for a day. If you only have one day to visit Sintra, the best way to do it is by taking a day trip from Lisbon. There are many organized day trips.


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.


Can you see Sintra and Cascais in one day?

Insight: If you are considering a day trip to Sintra and Cascais, never try to combine them in a single day. Both towns need at least one day of sightseeing to fully appreciate, and two days could be easily spent in Sintra.


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.


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 time do you need for 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.


Is Sintra more crowded on weekends?

If visiting the Sintra region during the summer plan to head to Sintra either early or late in the day to avoid the crowds and the intense sun. Weekends tend to be busier than weekdays and all of the main sights of Sintra are open every day during the high season.


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.


Is Sintra cooler than Lisbon?

Elevated with a constant Atlantic breeze, Sintra is usually several degrees cooler than Lisbon and Cascais, just along the coast. Summer days can be hot and crowded—so be prepared. If you want to beat the crowds, make sure to arrive early or later in the afternoon.


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.