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Sintra

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Landmark
—°17
Sintra (Portugal)

Weather…

Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage site near Lisbon, is a magical place where 19th-century Romantic architecture blends with lush nature. The crown jewel is the colorful Palácio Nacional da Pena, perched high on a mountain peak, featuring an eclectic mix of Moorish, Manueline, and Romantic styles. In the historic center with its steep, cobblestone streets lies the Palácio Nacional de Sintra, recognizable by its two massive, conical chimneys. Another fascinating estate is the Quinta da Regaleira with its mysterious initiation wells, underground tunnels, and highly symbolic gardens that transport visitors into a world of mysticism. The cool microclimate of the Serra de Sintra once made the region a summer retreat for Portuguese kings. Today, it attracts day-trippers from Lisbon who hike through the dense forests or taste local specialties like Travesseiros (sweet puff pastries) and Queijadas. A historic tram also connects the town with the beaches of the Atlantic coast.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C121213151719202120181412
Rain mm7353635834134826849367

📋 Practical info

🚪
Visiting
The town of Sintra and its exterior views are freely accessible. Palaces like Pena and Moorish Castle require tickets for interior entry.
🕒
Typical hours
Palace opening hours vary by season, typically from morning until late afternoon. The town is accessible all day.
📷
Photography
Photography is allowed in most palace interiors, but tripods and flash may be restricted. Outside, photography is unrestricted.
⏱️
Time needed
A full day is needed to visit the main palaces and explore the town. Pena Palace and Moorish Castle are the highlights.
➕
Combine with
Combine with a visit to Lisbon, just 30 minutes away by train. The nearby beaches of Cascais are also recommended.
🧭
Getting there
Sintra is easily reachable from Lisbon by train (from Rossio station) or by car via the IC19. Buses connect the station to the palaces.
💡
Insider tip
Start your day early and first head to the Moorish Castle for panoramic views before the crowds arrive. Buy an online ticket in advance.

Geography

Population
26,193 (2023)
Coordinates
38.79848, -9.38809

Facts

  • UNESCO World Heritage site
  • Palácio Nacional da Pena
  • Quinta da Regaleira and its wells
  • Moorish Castle (Castelo dos Mouros)
  • Famous for Travesseiros pastries
  • Cool microclimate in the mountains
  • Former summer residence of kings
  • Historic tram to the coast

Explore nearby

Notable places around

SintraSintra<1 km · NWExplore →
Sintra-Cascais NPSintra-Cascais NP3 km · WExplore →
JanasJanas5 km · NWExplore →
Praia GrandePraia Grande8 km · WExplore →
Agualva-CacémAgualva-Cacém8 km · SEExplore →
São João das LampasSão João das Lampas8 km · NExplore →
BirreBirre11 km · SWExplore →
São Pedro do EstorilSão Pedro do Estoril11 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Sintra (17)

Castle of the Moors🏰 castle

Moorish castle from the 7th, 8th century, national monument in Sintra.

Museu de Arte Moderna🏛 museum

The Museu de Arte Moderna in Sintra is dedicated to contemporary and modern art.

🕒 Tu-Fr 10:00-18:00; Sa-Su 12:00-18:00🆓

NewsMuseum🏛 museum

Museum on the history of news and journalism in Sintra.

Anjos Teixerira Museum🏛 museum

The Anjos Teixeira Museum in Sintra exhibits the works of renowned Portuguese sculptors.

🕒 Tu-Fr 10:00-18:00; Sa-Su 12:00-18:00; PH closed

Casa do Cipreste🏺 historical

Villa by architect Raul Lino, national monument in Sintra.

Paços do Concelho de Sintra🏺 historical

Paços do Concelho de Sintra is the town hall building serving as the seat of local administration.

Igreja de Santa Maria⛪ religious

Igreja de Santa Maria in Sintra is a listed church.

Fonte da Pipa📍 landmark

16th-century Renaissance fountain in the historic center of Sintra.

Quinta da Regaleira📍 landmark

Quinta da Regaleira is a fascinating estate in Sintra featuring mystic gardens and the Initiation Well.

🕒 Apr 01-Sep 30 09:30-19:00; Oct 01-Mar 31 09:30-17:00; Dec 24💶

The Chalet of the Countess of Edla📍 landmark

Chalet of the Countess of Edla (1864-1869), national monument in Sintra.

Palácio Valenças🏰 castle

Palácio Valenças, a historic manor house in Sintra.

Palácio Biester🏰 castle

19th-century eclectic palace in Sintra.

Quinta da Penha Verde🏺 historical

16th-century estate with chapel and gardens in Sintra, a protected heritage site.

Capela de São Lázaro⛪ religious

São Lázaro Chapel in Sintra, a Baroque chapel.

Igreja de São Miguel⛪ religious

São Miguel Church in the historic centre of Sintra.

Pena Park🌳 park

Pena Park around Pena Palace, a romantic landscape park with exotic trees.

Parque da Liberdade🌳 park

Parque da Liberdade in Sintra, a public park with a viewpoint.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the most visited sight in Sintra?
The Pena Palace, a colorful fairytale castle on a hill, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
How do you get from Lisbon to Sintra?
The best way is by train from Rossio station. The journey takes about 40 minutes.
What is Quinta da Regaleira?
A mystical estate with a palace, gardens, and mysterious underground initiation wells and tunnels.
Should I book tickets in advance?
Yes, absolutely, especially for the Pena Palace, as wait times can be very long.
What is the climate like in Sintra?
Sintra has a cooler microclimate than Lisbon; it is often foggy and windy.
Sintra: where is it located?
Sintra is located in Portugal.
Sintra: what is there to see?
Highlights include Castle of the Moors, Museu de Arte Moderna, NewsMuseum.
Sintra: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Sintra: why is it worth visiting?
Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage site near Lisbon, is a magical place where 19th-century Romantic architecture blends with lush nature.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → Most beautiful beaches → OpenStreetMap →
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History & landmarks

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