Things to do in Sintra

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A coastal rock formation with waves crashing against it.
A street with shops including a wine bar and a pâtisserie.
A historic castle with ornate architecture, surrounded by lush greenery and a stone bridge.
A cobblestone street lined with shops and a signboard.
A stone castle with a flag on top, surrounded by lush green hills and a clear blue sky.

Things to do

Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tour with Optional Bus Tour Combos

Lisbon Hop-On Hop-Off Packs

￥5,153
per adult
Lisbon Hop-On Hop-Off Packs
Belem Tower

Tour Lisbon: Belém Tower, the Cathedral & Parque das Nações

￥14,170
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Tour Lisbon: Belém Tower, the Cathedral & Parque das Nações
Hop-On Hop-Off Yellow Boat Tour

Hop-On Hop-Off Yellow Boat Tour

￥4,417
per adult
74% of travellers recommend
Hop-On Hop-Off Yellow Boat Tour
Tastes & Traditions of Lisbon Food Tour

Tastes & Traditions of Lisbon Food Tour

￥11,594
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Tastes & Traditions of Lisbon Food Tour
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus & Tramcar Tours

Hop-On Hop-Off Bus & Tramcar Tours

￥6,993
per adult
82% of travellers recommend
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus & Tramcar Tours
Small-Group Day Trip to Tomar & Knights Templar Fortresses

Small-Group Day Trip to Tomar & Knights Templar Fortresses

￥14,722
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Small-Group Day Trip to Tomar & Knights Templar Fortresses
Lisbon: Portuguese street food cooking class with Drinks

Lisbon: Portuguese street food cooking class with Drinks

￥11,042
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Lisbon: Portuguese street food cooking class with Drinks
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Sintra must see attractions

1. Sintra National Palace

Immediately identifiable by its two white cone-shaped chimneys, the spectacular Sintra National Palace is part of the UNESCO-listed cultural landscape of the town. Explore the lavish interior and learn about the palace’s fascinating history, which stretches back to Moorish times.
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A town with white buildings, red roofs, and a view of the countryside.

2. Pena Palace

An icon of the region, the striking orange-and-yellow Pena Palace stands out amid the lush forest-covered Sintra Mountains. Inspect the eclectic architecture and ostentatious interior of this former royal summer retreat and stroll through the pretty surrounding park, where you’ll find temples and other follies hidden among the trees and flowers.
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Pena Palace with its distinctive yellow and white facade, domed towers, and ornate balconies.

3. Quinta da Regaleira

The fantastical villa and gardens of Quinta da Regaleira encompass elements of Roman, Renaissance and Manueline styles. Explore the property and soak up its otherworldly atmosphere. With its offbeat architecture, mysterious follies and network of underground tunnels and caves, the site seems to more closely resemble a movie set than it does a real-life abode.
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A historic castle with ornate architecture, including turrets and arched windows.

4. Cape Roca

Cape Roca, or Cabo da Roca as it’s known in Portuguese, is a dramatic, wind-battered tract of headland located at the most westerly point of mainland Europe. Admire the wild and windswept coastal scenery, follow trails along the cliffs and take photos of the monument that marks the spot as the westernmost on the continent.
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A coastal cliff with a lighthouse, ocean waves, and rocky terrain.

5. Monserrate Palace

Monserrate Palace is often said to be the most striking palace in Sintra. Admire the unusual, almost fantastical, design of the palace building and the gorgeous, wild gardens that sprawl on the hillside surrounding the structure.
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A historic building with ornate stonework, a dome, and a red-tiled roof.

6. Moorish Castle

Though the Moorish Castle of Sintra has been reduced to ruins, it is still a powerful presence on the forested slopes of the Sintra Mountains. Wander up to the hilltop ruins, trekking past fortified stone walls and precariously placed ramparts. Enjoy views that extend over the surrounding hills of Serra de Sintra and the Atlantic Ocean.
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A historic stone castle on a rocky hill with flags.

What to do in Sintra

Stay near popular Sintra attractions

A town with white buildings, red roofs, and a view of the countryside.

Sintra National Palace

9.0/10 (2,437 reviews)
The Sintra National Palace dazzles with iconic twin conical chimneys and Gothic, Moorish, and Manueline styles. Explore ornate rooms with intricate tilework and painted ceilings revealing Portugal's royal heritage.
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Where to stay in Sintra

Find the best Sintra areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Sintra
Learn more about Sintra
A lush green landscape with a variety of buildings, including a prominent church with a tall bell tower and a red building with white windows.

Historic Center

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Historic Center and surrounding area, you can visit Quinta da Regaleira and Castle of the Moors.

A yellow castle on a hill overlooking a city.

Galamares

The gardens and monuments make Galamares worth a stop. Make a stop by Sintra Mountains, and jump on the metro at Galamares Tram Stop to get around the area.

A coastal town at sunset with a beach, a cliffside staircase, and white buildings.

Azenhas do Mar

Though Azenhas do Mar might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Magoito Beach and Macas Beach.

A grand, historic building with intricate architecture, surrounded by lush greenery and a stone staircase leading up to it.

Santa Maria e São Miguel

If you're spending time in Santa Maria e São Miguel, check out sights like Sintra Mountains or Castle of the Moors and hop on the metro to see more the city at Sintra Tram Stop or Monte Santos Tram Stop.

A castle with yellow and red buildings, surrounded by forest and overlooking a coastal town.

São Pedro de Penaferrim

If you're spending some time in São Pedro de Penaferrim, Penha Longa Golf Course and Pestana Golf Resort are top sights worth seeing.

Popular day trips from Sintra

A coastal fortification with a prominent tower, waves crashing against the shore, and a clear blue sky.

Oeiras

A bustling street with shops and cafes, including 'Justtea' and 'Amorguera'.

Cascais

A coastal cityscape with terracotta-roofed buildings, a prominent white church, and a view of the sea and distant city lights.

Lisbon District

A coastal cityscape with colorful buildings, a prominent cathedral, and a beach in the background.

Amadora

A coastal promenade with a stone wall, palm trees, and a view of boats in the water.

Sao Domingos de Rana

A green statue of a man in uniform, a harbor with boats, and a cityscape with buildings in the background.

Colares

A yellow building with a tower by the sea.

Porto Salvo

A wooden boardwalk along a riverbank with a bridge in the background.

Loures

Frequently asked questions

Is Sintra worth visiting?
Providing a mix of history and walking trails, there's no shortage of things to do in Sintra. When you're here, visit Carcavelos Beach, a leading attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Sintra?
Once you've checked off leading attractions like Carcavelos Beach and Guincho Beach, spend some time exploring the food and retail options in Sintra.
What is the top tourist attraction in Sintra?
You can't go home without visiting Carcavelos Beach, ranked the top tourist attraction in Sintra.
Is three days enough to stay in Sintra?
Three days will give you plenty of time to tick off popular city attractions, including Guincho Beach, Sintra National Palace and Grande Beach. The average stay in Sintra is two days. If you have the urge to extend your break, Lisbon District isn't far away.
Is Sintra a walkable city?
That depends on what you'd like to do and see in Sintra. Several attractions, such as Sintra National Palace and Moorish Castle, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a wander through some of Sintra's best neighborhoods, Santa Maria e São Miguel, São Martinho e São Pedro de Penaferrim is 0.64 kilometers away from downtown, while Santa Maria e São Miguel is 2 kilometers away from the city center and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Sintra with kids?
If you are after tours and attractions for all the family, have a look at these excellent ideas for what to do in Sintra with kids.

What to do in Sintra for adults?
National Hotel School and Lagoas Park are just a couple of the things to do in Sintra. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Sintra?
From relaxing in parks to strolling around vibrant neighborhoods, it's a breeze to find free things to do in Sintra. If you're stuck for ideas, ask for recommendations from a local tour guide. Guincho Beach is a great spot for anyone wanting to save on their traveling adventures.

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