Sintra

Portugal, Europe

Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, enchants visitors with its stunning palaces and lush gardens. Highlights include the colorful Pena Palace, the romantic Quinta da Regaleira, and the Moorish Castle, all nestled in the breathtaking Sintra mountains. The town's charming streets offer delightful cafes and shops, while its misty hills provide a fairytale-like atmosphere. Sintra is an ideal escape for those looking to experience Portugal's rich history and natural beauty.

Quick facts

Target stay

2-3 days

Type

Town

Vibe

History

Airport

Lisboa

Known for

Beach

Hiking

Leisure

Wildlife

Best time to visit
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

8 Best Things to Do in Sintra

1

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Explore Pena Palace

A colorful Romanticist castle with stunning views.

Booking required
2

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit Quinta da Regaleira

Discover mystical gardens and an enchanting palace.

Booking required
3

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Wander through Sintra National Palace

Explore Portugal's best-preserved medieval royal palace.

No booking required
4

Est. 3 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Hike in the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park

Enjoy breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife.

No booking required
5

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Stroll through the historic town center

Experience charming streets, shops, and local cuisine.

No booking required
6

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Discover the Moorish Castle

Explore ancient walls and panoramic views of Sintra.

No booking required
7

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit the Convent of the Capuchos

Explore a serene, minimalist Franciscan monastery.

No booking required
8

Est. < 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Taste local pastries at Piriquita

Indulge in delicious Travesseiros and queijadas.

No booking required

Need to know, before you go

Country info

Tipping

Expected (~10%)

Tapwater

Generally safe to drink

Safety

1 2 3 4 5

Very High

LGBTQ+ safety score

12 (#1 globally)

Cost

Standard

Currency

Euro

Majority religion

Christian

Language

Portuguese

(20-50% speak English)

Best dishes to try

Fish and Seafood

Variety of fresh fish and shellfish. (National dish)

Bacalhau à Brás

Codfish dish with potatoes and eggs.

Pastel de Nata

V

Custard tart with flaky pastry.

Francesinha

Hearty sandwich with meats and sauce.

Caldo Verde

VE

Kale soup with potatoes and onions.

Phrases to learn

English

Portuguese

Hello

Olá

(Oh-lah)

Yes/No

Sim / Nao

(Seem / Nowm)

Thank you

Obrigado

(Oh-bree-gah-doh)

Excuse me

Desculpe

(Deh-skul-peh)

How much?

Quanto?

(Kwan-too)