Portugal

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Sintra

Romantic palaces in misty hills

Visa & entry checker Plan a trip to Sintra Plan a trip around Portugal

Best time to visit: Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Currency: EUR
Time zone: UTC+0
Country: Portugal

Photo: CEphoto, Uwe Aranas, CC BY-SA 3.0

Sintra is a historic town in the hills west of Lisbon, famous for its Romanticist palaces, castles and gardens that form a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors come to explore Pena Palace, the Moorish Castle and the old town, often as a day trip from Lisbon.

Largest cities

Lisbon
Porto
Vila Nova de Gaia
Braga
Coimbra

Quick facts

Figures are rounded recent official estimates.

Country: Portugal
Capital: Lisbon
City population: 385,606
Population of Portugal: 10.3M
Country area: 92,225 km²
Official language: Portuguese
Currency: Euro (EUR) · 1 USD ≈ 0.8934 EUR
Time zone: UTC+0
Calling code: +351
Drives on the: Right
Elevation: 188 m
Plugs: C / F · 230V
Emergency numbers: 112
Best time to visit: Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Temperatures through the year

Average daily high and low for each month in °C. Months marked with a drop are often rainy.

Temperatures through the year

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High	14°	16°	16°	19°	21°	23°	25°	25°	24°	22°	17°	15°
Low	8°	9°	9°	11°	13°	15°	16°	17°	16°	15°	11°	9°

Best time to visitOther months

Approximate daily cost

Per adult per day: food, local transport and half a double room, without activities or flights.

ConservativeSimple stays, free and low-cost sights first.$60
HighComfortable hotels, a balanced mix of sights and trips.$130
LuxuryLuxury hotels, more paid experiences and day trips.$300

Plan a trip to Sintra

Top things to do

≈ $20
Pena Palace
Explore the colourful Romanticist palace and its terraces with panoramic views; go early to avoid crowds and consider the bus or tuk-tuk up the hill.
- Half day
- Pena Hill
- Good for kids
- Indoors
≈ $10
Castle of the Moors
Walk the medieval walls of this hilltop fortress for sweeping views over Sintra and the coast; the climb is steep but the paths are well maintained.
- Half day
- Moorish Castle Area
- Good for kids
≈ $12
Sintra National Palace
Visit the well-preserved medieval royal palace in the town centre, known for its twin chimneys and decorated rooms; it is an easy walk from the train station.
- Half day
- Historic Centre
- Good for kids
- Indoors
≈ $15
Quinta da Regaleira
Explore the romantic estate with its initiation wells, tunnels and lush gardens; book a timed ticket online as entry slots fill up quickly.
- Half day
- Quinta da Regaleira
- Good for kids
≈ $12
Monserrate Palace
Discover the exotic palace and its botanical gardens with plants from around the world; it is quieter than Pena and easily reached by bus 435.
- Half day
- Monserrate
- Good for kids
- Indoors
Free
Historic Centre Walk
Stroll the narrow streets lined with shops, cafes and traditional buildings; try local pastries like travesseiros and queijadas.
- Half day
- Historic Centre
- Good for kids
- Good in the evening
Free
Cabo da Roca
Take bus 403 to the westernmost point of mainland Europe for dramatic cliff views; bring a windproof jacket as it can be very windy.
- Full day
- Monserrate
- Good for kids
Free
Sintra-Cascais Nature Park
Hike or cycle through the protected park with trails linking Sintra to the coast; pack water and snacks as facilities are limited.
- Full day
- Monserrate
- Good for kids

Before you go

Entry and visas

Portugal is in the Schengen area, so many visitors from the Gulf, India and Latin America can enter visa-free for short tourist stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period, while some nationalities need a Schengen visa applied for in advance; check your own nationality before booking. British citizens can travel visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180 days and may be asked for a return ticket and proof of funds. The EU Entry/Exit System now registers fingerprints and a photo at the border for short stays, at no cost, and can add time at immigration.

Official website

From the airport

Sintra is served by frequent CP commuter trains from Lisbon's Rossio station (about 40 minutes) and from Oriente (about 50 minutes). The train station is a 10-minute walk from the historic centre, with local buses also available from the station to the main sights.

Getting around

Public buses 434 and 435 run circular routes linking the train station, town centre and main palaces; a 24-hour ticket costs about €13.50 and tuk-tuks or taxis are also available for the steep climbs.

Local tips

Wear comfortable shoes: the town is hilly and the palaces involve steep walks and stairs.
Buy palace tickets online in advance to avoid long queues, especially in summer.
Mornings are often misty; carry a light jacket even in summer as the hills are cooler than Lisbon.
Use contactless payment or a Viva Viagem card for trains and buses; many small shops prefer cash.