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Things to do in
Sintra

Colorful palaces and boundless panoramic views await you in this fairytale town at a stone's-throw from Lisbon.

Our most recommended things to do in Sintra

Sintra: Pena Palace and Park Entrance Ticket

1. Sintra: Pena Palace and Park Entrance Ticket

The palace is situated in the eastern part of the Park of Pena, which one has to pass through to reach the steep ramp built by the Baron of Eschwege that provides access to the castle-like building. The palace itself is composed of two wings: the former Manueline monastery of the Order of St. Jerome and the wing built in the 19th century by King Ferdinand II. These wings are ringed by a third architectural structure that is a fantastical version of an imaginary castle, whose walls one can walk around and which comprises battlements, watchtowers, an entrance tunnel and even a drawbridge. In 1838, King Ferdinand II acquired the former Hieronymite monastery of Our Lady of Pena, which was built by King Manuel I in 1511 on the top of the hill above Sintra and had been left unoccupied since 1834 when the religious orders were suppressed in Portugal. The monastery consisted of the cloister and its outbuildings, the chapel, the sacristy and the bell tower, which today form the northern section of the Palace of Pena, or the Old Palace as it is known. King Ferdinand began by making repairs to the former monastery, which, according to the historical sources of that time, was in very bad condition. He refurbished the whole of the upper floor, replacing the fourteen cells used by the monks with larger-sized rooms and covering them with the vaulted ceilings that can still be seen today. In roughly 1843, the king decided to enlarge the palace by building a new wing (the New Palace) with even larger rooms (the Great Hall is a good example of this), ending in a circular tower next to the new kitchens. The building work was directed by the Baron of Eschwege. The 1994 repair works restored the original colors of the Palace’s exterior: pink for the former monastery and ochre for the New Palace. In transforming a former monastery into a castle-like residence, King Ferdinand showed that he was heavily influenced by German romanticism, and that he probably found his inspiration in the Stolzenfels and Rheinstein castles on the banks of the Rhine, as well as Babelsberg Palace in Potsdam. These building works at the Palace of Pena ended in the mid-1860s, although further work was also undertaken at later dates for the decoration of the interiors. King Ferdinand also ordered the Park of Pena to be planted in the Palace’s surrounding areas in the style of the romantic gardens of that time, with winding paths, pavilions and stone benches placed at different points along its routes, as well as trees and other plants originating from the four corners of the earth. In this way, the king took advantage of the mild and damp climate of the Sintra hills to create an entirely new and exotic park with over five hundred different species of trees. The Palace of Pena was designated a National Monument in 1910 and forms part of the Cultural Landscape of Sintra, which has been classified by UNESCO as World Heritage since 1995.

Lisbon: Guided Day Tour of Sintra, Pena, Regaleira & Cascais

2. Lisbon: Guided Day Tour of Sintra, Pena, Regaleira & Cascais

Discover sintra’s beautiful landscape and architecture. Walk the narrow streets of Sintra in your free time and visit the emblematic Quinta da Regaleira with our fantastic tour guide. Its patrimonial importance has led UNESCO to declare it a World Heritage Site, so it is undoubtful a must site to visit due to their countless sculptures, gardens and fountains that you will discover there. You will also learn all the details of the famous Initiation Well, hidden in the northern part of the Quinta. It is a nine-story spiral well that symbolizes the nine circles of hell or paradise. In total, 27 meters that will make your hair stand on end. Take some free time to stroll through Sintra and purchase lunch if you're feeling hungry. Get recommendations on what to see, eat and buy in the area. Afterward, begin a guided tour of the main landmarks of Sintra, and hear about local secrets and stories. Arrive at the romantic Pena Palace in Sintra, which has a profusion of styles much in accordance with the exotic taste of Romanticism, such as Neo-Gothic, along with other Oriental styles such as Neo-Moorish and Indo-Gothic. Explore the ancient castle, which was one of the favorite residences of the royal family throughout the 19th century. Walk through the fairytale-style building and learn about its fascinating history. It is also listed among one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal. Visit the picturesque fishing village of Cascais, linked to the Portuguese royals who summered here. A walk around the promenade will allow you to relax and enjoy the beautiful beaches, mansions, museums and photogenic streets.

Lisbon Card: 24, 48, or 72-Hour Pass

3. Lisbon Card: 24, 48, or 72-Hour Pass

Unlock the city of Lisbon with the flexible Lisbon Card. Enjoy unlimited travel on city transport, and free admission to 51 museums, historic buildings, and more. Benefit from discounts at a vast range of attractions, vouchers for different shops, and a handy guide that explains how to use the card. After exchanging your GetYourGuide voucher for the magnetic card, the Lisbon Card immediately provides 24-hour, 48-hour, or 72-hour access to the public transport system. Eligible on the Carris metro, buses, trams, and cable railways, it also works on CP trains between Cais do Sodré and Cascais, and trains between Oriente, Rossio, and Sintra.   Enjoy free access to the Jerónimos Monastery, the Belem Tower, the National Tile Museum, the National Coach Museum, and others. Admire stunning palaces, including the Mafra National Palace and the Ajuda National Palace. Ride the famous Santa Justa Lift, and much more—all with one card.

Lisbon: Pena Palace, Sintra, Cabo da Roca, & Cascais Daytrip

4. Lisbon: Pena Palace, Sintra, Cabo da Roca, & Cascais Daytrip

Benefit from a guided tour to Pena Palace, Sintra Historical Centre, Cabo da Roca and Cascais. Embark on an immersive journey that will uncover the Romantic enchantment of the Pena Palace and Sintra, the rugged beauty of Cabo da Roca and the charming seaside of Cascais. Meet your guide and driver at the Tugatrips Meeting Point (Parque Eduardo VII Viewpoint) where a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle awaits to transport you to your first destination. Depart from Lisbon while the first rays of dawn break over the city! Find the colorful Pena Palace hidden behind the tallest trees of Sintra! This unique masterpiece seems to make all the fairytales come true. Allow yourself to wander around the palace’s yards and gardens and take the chance to explore its lavish chambers. Next, head over to the center of Sintra and get 1.5-hour of free time to wander on your own. Take recommendations of the city’s must-see locations as well as the best restaurant options for delicious traditional Portuguese dining from your guide. Find Sintra’s local flavors where time slows, and every corner reveals a slice of the town's magnificent gastronomy. Immerse yourself in the town's romanticism as you explore its cobblestone and picturesque squares. You shall also have time to taste Sintra’s typical pastry, such as the Travesseiro and the Queijada, amongst others. Continue to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of Continental Europe and amaze yourself with the impressive views of the ocean crashing against the high rocky cliffs. Enjoy the harmony between the sound of the waves and the fresh breeze, where “earth ends, and the sea begins”. Allow yourself to be embraced by the Portuguese Riviera, while enjoying a short walking tour around the charming Cascais. Unveil this town’s unique gems, feel marveled with its amazing beaches and absorb the cascalense vibrant energy. After a short walk, take the chance to know your own adventurous self while discovering a little more of this place that was once called home by a humble fishermen community, but also the Portuguese Royal Family, with some free time! In a world where each corner holds a different facet of wonder, this journey becomes a chapter in your of exploration around Portugal. Finish this wonderful experience with amazing experiences etched in your mind and a camera roll filled with lifelong memories. Relax back on board your air-conditioned vehicle and admire more breathtaking views of the Portuguese coast, in Estoril, as you make your way back to Lisbon.

Sintra: Quinta da Regaleira E-Ticket & Optional Audio Guide

5. Sintra: Quinta da Regaleira E-Ticket & Optional Audio Guide

Experience Quinta da Regaleira at your own pace with an e-ticket and an engaging self-guided audio tour on your smartphone. Receive your ticket by Email, download the app and the audio tour on your phone, and travel back in time to the glory of the Quinta da Regaleira. Put on your headphones and discover the aquarium, Fountain of Abundance, and greenhouse as well as the castle’s treasures. Learn historical information and hear lesser-known stories about Sintra.  Benefit from in-depth research combined with original storytelling that will make your visit both engaging and informative. Gain valuable insights into one of Sintra’s main and most well-known attractions, the Quinta da Regaleira, and relate to your surroundings in an entirely original way.

Sintra: Quinta da Regaleira Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket

6. Sintra: Quinta da Regaleira Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket

Quinta da Regaleira is"Cultural Landscape of Sintra" located near the historic centre of Sintra, Portugal. It is classified as a world heritage site by unisco along with the other palaces in the area such as the Quinta do Relógio, Pena Palace &Park , Monserrate and Seteais palaces, it is considered one of the principal tourist attractions of Sintra. Italian architect Luigi Manini was the architect of this Romantic Palace its consists of Chapel , and a luxurious park that features lakes, grottoes, wells, benches, fountains, and a vast array of exquisite constructions. The palace is also known as "The Palace of Monteiro the Millionaire", which is based on the nickname of its best known former owner, António Augusto Carvalho Monteiro. If your visiting Sintra for the first time , let me tell you In one day you wont be able to finish the Sintra because in Sintra there are lots of exciting and amazing places and Quinta Da Regaleria is one of them. So without waisting your value able time in the line of buying tickets for Quinta Da Regaleira you can get direct entrance inside without waiting.

Lisbon: Sintra, Pena Palace, Cabo da Roca, & Cascais Tour

7. Lisbon: Sintra, Pena Palace, Cabo da Roca, & Cascais Tour

> Small groups of up to 8 people. The tour is in English. If option chosen "Tour without Tickets" - 20 euro per person will be collected at the pick-up point for the ticket > Escape Lisbon and go on a full-day, guided journey to some of Portugal’s most popular locations - the iconic Pena Palace in Sintra, the inspiring cliffs of Cabo da Roca, and the glamorous seaside town of Cascais. > Your journey from Lisbon starts at the famous city of Sintra, whose Romanticist architecture, historic estates and villas, and numerous royal palaces and castles have made it a UNESCO World Heritage site. > Beginning the tour in the morning will improve the chances of avoiding long lines, and our guide starts the tour through the exotic gardens and finishes the first part on the impressive interiors of the Pena palace. Marvel at the palace’s fairy-tale-like appearance, beautiful facade, and extravagant interior. > Next, head over to the center of Sintra and get free time to wander on your own. Get recommendations of the city’s must-see locations as well as the best restaurant options for delicious traditional Portuguese, > Continue to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of continental Europe, and take in the impressive views of the ocean crashing against the high rocky cliffs. If weather permits, stop at Guincho Beach, whose strong winds and high swells have made it a popular surfing and kite destination. > Lastly, arrive in Cascais, an elegant seaside resort town on the Portuguese Riviera. Walk around the lovely city center and make sure to check out Cascais’ luxury marina, its charming fishing port, and a restored fort that houses many local craftsmen. > After your free exploration time in Cascais, relax back on board our air-conditioned vehicle, and admire more breathtaking views of the Portuguese coast as you make your way back to Lisbon. > Our team took special care to make this journey most memorable and this offer comes with a free souvenir Photo-Gift

From Lisbon: Sintra, Cabo da Roca and Cascais Full-Day Tour

8. From Lisbon: Sintra, Cabo da Roca and Cascais Full-Day Tour

Discover Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on this day tour. Admire the town via minivan, surrounded by a natural park, a medieval castle, palaces, and chalets. Walk along the medieval streets of Sintra and drive through the national park. Take in the rare fauna, the unique trees, the Moorish Castle, Monserrate Palace, and the several chalets along the road. Next, visit Pena Palace, one of the most impressive architectural expressions of 19th-century Romanticism in the world, and one of Portugal’s seven wonders. Continue on to the westernmost point of continental Europe at Roca Cape. Finally, travel along the Atlantic coast. Discover the natural seawater pools at Azenhas do Mar beach. Stop in Cascais, was once a holiday retreat for the royal family and the European aristocracy.

From Lisbon: Sintra Highlights and Pena Palace Full-Day Tour

9. From Lisbon: Sintra Highlights and Pena Palace Full-Day Tour

Fall in love with Sintra, a lasting symbol of Portugal's Romantic period, on a day trip from Lisbon via an air-conditioned bus. See the stunning landscape classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a guided tour of monuments like Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, and Monserrate Palace. Start the tour by exploring the exotic Pena Park and the magnificent Pena Palace. This remarkable building is complete with different decorative styles, symbols, and intriguing features, and was once the royal family's official summer residence. Walk through Sintra's charming city center. Stop by the decorative Quinta da Regaleira estate. Explore the Initiation Well, a mysterious and unusual place. Spend your lunchtime strolling through the historical village. Enjoy a quick stop at local patisseries to try some of Sintra's well-known delicacies. Conclude your journey at the eclectic Monserrate Palace, a glorious estate that once served as a summer residence for the British elites in Portugal.

From Lisbon: Sintra, Regaleira and Pena Palace Guided Tour

10. From Lisbon: Sintra, Regaleira and Pena Palace Guided Tour

Benefit from a guided tour to Sintra’s historical center, Quinta da Regaleira and Pena Palace. Fall in love with Sintra, a village full of magic and mystery, the lasting symbol of Portugal's Romantic period and also classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Meet your guide and driver at the Tugatrips Meeting Point (Parque Eduardo VII Viewpoint) where a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle awaits to transport you to your first destination. Departure Lisbon while having the first rays of dawn breaking over the city! Accompanied by a tour guide, visit Quinta da Regaleira and enjoy its lush gardens, lakes, grottoes, and enigmatic constructions, including the world-famous Initiation Well. Uncover the mysteries of each place and learn about the orders of the Freemasons and the Knights Templar. Allow yourself to be immersed by the mysticism and the cool touch of the stones of Regaleira, while feeling the pulse of centuries-old secrets beneath your fingertips. During the lunch break in Sintra's town, you will have free time to explore the historical and charming streets. You also shall have time to taste Sintra’s typical pastry, such as the Travesseiro and the Queijada, amongst others. After buying your entry ticket with your guide, step into a fairytale once entering the Romantic Pena Palace and its gardens. Understand its unique architectural expression of Romanticism. Spot how it blends many styles, including Gothic, neo-Manueline, neo-Islamic, and neo-Renaissance. Allow yourself to wander around the palace’s yards and gardens and take the chance to explore its lavish chambers. Stroll around the park with its astonishing variety of plants and trees. Marvel at the palace's amazing views of the castle and the Atlantic Ocean, a perfect way to end the day before returning to Lisbon. Relax back on board your air-conditioned vehicle and enjoy your passage through the city of Sintra, as you make the way back to Lisbon.

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What are the best day trips and excursions from Sintra?

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What people are saying about Sintra

Overall rating

4.6
(21,602 reviews)

Our Guide Miguel was funny and highly knowledgeable. He interacted well with the very international group and shared cultural connections of interest to the many nationalities present. Both guides were well organized and prepped us well for each stage of the tour so we knew what to expect. And kept us entertained and educated any time we waited in a queue. FYI if you are over 65, you will need to be fit as the bus only goes to the main gates at Peña Palace & Regaleria and you will have an uphill climb at both sites. Without a timed tour it might have been a long wait in line at Sintra as over 30,000 visitors daily enter the sites.

Miguel is a cheerful guide who took us on all the highlights of Sintra and Cascais. We started the morning with delicious pastries and an efficient drive to Sentra. He is very knowledgeable of the history of the area which he shared with us. A safe and efficient driver we always felt at ease with him. I highly recommend this tour. Thank you Miguel!

Filipe is one of the best guide ever! He is knowledgeable, humorous and considerate! Hearing about those stories in the history was FUN! Filipe took us to his secret place for wave watching and we all received our photos printed!!! Definitely worth the money and a good start for my stay in Lisbon

Great day trip to Sintra - guides were very friendly and knowledgeable

Had a brilliant day, Oz was very knowledgeable and entertaining.