Top things to do in Sintra
Attractions, tours and activities in Sintra
Recommended museums in Sintra
Where to discover culture and the arts in Sintra
About Sintra
Including tips for the best time to visit Sintra
Located on the Portuguese Riviera, Sintra is incredibly enchanting. The city is famous for an impressive UNESCO-collection of palaces, castles and landscapes – listed as the Cultural Landscape of Sintra. It’s no wonder then, that Sintra attracts visitors from around the world to join its very real fairytale.
One of Sintra’s most iconic castles is the Pena Palace – a colourful Romanticist castle that is listed as one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal. From its hilltop perch, you’ll be able to take some amazing photographs of the Sintra Mountains. Another highlight is the Palace of Sintra, renowned for being the best-preserved medieval royal residence in Portugal. Built in the 15th-century, it’s located just outside the city and is a trip well worth it if only to admire its stunning white walls contrasted with orange and yellow rooftop hues.
Sintra is close to some of Portugal’s most scenic natural landscapes. Check out the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park for dramatic mountains, coastal cliffs, sandy beaches and lush forests. It offers plenty of hiking trails and even some fossilised dinosaur tracks. There's also Praia da Adraga, a pristine golden cove known as one of the best beaches in the Sintra region and for good reason.
Tonight
From £468 per night
This weekend
From £719 per night
Next weekend
From £237 per night
| Most popular time to visit | October–December |
| Cheapest time to visit | January–March |
| Local currency | € 10 = £8.60 |
| Language | Portuguese |
| Average weekend price | £79 per night |
| Average weekday price | £80 per night |
| Typical stay | 1 night |
Points of interest in Sintra
Stay near the top sightseeing spots in Sintra
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Quinta da Beloura
2.6 miles from city centre
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Convent of the Capuchos
2.8 miles from city centre
Sintra reviews
What other travellers say about Sintra
Sintra is a beautiful town.
22 April 2024
Sintra is a beautiful town. There are many places to see, but so many other tourists it is hard so some attractions. If you want to go to attractions you need to purchase tickets ahead of time and make sure you have reliable transportation to the attractions. Allow ample time to get to where you are going b/c traffic to the tourist sights are usually jammed with traffic. Lots of places to eat and shop.
Historical part of Sintra certainly deserves a visit when...
18 April 2024
Historical part of Sintra certainly deserves a visit when you are in the area. In my opinion one full day will do to see visit the park and some of the palaces. You would start early so a stay overnight might be more convenient for some.Tickets are easily booked online and I purchased an audio tour to listen to on my phone. There are are tuktuk or taxi drivers around that can bring you to the entrance of the park from where you can walk to the Palace de Pena and other sites. There are several entrances. Instead going to the busy main entrance I took a tuktuk to the entrance of the Valley of the Lakes, a 45 min. walk away from Palace de Pena. It a beautiful and quiet part of the park and I took a detour to see the chalet and garden of the Countess of Edla, which I loved even more than the palace itself. Visiting the palace involved long waits in line and walking in files through the rooms. Not my thing. The park is huge with a diversity in plants and trees, it has a camelea and a fern garden, just nice to wonder around for a few hours. Bring snacks and drinks if you want to avoid the waiting line for the cafeteria at the palace.
Lots of walking.
16 April 2024
Lots of walking. Ideally 3-4 days to hit everything comfortably. Old Town is closed to motor traffic so rideshare, taxis, and public transportaion are your best bet. Rideshare works to the sites well but can often be a problem getting back
We took a walking tour which gave us good insight into the...
21 March 2024
We took a walking tour which gave us good insight into the town and what we must see. We had an excellent host for our apartment who shared information with us. Good eateries, lovely coffee shops with such fresh pastries.
Location superb, near tourist areas and train station.
18 March 2024
Location superb, near tourist areas and train station. ideal for motorists as large car park and a secure property. Staff wonderful, friendly and helpful Room linen changed every day. Definately stay again
It is perfect place for two days visit from Lisbon.
18 March 2024
It is perfect place for two days visit from Lisbon. First day we managed to visit Quinta da Regaleira, next day - Pena and Cabo de Roca, and at the first half of the next day - Monserrate Palace. It was worth to visit everything. One bad thing is the local transport company Scotturb. Overpriced tickets with almost no options except 24h ticket. If you don't need the day ticket, I think using a taxi is better.
Popular places to stay in Sintra
Stay in some of the best accommodation Sintra has to offer
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Vila Município, "Urban Chic", Sintra Sintra City Center, Sintra
From £132 per night
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Azenhas do Mar West Coast Design and Surf Villas Sintra, Portugal
From £121 per night
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Storytellers Villas Sintra City Center, Sintra
From £166 per night
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CasAzulApartments Sintra City Center, Sintra
From £70 per night
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Charming Home in Sintra Village Sintra City Center, Sintra
From £171 per night
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Other accommodation in Sintra
Choose from a wide variety of places to stay in Sintra
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Apartments
From £23 per night
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Villas
From £103 per night
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Cabins
From £50 per night
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Cottages
From £26 per night
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Glamping Sites
From £12 per night
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Holiday Homes
From £26 per night
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Guest Houses
From £13 per night
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Hostels
From £9 per night
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B&Bs
From £26 per night
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Homestays
From £17 per night
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Country Houses
From £41 per night
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Farm Stays
From £62 per night
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Self Catering Accommodation
From £26 per night
