Sintra is a town in Portugal, located about 28 km west-northwest of Lisbon, famous for its stunning natural landscapes, including the Sintra Mountains, and its rich cultural heritage, including UNESCO World Heritage sites like the Palácio da Pena and the Palácio Nacional de Sintra.
🌸 Spring (March – May) → Best for Good Weather & Fewer Crowds
✅ Flowers in bloom 🌷
✅ Pleasant temperatures (15–22°C / 59–72°F)
✅ Fewer tourists than summer
☀️ Summer (June – August) → Best for Long Days & Vibrant Atmosphere
✅ Perfect weather (25–30°C / 77–86°F)
✅ Lively town with cultural events
❌ Very crowded & higher prices
🍂 Fall (September – October) → Best for Mild Weather & Scenic Views
✅ Comfortable (18–24°C / 64–75°F)
✅ Autumn colors 🍁 make the landscape stunning
✅ Fewer tourists than summer
❄️ Winter (November – February) → Best for Peaceful Exploration
✅ Fewer tourists & lower prices
✅ Castles look mystical in fog
❌ Cooler temperatures (8–15°C / 46–59°F)
🌟 Best Overall Months to Visit: April, May, September, October – Best mix of good weather & fewer crowds!
From Lisbon (Rossio Station) → 40-minute train ride (~€2.30).
From Lisbon (Oriente Station) → 47-minute ride (~€2.30).
Trains run every 15-30 minutes.
From Lisbon: 30-40 minutes (but parking is a nightmare in peak season!).
Avoid driving inside Sintra, as roads are narrow & parking is scarce.
Bus 434 – Connects Sintra Station → Pena Palace → Moorish Castle → Town Center.
Bus 403 – Goes to Cabo da Roca (westernmost point of Europe).
🚀 Best Way to Explore? Take the train, then use tuk-tuks, buses, or walking!
Pena Palace 🏰 – A colorful, hilltop fairytale palace with breathtaking views.
Quinta da Regaleira 🔮 – A mystical gothic palace & secret underground tunnels.
Moorish Castle 🏰 – Ancient ruins with panoramic views over Sintra.
Sintra National Palace 👑 – A well-preserved medieval royal palace.
Monserrate Palace 🌿 – An exotic, romantic palace with lush gardens.
Seteais Palace 🎭 – A luxurious 18th-century mansion (now a hotel).
Cabo da Roca 🌊 – The westernmost point of Europe, with dramatic cliffs.
Convent of the Capuchos ⛪ – A hidden monastery covered in moss.
✔ Explore Pena Palace at Sunrise 🌄
✔ Walk the Secret Initiation Well at Quinta da Regaleira 🔮
✔ Hike or Take a Tuk-Tuk to the Moorish Castle 🥾
✔ Visit the Exotic Gardens of Monserrate Palace 🌴
✔ Try Sintra’s Famous “Travesseiros” Pastry 🥐
✔ Watch the Sunset at Cabo da Roca 🌅
✔ Take a Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride 🐎
✔ Go Wine Tasting in Colares 🍷
✔ Hike the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park 🏞️
Tivoli Palácio de Seteais – A luxury palace with elegant rooms.
Sintra Marmòris Palace – A stylish boutique hotel with gardens.
Pestana Sintra Golf Resort – Perfect for golf lovers.
Lawrence’s Hotel – Portugal’s oldest hotel (built in 1764!).
Chalet Saudade – A cozy, beautifully decorated B&B.
Vila Galé Sintra – A modern hotel with great views.
Moon Hill Hostel – A social hostel with great atmosphere.
Casa da Pendoa – Affordable apartments with palace views.
Almaa Sintra Hostel – Eco-friendly & surrounded by nature.
🥐 Travesseiros – Famous almond-filled pastry.
🍩 Queijadas de Sintra – Traditional cheese tarts.
🐙 Arroz de Marisco – Seafood rice, a Portuguese favorite.
🥘 Bacalhau à Brás – A classic salted codfish dish.
Tascantiga – Best for tapas & local Portuguese dishes.
Cantinho Gourmet – Cozy spot for traditional Portuguese food.
Apeadeiro – Great for grilled fish & seafood.
Romaria de Baco – Intimate restaurant with amazing wine pairings.
Piriquita Bakery – Best place for Travesseiros & Queijadas.
Sintra is hilly! Wear comfortable shoes for walking uphill.
Book palace tickets online to skip the lines!
Pena Palace gets crowded – Visit early in the morning or late afternoon.
Portuguese people are friendly, and most speak English in tourist areas.
Tipping: Not required, but 5-10% is appreciated.
✔ Pena Palace Tickets: €14 per adult (book online to save time).
✔ Quinta da Regaleira Tickets: €10 per adult.
✔ Sintra National Palace Tickets: €10 per adult.
✔ Train Tickets from Lisbon: €2.30 one way (buy at the station).
🚀 Want a guided tour?
GetYourGuide / Viator offer day trips from Lisbon.
Tuk-tuk tours are fun, or hire a private driver for the day.