Things to do in Sintra, Portugal.

Tucked away in the Serra de Sintra Mountain range of Portugal is the enchanting town of Sintra. A UNESCO World Heritage Site location that seamlessly blends natural beauty, historical splendour, and vibrant culture. Home to several fairy-tale-like castles and palaces which you can explore including the opulent Pena Palace, which is an architectural masterpiece sitting high above the town. Or you can wander through the mystical Quinta da Regaleira with its intricate gardens and hidden tunnels. The Moorish Castle offers amazing panoramic views and a glimpse into the region's storied past, while the Monserrate Palace dazzles with its exotic gardens and eclectic design. Don't miss a visit to the charming Sintra National Palace, which is renowned for its striking twin chimneys and lavish interiors. Sintra is one of the countries beautiful locations that should not be missed.

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Must-Visit Locations in Sintra

• National Palace of Pena and Park Tickets: Enjoy incredible views of the surrounding area at this castle sitting on top of the Sintra Mountains.
• Castelo dos Mouros Sintra Tickets: Explore the ancient ruins of the castle and enjoy the amazing views it also offers.
• Quinta da Regaleira Tickets: Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site castle with its plunging walls and amazing views.
• National Palace of Sintra Tickets: Visit the ex-Moorish palace and enjoy its incredible architecture and amazing views.
• Monserrate Palace Tickets: Another beautiful palace, albeit smaller but equally as impressive, with English heritage after past owners.

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Useful Information for Sintra

• Portugal Dialling Code: +351
• Sintra Dialling Code: (21)
• Sintra Emergency Number: 112
• Official Language: Portuguese
• Official Currency: The Euro (€)
• How to say: Please and thank you - 'Por favor' & 'Obrigado'
• Time Zone: GMT +0

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5 Fun Facts About Sintra, Portugal

• A Fairytale Destination: Sintra is often described as a real-life fairytale location because of its colourful palaces, mystical forests, and romantic gardens. The Pena Palace, with its bright colours and eclectic architecture, looks like something straight out of a fantasy novel!
• The Mysterious Initiation Well: One of the most intriguing sites in Sintra is the ‘Initiation Well’ at Quinta da Regaleira. The spiral staircase goes down into the ground like an inverted tower and was used for secretive Masonic rituals, which makes it one of Portugal’s most mysterious landmarks!
• Home to Europe’s Westernmost Point: The ‘Cabo da Roca’, which is located near Sintra, is the westernmost point of mainland Europe. In the ‘Age of Exploration’, it was considered the edge of the known world! The dramatic cliffs and ocean views make it a must-visit spot.
• Lord Byron’s Obsession: The famous poet Lord Byron was so taken by Sintra’s beauty that he called it a “glorious Eden.” He even referenced it in his poem Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage, helping to make Sintra a romanticized destination!
• ‍Microclimate Magic: Sintra has a unique microclimate due to its location in the hills, which means it’s often misty and cooler than Lisbon, even during summer. The eerie fog that also often appears also adds to its mystical and enchanting atmosphere!

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Tips for Visiting Sintra, Portugal

• Arrive Early: Sintra can get very crowded, especially in peak season. Arriving before 9 AM can help you avoid the worst of the crowds at sites like Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira.
• Wear Comfortable Shoes: Sintra is hilly, with cobbled streets and steep paths. You'll likely be walking a lot, so bring sturdy, comfortable shoes and not flip-flops or wedges.
• Use Public Transport or a Tuk-Tuk: Driving in Sintra is a nightmare due to its narrow roads and limited parking so instead, take the train from Lisbon (40 minutes) if you can and then use local buses, tuk-tuks, or even e-bikes to get around!
• Prioritize Your Must-Sees: There’s a lot to see in Sintra, so plan ahead! The top attractions include: Pena Palace (colourful fairytale palace); Quinta da Regaleira (a mystical gardens & underground tunnels); Moorish Castle (offers great views of Sintra); Palácio Nacional de Sintra (the historic royal palace) & Monserrate Palace (less crowded, stunning gardens).
• Book Tickets in Advance & Online: Skip the ticket lines by booking entry passes online, especially for Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira. Pena Palace also has time-slot entries, so book early to get your preferred time. See our options above.
• Bring a Light Jacket: Even in summer, Sintra can be cooler and mistier than Lisbon due to its microclimate, so we suggest bringing a light jacket or sweater as they can be useful, especially in the morning or evening. Even if it’s glorious and warm in Lisbon, it can be cooler in Sintra, so don’t be fooled by the sun!
• Try the Local Pastries: If you can eat them, don’t leave without tasting ‘Travesseiros’ (flaky almond pastries) and ‘Queijadas’ (sweet cheese tarts) from the famous Piriquita bakery!
• Take Your Time at Quinta da Regaleira: The estate is more than just the famous ‘Initiation Well’. The gardens, secret tunnels, and Gothic architecture are worth exploring at a slower pace, if you have the time.
• ‍Visit Pena Park, Not Just the Palace: Most people only visit Pena Palace, but the surrounding garden park is huge and beautiful, with hidden lakes, gardens, and scenic viewpoints. If you have time, try and spend some time there.