Starting your day early is key if you want to see all the top sights. Unfortunately, I got a late start to the day, thanks to feeling the effects of jet lag. Needless to say, I needed a bit of extra rest before heading out. However, getting to Sintra was fairly easy.
Trains to Sintra depart from Rossio Station in central Lisbon, a beautiful station with 19th-century architecture. You can take the Linha de Sintra (Sintra Line), with frequent departures throughout the day, and the journey takes about 40 minutes. The train ride is comfortable, and the views transition from Lisbon’s urban sprawl to rolling hills and quaint villages as you approach the mountains of Sintra.
Tickets are affordable, costing around €2.30 each way. It’s advisable to buy a Viva Viagem card, which you can use for all public transport in Lisbon, including this train.
Once you arrive in Sintra, you’ll find yourself at the Sintra train station, about a 15-20 minute walk from the historic town center. You can either catch a bus (Bus 434) or take a tuk-tuk to reach the Palácio da Pena, one of Sintra’s most iconic landmarks, perched high on a hill. You have to option of purchasing one way tickets or hop on hop off tickets for the bus.
Palácio da Pena is a riot of color and architectural styles, blending Romanticism with Gothic, Manueline, Moorish, and Renaissance influences. The vibrant yellow and red façades contrast against the surrounding greenery, and the views from the palace are breathtaking, offering panoramas over the forests and all the way to the Atlantic Ocean.
Spend some time wandering through the palace’s lavish interiors, but don’t miss the sprawling gardens, which are perfect for a peaceful morning stroll.
From here, it’s a short walk to the Castelo dos Mouros (Moorish Castle), an 8th-century fortress that snakes along the mountain ridge. The climb to the top of its stone ramparts is well worth the effort, as you’ll be rewarded with even more stunning views of Sintra and beyond.
To make the most of your day in Sintra, be sure to leave early as you can easily spend the entire day in the parks. Note that the parks close around 6pm, with the last bus leaving sharp at 6pm.
After missing the last bus back down to the town center, my only option was to walk or take a cab. The walk would have easily been an hour back down to the town center, so I opted for a cab. It was a bit disappointing, especially since I had already purchased the hop on hop off bus ticket that I now couldn’t fully use.
15 min later, I found myself back in the town center. The town is full of charming cafes and restaurants, where you can enjoy traditional Portuguese dishes. Consider trying A Piriquita, a local pastry shop that’s famous for its travesseiros (flaky puff pastries filled with almond cream) and queijadas (small sweet cheese tarts). If you’re after a more substantial meal, find a local restaurant that serves bacalhau à brás (a classic Portuguese codfish dish), and relax while soaking in the charming atmosphere of the town square.
No trip to Sintra is complete without visiting the Quinta da Regaleira, a true highlight of the town. This enigmatic estate, just a short walk from the center, is filled with secret tunnels, hidden grottos, and mystical symbolism. Built in the early 20th century, its gardens are a maze of enchanting paths, fountains, and spiral staircases that lead down to the famous Initiation Well — a deep, inverted tower used for Masonic rituals. The entire property feels like something out of a fantasy novel, and exploring it feels like an adventure in itself.
Take your time to wander around and discover the hidden corners of the estate. The architecture of the Palácio da Regaleira is also worth admiring, with its neo-Gothic details and ornate stonework.
As my day in Sintra came to a close, I headed back to the train station. Luckily, trains run frequently until late evening. The journey back offers a quiet moment to reflect on the magical landscapes and architectural wonders you’ve experienced.
Tips for Visiting Sintra:
Wear comfortable shoes: Sintra is very hilly, and you’ll be doing a lot of walking, especially if you choose to explore the gardens and palaces on foot.
Plan ahead: If you’re visiting during peak season (summer), try to arrive at the palaces early to avoid long lines. You can also purchase tickets in advance online.
Bring layers: Sintra’s microclimate can be cooler and mistier than Lisbon, especially in the mornings or late afternoons.
A day trip to Sintra from Lisbon is like stepping into another world. With its colorful palaces, ancient castles, and mysterious estates, this UNESCO World Heritage town is a must-see for any traveler to Portugal. Whether you’re wandering through the enchanted gardens of Quinta da Regaleira or gazing at the panoramic views from the heights of Palácio da Pena, Sintra is sure to leave you in awe — and eager to return.