Location: Sintra
Top Things to do in Sintra
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The 10 Best Things to Do in Sintra, Portugal
Long the home of Portugal’s monarchs, Sintra is a magnificent town of marvelous historic mansions, all set against the backdrop of lush hills. Sintra’s many castles include the Palácio Nacional de Sintra (a main abode of Portuguese royalty until the early 20th century), the hilltop and storybook Palácio da Pena, Quinta de Regaleira (incorporating several architectural styles and with gorgeous surrounding gardens), the Castelo dos Mouros (Moorish Castle), and the Palácio de Monserrate.
Restaurants in Sintra
1. Quinta da Regaleira
Overall Ratings
5 based on 9 reviews
Classified as World Heritage by UNESCO and built at the turn of the 20th century, this romantic architectural complex is comprised of a Palace, a Chapel, and Gardens with grottos.
Reviewed By Kim G - Pacific Grove, California
Predating 1697, this intricately adorned palace of Carvalho Monteiro, received the loving craftsmanship of architect Luigi Manini, whose works include Milan's La Scala. Monteiro, a highly educated scientific capitalist, who graduated Law from University of Combria, was born in Rio de Janeiro, and of Portuguese decent. It was this philanthropist's concept for the "mysterious iconographical program" of this highly unusual property, with loving attention spanning from 1898-1912. The Palace reflects Romanticism of the time, and is designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The expansive Gardens are intimate in their layout with unusual and hidden meanings, while the chapel bares Masonic markings. We walked to the Palace from town without much difficulty, although it was a distance. Strolling gives you an intimate peek at what lies ahead, as you pass by the detailed grounds and the ornate Gothic façade comes into view. The Palace was undergoing renovation to the 2nd floor, but the first floor offered such remarkable workmanship in stone and wood that we were altogether satisfied. Having served as the family's summer residence, the Palace was also known as "The Palace of Monteiro the Millionaire". This is a highlight and must-see of Sintra!
2. Park and National Palace of Pena
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By Kim G - Pacific Grove, California
Pina Palace, the UNESCO designated World Heritage Site, presides over Sintra, and is visible from Lisbon on a clear day. Cleverly built into its hilltop perch and one of the world's finest examples of 19th Century Romanticism, it is easy to see why this Palace is considered one of Portugal's "Seven Wonders". Containing Moorish and Manueline style features, Pina Palace was the vision of King Ferdinand II. The furnished Palace abounds with the use of numerous creative bass-relief tiles, intricate plaster, carved stone, a bold exterior palate, forest and distant views, interior pastel plaster walls, and details too numerous to list. This is a masterpiece which should not be missed. Time permitting, the grounds should be explored as well.
A café is located within the Palace above the gift shop; a welcome feature due to the unexpected delay in ultimately reaching this historic destination. Rightfully so, this is an extremely popular attraction. Give yourself ample time for the tourist bus commute up and back; wait-lines are long. Tip: try to visit early in the morning, before the tour buses start arriving. I would recommend an overnight stay to appreciate all that Sintra has to offer.
3. Initiation Well at Quinta da Regaleira
Overall Ratings
5 based on 454 reviews
Reviewed By Cantongirl - Baltimore
The grounds of Quinta da Regaleira are a must see in Sintra! We didn’t realize you could walk down the wells stairway and come out into caves, a pleasant surprise. I’d love to see the Gardens in the spring, but in March they were still a beautiful surprise. I would recommend 2 days in Sintra to fully experience what the town offers.
4. Praia da ursa
Overall Ratings
5 based on 363 reviews
Reviewed By Jalal I
a good sandy sea beach. not overcrowded. has a parking place. easy to reach. waves are big. Finally, we had some good time here
5. Monserrate Palace
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Not very far from the historic centre of Sintra is one of the most beautiful architectural and landscape Romantic creations in Portugal: the Park and Palace of Monserrate, unique representatives of 19th century eclecticism.
Reviewed By UK-family-traveller - Oxford, United Kingdom
Our destination in Sintra and absolutely worth it. Away from the crowds, historic and fascinating palace like no other. The video interview that is played of an interview with an old man who lived here in 1937-40 is worth watching to bring the place alive.
Calm and peaceful. Put it on your list for Sintra.
6. Parque de Monserrate
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 594 reviews
Reviewed By 343christinerobbo - Stockton-on-Tees, United Kingdom
Set in delightful Gardens this colourful house is an outstanding example of the luxury enjoyed by affluent families in the 19th century. I do not say this with any jealousy because if they had not restored the property it would no longer be here for everyone to enjoy
7. Adraga Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 299 reviews
Reviewed By Jalal I
if u visit Sintra and u have time and love the sea, u can drop off here and spend some time. the sea beach is not huge but no small also. clean and nicely maintained. has some shops near by with WC. has a parking space. the view is good and tides were big. i went there in a bright an sunny day, so had some great time. 20/30 mins drive from sintra castle. the disabled person can enter also as the entry is smooth. did not see many people are swimming, maybe for the strong tides or the cold water. finally highly recommended.
8. Air Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 122 reviews
Air Museum. Our purpose is to tell the story of the Portuguese aviation through its people and collections.
9. Castle of the Moors
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5 reviews
The Moorish Castle is a military fortification that bears witness to the Islamic presence in the region, and was probably constructed between the eighth and ninth centuries and later expanded after the Reconquista. Overlooking the town of Sintra, it served as a watchtower, guaranteeing the protection of Lisbon and its surroundings.
Reviewed By roos1ter - Edinburgh, United Kingdom
This went beyond my expectations - really fascinating and beautifully positioned, with amazing views across the countryside and to the sea. Great fun to walk the walls, and felt like kings of the castle or Indiana Jones. Recommended
10. Sintra Tram
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 235 reviews
Reviewed By Anne-Marie L - Manchester, United Kingdom
Got the tram from Sintra to the beach. The kids loved it and so did we. Very screechy brakes at the beginning so not great for sensitive ears and slightly stressful returning due to the number of people wanting to get on and the limited places, particularly since some people were queue jumping. Overall a nice thing to do.
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