5 Amazing Majestic Sintra Castles By A Travel Expert

Which Sintra Castles Should You Visit?

We recently spent a month as a family on a road trip in Portugal. We took in the sites and attractions as we drove from Porto down to Lisbon and onto The Algarve. When we travel we love to take in the history of a country when we visit. That included visiting the Sintra castles!

Sintra offers a great chance to see a selection of very differently-styled castles all in a small city. And as it’s just a short distance from Lisbon it makes a great day trip.

There are 5 main castles in Sintra to visit, each one has a unique history reflected in its design. Sintra can be very busy during peak months, so we’d suggest choosing in advance which of these amazing palaces and castles you’d like to visit.

A Quick Guide to Sintra Castles

Pena Palace – The most popular palace in Sintra, famous for its fairytale castle design.

Moorish Castle – High up on the hill, this is the oldest attraction and only “true” castle in Sintra. It has the best and most beautiful views of the other palaces and of Sintra town itself.

Quinta da Regaleira – Famous for its mystic atmosphere and its Instagram-worthy Initiation Well with its winding staircase.

Monserrate Palace – Built by a British explorer this hidden gem just 3km outside of this is a gothic, Arabic, and Indian-designed palace with an exotic garden

Sintra National Palace – The best-preserved mediaeval royal residence in Portugal.

Top tip from a travel expert: Wear comfortable shoes as you’ll be doing a lot of walking while visiting the castles in Sintra. If you have kids like we do, then leave your pram at home and opt for a carrier instead. We took ours and left it with a street vendor as the hills were too steep for it!

1. Pena Palace: A Colourful Emblem

The beautiful Pena Palace is the fairytale castle of yellow and red that is perched high on the hilltop. Many people say that it’s what inspired Walt Disney for his princess castles, and when you visit you’ll see why. For many this is the main attraction to see when visiting Sintra.

To say that this is one of the most magnificent castles in Europe is an understatement. It is so unique and beautiful that millions of tourists flock to Sintra to visit this palace.

One of our favourite parts was exploring the outside of the castle and the Parque de Pena forest. There are some beautiful walks on the grounds to enjoy whilst you are there. We walked up to Cruz Alta which is the highest point in the region at 529m and has the best views of Sintra.

A Short History of Pena Palace

History tells us that sometime in the 12th century, a chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Pena was built atop the hill Pena Palace sits on today. Years later the construction of a monastery to be built on the site was decreed by King Manuel. In 1834 the monastery was abandoned when Portugal abolished religious orders.

King Ferdinand II, enchanted by the breathtaking nature upon visiting Sintra, decided to transform the monastery into a summer palace for the Portuguese royal family. The current Pena Palace was constructed between 1842 and 1854.

Portuguese royalty continued to live at the palace until the monarchy fell in 1910. Many years later the Portuguese State purchased Pena Palace as it became classified as a National Monument.

Inside Pena Palace

We’ve walked through many a palace, but stepping inside Pena Palace, we’re immediately struck by its quiet majesty. The walls are a canvas for Trompe-l’oeil, tricking the eye and carrying us back to a time of regal splendour. It’s as if we’d walked into a scene frozen in 1910, the very year the last royals bid farewell to these halls.

Inside you’ll get a chance to see various rooms within the palace including bedrooms, living rooms and state rooms. All set up to show what it would have been like in the palace when the King and Queen lived there.

We enjoyed our time in the palace, however, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention how busy it was (we visited in September). Once inside the interior, we were shuffling along rather slowly one behind the other in a queue with hundreds of other visitors. We have to admit that we ended up skipping part of the tour as our 3-year-old just wasn’t patient enough to queue so slowly.

Admission to Pena Palace

You must book your tickets online in advance by choosing a date and time slot. Ours tried to visit recently and didn’t book in advance and missed out on visiting as it was fully booked that day.

On the full palace ticket, you’ll get to explore the park, the castle and the interior. Or you can choose to buy a park-only ticket. Once you get to the park entrance you’ll need to climb up a steep hill to the castle entrance. It’s roughly a 30-minute walk (or longer with kids) so you’ll need to factor that in for making your time slot

Top tip from a travel expert: Make sure that you give yourself enough time to get there, if you miss your slot then you have to rebook and it might be fully booked that day.

The best times to visit are either early morning right after the gates swing open, or in the late afternoon when the day-trippers have started their exodus. Trust us, you want to bask in the palace’s glow without a selfie stick waving in your panorama. Plus, those golden-hour hues make Pena Palace pop like it’s straight out of an Instagram dream. 

2. Moorish Castle: Sentinel of the Hills

Another must-see is the Moorish Castle, with its sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. This historic castle of the Moors still stands as a spectacular destination to visit, but brace yourself for a challenging hike to reach the top! 

Because it has fortified walls and turrets The Moorish Castle in Sintra is the only true castle in town.

The Moors constructed the castle in the 8th and 9th centuries, and the Christian Crusade seized control in 1147 after the Moors’ occupation. Lisbon later became Portugal’s capital, the Castelo dos Mouros was ultimately abandoned in the 15th century.  

In the 1800s King Ferdinand II (the same king who built Pena Palace) came along to restore the ruins as a “showpiece” for his elaborate Pena Palace.

Panoramic Views from the Ramparts

What we loved the most about the Moorish Castle in Sintra was exploring the grounds. And pretending to fight imaginary dragons with our three-year-old whilst walking the castle walls!

Whilst you’re there, you have to take advantage of the chance to climb the 500 steps to the top of the Torre Real.  The views from there are extraordinary and at the highest point, you can see Pena Palace on full display.

How To Visit The Moorish Castle

We’re all about optimising our experiences, especially when it comes to stepping into history at the Moorish Castle, known as the “Sentinel of the Hills.”. Unlike at Pena Palace, there’s no need to book in advance so you can enter whenever you get there.

If you’re keen on dodging the buzz of crowds and soaking in those views with a touch of solitude, timing is everything. You’ll need to either go first thing in the early morning right after the gates open, or later in the afternoon. That’s when the light plays with the landscape in a way that’s nothing short of magic, perfect for that Instagram-worthy shot.

3. Quinta da Regaleira: An Enigmatic Estate

Quinta da Regaleira is one of the palaces that makes up the Sintra UNESCO World Heritage Site. This shows that it is recognised for its cultural value

Designed in the late 1800s, this residence comprises five floors and features an ornate Gothic façade. It was the passion project of António Augusto Carvalho Monteiro, an eccentric millionaire. With a strong passion for alchemy and Masonry, Monteiro hired renowned Italian architect Luigi Manini to bring the vision to life. As you explore the façade and interiors of the castle, you’ll notice several references to the Masons, Knights Templar, and dark alchemy.

The estate houses a palace, chapel and park with lakes, grottoes, fountains and wells. The real attraction of this gorgeous estate is in the enchanting gardens, though.
The designers crafted the gardens to replicate the ambiance of the ancient secret orders.

The biggest draw at this beloved Sintra palace is its Initiation Wells.
The Initiation Wells consist of two wells resembling underground towers, each lined with a spiral staircase that descends 27m. The wells served ceremonial purposes and have never contained water. Tarot mysticism influences the number of steps and the spacing of the landings in a connected manner.

Top tip from a travel expert: If you want to go into the Initiation Wells then you’ll need to make them the first stop of your day. Once the crowds start to arrive there are long lines to enter can become up to 2 hours long.

4. Monserrate Palace: A Neo-Gothic Gem

The Monserrate Palace is an incredible gothic, Arabic, and Indian-designed palace with an exotic garden. The palace was built for Englishman Sir Francis Cook who wanted to build a summer residence in Portugal. He transformed the ruins of a neo-gothic palace from the mid-1800s to what this palace is today.

An intrepid explorer, Cook was keen to display his passion for exotic places through architecture. Hence the global and exotic design.

Many visitors to Sintra bypass the Monserrate Palace since it sits slightly off the main route, with most heading straight for Pena Palace. However, this hidden gem is probably the most beautiful palace in Sintra.

It’s so great that tourist guides in Sintra would recommend spending at least 2 hours here to see most of what the palace has to offer, especially the beautiful park. If you decide to visit the Monserrate Palace, please don’t miss either the ruined chapel or the Mexican garden (which has an amazing waterfall).

5. Sintra National Palace: A Time Capsule

Best known for the two iconic chimneys defining Sintra’s skyline. The National Palace of Sintra is the best-preserved mediaeval royal residence in Portugal. 

Located in the city centre, it is likely to be the first one you see as you embark on your epic tour of all the best castles in Sintra. The palace itself is a collection of buildings constructed during various periods. It is assumed that the original building dates back to the 10th century when Sintra was under Moorish rule. 

Over centuries, buildings were added, improved and expanded to result in the epic Sintra palace we see today. Whilst this palace features a minimalist exterior don’t let that fool you because the interior is as elaborate and stately as it can get. Because everything is so well preserved this is one of the most interesting palaces in Sintra.

It served as a residence for noble families from the 15th century until the 19th century. When you visit the grounds and interior of the Palacio Nacional de Sintra, the most notable attractions that are worth seeing include the Coat of Arms Room, The Magpie Room, The Palatine Chapel, and the Swan Room.

Sintra Beyond the Castles

Convento dos Capuchos brings you close to nature. This 16th-century monastery is famous for its cork-lined cells. Nestled in the dense forests of Sintra, it offers tranquility. Go back in time while you walk through the moss-covered stones.

Sanctuary of Peninha is a hidden gem. On a clear day, enjoy stunning views that stretch to the Atlantic Ocean. See where monks once lived and embrace the serenity of the Serra de Sintra.

Planning Your Sintra Castle Adventure

We’re excited to share some of our top tips to get you through your visit to Sintra town smoothly. 

First things first: purchasing entrance tickets. You’ll want to snap these up online to avoid the long queues that snake around the palaces. Trust us, pre-booking is your secret weapon against the ticking clock of daylight. Especially at Pena Palace!

Next up, choosing your castle lineup is vital. Sintra’s castles and palaces each have their unique allure. So if you’re tight on time, zero in on the must-see staples. Pena Palace is the most popular and obvious with its brightly coloured facade. But don’t discount the Moorish Castle and Monserrate Palace; their historic whispers and neo-Gothic charms are a time travel to a romantic past.

Top tip from a travel expert: Sintra’s steep hills are not to be underestimated. Especially if you have kids with you like we did! Planning a realistic itinerary that factors in travel time between castles is really important. And remember, while it’s tempting to cram every palace into one day, sometimes enjoying just a couple can be more memorable than a whirlwind tour.

Where is Sintra?

Sintra in Portugal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the middle of the majestic Sierra de Sintra. It is a dreamy and mystical town that seems to have leapt straight out of a fairy tale. Exploring it feels like you have taken off a page from a fairy tale book and climbed inside a magical scene.

The site has lots to see with luxurious mansions and opulent palaces along with ruins of ancient castles.  Just 40 minutes from Lisbon, Sintra is one of the most popular day trips from Lisbon.

Wait until you get to see these attractions for yourself. It definitely should be on your Portugal itinerary!

How To Get To Sintra?

Located only 32km (20 miles) from Lisbon there are a few ways to get to Sintra and its castles such as by private car or public transportation:

• Driving by Car: Driving ourselves offers flexibility, and the ride is only about 30 minutes from Lisbon. The freedom to pull over at stopovers adds to the experience (especially with a potting-training toddler with us!). Parking in Sintra can be tricky during peak season, so we parked near the train station.
• Hopping on a Train: A straightforward 40-minute ride from Lisbon’s Rossio Station straight into the heart of Sintra. The trains run frequently from Sintra train station, and we’d suggest snagging a window seat to watch the urban scenery fade into the lush Sintra hills.
• Catching a Bus: For those on a budget the bus from Lisbon to Sintra doesn’t break the bank. Comfortable and reliable, but it takes a bit longer due to those winding roads.
• Joining an Organised Tour: Sometimes we just like to play tourists and let the experts guide us. Organised tours from Lisbon often include pick-up, drop-off, and all 

How To Get Around Sintra?

The first thing that we should mention is that you cannot drive within the historic part of Sintra. And even if you could, the winding roads are often a traffic jam of taxis and buses. There are three main ways to get around Sintra and to the castles and palaces.

Bus

Two main bus routes pass the palaces and castles of Sintra. You choose the bus depending on which of the attractions you’d like to explore, either line 434 or line 435. 

The buses get full very quickly and you’ll likely have to queue to get on. The drive-up is very beautiful, but it can be frustrating when the clock is ticking on your time slot for Pena Palace. Or if you’re a toddler like Cam who needed the loo, haha!

Walking

It is possible to walk the Caminho de Santa Maria from the historic centre of Sintra up to the Moorish Castle and along to Pena Palace. This isn’t for the faint-hearted as it’s a particularly challenging hike up and out of Sintra. However, if you have the time and decide to do it then you’ll be rewarded with some scenery and amazing views.

Taxi or Uber

It is possible to take a taxi or Uber from the train station up to Pena Palace. However, the roads can be extremely busy, and the drivers charge a premium fare to reflect the time it takes to drive such a short distance.

Tuk tuk

There are also some great tuk tuk tours that you can go on which will take you on a guided tour of the town of Sintra and the main attractions.  This is a good option if you want to not use public transportation,

Where To Eat In Sintra?

You’ll find Sintra’s culinary scene as diverse as its landscapes. Sample traditional Portuguese dishes at Tascantiga, a spot loved by locals. Their bacalhau, a salty cod dish, comes highly recommended. Try the queijadas de Sintra, a sweet pastry unique to the area; Piriquita is the go-to bakery for these treats. Sara loves all this bakery!

Enjoy rustic fare at A Nova Sintra. Their grilled chorizo brings a smoky flavor you won’t forget. For a modern take, Incomum offers inventive plates that combine local ingredients in surprising ways.

• Eat like a local: Stop by Tascantiga for bacalhau.
• Sweet treat: Don’t miss the queijadas de Sintra at Piriquita.
• Rustic flavors: Sample grilled chorizo at A Nova Sintra.
• Modern twists: Delight in the inventive cuisine at Incomum.

Final Thoughts On Visiting Sintra Castles

We enjoyed our time in Sintra, it is such a magical place to go and visit. Its impressive castles and palaces make it like no other town or city in Portugal. Sintra is worth visiting!

However, it is getting extremely busy, and this is impacting the freedom and flexibility that travellers have when they visit. It has (sadly) become important that you plan your trip with military precision. You’re best to select three palaces or castles in Sintra that you’d love to visit and then make sure that your timings work.