Sintra Travel Guide
Facts and practical information
Portugal, with its vibrant history, rich culture, and stunning landscapes, beckons travelers from all over the world. Nestled within the folds of this enchanting country is Sintra, a gem in the District of Lisbon renowned for its fairy-tale palaces, lush forests, and a romantic aura that permeates the air.
Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a testament to Portuguese history and architectural grandeur. The town's most famous landmark, the Pena Palace, stands atop a hill, flaunting its vivid colors and eclectic design that melds Moorish and Manueline motifs. This 19th-century romanticist castle offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and the Atlantic Ocean.
Another significant historical site is the Moorish Castle, or the Castelo dos Mouros, which dates back to the 8th century. Perched on a high ridge, it provides a panoramic vista of Sintra and serves as a monument to the Islamic period in Portuguese history.
The Quinta da Regaleira, an estate enveloped in mystique, is another must-visit in Sintra. Its lush gardens, enigmatic grottoes, and the Initiation Well—an inverted tower symbolizing a journey of rebirth—offer an otherworldly experience.
For those seeking a touch of nature, the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park is an oasis of biodiversity. Hiking trails lead adventurers through verdant forests, past hidden waterfalls, and to the rugged cliffs of Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of continental Europe.
Cultural aficionados will appreciate Sintra's National Palace, with its iconic twin chimneys and extensive collection of azulejos, traditional Portuguese tiles. This palace has been a residence for Portuguese royalty for centuries and is notable for its blend of Gothic, Manueline, and Moorish styles.
No trip to Sintra is complete without indulging in the local gastronomy. Visitors can savor traditional Portuguese dishes, such as travesseiros, pillow-shaped pastries filled with almond cream, and the renowned queijadas, small cheesecakes that are a Sintra specialty.
Sintra Attractions - What to See and Explore
Sintra offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Quinta da Regaleira, Pena Palace, Seteais Palace, Palace of Sintra. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.
Sintra – popular in the area (distance from the center)
In the vicinity of Sintra, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Belém Tower (Lisbon), Mosteiro dos Jerónimos (Lisbon), Lisbon Oceanarium (Lisbon).
Best Time To Visit Sintra
Learn when is the best time to travel to Sintra weather-wise and what to expect in each season.
Best Ways to Experience the City
Food & drink
CuisineA guide to some of the best local dishes and drinks that you will meet in the region.
Portuguese cuisine
Portuguese cuisine, with its rich history dating back to the 17th century, has evolved through a fusion of regional recipes and external influences from French, Mediterranean, and the country's former colonies. This cultural amalgamation has created an eclectic...
Regional cuisine
Bacalhau
If you've ever dined in Portugal or its former colonies like Cape Verde, Angola, Macau, Brazil, or Goa, you've likely encountered "bacalhau." This term refers to dried and salted cod, a staple in Portuguese cooking. Fresh cod, by contrast, is known as "bacalhau...
Queijada
Queijada is a beloved pastry originating from the picturesque town of Sintra, Portugal. These delightful, bite-sized desserts are crafted from a simple yet delectable blend of cheese or requeijão, eggs, milk, and sugar. While Sintra is renowned for its queijadas...
Bacalhau com natas
Bacalhau com Natas is a cherished Portuguese dish that highlights salted cod in a creamy, comforting casserole. This oven-baked delight features layers of bacalhau (salted cod), sautéed onions, diced fried potatoes, and a rich cream sauce.
Lisbon