All citiesSintra Things to do and walking itinerary
Portugal Sintra travel guide
8 things to do in Sintra, where to stay, airport transfers, 2 MICHELIN-starred restaurants. Pick places on the map and get a day-by-day walking route from your hotel with steps, kilometres and minutes.
Top things to do in Sintra
- Pena Palace — palace in Sintra, Portugal (visit ≈ 90 min)
- Sintra National Palace — building in Sintra, Lisbon District, Portugal (visit ≈ 90 min)
- Castle of the Moors — cultural heritage monument in Sintra, Portugal (visit ≈ 75 min)
- Quinta da Regaleira — culture heritage estate near Sintra, Portugal (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Monserrate Palace — building in Sintra, Lisbon District, Portugal (visit ≈ 90 min)
- Convent of the Capuchos — building in Sintra, Lisbon District, Portugal (visit ≈ 40 min)
- Seteais Palace — hotel (visit ≈ 90 min)
- Palácio e Quinta do Ramalhão, também denominado «Paço Real do Ramalhão» (actualmente Colégio de São José das Irmãs Dominicanas Portuguesas) — neoclassical palace in Sintra, Portugal (visit ≈ 90 min)
2-day Sintra walking itinerary
Starting point: Historic Centre (Vila). The top 7 places at a normal pace (up to ~10 km of walking a day), in this order. Change places or your hotel on the map and the route is recalculated; distances are estimates with a street allowance.
- Day 1 (≈ 6.9 km · 9,320 steps · 1 h 32 min on the way): Sintra National Palace → Quinta da Regaleira → Seteais Palace → Monserrate Palace
- Day 2 (≈ 6.0 km · 8,120 steps · 1 h 20 min on the way): Castle of the Moors → Pena Palace → Palácio e Quinta do Ramalhão, também denominado «Paço Real do Ramalhão» (actualmente Colégio de São José das Irmãs Dominicanas Portuguesas)
Hidden gems and overlooked spots in Sintra
- Peninha Sanctuary — Small chapel on a rocky Sintra hilltop overlooking the ocean and Cabo da Roca. (visit ≈ 45 min)
- Azenhas do Mar — Photogenic village of white houses clinging to an ocean cliff, with a natural sea pool. (visit ≈ 45 min)
- Praia da Ursa — Wild, remote beach framed by huge sea stacks, reached by a steep path. (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Praia da Adraga — Beach tucked between cliffs with a natural rock arch and sea caves. (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Praia Grande Dinosaur Tracks — Dinosaur footprints on the cliff wall at the end of a wide surf beach. (visit ≈ 60 min)
- Boca do Inferno — Cascais clifftop where waves crash and foam into a collapsed sea cave. (visit ≈ 20 min)
Where to stay in Sintra
- Historic Centre (Vila): Next to the National Palace and the tour-bus stop.
- Estefânia: Near the train station; quieter and cheaper.
- São Pedro de Sintra: A local, village feel with a market square.
Getting from the airport to Sintra
- Lisbon Humberto Delgado (LIS): Train to Lisbon ≈ 40 min, then metro to the airport ≈ 25 min
Getting around
The palaces are spread over the hills; use bus 434 or a tuk-tuk. Weekends are very busy.
Classic places to eat
- Piriquita: Travesseiros and queijadas since 1862.
- Queijadas da Sapa: An old shop making queijadas for centuries.
- Café Saudade: A cosy café in an old pastry-shop building.
- Tascantiga: Portuguese small plates.
- Tulhas: Home cooking in an old grain store.
MICHELIN-starred restaurants
Last known stars; check the MICHELIN Guide before you go.
- Fortaleza do Guincho — 1 MICHELIN star, Modern
- LAB by Sergi Arola — 1 MICHELIN star, Creative
Romantic views
- Quinta da Regaleira (Early morning): A fairy-tale garden with a mysterious well and tunnels.
- Moorish Castle (Afternoon): Pena Palace and the ocean from the walls.
- Monserrate Palace (Afternoon): A romantic palace garden full of exotic plants.
- Cabo da Roca (Sunset): Cliffs at the westernmost point of mainland Europe.
Football stadiums in Sintra
- Estádio António Coimbra da Mota: Home of G.D. Estoril Praia
- Estádio José Gomes: Home of C.F. Estrela da Amadora
Day trips
- Belém Tower — 19 km from the centre
Good to know before visiting Sintra
- Fine: Swimming under a red flag is fined.
- Warning: You're required to carry ID or a passport.
- Warning: Small drug amounts are an administrative offence, not legal; buying and selling are banned.
- Warning: Street sellers offering drugs in Lisbon usually sell fakes; walk away.
- Warning: Pickpockets work Lisbon's tram 28 and crowded spots.
- Bread, olives or cheese brought unasked (couvert) are charged; send them back if unwanted.
- Emergency: 112
- Plugs: C/F, 230V
- Tap water: Tap water is safe to drink.
- Tipping: Tipping is optional; 5–10% or rounding up is common.
Sources: UK FCDO — Foreign travel advice: Portugal, Wikivoyage — Portugal, T.C. Dışişleri Bakanlığı — Türk vatandaşlarının tabi olduğu vize uygulamaları · For information only; rules change, check official sources before you go. Last checked: 2026-10
Sintra travel FAQ
- How many days do you need in Sintra?
- The top 7 places in the centre take about 2 days at a normal pace on a walking route from your hotel. Add extra days for day trips (Belém Tower).
- What are the top things to do in Sintra?
- Highlights: Pena Palace, Sintra National Palace, Castle of the Moors, Quinta da Regaleira and Monserrate Palace. The map has 8 things to do in total.
- Where to stay in Sintra?
- Historic Centre (Vila): Next to the National Palace and the tour-bus stop. Other options: Estefânia and São Pedro de Sintra.
- How do you get from the airport to Sintra city centre?
- Lisbon Humberto Delgado (LIS): Train to Lisbon ≈ 40 min, then metro to the airport ≈ 25 min
- How do you get around Sintra?
- The palaces are spread over the hills; use bus 434 or a tuk-tuk. Weekends are very busy.
- Which MICHELIN-starred restaurants are in Sintra?
- According to the last known data there are 2 starred restaurants: Fortaleza do Guincho (1 star), LAB by Sergi Arola (1 star). Check the MICHELIN Guide before you go.
- What is the emergency number in Sintra?
- Emergency: 112.
- Do you tip in Sintra?
- Tipping is optional; 5–10% or rounding up is common.
Nearby cities
Lisbon · Porto · Seville · Córdoba · Málaga · Madrid · Granada · Rabat
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