The Ultimate Day Trip to Sintra: A Perfect Fairytale Town
Planning a Day Trip to Sintra? You’ve come to the right place! Step into the enchanting world of Sintra, Portugal’s fairytale town. Where history, architecture, and natural beauty converge to create a truly magical experience. Nestled amidst lush hills and verdant forests, Sintra beckons travelers with its romantic charm and whimsical allure. If you are like me and love whimsical destinations that feel straight out of a fairytale novel, then Sintra is the place for you!
Join us on a captivating day trip as we explore the majestic palaces, winding cobblestone streets, and lush gardens that have inspired poets, artists, and dreamers for centuries. From the Moorish Castle’s mystical aura to Pena Palace’s opulent grandeur, Sintra promises a journey through time and imagination unlike any other. Finally, it makes for the perfect day trip from Lisbon although I highly recommend spending one night here as the streets come alive at night with fewer tourists and live music in the square.
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How to Get to Sintra from Lisbon
Option one: Drive yourself and embark on a scenic 40-minute drive from Lisbon to Sintra, offering unparalleled flexibility to explore Sintra’s treasures. This ensures a hassle-free journey without worrying about overpacked buses during peak season. The drive from Lisbon to Sintra town is quite easy and with your car, you can explore each majestic castle at your own pace. Once you reach Sintra most of the streets are one-way. Because of this if you miss a turn you can add 20-30 minutes onto your travel time so make sure you have a good navigator and pay attention when driving.
Option two: Board a train from Lisbon Rossio Station, departing every 20 minutes, for a budget-friendly €5 fare. Enjoy a leisurely one-hour journey to Sintra. Upon arrival, hop on the 434 bus route, a one-directional bus route from the train station to Pena Palace. It’s a great option for accessing all the must-see attractions in Sintra. Simplify your travels with a €15 pass, granting unlimited access to Sintra’s top spots.
I. Early Morning Departure from Lisbon
Start your day off early by embarking on a captivating day trip to Sintra from Lisbon. If you are looking for the most cost-effective option you can take the train. But we opted to rent a car for our Sintra excursion, despite the narrow streets characteristic of the area. Despite the challenges posed by these tight roadways, we discovered that the convenience of having our vehicle to navigate between attractions outweighed the difficulties.
The journey to Sintra town typically takes around an hour and a half by car. However, if you decide to pursue this option, having a skilled driver at the wheel is advisable. The route entails numerous one-way streets, narrow cobblestone streets reminiscent of alleys, and steep hills. Finally, for the absolute most convenient way, hire a private full guided tour for the day to explore Sintra!
II. Arrival in Sintra Monserrate Palace
After reaching Sintra start your morning at Monserrate Palace. This palace’s architecture is so unique and blends Gothic, Indian, and Moorish influences. This distinctive fusion reflects the tastes of its former owners and the Romantic era in which it was built. It exudes enchantment and gives off major Aladdin vibes. Amidst lush gardens, visitors can admire the intricate architecture. It is so serene as you explore the palace’s rich history and opulent design.
You can easily spend two hours here exploring the surrounding gardens featuring a diverse collection of plants from around the world. The landscape architecture includes waterfalls, lakes, and winding pathways, creating a picturesque setting that complements the palace’s beauty. They even have a small cafe so you can relax while enjoying a coffee. Finally, the entrance fee for Monserrate Palace is €12 and there is a free albeit small parking lot. If you are using the 434 bus station is located right outside the entrance. Many people skip this one but it was one of my favorite palaces in Sintra. Don’t skip this spot!
After visiting Monserrate Palace, in this Sintra Day Trip Itinerary, you have the option of visiting the National Palace of Sintra or enjoying a leisurely visit to Sintra town outlined below.
II. Early Afternoon in Sintra Town
Next on your itinerary is a visit to experience the charm of Sintra’s town center. This town was incredibly quaint and while we visited we had the opportunity to enjoy live music. Start by enjoying a delicious Portuguese lunch at a cozy local eatery, savoring classic dishes like bacalhau à brás. Afterward, take your time exploring the quaint streets filled with boutique shops. Whether you’re hunting for ceramics or sampling pastries, enjoy the freedom to shop at your leisure. Embrace the relaxed atmosphere and immerse yourself in the rich culture of Sintra.
III. Afternoon Quinta da Regaleira
Quinta de Regaleira, which is within walking distance from Sintra town, is a captivating estate with a blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and Manueline styles. The estate was built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries by Carvalho Monteiro, a wealthy Portuguese businessman, with the architectural design by Luigi Manini. The estate is rich in symbolism and esoteric references, featuring elements from alchemy, Masonry, the Knights Templar, and the Rosicrucians. Its design is believed to reflect Monteiro’s interest in mysticism and the occult.
However, the real intrigue lies underground, with mysterious tunnels and initiation wells adorned with esoteric symbols. This enchanting estate offers a glimpse into Portugal’s cultural heritage, inviting visitors to explore its magical surroundings.
When you first arrive head to The Initiation Well as that seems the be the most popular attraction at this estate and you might encounter long lines. The Initiation Well is a mysterious and symbolic structure, resembling a spiraling labyrinth carved into the earth. Its purpose remains a mystery, with speculation ranging from mystical rites to initiation ceremonies. Adorned with symbolic motifs and inscriptions, this enigmatic feature of the estate captivates visitors, inspiring wonder and curiosity as they explore its depths.
Its lush gardens, serene lakes, and ornate fountains provide a picturesque backdrop and you can easily spend a few hours exploring the gardens alone. Not to mention you have a full view of the Moorish Castle. Finally, the entrance fee for Quinta de Regaleira costs €12 and you can easily spend 2-3 hours exploring the grounds.
IV. Early Evening at Peña Palace
Visiting Pena Palace in Sintra feels like stepping into a vivid and colorful fairytale. Perched atop a lush hill, its vibrant colors and eclectic architecture enchant visitors. Inside, opulent furnishings and intricate details reflect Portugal’s royal past (although we weren’t that impressed with the inside). When purchasing a timed ticket for Peña Palace, the time is primarily for visiting the inside because it can get quite cramped. What made it so unenjoyable was that you needed to walk in a single-file line for the entirety of the tour. If I were returning, I would skip it.
However, the panoramic views from the outdoor grounds offer a glimpse of the region’s romantic landscape. My best advice would be to visit closer to closing while the sun goes down. We managed to stay as the crowds quieted out and it was the most beautiful and serene sunset we witnessed in Portugal. The views are truly breathtaking and plan to spend 2 hours here. A visit to Pena Palace is a journey through Portugal’s rich cultural heritage and an immersion in timeless beauty. Below are a few tips for visiting:
- €14 entrance
- When you enter the grounds there is a bus that takes you to the palace because the hill is steep
- If you stay for sunset you will not be able to catch the bus down however the walk down was enjoyable
- Free parking but it can be limited as it’s street parking only
V. Sintra Day Trip: Best Hotels in Sintra Portugal
Whether you prefer the bustle of town life or the tranquility of nature, Sintra promises a memorable stay immersed in its enchanting surroundings. In the town, boutique hotels and cozy guesthouses exude old-world charm. With cobblestone streets and quaint cafes just steps away. Alternatively, retreat to the tranquil countryside for a peaceful escape. Where elegant manor houses and luxury estates offer panoramic views of Sintra’s lush landscapes.
Valverde Sintra Palácio de Seteais is an elegant 5-star hotel set in the mountainside of Sintra with privileged views of the Moorish Castle and Pena Palace. It features a swimming pool. The richly decorated rooms
Penha Longa is an elegant palazzo-style estate located among the rolling hills of the Sintra Cascais Nature Reserve. The 5-star resort features a 27-hole championship golf course, a state-of-the-art spa center, and two of seven dining experiences that hold coveted Michelin stars.
Chalet Saudade Looking for a charming stay in the city center? Chalet Saudade is located in the center of Sintra but is tucked away from the bustling streets. It dates back to the 19th century and offers scenic views of the surroundings.
In essence, a day trip to Sintra is nothing short of a journey into a fairytale realm. From the majestic Pena Palace to the mystical Quinta da Regaleira, the town captivates with its timeless charm and rich history. Whether wandering its colorful streets or exploring the lush forests, every moment is infused with magic. So, embark on this ultimate day trip and let Sintra enchant you with its spell, leaving you with memories of a perfect fairytale adventure.
XX,
Courtney
If you’re looking for more resources to help plan your trip to Portugal then check out my Ultimate 10 Days in Portugal Itinerary or Best Beaches on The Algarve Coast guide.
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