What to See and Do in Sintra in One Day: A Complete Guide
Nestled in the hills of Portugal, just a short train ride from Lisbon, Sintra is a fairytale-like destination filled with romantic palaces, mystical gardens, and breathtaking views. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sintra is famous for its magical landscapes, historic architecture, and rich cultural heritage.
Although you could spend days exploring its wonders, this one-day itinerary will help you make the most of your time, covering the top attractions, must-visit palaces, scenic viewpoints, local cuisine, and practical travel tips.
How to Get to Sintra
The best way to reach Sintra is by train from Lisbon. The train departs from Rossio Station and takes 40 minutes. A round-trip ticket costs about €5, and trains run every 30 minutes.
🚗 By car? Driving is possible, but parking is limited, and the narrow roads can be tricky, especially in high season. If you drive, park at Portela de Sintra and use public transport or tuk-tuks to move around.
🚌 Local transport in Sintra:
Bus 434: A hop-on-hop-off service connecting the train station, the historic center, and main palaces.
Tuk-tuks: A fun and fast way to get around. Prices vary but expect to pay around €5-10 per ride.
Walking: If you enjoy hiking, Sintra offers beautiful but steep walking routes.
Morning: Exploring Sintra’s Iconic Palaces
1. Pena Palace (8:30 AM – 10:30 AM)
Start your day early at Palácio da Pena, one of the most iconic landmarks in Portugal. This colorful palace sits atop the Sintra Mountains, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
Why visit Pena Palace?
✔ Fairytale architecture: A mix of Neo-Gothic, Neo-Manueline, and Moorish styles.
✔ Panoramic views: From the Queen’s Terrace, you can see as far as Lisbon.
✔ Romantic interiors: Lavishly decorated royal chambers and ballrooms.
✔ Lush gardens: Over 500 exotic plant species in the surrounding park.
📍 Pro Tip: The palace gets very crowded, so arrive as early as possible!
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2. Moorish Castle (10:30 AM – 12:00 PM)
A short 10-minute walk from Pena Palace, the Castelo dos Mouros (Moorish Castle) is a medieval fortress built in the 9th century by the Moors.
Highlights of the Moorish Castle
✔ Ancient stone walls: Walk along the ramparts and feel like a medieval warrior.
✔ Spectacular views: Overlooking Sintra, the Atlantic Ocean, and even Lisbon on clear days.
✔ History and atmosphere: Built by the Moors, later taken by the Christians in the Reconquista.
📍 Pro Tip: Wear comfortable shoes—there are lots of stairs to climb!
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Lunch in Sintra
After a morning of exploration, it’s time for lunch! Head to the historic center for a meal at one of Sintra’s best restaurants.
🍽 Best Places to Eat in Sintra:
Tascantiga – Delicious Portuguese tapas and petiscos. Try the codfish cakes!
Cantinho Gourmet – Great for traditional dishes like Bacalhau à Brás (shredded cod with eggs and potatoes).
Piriquita – A famous pastry shop where you must try the Travesseiros (almond and custard-filled pastry).
📍 Pro Tip: If you prefer a quick bite, grab a Travesseiro and a Queijada (cheese tart) at Piriquita and continue exploring.
3. National Palace of Sintra (2:00 PM – 3:30 PM)
Located in Sintra’s historic center, the Palácio Nacional de Sintra is the best-preserved medieval royal palace in Portugal. Its two massive cone-shaped chimneys make it an easily recognizable landmark.
What to See in the National Palace?
✔ Stunning tilework: Some of the finest azulejos (Portuguese tiles) in the country.
✔ The Swan Room: A beautifully painted ceiling featuring swans.
✔ The Coat of Arms Room: A ceiling adorned with noble family crests.
✔ The massive medieval kitchens: Featuring 33-meter-high chimneys
📍 Pro Tip: Spend some time walking around Sintra’s Old Town, filled with charming streets, boutiques, and cafés.
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4. Quinta da Regaleira
Your Sintra adventure wouldn’t be complete without visiting the mystical Quinta da Regaleira. This estate is packed with hidden tunnels, underground passages, and secret symbols.
Highlights of Quinta da Regaleira
✔ The Initiation Well – A mysterious, spiral staircase used for secret rituals.
✔ Hidden tunnels – Some passages lead to waterfalls and hidden grottos.
✔ Romantic gardens – Filled with exotic plants, statues, and Gothic structures.
✔ The Regaleira Palace – A stunning Neo-Gothic mansion.
📍 Pro Tip: Bring a flashlight (or use your phone) to explore the dark tunnels!
Evening: Scenic Views and Sunset
5. Miradouro de Santa Eufémia
For a quiet and less touristy end to your day, head to Miradouro de Santa Eufémia, one of Sintra’s best viewpoints.
✔ Breathtaking panoramic views over Sintra and the Atlantic Ocean.
✔ A peaceful atmosphere away from the crowds.
📍 Alternative: Miradouro da Correnteza, closer to Sintra’s historic center.
Final Tips for Visiting Sintra
✔ Arrive early to avoid crowds at Pena Palace.
✔ Wear comfortable shoes – Sintra has many hills and uneven paths.
✔ Bring a jacket – Sintra’s microclimate can be cooler than Lisbon.
✔ Buy tickets online to skip queues.
Conclusion
With its majestic palaces, enchanted gardens, and rich history, Sintra is truly a magical destination. Although one day isn’t enough to see everything, this itinerary will help you experience Sintra’s highlights, from Pena Palace to Quinta da Regaleira, while leaving time to enjoy the town’s charming streets and local flavors.
If you have extra time, consider visiting Monserrate Palace or hiking up to Cruz Alta, the highest point in the Sintra mountains.
Now, get ready for an unforgettable adventure in Sintra! 🚆✨