If you are ever in Lisbon, Portugal set aside a day to go to Sintra! It’s an easy 40-minute train ride from Lisbon and is totally worth a visit. Sintra is a town located at the foothills of the Sintra Mountains. It is one of the most beautiful areas I have ever been to, I couldn’t put my camera down. 

How to get there

Sintra is very easy to get to from Lisbon. The easiest would be traveling by train from Lisbon’s Rossio train station. It departs from the historic center of Lisbon. The ride is only 40 minutes and the train takes you right to Sintra’s train station (it is the last stop so you can’t miss it). It only costs €2.25/€1.15 (adult/child) for one way. There are several trains leaving Lisbon to Sintra so you can leave at a time that works for you, although I suggest departing early so you can at least see one sight without waiting in lines or being surrounded by tons of people. 

How to travel around Sintra

Unfortunately, walking isn’t the best option when traveling around Sintra. There are so many places to see and it is fairly spread out so taking a bus is the better option. Plus it is HILLY! To get the best deal, I suggest buying one of the Hop-On, Hop-Off bus passes. This way you can hop on and off the bus as many times as you want and you end up getting the most for your money. The buses are easy to navigate with the map they provide you. The only downside is that sometimes the timetables are off so you end up waiting longer for a bus than expected. The buses can also get crowded with all the tourists so try to be first in line to get a seat! Click here for more info. 

Top places to see in Sintra 

Pena Palace

Pena Palace and its surrounding park is a must see. The palace is multi-colored and looks like it belongs in a coloring book. The park surrounding it is huge and beautiful. There are gardens, lakes, chapels, etc. Be sure to take a map because you don’t want to miss out on all the park has to offer! Click here for hours and pricing.

Cabo da Roca

Cabo da Roca is a stunning cape that is considered the westernmost point of continental Europe! The cape overlooks the ocean as you stand on massive cliffs. There is no fee to walk or hike around the area. But be warned, it is windy!! 

Quinta da Regaleira

Located in the Old Quarter of Sintra, the Quinta da Regaleira makes you feel like you are in another world with its luscious gardens, grottos, underground pathways, and castle-like structures. I felt like there should have been fairies and trolls roaming the grounds. Like I stated above with the Pena Palace, use your map! You don’t want to miss anything at the Quinta da Regaleira.

Castle of the Moors

You can visit this medieval castle by bus, or you can view it from the Pena Palace like we did!

The city of Sintra has tons of places to eat or grab a drink at during your busy day of exploring! Enjoy!