Sintra
Sintra is only around 25 kilometers from Lisbon. The cultural landscape of Sintra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The excursion destinations in Sintra are highly recommended for a day trip from Lisbon.
It may only be a few kilometers, but when you drive out of the city of Lisbon towards Sintra, the landscape changes rapidly. Sintra is located in the middle of the Serra de Sintra, a hilly landscape characterized by lush forests and exotic plants. This natural environment offers numerous opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking and exploring. The proximity to the Atlantic coast also allows for relaxing days at the beach, for example at Praia da Ursa.
Sintra’s slightly cooler climate, often accompanied by mystical clouds of mist, offers a welcome change from the hot summers in other parts of Portugal. This refreshing atmosphere makes Sintra an ideal retreat, especially in the summer months.
The entire region around Sintra is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, which underlines the importance and preservation of the historical and cultural sites. The combination of natural beauty and cultural heritage makes Sintra a unique destination.
Sintra is known for its impressive palaces and castles that look like something out of a storybook. The Palácio Nacional de Sintra and the colorful Palácio da Pena are just two of the many architectural wonders that amaze visitors. These buildings are architectural masterpieces.
The city offers a variety of restaurants serving traditional Portuguese dishes. These include classics such as bacalhau (dried and salted cod), caldo verde (a hearty kale soup) and cozido à Portuguesa (a stew with various meats and vegetables). One of Sintra’s most famous specialties are the “travesseiros”, a sweet pastry filled with a mixture of eggs and almonds.
Places to visit in Sintra
After a short train ride from Lisbon, you reach Sintra, the town with the most colourful palace I have ever seen - the Pena Palace.
We were ready for the trip before we made our way to the Quinta da Regaleira, and we were so pleased to see it in person. We learned that it was worth it, and the archeitecture was gorgeous.
While we were getting ready for our holiday in Lisbon pictures from Sintra always seemed to come back to us. This is especially true of the colorful and gorgeous Pena Palace.
Book an excursion
Hotel tips for Sintra
Rosegarden House – by Unlock Hotels
Hotel Nova Sintra
Pestana Sintra Golf Resort & SPA Hotel
Travel information
Arrival
By plane
Sintra does not have its own airport. The nearest airport is in Lisbon.
By train
From Lisbon, trains leave for Sintra every half hour. The regional train starts from Rossio station and takes about 40 minutes.
Another train connection is between Lisbon’s Oriente station and Sintra. The journey time of the regular trains is about 50 minutes.
The following applies to both connections: These are regional trains. It is not possible to reserve a seat or buy a ticket in advance. This can only be done immediately before the trip at the ticket machine / counter.
By bus
From Lisbon, tour operators offer day trips to Sintra, where you are taken there by bus.
By car
The A16 and A37 highways lead to Sintra from the Lisbon area. The national road N375 connects Sintra with the coast of Portugal.
On the way in Sintra
By car
We found the streets in Sintra are narrow and confusing. There are few parking spaces and especially during peak travel times, the city is very crowded. If you can avoid it, you should not go to Sintra by car.
By bus
Directly from the train station there is a bus round trip to the sights of the city. The number of the bus is 434.
The bus stops at various stations. Since most visitors get on or off the bus at the train station, The bus may not stop at the intermediate stations because the bus is occupied.
By tram
Sintra has a historic tramway dating back to 1904, but it does not run daily, only from Wednesday to Sunday between 10:20 am and 5 pm (6 tours per day). The route runs between Ribeira de Sintra and Praia das Maçãs (11 km).
On foot
The paths in Sintra are not far, but it is hilly. Nevertheless, it is worth exploring the city on foot. It takes about 15 minutes to get from the train station to the historic city centre.
Parking
Sintra is a popular tourist destination and parking can be a challenge, especially in high season.
Tips for parking in Sintra
- Arrive early:
Especially in high season, it is advisable to arrive early to secure a parking space. - Use public transportation:
Due to the limited parking options and narrow streets in Sintra, it is often easier to park your car outside and use public transportation. - Observe traffic regulations:
Some streets in Sintra are closed to general traffic or require special permits, most of which are only available to residents.
Here are some of the best parking options to make your visit stress-free:
1. Portela de Sintra
- Location:
About 1.5 km east of Sintra’s old town, near the Portela de Sintra train station. - Advantages:
This large parking lot is one of the best options for visitors as it is well connected by public transportation. From here you can easily get to the center of Sintra by bus or train. - Cost:
The maximum daily rate is only €1.50.
2. Parque de Estacionamento Estação de Sintra
- Location:
Close to the Sintra train station. - Capacity:
Around 25 parking spaces are available. Due to the limited number of parking spaces, it can be difficult to find a space here, especially during peak times.
3. Central parking in Sintra
- Location:
There are several parking lots in the city center, but they often charge a fee and can fill up quickly. These parking lots are well signposted and it is important to buy a ticket at the parking machine to avoid parking tickets.
4. Parking at the Pena Palace
- There are special parking facilities near the Pena Palace, but these are often limited and can fill up quickly. It is recommended to arrive early or use alternative transportation to reach the palace.