If you’re in Lisbon and looking for a quick getaway that feels straight out of a storybook, Sintra is the place. It’s not just a day trip, it’s a full-on adventure into palaces, hidden gardens, secret tunnels, and jaw-dropping viewpoints. We know this place like locals who are still in love with it, and we can’t wait to show it to you.

Just hop in, and we’ll take you to those things to do in Sintra. You’ll remember long after you’ve gone back home. Let’s dive in.

Is Sintra worth visiting?

Definitely. If you’re wondering whether to add Sintra to your travel list, the answer is yes, every single time. It’s only about 30 minutes from Lisbon, but it feels like you’ve entered another world. Lush forests, colourful castles, mysterious wells, and sea cliffs make this one of the most unique places in Portugal. This magical place was considered a World Heritage site by UNESCO. 

When you join us, you’ll get to explore the full Sintra Region without worrying about tickets, local restaurants, transport or planning. Here are the Best Things to do in Sintra and we’ve got your back!

Top things to do in Sintra

Let’s talk about what to actually see and do once you’re there. These are the best experiences & places that make Sintra unforgettable and:

• Explore Pena Palace and its surrounding park. It’s wild, colourful, romantic, and perched high in the mountains.
  
• Hike the stone walls of the Moorish Castle for panoramic views that stretch to the ocean.
  
• Wander through Quinta da Regaleira’s gardens and down its unique Initiation Well. Truly Mystical and a mind-blowing site.
  
• Visit Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe, with dramatic cliffs and crashing waves.
• Have an amazing traditional meal, in Sintra’s Countryside, an area where time has stopped, with picturesque villages and away from the tourists crowds in the downtown.
  
• Discover the beaches. Praia da Adraga is rugged and untouched, while Azenhas do Mar is a picture-perfect fishermen village clinging to a cliff.

This is just a taste. Sintra has layers, and each visit reveals something new!

Palaces to visit in Sintra

If you love history, architecture, or simply beautiful views, the palaces to visit in Sintra are going to blow your mind. Each one has its own story, and exploring them feels like stepping through time:

• Pena Palace: the colourful crown jewel of Sintra, mixing Romanticism, Moorish, and Gothic styles.
• Moorish Castle: ancient walls, stunning viewpoints, and echoes of past battles.
• Sintra National Palace: right in the centre of the downtown, with those two iconic chimneys.
• Monserrate Palace: a bit off the beaten path and totally worth it for its exotic design and lush gardens.
• Quinta da Regaleira: An old Masonic Temple with an unbelievable history. If you love symbology, secret tunnels, and mystery, this is your spot.

We know how to time your visit to avoid the crowds and where to capture your best photos. Just follow our lead.

Can you see Sintra in one day?

Yes, and that’s exactly what we do. One day is perfect for a deep dive into the highlights. With us, there’s no wasting time figuring out what’s next or how to get there. We’ll guide you through all the essentials and sprinkle in a few hidden gems.

Our private tour from Lisbon includes pick-up, transportation, boosters for kids, and the whole time for yourselves,so you enjoy your day to the fullest.

What’s the best time to visit Sintra?

Sintra works its charm year-round, but we love it most in spring and autumn. From March to May and September to November, the weather is mild, the light is gorgeous, and the crowds are fewer.

If you’re visiting in summer, don’t worry. We know how to navigate the busy spots and find calm corners even on the most popular days, so you´re not the whole day surrounded by tourists.

How to get to Sintra from Lisbon

You’ve got a few options:

• Train: cheap and easy, but expect crowds, especially in summer and there is quite some walking to the downtown. For the sites you’ll find bigger buses
• Car: gives you flexibility to travel to the more untouristy sites of Sintra, but parking can be a real hassle in the downtown, especially if you arrive after 9am
• Or, come with us, worries-free and get an awesome Daytrip of the whole side, seeing the touristy and untouristy sides of it, just like a local

On our Lisbon day tour, we can also combine your Sintra visit with a glimpse of the capital’s highlights. Or check out our dedicated Lisbon tour for a full day in the city.

Is Sintra good for families?

Absolutely. Kids love it and we love to host them! There are towers to climb, caves to explore, and forests to run through. It’s a fairytale playground.

If you’re travelling with little ones, we recommend booking one of our private tours. That way we can customize the pace, including more breaks, and adapt to your family’s needs.

How to book your Sintra experience

Easy. Just go to our Sintra tour page, pick your date, and book. Done.

What do you get?

• Transportation from Lisbon
• A passionate local guide
• An epic Guide Tour to places like Quinta da Regaleira, Pena Palace, Cabo da Roca and others
• A yummie portuguese meal in a family owned restaurant in the countryside
• Tasting of local pastries and many surprises along the day

Want more nature and sea views? Combine your Sintra visit with an Arrábida tour, a guided tour Arrábida or a deep dive into the Arrábida Natural Park tour.

Why we love showing you Sintra

Sintra is more than just a job for us. It’s a place we keep returning to, even on our days off. The scent of the forest after the rain, the sun setting behind the hills, the love that local restaurants pour into their dishes, and the endless adventures waiting in the mountains. We simply never get tired of it.

And sharing that with you? That’s the best part. We don’t want to just take you to the sights. We want you to feel the stories, taste the flavours, and understand what makes this region so special.

Final thoughts

There’s a reason people say Sintra is magical. It’s not a cliché. It’s real. Whether you’re into castles, landscapes, photography, pastries, or just soaking up a bit of peace and wonder, you’ll find it here.

So if you’re in Lisbon and want a day that feels completely different, let’s make it happen. Come with us and experience the best things to do in Sintra in the way only locals can show you.

We don’t do scripts. We don’t rush. We create days that feel real and unforgettable!

If that sounds like your kind of travel, let’s explore Sintra together.