Walk through the historical centre of Sintra to the Church of Santa Maria (approximately 15 min.), then take the walking route from Santa Maria to the Moorish Castle. This walk takes around 45 minutes.

Yes, you can walk to the Castelo dos Mouros (Moorish Castle), but your experience will vary depending on whether you are in Sintra, Portugal, or Gibraltar. In Sintra, the hike from the historic town center is a high-fidelity challenge involving a steep, 50-to-60-minute uphill trek through lush, forested paths like the Caminho de Santa Maria. While rewarding for the scenic views, it is physically demanding and requires sturdy shoes and plenty of water. In Gibraltar, the Moorish Castle is located on the lower slopes of the Rock; you can walk to it from the city center in about 15 to 20 minutes via steep staircases and narrow lanes. In 2026, walking is often recommended for those who want to avoid the crowded tourist buses and tuk-tuks, but be prepared for a workout. Regardless of the location, once you reach the castle, you will be rewarded with breathtaking high-fidelity views over the surrounding landscape, but the climb itself is the price of admission for those choosing to go on foot.