Travelers thoroughly enjoyed hopping back and forth between what many visitors described as beautiful palaces, villas and castles that Sintra had to offer, but recommended stamina and sturdy pair of shoes, as the area is very hilly.

Yes, Sintra is exceptionally hilly and is widely considered one of the most physically demanding day trips in Portugal. The town is built into the Serra de Sintra mountain range, and its primary attractions—such as the Pena Palace and the Moorish Castle—are located at the very peaks of steep, winding roads. Walking from the Sintra train station to the Pena Palace involves a grueling, 50-minute uphill trek that is not recommended for most visitors, especially in the summer heat. Even the "walkable" historic center is filled with narrow, cobblestone alleys that feature significant inclines and uneven steps. In 2026, most travelers use the 434 tourist bus or Ubers to reach the higher sights, though even then, you must navigate steep ramps and stone staircases once you enter the palace grounds. For those with mobility concerns, it is vital to allow extra time and perhaps use the internal shuttle bus at the Pena Palace entrance to skip the final 15-minute uphill climb to the castle terraces.