Sintra town is divided into two separate areas…. the new and old town. Both areas are small and very walkable. The old town centers around the National Palace of Sintra and the original village.
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In Sintra, you can get around by walking, by bus, or by taxi. If you're just in Sintra for 24 hours, walking will take up too much time.
While you can see the main highlights of Sintra in one day, we recommend at least two days in Sintra. This will allow you to see the most popular castles such as Pena Palace, the Moorish Castle, or Quinta de Regaleira, but also explore the area deeper and visit some lesser-known gems such as Monserrate Palace.
To reach the Palace of Pena, follow the signposted footpath as far as the main entrance to the Park of Pena and then climb to the Palace. This walk takes around 30 minutes.
To reach Quinta da Regaleira from the Sintra train station, take bus 434 to Largo Ferreira Castro. The entrance to the palace is an 8 minute walk up the road from there. Alternatively, you can walk to Quinta da Regaleira. From Sintra train station it's a 22 minute walk, and from Sintra town it's about 15 minutes.
Sintra town is divided into two separate areas…. the new and old town. Both areas are small and very walkable. The old town centers around the National Palace of Sintra and the original village.
Don't be like me—wear sneakers, or at least sturdier sandals. Due to its altitude and location closer to the coast, Sintra is often chillier than Lisbon, which was definitely the case when we visited. I recommend dressing in layers, and bringing a light jacket or sweater.
Hidden among its majestic pine forest, you will discover whimsical palaces, extravagant villas and the ruins of a 10th-century Moorish castle. This variety of fascinating historic buildings and stunning natural scenery, makes Sintra an outstanding tourist destination.
In Sintra, you can get around by walking, by bus, or by taxi. If you're just in Sintra for 24 hours, walking will take up too much time. With that amount of time, it's best to take the train from Lisbon to Sintra, and then use Sintra's bus lines or taxis to get around. There are two bus routes you'll use in Sintra.
The 434 bus service is designed for tourists, and the fares reflect this. The highly promoted 24-hour ticket costs €15, a single fare costs € 4.10, and the Pena Circuit Round Trip €7.60.
Even though magnificent royal residences in the Romantic style are often to be found in 19th and 20th century Europe, Sintra is a pioneer work of European romanticism, bringing together its incredible botanical richness and a diversity of monuments and buildings from a long period of history.
The 'Park Ticket' for the Palacio da Pena. There is a second entrance ticket to the Palacio da Pena, which provides entrance to the grounds only. The 'Park Ticket' costs €7.50, but surprisingly little of the palace and the terraces can be seen.
Standard fare is 5 euros per person. They are slower than taxi but make for a very pleasant, open air ride up to Pena Palace. And no waiting for bus. There are tuk tuks waiting at the train station, at city center/National Palace, at Pena Palace and at Moorish Castle.
The time needed to tour the Quinta da Regaleira can vary depending on your interests and how much time you want to spend exploring the site. However, on average, it is suggested that you allow at least 2-3 hours to explore the property fully, including the palace, gardens, grottoes, and wells.
Children up to 5 years old and Seniors > 80 years old have free admission, but requires a ticket. Once inside Quinta da Regaleira the visit rules must be respected. Keep your ticket until the end of your visit. Throughout the year the Palace, the Chapel and eventual exhibition spaces close 30 minutes before de garden.