Guest Post
I am please to have accepted this very informative guide to Sintra, the beautiful city in Portugal. Written by Galyna Rogovska a travel expert.
Sintra is a fairytale destination, a top choice for a day trip from Lisbon. With its enchanting palaces surrounded by lush gardens, Sintra is on the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites.
We’ve carefully created a perfect itinerary for one day in Sintra. You’ll see Sintra’s most iconic landmarks and get an unforgettable experience, no less captivating than visiting Madeira with kids. Get the most from your day trip, and learn what to see in Sintra in one day!
List of Contents
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How to Get From Lisbon to Sintra
The first question to be solved for an amazing experience in Sintra is transportation. Getting to Sintra quickly and efficiently is essential for anyone who hopes to see its major attractions in a single day.
Depending on your preferences and travel style, each available way to get to Sintra from Lisbon has advantages, so consider your preferences and budget and choose the best option.
1. By Train
The most popular way to get to Sintra among travellers is by train, which is practical and economical. There are frequent trains from Rossio Station in Lisbon. Come here and check the Sintra line (Linha de Sintra). The road would roughly take forty minutes to get to the train station in the center of Sintra.
This option suits travellers who want a troubleless trip with incredible scenery. There may be schedule changes, so checking it on Comboios de Portugal (CP) is recommended.
2. By Taxi (Uber or Other)
Public transport is a time-consuming option, as you have to deal with schedules, but there is an alternative to it. You may get a taxi and come to Sintra by direct route. It would take 25 to 30 minutes using a taxi. The most popular option is Uber.
Taxi is an excellent option to see Sintra in one day, even for travellers who travel on a budget, as a few passengers can share the total price. The door-to-door experience would save you time.
3. By Car
Car rental from Lisbon to Sintra provides maximum comfort and is suitable for people who want to create a unique itinerary. If you have a car, you may explore the significant sites, hidden gems, and locations of your choice. The drive by IC19 (Itinerario Complementar 19) or the more scenic A5 (Autoestrada A5) would take up to 40 minutes. The biggest problem is parking in Sintra, as finding free slots close to well-known attractions is difficult.
Travel tip: Park your car outside the city center, use a local shuttle, or come early in the morning to save time.
4. By Private Transfer
Private transfer is the most relaxing and stress-free way to get to Sintra. You’ll get a personal pickup from your accommodation to spend a perfect one day in Sintra. This smooth and comfortable option is excellent for families with kids and anyone who doesn’t want to face parking problems. The driver may make additional stops in the most Instagrammable spots.
5. Purchase One-Day Tour
A great way to experience Sintra is to choose a one-day guided tour. Most itineraries include the best places in Sintra, such as Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, and the Moorish Castle. The tours may also include stops in the most picturesque spots nearby, luxurious Cascais or picturesque Cabo da Roca.
Ready-made tours are an excellent option to see the major attractions and get detailed information from local guides.
Where to stay in Sintra
So many choices of Hotels in Sintra. Or maybe you prefer to book appartments. The accommodation map below shows you availability on different options with their prices.
How to Get Around Sintra
After coming to Sintra from Lisbon, visitors have a few options to explore it. While some prefer to move on foot, others explore the historic sites with local transportation options. Luckily, there are a few of them to make the exploration process easier.
There are a few popular bus routes and a taxi option to navigate the area most conveniently. The Sintra bus network is a budget-friendly way to see the city’s sights.
1. Bus 434
The 434 bus is a separate attraction, prevalent among first-time visitors without the ready-made tour. A circular route of the city links Sintra’s train station with the city center, the Moorish Castle, and the fabulous Pena Palace. Even if you’re short of time, the bus is a quick way to explore the city’s must-see landmarks.
2. Bus 435
Bus 435 is another route for more remote areas. It connects Sintra’s historic center with destinations like Quinta da Regaleira and Monserrate Palace. If you’re interested in attractions beyond the main tourist loop, this route is perfect for one day in Sintra. Plan your itinerary on a budget.
3. By Taxi
The easiest way to get around Sintra at your own pace in one day is through ride-sharing services like Uber. Such services offer more flexibility and suit travelers who prefer exploration outside the major tourist routes.
Travel tip: You can catch a taxi on the street or simply install the Uber application on your smartphone.
Best Attractions of Sintra
Sintra is a charming place filled with legends and mystery. Its palaces and historic gems attract visitors worldwide at any time of the year. The iconic Pena Palace and Moorish Castle are the focus of attention for one day during the Sintra visit, but there are travel gems in the town, like the Convent of the Capuchos, hidden in the green forest.
It should be noted that Sintra is not only about architectural attractions. The place is also an appropriate destination for nature lovers, with its excellent trails through pine forests in Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. If you have enough time, don’t miss your chance to see unknown Sintra from an unusual angle.
Coming to Sintra for one day, tourists may also visit the Atlantic Ocean because the famous Apple Beach (Praia das Macas) is only 14 km from the historic center.
You can get to the coast on a retro tram, the route of which was laid in 1904. The tram covers 13 km in 45 minutes with fantastic views of the sights on the road. You will see the National Palace, the ruins of the Castle of the Moors, the Pena Palace, and the Quinta da Regaleira estate. We recommend getting off at the Colares stop and visiting the Adega winery for wine lovers.
Your Perfect One Day in Sintra Itinerary
After coming to Sintra, it’s time to start the adventure, diving into its magic world. Sintra is a must-see for its fairytale palaces and verdant gardens. Since Sintra’s significant landmarks are so close, a one-day itinerary can easily fit them all. Take a journey and discover this UNESCO World Heritage Site uniquely.
1. Pena Palace
Most tours start at the fairytale Pena Palace. This striking romantic architectural gem was built on the hilltop in the 19th century. Besides the castle, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. The palace is stunning inside and out, combining rich interiors and exotic gardens around.
The castle is located 450 meters above sea level. Only the cross on the neighboring peak is higher than it (528 m).
Just below the complex, on the hills of the Sierra da Sintra mountain range, the outlines of other palace buildings and castles of Sintra are visible. Lower in the valley is the town itself. Further on is Lisbon, and on the horizon is the Atlantic Ocean.
2. Park and Palace of Monserrate
The Park and Palace of Monserrate is an exotic blend of Indian, Gothic and Moorish architecture. While being here, walk through its lush gardens with waterfalls in the background of a palace. In comparison to Pena, this palace has a more serene atmosphere.
Monserrate Park is a must-visit treasure, which consists of historical, architectural and natural wonders. With roots dating back to the 16th century, the site has become a famous landmark that reflects the essence of the Romantic movement.
The park’s colorful history began with a small chapel built by the monk Gaspar Preto, which later became the base to a neo-Gothic mansion under the direction of Gerard de Visme in the 18th century.
3. Quinta da Regaleira
After that, travel to Quinta da Regaleira, renowned for its mysterious Initiation Well. Have a walk here to have a unique glimpse at the Portuguese architectural traditions, hidden grottoes, and ancient statues. Quinta da Regaleira is an eclectic, almost ghostly palace in Sintra, Portugal.
The palace was completed in 1910 (after 6 years of construction), so it is a new building compared to other Portuguese monuments. The building was not even opened to the public until 1998. The architecture combines Roman, Gothic, Renaissance and Manuelino styles.
There is also an underground tunnel with spiral staircases supported by carved columns leading to the base. The nine circular terraces, separated by fifteen steps, evoke memories of Dante’s Divine Comedy and may represent the nine circles of hell. The tunnel is connected with cave labyrinths that lead to a garden surrounded by a lake.
4. The Moorish Castle
The Moorish Castle is the next stop on your tour. The walls of the fortress offer beautiful views of Sintra and the surrounding countryside.
The ascent of its stone steps offers an intriguing fusion of nature and history. The Moorish castle is a medieval building, created by the Moors during the Arab conquest of Portugal on a dominant mountain peak near the city of Sintra, a suburb of Lisbon.
The castle walls are well preserved, and widely popular among tourists. The castle and the surrounding forest are protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
5. National Palace of Sintra (Palacio Nacional de Sintra)
The National Palace of Sintra is one more stop on the route to add a final touch to your day. An iconic pair of conical chimneys and traditional Portuguese tiles can be seen in this well-preserved royal palace. It is the ideal place to finish your Sintra journey before returning.
In the 14th century, King Dinis I expanded the territory of the palace, and a chapel was added. At the beginning of the 15th century, the royal residence in Sintra went through reconstruction by order of monarch Joao I.
The facade is decorated with exquisite arches and window openings, designed in the unique Manuelino style. Because of the reconstruction, the landmark harmoniously combines many styles outside and inside. Initially, the design of the Sintra National Palace in Portugal had dominated the Moorish style, but over the long centuries of reconstruction and rebuilding, little remains of it.
Most of the restored parts of the palace date back to the reign of John I, who actively financed the construction and restoration work.
Helpful Tips for Your Sintra Day Trip
Sintra is one of those places that everyone should visit because it is filled with historical and cultural values. However, besides this, you can also improve your stay here to get not only positive emotions from what you see. We have made a list of helpful tips for your unforgettable stay in Sintra.
1. Purchase Tickets in Advance
There are always queues in Sintra as it is the most popular destination for tourists at any time of the year. This also applies to visiting castles. That is why it is highly recommended that you buy tickets in advance, as it can be done online.
The tour organizer will handle all organizational issues if you come as part of a combined tour. The cost of tickets is already included in the tour price. However, sometimes, it is indicated as an additional payment when booking a tour. You can find all the extra details from the company you purchase from.
2. Wear Comfortable Shoes for Walking
Even though the sights of Sintra are near each other, it can be challenging to get there. The castles are on hills, so you need comfortable clothes and shoes to climb to Pena Palace and other locations. The same applies to other attractions.
If you decide to explore the natural beauty of Sintra, then this advice would be useful for you. Don’t forget that there is a possibility of rain and strong winds, so taking a windbreaker or umbrella with you is recommended.
3. Bring Enough Cash
Nowadays, most people prefer to pay using a credit card. However, Sintra is famous with its authentic local markets and souvenir shops that may not accept credit card payments. To not limit yourself to small purchases, you must have a cash supply. Also, if you want to have lunch or dinner in one of the small restaurants, cash can be the only option.
4. Expect to Climb on Hills and Staircases
It should be remembered that you can’t get to all the attractions by transport and in most places you will have to walk a relatively long way. Even though there are convenient routes to all the attractions, it may be challenging for people with some disabilities to get there.
Summary
Portugal is an amazing country, which combines variable traditions, amazing landmarks and natural treasures. From the lush nature of the Madeira island to the historical heritage of Lisbon, Portugal carefully keeps its rich cultural heritage through the ages.
From the above, we can conclude that Sintra is one of Portugal’s most desirable and must-see places. Because of its close location to Lisbon, it is ideal for one-day excursions or visiting even if you have little free time. Besides the main attractions in the city, there are also many points that most tourists do not get to. However, they are also accessible to everyone.
There are many ways to get to Sintra from Lisbon, and you can choose the best one to visit the sights in Sintra.
Choose the optimal solution for your budget, expectations, and required comfort level, and enjoy the magical Sintra.
Use our advice on what to do in Sintra in one day and get unforgettable impressions. This place is captivating and attracts visitors from all over the World.
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I hope you enjoyed reading What to see in Sintra in One day!
If Galyna has left anything out, please ask your questions in the comments below and share your experience, so that other readers can join in the conversation and benefit from your queries and stories as well
by: Galyna Rogovska
Galyna Rogovska is a travel expert with extensive experience in content creation. She is an enthusiastic globetrotter who has visited 25+ countries, and an explorer with a passion for adventure. Currently, she is one of the freelance creators of the One Day Tours Portugal blog.
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