A Fairy Tale Town You’ll Love
Sintra, Portugal was pulled straight from the pages of a fairy tale. Nestled in the misty hills of the Serra de Sintra, just about a half hour from Lisbon, this UNESCO World Heritage town is unlike anywhere else in the world. Colorful palaces crown the hilltops, ancient castles peer down through the forest, and cobblestone lanes wind through a historic center full of charm.
Sintra also benefits from its own microclimate – tucked into the hills, it tends to be noticeably cooler and mistier than Lisbon, making it a refreshing escape during the warmer months.
My husband and I chose Sintra as the setting for our elopement ceremony, and it was everything we could have dreamed of. It was deeply romantic, utterly breathtaking, and completely magical. Whether you’re planning a day trip or a longer stay, Sintra deserves a prominent place on your Portugal itinerary.
We spent 5 days in Sintra, and used it as a home-base to visit other destinations in the area like Cascais as well as some nearby beaches. It worked really well for this, if you’re looking for a home-base town in close proximity to a long list of other destinations (more details on that below).
Things to Do in Sintra
The Moorish Castle
This was the first stop upon arriving in Sintra, and it set the tone for the entire trip. Dating back over 1,200 years, the Moorish Castle sits high on the rocky peaks above town and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the entire region. The history of this 10th century fortification is truly incredible, with stories of visits from Norwegian Kings who could see it from sea. It was among my favorite sites, so make sure to have it on your list.
Be prepared though – it’s a great hike up to the castle, so plan on getting sweaty. Every bit of effort is worth it once you’re up there taking in the views. You can really feel the history of the place once you’re there.
Vila Sassetti Walking Route
On the walk back from the Moorish Castle, this beautiful route winds through dense woodland past the charming Vila Sassetti. It’s a peaceful, scenic path that offers a lovely contrast to the bustle of the main attractions. It’s a hidden gem that’s easy to miss if you don’t know to look for it. We are really glad we discovered it because we really enjoyed the walk.
In addition to that walking path, there are many gardens in Sintra to explore. We stumbled upon a few of them, between the Pena Palace gardens and others. Be sure to leave yourself some time tof exploring these — they are beautiful!
Quinta da Regaleira
One of Sintra’s most fascinating and atmospheric estates, Quinta da Regaleira was built by an eccentric millionaire with a taste for mysticism and grandeur. The highlight is the famous Initiation Well, which is an inverted tower descending into the earth, connected to a labyrinth of tunnels and grottos. The line can be long, but it is really cool and absolutely worth the wait.
Allow plenty of time to explore the full estate and its beautifully symbolic gardens, as it’s easy to spend at least a half-day here. You’ll fall in love with the gothic architecture and beautiful gardens at this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Pena Palace & Park
We did an early morning visit to Pena Palace, and I strongly recommend doing it that way — this is by far the busiest attraction in Sintra, and arriving early makes a significant difference. The fantastical 19th-century palace is perched at the very top of the Monte de Pena, its bold colors and romantic battlements making it one of the finest examples of Romanticism in all of Europe.
The surrounding Pena Park is equally spectacular, with trails winding through gardens planted with species from around the world. Again, I recommend you get there early. We spent close to half a day here exploring the palace and its gardens.
A bit about the history of Pena Palace:
The story of Pena Palace really begins many centuries before its construction, in the Middle Ages, when there was a monastery on the property. Over the years it fell into ruin.
Pena Palace began construction around 1838 when Ferdinand II decided to construct an entirely unique and extraordinary palace. He and his wife, Queen Maria II, weighed in heavily on the design of the palace. It was passed along to various other monarchs over the years.
The last Portuguese queen, Queen Amelia, lived in the palace until 1910 before she left in exile, the monarchy having been removed from power. It has since become a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The National Palace of Sintra
Located right in the heart of the historic center, the National Palace of Sintra is rich with incredible history. Its two distinctive conical chimneys are an iconic part of Sintra’s skyline, and the interior is remarkable, featuring beautifully painted ceilings and a room almost entirely covered in stunning blue-and-white azulejo tile panels.
This palace is a must for history lovers, as it has some incredible stories. There are many guides in the palace who can tell you its secrets!
After we toured the palace, we stopped and got a lemon pop at the little shop outside, and it was a wonderful way to cool off before starting the walk back to the hotel.
Monserrate Palace & Park
Monserrate is where the wedding photos were taken, and I’m so happy we chose it. It is simply one of the most beautiful places in all of Sintra in my opinion, and definitely one of the most romantic. The palace itself is a jaw-dropping example of exotic 19th-century eclecticism, blending Moorish, Gothic, and Indian architectural influences.
The surrounding park is lush, romantic, and far less crowded than Pena, making it a wonderful place to linger. This palace has inspired poets like Byron, which, as an English major, gave it even more significance for me.
I realized when I was writing this article, that I actually only have wedding photos of Monserrate, so you will only see the outside in these. The inside is beautiful though too, we got to take a peek.
Cabo da Roca
Cabo da Roca is the westernmost point of mainland Europe, and it is nothing short of breathtaking. The dramatic cliffs plunge down to the churning Atlantic far below, and the views stretch endlessly in every direction. This is where the elopement ceremony took place — vows were exchanged and rings were given right here on the edge of Europe, with the ocean as the backdrop. It doesn’t get more romantic or more epic than that.
If you’re visiting the Sintra region, Cabo da Roca is an absolute must. A rental car is the easiest way to get there (though we had a driver since it was for our elopement ceremony and we had a photographer, two videographers and a celebrant with us).
Just like with Monserrate, I only have wedding photos of Cabo da Roca, but if you’re into photography, you could get some fabulous images of the lighthouse that’s there, as well as the wildlife.
Praia da Ursa
One of the most dramatic and secluded beaches along the Sintra coastline, Praia da Ursa is a wild and rugged stretch of sand framed by towering rock formations. It was originally on the itinerary for a post-elopement photo shoot, but the wind had other plans that day, which impacted whether we could use the drone for footage. Plus, in my big wedding dress, it would have been difficult to hike down to it. It remains on the list for a future visit though!
Praia da Adraga
When Praia da Ursa proved too windy for the drone, Praia da Adraga stepped in — and it did not disappoint! This beautiful beach quickly became a favorite, so much so that a return visit was made just a couple of days later to simply relax and soak it all in. The beach has its own restaurant, the waves draw surfers throughout the day, and the scenery is spectacular. I am so glad we were able to have our photos taken here during the golden hour – it was truly special.
Day Trips from Sintra
Sintra is a great home-base for day trips to other areas nearby. We did a day trip to Cascais, which is quite close to Sintra. I wrote an article about that as well as part of my Portugal Series: Cascais, Portugal
Where to Eat in Sintra
Como Restaurante
This is the standout dining experience in Sintra — so good, in fact, that we returned for a second meal! It’s the ideal choice for a special occasion dinner, offering exceptional food, a romantic atmosphere, and service that goes above and beyond.
Our first meal here was our wedding night. The food was phenomenal, the outdoor seating was lovely, our waiter was super friendly and knowledgeable about the food, and our sommelier was outstanding. It really was an incredible experience all the way around.
We returned the next night for dinner because we had such a nice time. Plus, the portions were huge, so I actually had some leftovers for the next day and used our private outdoor kitchen at the hotel (more on that later).
I really want to give a special shout-out to the sommelier and waiter – they were particularly noteworthy — knowledgeable, warm, and genuinely passionate about the experience they created. It made our special day all the more special.
Reservations are strongly recommended, as Como is among the most popular restaurants in Sintra. It’s not just a tourist restaurant either – it came recommended to me by a local, so I knew it would be good if it was a local favorite!
Tascantiga
A great spot for lunch in Sintra. This charming local restaurant is a welcome find among the town’s many dining options and a solid choice for a midday meal while exploring the area. This was actually where we had our first meal in Sintra. We’d arrived late morning, unpacked at the hotel and were ravenous. This restaurant had good food and a really nice seating area outside. It was also conveniently located for our trek up to The Moorish Castle.
Volta e Meia Sintra
This was another great lunch spot in Sintra. It’s a fun, casual find that’s worth seeking out for a relaxed midday meal. We were really impressed by the quality of our meal here, and it was conveniently located for us while we explored the town.
Incomum by Luís Santos
This is a well-regarded restaurant that also came recommended by locals. It’s a solid choice for lunch or dinner, with a refined menu in a welcoming setting. We enjoyed our meals and the wine pairings and would recommend it if you’re looking for a consistently good dinner spot. It was actually the first place we had dinner in Sintra.
Midori at Penha Longa Resort
For something completely different, Midori at the Penha Longa Resort offers an exceptional Japanese dining experience just outside Sintra. A beautiful option for those craving something beyond Portuguese cuisine. We did not try this spot, but it has great reviews and the menu looks fabulous.
LAB by Sergi Arola
For a true Michelin-starred experience, LAB by Sergi Arola — also at the Penha Longa Resort — is the destination. Chef Sergi Arola’s creative, boundary-pushing cuisine makes this one of the most acclaimed restaurant experiences in the greater Sintra area. We ran out of time to try this restaurant, but it’s on our list for next time! Book well in advance.
Where to Stay in Sintra
Sintra Marmòris Palace
We stayed at Sintra Marmòris Palace, and it delivered on every level. This stunning 5-star property has the feel of a grand estate, and the grounds are absolutely gorgeous. We chose a room that came with its own private outdoor kitchen, outdoor shower, and patio area. It was an incredibly romantic setup that was perfect for our elopement.
The hotel’s main patio offers a beautiful view of the Moorish Castle, and peacocks roam freely through the manicured gardens, adding a wonderfully whimsical touch that feels very Sintra. Each afternoon, the hotel serves wine and cheese, and they sometimes feature a guest Fado singer, pianist, or other performing artist. The staff are genuinely excellent — attentive, warm, and professional in every way.
Sintra Marmòris Palace is walkable to downtown Sintra and has on-site parking, making it a great choice for those arriving with a rental car, like we were. We found driving in Sintra to be stressful because the streets are so narrow, so it was really nice to be able to just park the car at the hotel and walk into town whenever we wanted.
Other Hotels to Consider
Palácio de Seteais
One of Sintra’s most iconic and historic properties, housed in a magnificent 18th-century palace. A truly special place to stay for those seeking history and grandeur.
Sintra Jardim Hotel
A charming option in a great location, ideal for those looking for something comfortable and well-positioned.
Quinta dos Lobos
A lovely property worth considering for those seeking a more rural, peaceful setting just outside the center.
Airbnb
Sintra has a solid selection of vacation rentals ranging from cozy apartments in the historic center to private villas with sweeping views — worth browsing for a more home-away-from-home experience.
This article is part of my Portugal Series 🇵🇹, where I share personal travel experiences, recommendations, and tips from our time exploring this beautiful country.
