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Sintra Bus 434 to Pena Palace

Bus stops, tickets and schedule.

The 434 bus outside the train station

P ena Palace and the Moorish Castle are located at the top of a mountain, so unless you’re a fit hiker with plenty of time, you’ll need to take a bus to visit these monuments. That bus is number 434, which departs from outside the train station in Sintra (you’ll see buses lined up outside, parallel to the train tracks).

The 434 of the local Scotturb company passes through the center of town, and the last stop is Pena Palace (it stops at the Moorish Castle just before it). Its route is the following: Sintra Estação (Sintra Station) > São Pedro de Sintra > Sintra Vila (National Palace) > Castelo dos Mouros (Moorish Castle) > Palácio da Pena (Pena Palace)

Due to the narrow roads, when the bus departs from Pena Palace it does not go back to the Moorish Castle. It goes straight down to “Sintra Vila” and terminates at the station. If you want to visit both the Moorish Castle and Pena Palace, get off at the castle stop, and then walk up to the palace (it’s about a 10-minute walk).

Sintra Bus 434 Tickets

Tickets for the 434 bus to Pena Palace are €7.60, allowing you to go and return (a 1-way ticket, which isn't recommended, unless you don't mind walking back down the mountain for over one hour, is €4.10). You may also acquire the “Hop On Hop Off All Buses 24 Hours” ticket for €15.20 that allows unlimited rides on the 434 and 435 buses on the day of purchase. You may buy this ticket online, often with discounts: Hop On Hop Off All Buses 24-Hour Ticket

At the train station in Lisbon, you may also acquire a “Train & Bus” ticket at the ticket counter for €16.00. That ticket allows you to travel on the Lisbon-Sintra train line and on the yellow Carris Metropolitanana buses in Sintra and Cascais on the day of purchase. This isn’t a very popular option, however, as most tourists buy the Lisboa Card , which already allows free unlimited rides on the Lisbon-Sintra and Lisbon-Cascais trains. All tickets are purchased from the bus drivers , except for the “Train & Bus” ticket.

The only way to reach Pena Palace and the Moorish Palace besides taking bus 434 or hiking, is taking a taxi (which can be expensive) or joining a tour . You should never drive in Sintra, as there are almost no parking spots in the center or near the attractions. Navigating the narrow uphill roads can also be challenging to those not familiar with the place, and there are constant traffic jams.

Expect long queues for the 434 bus, even outside the high season. It’s recommended that you arrive in Sintra by 9am, so you can take the buses that depart within that hour and avoid the bigger crowds later in the day.

Sintra Bus 434 Schedule

The 434 departs every 15 minutes , from 8:50am to 7:50pm in the summer and from 8:50am to 7:00pm at other times of the year. It takes less than 15 minutes to reach the Moorish Castle, and if you want to go straight from the station to Pena Palace you’re there in less than 20 minutes.

Take a look at the links below for more Sintra transportation guides.

Complete Sintra Guide

Insider's guide with the latest travel tips, information and advice from local experts:

What to See & Do

Top 10 Attractions

Sightseeing Tips

Day Trip from Lisbon

Day Trips from Sintra

Pena Palace

Sintra National Palace

Quinta da Regaleira

Moorish Castle

Monserrate Palace

Seteais Palace

Capuchos Convent

Chalet Condessa d'Edla

Biester Palace

Vila Sassetti

Sintra Town Hall

Natural History Museum

News Museum

Anjos Teixeira Museum

MUSA Museum

Azenhas do Mar

Cabo da Roca

Queluz Palace

Where to Stay

Top 10 Hotels

Sintra Beaches Guide

Praia da Ursa

Praia da Adraga

Praia Grande

Praia das Maçãs

Praia de Azenhas do Mar

Praia da Aguda

Praia do Magoito

Transportation

Trains from Lisbon

Bus 434 to Pena Palace

Bus 435 to Monserrate Palace

Bus 1624 to Cabo da Roca and Cascais

Tram to Praia das Maçãs

Train to Queluz Palace

Sintra Train Station

Portela de Sintra Bus Station

From the Airport to Sintra

Portugal Travel Guides

Lisbon Beaches

How To Get to Sintra from Lisbon (Train, Bus, Tour) [2024]

By: Author Stefania Guglielmi

Posted on Last updated: February 17, 2024

Categories Europe , Portugal

Wondering how to get from Lisbon to Sintra? Here you’ll find information on all the possible options: train, bus, private driver, tours and taxi.

Sintra is a UNESCO-listed destination in Portugal known for its magnificent palaces and extraordinary gardens, along with its beautiful natural landscapes.

You’ll find it just 30 km away from Lisbon, the Portuguese capital, and it’s probably the most popular day trip from Lisbon. I know that there are already so many cool things to do in Lisbon , but you really, REALLY can’t miss adding it to your Portugal itinerary ! Especially when it’s so easy to get there.

Below are all of the transportation options available for getting to Sintra from Lisbon (by public transport or with other options). I did all the research for you so you can just choose whatever works best for you!

Table of Contents

Go on a Sintra Tour from Lisbon

Joining a guided tour is a convenient (and hassle-free) way to get to Sintra from Lisbon . The main advantage of booking a Sintra tour from Lisbon is that you’ll be able to see the major tourist attractions in Sintra and get transportation along with it. There are many day tours to choose from, but these are the ones that provide the best value for your bucks IMO.

➤ The Sintra, Cabo da Roca and Cascais Full-Day Tour is the top-rated option on GetYourGuide . On this busy day you’ll get to visit Pena Palace and Quinta da regaleira (another beautiful palace) in Sintra, before making your way to Cabo da Roca, which marks the westernmost point in Europe. You’ll head to Cascais next, a favorite holiday destination among the European aristocrats and a charming beach town. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

➤ If you prefer something more adventurous, the Sintra – Cascais: 6-Hour Electric Bike Tour from Lisbon is for you. You’ll travel to Sintra from Lisbon by train with your guide, and there you’ll be given an electric bike. During the day you’ll have the opportunity to visit some of the most important attractions in the area such as Sintra National Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, Montserrate Palace, Pena Palace, Peninha Sanctuary, and the beautiful town of Cascais. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

➤Want to be traveling from Lisbon to Sintra in style? Then do it via a convertible VW Beetle on a private Lisbon and Sintra tour ! This private tour to Sintra from Lisbon includes a driver/tour guide and departs from Lisbon, where you’ll ride around the Alfama, Chiado, and Belem neighborhoods, before heading to Sintra, Cabo da Roca and Cascais. If you’re 3 people, this option costs pretty much the same as a regular tour, but can you imagine the fun? ➥ BOOK IT HERE

READ ALSO : 10 Best Sintra Tours from Lisbon

How to Get to Sintra from Lisbon by Train

Taking the train from Lisbon to Sintra is the most efficient transportation available if you prefer to visit on your own.

➤ The Lisbon to Sintra train runs multiple times every hour starting at Lisbon’s Rossio train station . This station is conveniently located within downtown Lisbon and just off Rossio Square, and it serves as the main hub to get to Sintra from Lisbon.

The first train to Sintra from Lisbon departs at 5.40 AM and the last train from Sintra to Lisbon leaves at 1 AM. You can find the Lisbon to Sintra train schedule here. The travel time by train from Lisbon to Sintra is around 40 minutes, and a train ticket to Sintra costs €2.30 at the time of writing.

Get off at Sintra train station , which is the last station on this route so don’t worry about missing your stop. Sintra train station is within a short walking distance of the town center. 

➤ There is also another train that serves Sintra from Oriente station (the main Lisbon railway station). This train is mostly used by tourists who arrive from the airport or that are staying in this part of the city, because Oriente station is not as central as Rossio station . This route takes around 47 minutes and has the same cost as the Lisbon Rossio – Sintra route. There are multiple trains per hour from Oriente station to Sintra as well, you can check the train timetable here .

➤ You can buy your train tickets at the ticket office or at the ticket vending machines. If you prefer, you can also BOOK YOUR TRAIN TICKETS ONLINE in advance so to skip any queues.

Take a Bus from Lisbon to Sintra

There’s another way to get to Sintra from Lisbon, by bus . However, I don’t recommend the bus Lisbon- Sintra as it’s way more expensive than the train and takes longer. I don’t really see why anyone would choose this option over the train.

➤ The Sintra Express is operated by Vimeca Transportes only between April 1st and September 30th. There are buses from Lisbon to Sintra from 9 AM to 7 PM. The bus to Sintra from Lisbon departs from Marques de Pombal in Lisbon and drops you off at Sintra Station. The cost of a one-way bus ticket is €10 or €15 for a round-trip ticket. There’s also an option to purchase a round-trip ticket combined with bus 434 to get around Sintra (more about that later) for €20. 

➤ You can buy your Lisbon to Sintra bus tickets in advance HERE .

Lisbon to Sintra By Private Driver

If you prefer to enjoy the sights and attractions of Sintra without worrying about directions and getting lost, you can hire a private driver for getting from Lisbon to Sintra.

➤ Sintra and Cascais with Driver/Guide is a convenient option to visit Sintra from Lisbon because you’ll be picked up at your hotel and then transported in a private vehicle. Your driver will also serve as a guide who will take you to some of the must-see attractions in Sintra. You’ll also get to visit the westernmost point in Europe, Cabo da Roca, and the charming coastal town of Cascais. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

It certainly is a more expensive option for a day trip to Sintra than taking the train, but this option combines the convenience of having a private driver with the knowledge of a guide = win-win!

Transportation in Sintra

Once you make it to Sintra from Lisbon, the next thing to consider is how you’ll get around Sintra to visit all of the beautiful Sintra castles and palaces .

➤ The 434 Sintra Tourist Bus is probably your best option unless you are visiting Sintra from Lisbon with a group or a private driver. This tourist bus completes a loop around Sintra. It connects the train station to Palacio da Pena, and it also passes through the historic center of Sintra (where you can find some delicious, traditional pastries ), as well as the Moorish Castle (Castelo dos Mouros).

The tourist bus departs every 15 minutes from Sintra Train Station, you can find the timetable here . Make sure to line up for the bus as soon as you get off the train at the station because it can get quite busy. 

The 434 Sintra Tourist Bus is operated by Scotturb and the cost of a single bus ticket is €6.45 at the time of writing, but you can purchase a ticket for the entire loop (hop-on-hop-off bus ticket) for €11. I certainly suggest buying this second type of ticket if you’re planning to take the bus more than once.

FAQ | Lisbon to Sintra Frequently Asked Questions

The distance from Lisbon to Sintra is about 30 km (18,6 miles). It will take you about one hour by car to reach Sintra.

The distance from Lisbon Airport to Sintra is 30 km (18,6 miles). It will take you about one hour by car to reach Sintra.

You’ve got 3 options to get from Lisbon airport to Sintra: • taxi; • private driver; • train. For this option you need to take the metro from Lisbon airport to oriente station (3 stops), and then take the train from there to Sintra. You obviously can repeat the opposite process to get from Sintra to Lisbon airport.

Yes, you can. The transfer from downtown Lisbon to Sintra should cost you around 40 euros.

An Uber to Sintra from Lisbon should cost you around 30-35 euros.

Yes, of course you can, but I only suggest this option as part of a bigger road trip in Portugal . Otherwise, parking is very difficult to find in Sintra especially in the summer, so taking public transport will be a better option.

You can take the Sintra train from Lisbon at Rossio train station. There are multiple trains from Lisbon to Sintra scheduled every hour. Lisbon to Sintra train tickets cost €2.25 at the time of writing (one-way ticket).

Walking is not an option. You could get a taxi, or going by public transportation. The 434 bus links the Sintra train station with downtown Sintra and Pena Palace, departing every 15 minutes. The cost of a single bus ticket is €3.90 at the time of writing, but you can purchase a ticket for the entire loop (hop-on-hop-off bus ticket) for €6.90.

You’ll find plenty of day tours from Lisbon to Sintra, but these are the ones I recommend: ➤ Sintra, Cabo da Roca and Cascais Full-Day Tour ➤ Sintra – Cascais: 6-Hour Electric Bike Tour from Lisbon ➤ Lisbon and Sintra Private Tour by Convertible VW Beetle

Depending on your interests and budget, the best way to go from Lisbon to Sintra in my opinion is either taking the train, or joining a guided tour .

That’s it! I hope this post was useful to plan your trip from Lisbon to Sintra, Portugal. Let me know in the comments if you have any questions!

This post contains affiliate links, which means if you book something through one of my links I might get a commission, at absolutely no extra cost to you

Stefania Guglielmi is the founder of Every Steph. Originally from Bologna, Italy, she's been traveling full-time since 2016 and has visited over 50 countries across 6 continents. She believes sustainable travel and luxury travel can go hand in hand and has been advocating for responsible tourism since 2014. Stefania's advice and travel experiences have been featured in important publications such as Business Insider, Refinery29, and Yahoo Money.

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Europe , Portugal , Sintra

How to plan the perfect lisbon to sintra day trip.

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Whenever I travel somewhere for a few days, I try to squeeze in one day to venture out of the main destination. It wasn’t any different during my time in Lisbon. As much as I was loving every minute there, I wanted to get out of the city to explore. I was looking for a place not too far and with a little different vibe than Portugal’s capital. I wasn’t too original with my choice, when I decided on a Lisbon to Sintra day trip.

It comes as no surprise that the charming town of Sintra is the most popular day trip from Lisbon. Even though it’s just a short train ride away, it offers a completely different experience. Sitting at the foot of Sintra Mountains, the town charms with fairy tale like castles and palaces in the lushest surroundings. The entire area was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Since Sintra is one of the most popular day trips from Lisbon, you can find plenty or tours that will take you there for the day. But it’s also extremely easy to visit Sintra on your own, which will give you complete freedom and you can go at your own pace. Here’s all you need to know about how to plan a perfect Sintra day trip from Lisbon on your own.

Table of Contents

How to get from Lisbon to Sintra

Sintra is located 30 km from Lisbon and it’s very easy to visit on your own. Because of lots of traffic and non existing parking in Sintra, I do not recommend driving there, but taking a train instead.

Trains from Lisbon to Sintra leave from Rossio train station frequently (several times per hour in high season) and it takes only 40 minutes to get there (one way ticket costs €2,40). Your stop will be the very last one. The train will stop at Portela Sintra (second to last stop), which is another train station in Sintra, but that’s not the one you want. Stay on and go all the way until the very last station.

Sintra is the most popular day trip from Lisbon and gets really busy, basically year-round at this point. Try to take an early train, so you can get ahead of the biggest crowds. Ideally, you want to get to Sintra before the buses start running right before 9 am so you can hop on the very first one and get the most out of your one day in Sintra.

How to get around Sintra

Once you arrive at the main Sintra train station, take a right and head straight for the bus stop. That’s where you will find the Tourist bus 434, which is one of the ways to get to all the main Sintra attractions. The bus does the loop starting at the train station, making the following stops:

• Sintra Vila ( Sintra’s town center )
• São Pedro de Sintra
• Castelo dos Mouros ( Moorish Castle )
• Palacio National da Pena ( Pena Palace )
• Sintra train station

At the time of my visit (in 2019), there was a one way €7 ticket strictly for the 434 bus, but later it got phased out and replaced by a 24 hour Hop on Hop off bus. In order to ride the Tourist 434 bus, you need to pay €13.50 for a hop-on, hop off ticket, which is valid for 24 hours and allows you to use all the buses in the Sintra area.

You could also get a Train and Bus combo ticket for €16 at the train station in Lisbon, which as the name suggests, covers the train to Sintra and all the buses there.

Recently, a new ticket was introduced “ Pena Circuit “, with an option of buying a one-way (€4.55) or round-trip (€8.40) ticket. The round-trip ticket covers the trip from the train station to Pena Palace and back through the center of town. If you decide to use the bus just from the train station to Pena Palace, and walk to other attractions afterwards, you can buy the one-way ticket only. These are both great options, especially if you don’t want to spend the €13.50 for a ticket you won’t utilize.

Having said that, there have been many reports, that they are heavily promoting and pushing the All-day tickets and denying other options exist. Drivers claim, the hop on hop off ticket is your only choice, despite the bus company’s website stating otherwise. My advice is, be firm and let them know you are well aware of the other ticket options.

The 24 hour Hop on Hop off ticket sounds like a good idea, assuming you will be using the bus to get between all the attractions. In reality though, a lot of people use it to get to Pena Palace and then end up walking to Moorish Castle and the town center after that. Whether by choice, or because they get fed up waiting for the bus. In high season, by the time you finish with your first attraction and go to the bus stop, the lines are already extremely long and some buses come so full, they won’t even stop. You need to wait for the next bus, which might or might not have room.

Another option in Sintra is the Bus 435, which also goes from the train station to some lesser known attractions, ending its run back at the train station. These are the stops:

• National Palace
• Quinta da Regaleira
• Seteais Palace
• Monseratte Palace

Ticket options and prices are the same as for Bus 434.

Taxi/Uber/TukTuk

If you don’t want to deal with the crowded buses and all the hassle that comes with taking them, you can always opt for a taxi, Uber or a TukTuk service. It will definitely be a much more comfortable ride. And if you are traveling with a family or in a group, also cheaper than paying for the bus.

Lisbon to Sintra day trip – things to know before visiting Sintra

• Do not drive to Sintra! – Sintra’s roads are narrow, winding and navigating through them is difficult to say the least. Especially if you visit in high season. Not to mention finding a parking spot, which is nearly impossible.
• Get to Sintra early! – try to arrive before the first 434 bus leaves right before 9 am.
• Tourist bus 434 – this is the most popular way to get around Sintra and between all the major attractions. Geared specifically towards tourists, the bus does the loop with stops at all the major points of interest ( Sintra train station – Sintra Center – Castelo dos Mouros – Sintra Center – Sintra train station ).
• Make Pena Palace your first stop – this is the most popular out of all Sintra attractions, which means it gets really busy. To avoid the crowds, make Pena Palace your first stop of the day. You’ll get there right when it opens and you’ll be ahead of the biggest crowds. When done, you can hop on the 434 bus to go to the Moorish Castle or walk down. Walking seems to be easier, as by then the line for the bus will be long. Also, because of the one way circular loop the bus does, it will take you back to the train station first, before starting the loop again and heading to the Moorish Castle.
• Get a combined ticket – if you plan on visiting most of the attractions, it makes sense to get a combined ticket, versus buying tickets separately. You can save a little bit by combining tickets to 2 or more Sintra attractions, once you decide which ones interest you.

READ MORE : 3 days in Lisbon – best things to do on your first visit

Lisbon to Sintra day trip – Top things to do in Sintra, Portugal

Visit pena palace.

If you’ve ever seen images of Sintra, chances are, those were of Palácio Nacional da Pena, the colorful Palace perched up on the hill. With its bright colors and fairy tale like appearance, Pena Palace definitely stands out among all the other Sintra attractions. Although there’s much more to see in town, Pena Palace is the reason a lot of people decide to take the Sintra day trip.

Built in the 19th century by Ferdinand II, the Palace served as a summer residence for the Royal family for years. It’s location up on the hill of Sintra Mountains was one of the things he liked, since it offered prime views of the town and all the surroundings. You can spot many different architectural style: from Islamic and Moorish influences, to traditional Portuguese accents like Azulejos.

The Palace has plenty of towers and terraces from which you can enjoy amazing views of the town and surroundings. It was especially magical to be up there and experience the fog slowly clearing, revealing the view of the town below.

When buying Pena Palace tickets, you have a choice of a €20 ticket which gives you access to Pena Palace and the Park or a €10 ticket to the Park alone. However, with The Park alone ticket, you can also access the outside of the Palace, which includes all the terraces. If you do not particularly care about seeing the State Rooms, you can save a bit of money by buying the ticket for the Pena Park only.

You can purchase your tickets from the ticket office at the entrance or an automated machine. If you’d like to skip the ticket line, you can always buy your ticket online in advance here . Tickets to Pena Palace have now (in 2024) a scheduled date and time, so you can only enter at the time you chose when booking. Don’t be late, as you will be denied entry if you miss your time slot.

Opening hours :

• Pena Palace – 9.30 am – 6.30 pm ( last admission 5.30 pm )
• Park – 9 am – 7 pm ( last admission 6 pm for the Park )

Stroll through Parque de Pena

Once you are done walking trough the Palace, take some time to stroll through the adjacent park. The park is huge and it’s very easy to get lost in there, figuratively and literally.

As I already mentioned, with the Park ticket you are also able to access the terraces of the Palace.

The Castle of the Moors

By the time I was ready to move on from Pena Palace to the Castle of the Moors, the line at the 434 bus stop was LONG, so I chose to walk.

The castle dates back to 8 and 9th century, when a huge part of Portugal was occupied by Moors. It faced quite turbulent times once Christians took over, until Ferdinand II, who was very fond of the castle, decided to restore it. It’s been said, that he enjoyed looking at the castle while staying in Pena Palace up on the hill. There isn’t much left of the castle today, as mostly walls and towers remain.

If you are looking for spectacular views of Sintra, look no further than the top of the Castle of the Moors. The steep steps along the wall are definitely worth the climb, because the views of the town below are amazing. Looking to the other side, you can see Pena Palace perched up on Sintra Mountain. Some say, on a very clear day, you are able to see Lisbon from one of the view points.

You can buy your ticket at the entrance or if you’d like to avoid waiting in line, book it ahead of time. You can get your Castle of the Moors Fast Track Ticket here.

Opening hours: 9.30 am – 6 pm (last admission at 5.30 pm)

Entrance fee: €12

The town of Sintra

Once you’re done exploring the Castle of the Moors, hop on the 434 bus once again to head to Sintra’s town center. The center is just like the rest of the town, very charming and picturesque. It’s where you’ll find most of the restaurants, cafes and stores. After strolling through the cobble stone streets, which doesn’t take much time, stop at one of the restaurants for lunch.

A place I can definitely recommend for lunch is a little restaurant Tulhas, right off of one of the main cobble stone streets. It’s not big and can get quite busy, especially in high season, but I was able to score one of the outside tables. If you like seafood, you’ll be pleased, as there is plenty of it on the menu. After a delicious lunch of grilled sardines, I was offered a free sample of Ginjinha.

If you’ve never heard of Ginjinha, it’s a liquor made by infusing ginja berries in alcohol. It might not be as world famous as Port wine from Porto , but it is one of the most traditional Portuguese alcohols. It’s mostly popular in Lisbon and surrounding areas. In Lisbon especially, there are plenty of Ginjinha bars, one of the most popular being near Rossio Train station. Plenty of stores sell it too, if you want to take a bottle home.

Visit Palacio Nacional de Sintra

The National Palace of Sintra might not have the most impressive exterior, especially compared with the eye catching Pena Palace, but it’s well worth a visit. The beautiful interior definitely compensates for the rather simple look on the outside.

The Palace holds the title of the most lived in royal residence, as it’s been used by Portuguese nobility from the 15th through the end of 19th century.

Opening hours: 9:30 am – 6.30 pm (last admission at 6 pm)

Entrance fee : €13

Visit Quinta da Regaleira

Quinta da Regaleira is a fairy like estate, considered by many to be the most beautiful sight in Sintra. It has a Palace with stunning exterior, beautiful grounds and gardens, tunnels and many hidden pathways.

One of the biggest attractions there is the Initiation Well. It’s an 88-foot deep well, supposedly built not to collect water, but for ceremonial purposes. When you visit, you can walk down the moss-covered spiral staircase all the way to a hidden tunnel. This is the most popular spot around the Quinta da Regaleira, so expect long lines. It’s best to go there first thing, as soon as you enter.

The admission ticket grants you access to the inside of the Palace as well, but it’s the exterior and the beautiful gardens, that are the highlight of the visit for many. This is a big site, so be sure to pick up the free map to help you navigate. You probably need a couple of hours to see it all.

While Quinta da Regaleira is one of the stops on 434 bus, it’s also a short walk away from the historic center of Sintra. I personally recommend taking the 15 minute or so walk and not bother with the bus.

Opening hours : January-April and October-December from 10 am-6pm (last entrance at 5.30 pm) and in high season from May-September from 10 am-7pm (last entrance at 5.30 pm)

Entrance fee : €12

Go from Sintra to Cabo da Roca

If you would like to combine your Lisbon to Sintra day trip with a visit to Cabo da Roca, this is pretty easy to do. A local bus 1253 (recent replacement for the 403 bus) does a circular route through Sintra with a stop at Cabo da Roca (directly in front of it). One way ticket costs €2,60 – paid directly to the driver.

If you are interested in doing this little side trip, check out Sintra to Cabo da Roca – how to visit on your own for more information.

Keep in mind though, if you would like to include Cabo da Roca in your day trip from Lisbon , you’ll have to give up one or two of the Sintra attractions (depending on your sightseeing pace). There’s simply not enough time in the day to do it all, even if you get to Sintra by 9 am. In my case, I had to skip Quinta de Regaleira, which gives me a reason to come back to Sintra.

Sintra day tours from Lisbon

Visiting Sintra on your own on a day trip from Lisbon is very easy and cheap. But if you are one of the people who don’t want to deal with trains, buses and all the logistics that go along with it, there are plenty of Sintra guided tours you can take from Lisbon. This Sintra, Cabo da Roca and Cascais Full-Day Tour is highly rated and one of the top picks.

If you enjoyed this article, you can download it via the GPSmyCity app – it will give you access to the guide, you will be able to use, even if you’re offline. Download it  here .

READ NEXT :

• 3 days in Lisbon – best things to do on your first visit
• Sintra to Cabo da Roca – how to visit on your own
• 10 days in Portugal – the perfect itinerary by train

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• Jun 13, 2023

Sintra Tourist Bus 434 Complete Timetable Update of 2024

Updated: Jan 2

The 434 route is - no doubt - one of the most used transports for tourists that want to visit the famous Pena Palace ! One of frequent questions is: At what time does the 434 Bus leave to Pena Palace?

Bus 434 Route Timetable - Summer Schedule 2024

First Bus in the morning leaving from Sintra train station towards Pena: 8:50 AM Last Bus in the evening leaving from Sintra train station towards Pena: 19:00 (7 PM)

The 434 Bus will take approximately 17 Minutes to reach Pena Palace. There is a Stop at the Castel of the Moors. Leaving from Pena Palace towards Sintra train station will take approximately 10 Minutes .

Important Note: these travel times are the scheduled times. The Bus company has no control over the actual travel times, since this depends on traffic conditions! It can take considerably longer during peak season (June, July, August, Easter Week) due to the popularity of the Pena Palace.

Complete Tourist Bus 434 - Sintra to Pena Timetable 2024

Leaving from Sintra

Skip the long waiting lines in Sintra: Buy the Bus 434 Ticket Online!

Since this is one of the most direct and economic ways to visit the Pena Palace in Sintra, it can become very crowded. You don't want to wait in a long line in the heat of the summer and lose precious time that you could use instead to visit the beautiful monuments in Sintra. We therefore highly recommend to buy the Bus 434 ticket online. You can buy it HERE:

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Complete Guide to Sintra: How to go? What to see?

Less than an hour’s drive from Lisbon, the magical town of Sintra is located in the northwest hills of Serra de Sintra. 

It is a cultural landscape , drawing in visitors from around the world curious to see the fortress-like castles, enchanting palaces and magnificent villa s all nestled into the scenic mountains and overgrown greenery. 

Those who visit are amazed at how their expectations were far exceeded not only by the fascinating architecture but also by the unbelievable natural beauty and geography . The amount of greenery is a stark contrast to the tiled buildings of Lisbon and the jagged cliff beaches just a stone's throw away. 

Its unique and often cool microclimate attracted the royal families and wealthy elite to establish their summer residences in Sintra. But, you will have to read more below to find out how this extraordinary town came to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well as one of the wealthiest municipalities in Portugal. 

What is Sintra?

Understanding the history of Sintra, even in a brief glance, will help to navigate the city and its rich heritage. 

The history can be divided into three main eras . Beginning in the 9th century, it was the Moors who ruled Portugal. After years of constant battling with the Christian crusaders, they lost control of the Iberian region. In the 15th to 18th centuries, Sintra was overrun by the royals who controlled the area and built their palaces here. Shortly after, beginning in the 19th century, Romanticism swept through Portugal and resulted in the extravagant palaces and villas you find today. 

After spending a day in Sintra it is easy to argue that all three eras are elegantly intertwined with one another, showing themselves in the architecture which is unique to the area. 

Exploring the Old Town of Sintra (Vila Velha)

At the base of all of Sintra’s monumental and majestic palaces and castles sits its charming and quaint old town. The big attractions listed in this article normally are first on visitors' agendas, but Vila Velha should be explored between attractions or after. 

What to see in Vila Velha?

Here you will discover a variety of establishments, from boutique hotels to traditional Portuguese eateries , tourist centered souvenir shops , bakeries with window displays filled with sticky sweets, floor to ceiling bottle-lined wine shops, artists selling handmade goods, the famous Queijadas da Sapa- baking cheesecakes since 1756, the tourism office and the Parque da Liberdade, the public park of the city.  

The town hall and clock are marvelous examples of revivialist architecture from the early 20th century, featuring medieval details. And perhaps, the most stunning feature found alongside the overgrown roads of Sintra's forest is the Fonte Mourisca fountain- an unbelievable work of architecture, tiling and a beautiful photo opportunity if there ever was one. 

How to go to Sintra from Lisbon?

There are three options to choose from: either you join a guided tour, travel by public transportation or drive a rental car:

With a guided tour:

Guided tours are the most convenient and stress-free way to travel from Lisbon to Sintra. There are numerous providers who usually visit several sights in Sintra and the surrounding area.  

• Overview of popular guided tours from Lisbon

Taking the Train

Catching the bus.

We suggest using a form of public transportation as Sintra was not designed to accommodate the amount of car traffic which now fills the small city. Parking is almost impossible and the roads are narrow and windy. 

Sintra Shuttle

Once in Sintra there is a shuttle bus that makes a loop of all the major sights . It is numbered as the 434 tourist bus and is named the Circuito da Pena .

It picks passengers up at the Sintra train station and then makes a round through the historic center, Castelo dos Mouros, Pena Palace, back again to the historic center and finally ends at the train station. This allows for a quicker tour and to visit most of the big sights without unnecessary time wasted. 

What to do in Sintra?

There is enough in Sintra to keep a visitor busy for days, but we have chosen to highlight the top attractions which can all be seen in a day. 

1. Pena Palace (Palácio da Pena)

As Pena Palace is the main attraction in Sintra, we will be explaining it briefly here and in more detail later in the article. 

Being the most popular attraction in Sintra, it’s ideal to see the palace first thing in the morning.  Arrive shortly before the doors open and you can hopefully skip the long longs and be rewarded with the chance to take some incredible pictures without too many other tourists in the background. Pena Palace is regarded to be one of the best castles in all of Europe .

• Compare the top-rated Pena Palace Tickets HERE.

2. The Quinta da Regaleira

The Quinta da Regaleira is a  Neo-Gothic private mansion with gardens more incredible than you can imagine- complete with all the features that make them feel as if they were pulled from the pages of a fairytale. 

The estate was built in the first decade of the 1900s as a project of Carvalho Monteiro. As it grew in size and grandeur it was nicknamed “The Palace of Monteiro the Millionaire.” The house became a masterpiece of architecture and the landscaping included grottos, fountains and tunnels.

The nine acres of garden are truly the most impressive feature of the property and the best way to tour them is to wander the grounds. One of the highlights is the 27 meter deep inverted tunnel which was used as an Initiation Well by the secret order of the Knights Templar. 

• Check out the most popular Quinta da Regaleira Ticket Options HERE.

3. Castelo dos Mouros

While Pena Palace occupies the top of one Sintra mountain, the Moorish castle with its fort walls holds its own on the neighboring hill and has earned the nickname, the Great Wall of Portugal.

It is believed to have been built in about the 9th century and was occupied by the Moors from North Africa until being pushed out by the crusaders . Over the years it slowly crumbled until, in the 19th century, King Ferdinand II had it restored.

A visit inside is well worth your time, and if you’re not afraid of heights and the narrow pathways at the top, we suggest climbing the Castelo dos Mouros walls. 

• Tickets for Castle of the Moors: Skip The Line

→ Interested in seeing more castles during your visit to Portugal. Be sure to read about São Jorge Castle in Lisbon and what there is to see and do there!

4. The National Palace of Sintra

Located in the center of the historic old town, the medieval National Palace of Sintra, with its giant cone chimneys is impossible to miss. Don’t be fooled by them; despite appearing to be for decorative purposes, they are actually placed above the massive kitchens within the palace. 

The National Palace was constructed in the early 15th century and was used continuously until the 19th century, making it the most used royal residence in Portugal’s history . 

Like many of the structures in Lisbon and her vicinity, the palace was severely destroyed during the earthquake of 1755, but the tiling, ceiling art and luxurious decorative themes of the rooms were almost perfectly restored. 

5. Monserrate Palace

Monserrate Palace is a lesser visited attraction in Sintra, as it isn't directly located in the center of the old town. However, if you can manage transportation to the palace, which is only a short drive away, you will be wowed once again.

Built in 1863, it is an intricately designed palace with arabian features . It was built on the site of a former chapel and home.

• Monserrate Palace and Park Skip-the-Line Ticket

A Guide to Pena Palace

Pena Palace is truly the jewel of Sintra. Eye catching with its vibrant colors, seated above all the other attractions, it’s easy to understand why this castle has been attracting visitors for centuries. A spectacular example of 19th century romantic architecture and taste which became widely popular at the time it was built.

The History Behind Pena Palace

Construction began in the 19th century and was completed in 1854. A young and somewhat inexperienced German architect, Wilhelm Ludwig von Eschwege,  was commissioned for the job, and it was his exposure to different architectural styles and castles around from Europe and Africa  which resulted in the designs you will find at Pena today. 

Despite being overwhelmingly Romantic, there are varying details which draw from Gothic influence as well as Moorish styles . It includes mythological statues, gargoyles who stand guard, terraces which look out in every direction offering panoramic views of the region and exterior tiling that will make your draw drop. And all of this is just on the outside of the palace. A tour inside will open up a world of lavish extremities and a glimpse into what money can purchase when there is no limit. 

Pena Palace was home to Portuguese royalty until 1910 when the revolution began . They immediately fled the country, in search of safety in Brazil. Leaving the palace to fall into the hands of the public. But before the palace found its home here, a monastery was located on the site,  built in the 1500s. There was also a chapel, established in the middle ages, dedicated to Our Lady of Pena. Both were destroyed from the earthquake of 1755 and left in shambles until King Ferdinard II had the palace built as his summer getaway.

Experiencing the Palace Gardens

The park gardens which surround the palace are not to be missed. They are so fantastic that they have been included in the Portuguese National forest service since 1910 . The landscaping includes imported trees and plants, ornamental statues and viewpoints that are just as impressive as those from the terraces. Get lost in the whimsical gardens which feature lakes, ponds, waterfalls and fountains.  It's debatable whether Pena Palace has inspired the castles of fairy tales or whether the fairy tales have inspired Pena,  but rumor has it that it's the muse of the castle in Cinderella. 

We hope this full day guide to Sintra’s top attractions and Pena Palace was helpful. If you have more time to explore Lisbon and her nearby districts, we have created a Three Day Guide to Lisbon , an Ultimate One Day Guide to Lisbon and a Guide to the Historic Alfama . 

In the comments section below let us know what you enjoyed from the article and found helpful. 

Related Articles

19 districts of lisbon : best areas & what to see there, alfama quarter’s top attractions in lisbon, best-of lisbon in 3 days itinerary, one day itinerary in lisbon: best things to visit.

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A Guide to Visiting Sintra

Visit Sintra and you will be surrounding by tuk-tuks, tourist trap restaurants, thousands of people taking selfies, and everything else that’s annoying touristy places.

But as annoying as all of that can be, it’s not worth missing Sintra over. Sintra is one of the most beautiful places in Portugal, and somewhere that you definitely should visit while you’re here.

Budget at least a day for Sintra. If you can spare two days, you’ll get to see a lot more and at a much more enjoyable pace as well.

Useful Resources for Your Trip to Sintra

• Accommodation: Booking.com and Airbnb are the two most comprehensive websites for finding hotels, hostels, apartments, and other types of accommodation in Sintra. 
• Car Rental: Discover Cars and Rental Cars are the two most useful sites for booking local car rental. 
• Airport transfers: There are taxis and Ubers at Lisbon Airport, but you can also pre-book an airport transfer with Welcome Pickups . 
• Tours & Things to Do: Both Get Your Guide and Viator list lots of local tours and activities in Sintra. 
• Luggage Storage:  Luggage Hero and Bounce are two great sites for finding places to store your luggage in Portugal. Be sure to read our article on luggage storage options in Sintra for a full list of options. 
• Public Transport: Cp.pt is the main website for trains in Portugal. For longer distance buses, see Rede Expressos . Flixbus.pt often has cheap tickets between cities in Portugal. 
• Flights: Skyscanner and Google Flights are the two most useful websites for finding flights to Portugal. The nearest airport to Sintra is Lisbon Airport. 

Day Trip or Overnight?

A lot of people visit Sintra in a day and then go back to Lisbon , but that’s only enough to quickly see the 2-3 of the key attractions – not enough to see absolutely everything.

If you want to see everything, or you just want to take your time while you’re here, it’s best to allow two days for Sintra. If you’re happy just seeing the main attractions like Pena Palace, Castelo dos Mouros, and Quinta da Regaleira, and seeing them quite quickly, one day is enough.

Where to Stay

While Sintra has accommodation to suit all budgets, it does seem to have a lot of boutique hotels and other types of more upmarket accommodation. For couples and anyone interested in treating themselves, Sintra has a lot of options.

View a list of boutique Hotels in Sintra

Sintra is situated roughly 27 km from Lisbon City Centre and around 29 km from Lisbon Airport.

Lisboa Rossio – Sintra

The easiest route for most people is to take the train from Rossio Train Station in Central Lisbon (near Baixa and Chiado) to Sintra. The journey takes around 40 minutes and, as this is a popular commuter route, there are normally several departures per hour with departures throughout the day.

Lisboa Oriente – Sintra

If you’re staying in or around Oriente (close to Parque das Nações and also Lisbon Airport), you can also take the train from Lisboa Oriente train station to Sintra (this train stops at Lisboa Entrecampos as well as several other stops).

This route takes just a few minutes longer (47 instead of 40) but is much faster than going to Lisboa Rossio first. Again this is a popular commuter route, so there are regular departures.

• The train for both routes is an Urban (U) train, which means that you can’t purchase the ticket online or in advance and you can’t reserve seats.
• For the train ticket, you will need a reusable Viva Viagem card that’s topped up with sufficient credit for the tickets (called Zapping). As of Feb 2020, each ticket costs €2.25 so topping it up with €5 will cover you for there and back (there are no return tickets).
• There are normally long queues to purchase the ticket at Rossio Station. It’s best to get your Viva Viagem card in advance (you can buy one from the machines in any metro station in Lisbon) and top it up, so that you don’t need to queue on the day.
• Sintra has two train stations: Sintra and Portela de Sintra, which are roughly 950 metres or 12 minutes’ walk apart. Sintra Train Station is much closer to the attractions.

You can lookup timetables at cp.pt

Driving has advantages in that you can easily get to nearby places like Cabo da Roca and some attractions that are outside of the centre, however, it’s much easier to take the train than to drive. Parking in Sintra is difficult, and some of the streets can be narrow and crowded with tourists.

If you do decide to drive to Sintra, be sure to take the motorway: driving along the backroads is not easy and it’s also time-consuming.

There are reports of car break-ins in Sintra so avoid leaving valuables in your car. Ideally, stay somewhere with private parking.

Another way to get to Sintra is by tour, especially with a tour that’s going by tour bus.

The benefit of a tour is that they’ll often pick you up from your hotel so you don’t need to worry about going to the train station. Many tours also include stops like Cabo da Roca and Cascais and the tour is timed so that you have enough time to see everything.

By taxi/Uber

Another way to get to Sintra from Lisbon is by taxi, Uber, or other taxi app. This is the fastest way to get to Sintra from Lisbon Airport as it saves having to go to Oriente or another train station.

Taxis are available from outside Lisbon Airport and at taxi ranks all over Lisbon. Uber is also available, along with other taxi apps like Bolt and Freenow.

What To SEE & DO

So much to see and do. Some attractions will be a lot busier than others.

Pena Palace is one of the most beautiful attractions in Portugal, and it’s definitely somewhere to visit. While the outside of the palace is extremely busy, the inside isn’t too busy and the gardens (also worth visiting) are often practically empty.

Portugal has plenty of castles that you can visit, but Castelo dos Mouros is very different from most of the others. The walls bend and curve in a unique way, and it’s incredibly green as well.

Another of Sintra’s beautiful gardens, Quinta da Regaleira is equally worth of a visit. These gardens are usually much busier, particularly the The Initiation Well – one of the most popular attractions within the attraction.

Tickets to attractions in Sintra are expensive. Individually, you’ll pay around €13.90 for Pena Palace, €8 for Castelo dos Mouros, and €10 for Quinta da Regaleira. So, roughly €32 in total.

Klook offers slightly cheaper tickets (roughly a 6% saving) on tickets for Pena Palace and Castelo dos Mouros . You can’t get cheaper tickets for Quinta da Regaleira, but it’s worth buying them in advance from Blue Ticket to avoid having to queue.

What To EAT

Travesseiros de sintra.

Everybody raves about the pastéis de nata, travesseiros de Sintra are definitely up there too and one of the best cakes that you can try while you’re in Portugal.

The filling of a travesseiros is made from ground almonds, egg yolks, sugar, and cinnamon, and it’s placed in pastry and baked until crunchy before being dusted with caster sugar. One bite and you’ll see why these have become so popular.

Although you can find them in other places in Sintra, and in some cafés in Lisbon, Piriquita really is the best place to try one. Piriquita has two outlets in Sintra: Casa Piriquita and Piriquita II.

Casa Piriquita is closed on Wednesdays and Piriquita II closes on Tuesdays. They’re both open the other days and, between the two of them, at least one is open every day of the week.

Queijadas de Sintra

Queijadas are a common type of cake that you’ll find all over Portugal. As well as Queijadas de Sintra, there are also queijadas from other places Évora (Queijadas de Évora), or recipes that highlight a certain ingredient e.g. queijadas de laranja (orange), nata (cream), cenoura (carrots), amendoa (almonds), etc.

They’re often quite similar, being honest, and the Queijadas de Sintra are very similar to Queijadas de Évora – just more cinnamon-y.

You can get Queijadas de Sintra at Piriquita as well as at plenty of other cafés in Sintra as well.

Other Portuguese Dishes

As well as regional dishes from Sintra, you’ll also find plenty of Portuguese favourites on restaurant menus in Portugal.

Dishes like caldo verde (a popular soup), bacalhau dishes, and alheira are all common on restaurant menus here.

Read more about Portuguese food

Other Food Articles

• Cakes & Pastries to try in Portugal
• What to eat for breakfast in Portugal
• Ordering coffee in Portugal
• A guide to tipping in Portugal

Getting around

Scotturb, the local tourist bus company, offers several routes that cover Sintra:

• Route 434 starts at Sintra Train Station and includes stops at Pena Palace, Castelo dos Mouros, and Sintra’s historic town centre.
• Route 435 starts at Sintra Train Station and includes stops at Quinta da Regaleira, Palácio de Seteais, and Palácio de Monserrate.

The most out of the way attraction is probably Pena Palace. Unless you have the time (and energy) to walk up to it, it’s best to take the bus there.

Note: this bus service is badly-rated on TripAdvisor with many people complaining that it doesn’t show up on time.

It is possible to visit most of Sintra’s attractions on foot including Pena Palace, Castelo dos Mouros, and Quinta da Regaleira.

Although you will cover a lot of ground and will be tired by the end of the day, it will be a lot more peaceful than taking a crowded bus (assuming you like walking).

Walking to and from Pena Palace

There is a nice walk uphill to Pena Palace (the Villa Sassetti path). Follow this, otherwise you’ll have to walk along the road which isn’t too busy but will mean occasionally ducking into ditches as speeding tuk-tuks whizz by.

Hop on, hop off bus

There is a hop on, hop off bus that covers Sintra, but there are definitely other (and better ways to get around).

The audio commentary isn’t very entertaining and when the weather is bad in Sintra (which is quite common), the windows steam up and it’s impossible to see out of them.

Many reviews on TripAdvisor also suggest that the buses are packed and don’t turn up on time, which would obviously be be a big issue if you were visiting Sintra on a tight deadline.

Although you’ll see Tuk-Tuks all over Lisbon and Porto and now also in Sintra, they’re not native to Portugal – someone obviously saw them in SE Asia and decided that they would work well here as well.

That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take one, of course, but, if you do decide to take one, look out for an eco-friendly one.

Taxis and Ubers

Taxis and other taxi apps like Uber and Bolt are available in Sintra. You can use these to get to and from attractions, and also to get to and from Lisbon and other surrounding areas.

Nearby Towns & Day Trips

• Queluz (14 km)
• Lisbon (27 km)
• Cascais (15 km)
• Ericeira (28 km)
• Mafra (21 km)

FAQs about Sintra

Is sintra expensive.

While it’s possible to find cheap eats, cheap accommodation, and to get to and from Sintra cheaply using the train, Sintra can be expensive.

Your biggest expense will probably be entrance to attractions like Pena Palace, but even small purchases like overpriced bottles of water can quickly add up.

Is Sintra safe?

Portugal is one of the safest countries in the world , but petty crime can be an issue in some touristy places. Sintra is one of those places.

Keep an eye on your belongings, particularly when in crowded spaces. There are also some reports of car break-ins,

How many days do you need for Sintra?

You can cover all of the main attractions in just one day, and many organised tours will include a visit to Cabo da Roca as part of that trip.

It will be quite a rushed day, however, particularly because many of the main attractions can be quite busy. If you can spare two days, it’ll be a much more relaxed and enjoyable.

What should I pack for sintra?

• A good pair of walking shoes
• A refillable water bottle (water in Portugal is safe to drink)
• Sunscreen and a hat during the summer months
• A pullover/coat in the winter months
• Trousers/layers for the other months (the temperature drops in the evening)

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The Complete Guide to Visiting Sintra

There are no words to describe how much I love Sintra! I love going there every time I visit Portugal, if I have a chance. Sintra is located just 30 km away from Lisbon and is easily accessible by car or public transportation. The beauty and the history of the place is something that brings a lot of tourists every year. It is not just another touristy destination, though. Sintra has an incredible energy, interesting history and is definitely a spot for photographers. It is a place that makes me dream away. It is a must when in Lisbon, and I hope that my article will help you plan your trip and understand what is the best way to get around Sintra. 

Article overview: 

• What to see in Sintra: the overview of the sights 

Getting around Sintra and planning your route

• Using public transportation to get around Sintra
• Discover Sintra by car
• The best route for exploring Sintra in one day
• The best route for exploring Sintra in two days

What to see in Sintra: from Pena Palace to Hidden Gems

Sintra is much bigger than you might think at first, and there is  a lot to see - probably way more than most of the tour books and websites suggest. If you really want to take your time and see all the beautiful sights there, then probably planning two days for a visit makes sense. However, it is quite possible to see the best stuff in Sintra in a day. 

 You can go to Sintra by car, but also getting there from Lisbon by public transportation is super easy and cheap. The round-trip with a direct train will cost you just €4,30, one-way ticket €2,15. After getting to Sintra you can either walk to the historic center or take a bus. 

I remember when I was doing my research  before my first visit to Sintra (in 2014) it wasn’t easy to get an overview of what there is to see and how long might it take. This is why I have decided to create this comprehensive guide with my personal ranking of the places, how long it takes to see them, and also how to get around Sintra. I hope this is going to be useful for you!

1. Monserrate Palace

Monserrate Palace is a gorgeous estate with a wonderful park around it. It may not be the most famous site in Sintra, but it is definitely my favourite place there! The delicacy of the intricate details of the  interior, the charming appearance of the building itself and the beautiful park around it — I could wander around there for hours and hours. After visiting the main building, make sure to explore the park that has a lot of hidden gems, like the ruins of an ancient chapel.

Recommended time for a visit: at least 2 hours. 

3. Moorish Castle

The Moorish Castle is an absolutely incredible place! First of all, it’s old — really old. It dates back to the 11th century. Second, it is located on one of the hills in Sintra and you get an amazing view from up there. Third, you keep on asking yourself: How did they manage to build it up here back then? So much history and such great views — you will love it! Make sure to visit the Moorish Castle when in Sintra.

Recommended time for a visit: at least 2 hours.

4. Pena Palace and Park

It looks a bit like a princess castle that was designed by kids who love colors and funny forms. It fact, it was built in the 19th century and is a great example of the interior that royals of Portugal preferred. The Palace is built on the top of the hill, so the view from there is fantastic. Pena is considered one of the main sights of Sintra, and, yes, it is pretty. However, the Pena Park is the best part of the complex! It is really big, beautiful and has so many romantic corners with ruins, chapels and small ponds. If you are limited in time, you can easily skip going inside the Palace, but don’t even think about missing the park! With the park ticket you can go into the inner court of the Palace and take some really nice pictures.

5. National Palace of Sintra

It is located in the very center of Sintra and is probably the first Palace you will see upon arrival. I thought it was quite interesting to go inside there and see how the Portuguese royals used to live. I was especially impressed by the amazing kitchen, which for the time was really well equipped. If the time is limited for you in Sintra I would recommend either going inside the National Palace or inside of the Pena Palace, but not both. Of course, if you are very much into castles and palaces, feel free to do both. :)

Recommended time for a visit: at least 1 hour.

6. What else is there in Sintra?

• Chalet and Garden of the Countess of Edla — I haven’t made it there, because I didn’t know about it on my first visit. On my second visit I didn’t go to Pena Park, so I missed it again. But you shouldn’t! You can buy a ticket for €2 as a supplement for Pena Park.
• Palace of Seteais — I am really torn about this one, because it is a really modern building, but the interior inside must be very beautiful. I have skipped it both of the times, so I am not sure if I should recommend it or not. If you have been there, please let me know in the comments, how did you like it!
• Capuchos Convent — looks like a very abandoned place nowadays. It is certainly not the main attraction in Sintra, but if you are into a Gothic romanticism, vampire stories and magic, as well as photography in this style, you may find this place very interesting. 

7. Cabo de Roca

Technically, Cabo de Roca is not Sintra, but it has a great connection with public transportation or if you are driving yourself. Cabo de Roca is a westernmost point of the European continent and is definitely a cool place to visit. The view is simply amazing and it’s a great place for pictures. Be careful not to come close to the edge, because the cliffs are high and the winds are strong. If you feel like spending some money, you can get a certificate of your visit to Cabo de Roca.

Every palace or castle in Sintra is unique and gorgeous, but what makes each place really special are the parks surrounding the buildings. I do recommend you take Sintra slow and enjoy every moment of it. If you are visiting for the first time ever, I recommend you taking two days to explore it. If you can plan in only one day for Sintra, make sure to get up really early and prepare for a day full of excitement! You can either come to Sintra by car or take the buses that operate in the city.

Getting to Sintra from Lisbon is super easy and cheap. The round-trip with a direct train will cost you just €4,30, one-way ticket €2,15. After getting to Sintra you can either walk to the historic center or take a bus. 

Getting around Sintra by buses 434 and 435.

There are two buses that operate in Sintra and they cover all the places you might want to go. You can take the bus 434 from the train station to the historic center where the National Palace is located, and also to the Moorish Castle and Pena Palace. This bus has a circle route, so it takes you back to the train station in the end. 

Bus 434 circular route: Sintra Train Station - Historic Center - Moorish Castle - Pena Palace and Park - Historic Center - Sintra Train Station

Another bus operating in Sintra is 435. It takes you to the Monserrate Palace and Park, Seteais Palace and Regaleira Estate. The start and end point is at the historic center. The tickets for both buses can be purchased directly from the driver and you only need to pay once for each route per day.

Bus 435 hop on - hop off route: Sintra Train Station - Historic Center - Regaleira Estate - Seteais Palace - Monserrate Palace - Seteais Palace - Regaleira Estate - Historic Center - Sintra Train Station

Still confused? Don’t worry and just continue reading to get my recommendations on the route. And also check the timetable on the official website to make sure about the times. 

Best route for Sintra: plan your trip

If you only have one day for Sintra and want to see as much as possible, I recommend you to wake up early. In case you are using public transportation be at the Sintra train station by the time the first 434 starting — at 9:15. If you are there earlier, you can take a 20-minute walk to your starting point, the historic center. Here you can go to the tourist information office, find out about prices and inquire about the combined ticket to the Pena Palace, Moorish Castle and National Palace, if you plan to visit them all.

The National Palace is right there, but I don’t recommend starting with it, because most of the tourists will be there in the morning. 

If you are getting around Sintra by bus, there are two possible strategies you can have for the day.

1. Route A for a one day trip in Sintra:  

Go straight to the Moorish Castle with the bus 434, then visit the Pena Palace and the Park and optionally the Chalet and Garden of the Countess of Edla.After that come back to the Historic Center. Here you switch to the bus 435 and go straight to the Monserrate Palace, then hop off at the Seteais Palace (the visit is really optional), walk pass it 50 meter and visit the Regaleira Estate. After that you may walk or take the bus 435 to the historic center, visit the National Palace and take any of the buses back to the train station.

2. Route B for a one day trip in Sintra (my preferred route): 

Take the bus 435 and go straight to the Monserrate Palace, then you hop off at the Seteais Palace (the visit is optional), walk pass it 50 meter and visit the Regaleira Estate. After that you may walk or take the bus 435 to the historic center, visit the National Palace or skip it, and take 434 directly to the Moorish Castle. After take the bus 434 to visit the Pena Palace and the Park and optionally the Chalet and Garden of the Countess of Edla. And, finally, take the bus 434 back to the train station.

If you are still alive and well after that (just kidding), and it’s not too late, you may consider visiting Cabo de Roca. However, I wouldn’t recommend it, if you are exploring Sintra in one day without a car.

If you are visiting Sintra with a car, I would recommend you this route:   

Historic Center and the National Palace (optional) - Monserrate Palace - Seteais Palace (optional) - Regaleira Estate - Moorish Castle - Pena Palace and Park and Chalet and Garden of the Countess of Edla (optional) - Cabo de Roca

If you can dedicate two days for a trip to Sintra and Cabo de Roca, this are the routes I recommend you to take:

Day one. Head Straight to the Monserrate Palace (bus 435) and also spend there some quality time in the gorgeous park. After that visit the Seteais Palace, or skip it, and take your time exploring the Regaleira Estate. Come back to the Historic Center and pay a visit to the National Palace.

Day two. Head straight to the Moorish Castle with the bus 434 and explore the Pena Palace and Park afterwards. If you are driving, head straight to Cabo de Roca. If you are using public transportation, come back to the train station and take the bus 403 to Cabo de Roca.

No matter what route you choose, take it slow - Sintra is worth it. And if you find a spot that you especially like, allow yourself to spend a bit more time there. I have fallen in love with the Monserrate Palace and I am so happy to come back there every time. Sintra is wonderful and you will definitely adore it!

Are you traveling in Portugal? Check out my post about my road trip in central Portugal .

About the author

Hi, I am Maria, blogger and founder of Globalmary.com.

I was born and grew up in Russia, studied in Sweden and now live in Hamburg, my most favorite city in Germany. I travel a lot and write about places I've been to. I share my best travel tips and experience about what it means to live a global life!

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15+ Magical Things to Do in Sintra with Hidden Gems (2024)!

By: Author Sophie Pearce

Posted on Last updated: May 6, 2024

Categories PORTUGAL

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for details.

Are you looking for all the incredible things to do in Sintra? You’ve come to the right place. 

Sintra is one of the most magical places to visit in Portugal as it looks like it’s been plucked from the pages of a fairytale.

There are emerald rolling hills as far as the eye can see, majestic castles, lavish palaces, mysterious wells, a colourful historic centre and gorgeous views of the Portuguese Riviera!

Most people visit here on a day trip from Lisbon. However, if you have time, I would recommend staying over as it’s a world away from the bustling capital.

Here are all the best things to do in Sintra including some hidden gems and tips to avoid the crowds. 

Things to do in Sintra

1. pena palace.

One of the best things to do in Sintra is to visit the majestic Pena Palace which stands high on a hill overlooking the town.

It’s a beautiful romantic castle decorated in bright yellow and red paint and blue azulejo tiles. It was founded by Ferdinand of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha who married Queen Maria II.

The site has a history since the 12th century as a monastery but was then transformed into a dreamy palace that Ferdinand II built with his fortune in 1842.

Today, this fairytale castle and gardens attract millions of tourists each year and it’s a must-visit. 

Tips for visiting Pena Palace 

Before you even plan your trip to Sintra, I would make sure your tickets are booked for Pena Palace as it’s not uncommon for tickets to sell out weeks in advance. 

I’d recommend booking the first palace time slot of the day (9.30 am) to avoid huge queues to head inside. 

Even on a weekday in March, the crowds were unbelievable after 11 am and stretched all the way back to the entry gate.

Then, you need to plan how you’re going to get to Pena Palace as it’s located high up on a Sintra hillside. 

There are buses like the 434 Sintra Tourist Bus from the Historic Centre but I’d recommend a taxi or Uber as the buses usually have long wait times and fill up quickly.

Rickshaws are also an option but be prepared to pay a lot of money for these trips and be careful not to get ripped off!

Highlights of Pena Palace 

If you book the first time slot of the day, I would recommend heading to the Pena Park gates at around 8.30 am for a 9 am entry time. There will most likely already be a queue. 

After you enter the park, the walk up to the palace can be quite steep but it’s manageable with a reasonable level of fitness.

My recommendation would be to speed walk up to the palace to get some empty photos. Most people get distracted on the way with the views so you want to skip ahead. 

This is what I did and managed to capture the Entry gate, Triton Gateway, Chapel and Courtyard of Arches without many people in them! 

I then headed into the palace at 9.30 am with no queue and it was quite busy but not unmanageable.

Inside the palace, you’ll be in a single file and pretty much ushered through the attraction (the signs literally say not to stop) but all the rooms are still spectacular and I loved every minute!

You’ll see the magical Manueline Cloister, Queen’s Cabinet, Visiting Room, Dressing Rooms, Tea Salon, Great Hall plus many more! 

After you’ll step out onto the Queen’s Terrace for a panoramic view of the palace and exit by the café.

I recommend getting a coffee or cake here as you’ll have sweeping views of the rolling hills and coast! 

2. Parque de Pena

After your palace visit, you can take a wander around the extensive Pena Park to see all its beautiful features.

King Ferdinand had trees and plants transferred here from all over the world and it’s nothing short of a miracle what he created with the wild landscape he had to work with.

There are signs dotted around the park to all the attractions but I would scan a QR code at one of the signs to download their free map which provides GPS directions! 

As you wander around this magical planned park, you can see the fabulous greenhouses with all sorts of cottage plants and stables with friendly horses.

There’s also a plethora of fountains, rock formations, flora and fauna. You could spend hours here as there is so much to see. 

It’s perfect on a sunny day as the trees provide lots of shade. There are also benches and areas to relax.

If you only have time for one thing, the best highlight is taking a stroll through the Valley of the Lakes towards the lower exit gate. 

Here, you can find five lakes with little waterfalls and all sorts of miniature castles and towers made for ducks and swans!

It’s quite a large park with steep hills. If you did need assistance, I would take one of the complimentary shuttle buses to the highlights. Just note that wait times usually average an hour or more.

3. Chalet of the Countess of Edla

My favourite part of Pena Park was the Chalet of the Countess of Edla which could be found in a far corner. 

After Queen Maria II died, Ferdinand married Elise Hensler in 1869. Elise was a Swiss-born opera singer who moved to the USA and was a huge lover of culture and the arts. 

Ferdinand fell in love with her after seeing her perform at the São Carlos National Theatre in Lisbon. 

They had a profound mutual interest in the arts and so they married shortly after and Ferdinand’s cousin bestowed the title of the Countess of Edla to her. 

Their controversial marriage was never fully accepted by the nobility or the wider public, but they used Pena Palace as their refuge and created this gorgeous chalet together. 

It was designed by Elise as an alpine retreat. She lived here for many years, even after she gifted Pena Palace to the Portuguese state.

Unfortunately, it was destroyed by a fire in 1999 and what we see today is mostly a sympathetic restoration. But, it’s stunning to explore.

You can find lavishly decorated living rooms, kitchens, bedrooms and dressing rooms with some of the Countess of Edla’s items on display.  

Entry is included with a full Pena Palace & Park ticket. Opening times are usually 9 am – 5.30 pm but can be earlier in winter. 

4. Moorish Castle

After your visit to Pena Palace Park, it’s just a couple of minutes uphill walk to the Moorish Castle from the Valley of the Lakes.

The Moors lived in Sintra for centuries until 1147 and then the rule was handed over to Afonso Henriques, the first King of Portugal.

They left behind this gorgeous ruin built on the hillside and you can pay a visit to traverse the ancient walls with panoramic views over Sintra and Pena Palace! 

I will warn you, this is not a place to go if you’re afraid of heights or have bad balance. 

As much as I loved exploring this castle, there were barely any safety barriers, lots of steep steps, uneven ground and narrow pathways. 

I panicked a few times and had to take breather breaks as I was terrified, especially with the high winds and crowds. I had a white knuckle death grip on that crenelation! Just take your time and go slowly.

It may be worth purchasing tickets online before you go as there can be long queues for the ticket machines. There was only one working on my visit.  

5. Monserrate Palace & Park 

Many people skip the gorgeous Park and Palace of Monserrate in Sintra as it’s a little further afield than the other attractions.

But, I would prioritise this stunning attraction as it’s one of Sintra’s best-kept secrets and sees fewer crowds. 

The estate was largely constructed by Sir Francis Cook, 1st Viscount of Monserrate in the 19th century and has Gothic, Moorish and Romantic influences.

You can visit the stunning palace with its ornate galleries, music room and library. Then, explore the parkland with waterfalls, flowers, ruins and trees from around the world.

This was one of my favourite things to do in Sintra as fewer crowds meant it was an oasis in Sintra Hills.  

Click here to read my complete guide for visiting Monserrate Palace 

6. Sintra National Palace

Don’t skip Sintra National Palace which sits in the Historic Centre. It’s one of the best things to do in Sintra and has over 1000 years of history. 

It was originally built in the 11th century for the Kings of Portugal and later was the famous home of King João I and Queen Philippa of Lancaster.

Today, it’s a gorgeous museum you can visit and it’s filled with Azulejo tiled bedrooms, staterooms and kitchens. 

I loved all the English influences in this palace which were made for Queen Philippa. I particularly loved the Swan Room and Magpie Room.

However, the most spectacular chamber of the entire palace has to be the Room of the Coats of Arms.

This is decorated with blue and white Azulejo tiles, heraldic emblems of noble Portuguese families and a lavish gold ceiling. Honestly, I spent an age just exploring this room! 

You will probably need around 1-2 hours to visit this palace. There is an audio guide you can download for 1 euro. 

7. Quinta da Regaleira

Quinta da Regaleira is an enchanting estate filled with magic and mystery and was built by an eccentric Brazillian called António Augusto Carvalho Monteiro. 

Monteiro bought the property of Baroness da Regaleira at a public auction in 1893. He would later create a spiritual wonderland filled with Romantic, Celestial and Masonic symbols.

On your visit, you can explore the Gothic Palace, Chapel, the Celestial Fountain as well as several towers, lakes, statue avenues and caves. It’s essentially a playpark for adults!

The gorgeous mansion can be busy but it’s well worth waiting for as you can learn the history of the estate and the Kings of Portugal.

There’s also a really lovely café you can visit in Chimera Court with homemade food and drinks.

As this estate is not owned by the Paques de Sintra group, the food in this café is actually tasty for reasonable prices. 

I was so happy to order something that wasn’t a bland overpriced, sad-looking sandwich served to you in a packet. 

I would visit this attraction for lunch if you didn’t bring any food with you!  

Read more – my top tips for visiting Quinta da Regaleira 

8. Initiation Well

According to legend, the land around Quinta da Regaleira was once home to the Knights Templar under King Alfonso Henriques.

António Monteiro was obsessed with the Freemasons and many believe that he was a Freemason himself. 

As part of his grand project, he built a mysterious Initiation Well on the grounds. This moss-covered well is thought to have been used, not for the collection of water but for Masonic initiation ceremonies. 

This involved the initiate being blindfolded and heading down the well with a sword in hand. They would then enter the dark underbelly of tunnels and emerge into the light as a member of the brotherhood! 

Many people also say this is a Gateway to Hell as it has nine levels similar to Dante’s Inferno. But, the only way you can find out is to visit for yourself! 

It’s not uncommon for there to be an hour’s theme-park style queue to walk down this well in peak season. 

I would visit around 30 minutes before closing time when there are fewer people and you’re not being ushered to keep walking down in a single file. 

This is what I did and there was no one there. I got some lovely empty photos this way and it was a much better experience. 

Click here to read my complete guide with more tips for visiting the Initiation Well 

9. Biester Palace 

Just down the road from Quinta de Regaleira, you can visit Palácio e Parque Biester. 

The house was designed in the 19th century by José Luiz Monteiro and Luigi Manini as a residence for Ernesto Biester.

It was built as a Romantic residence for his family but, similar to Quinta de Regaleira, there is more to this mysterious mansion than first meets the eye.

Many of the rooms inside the house like the Chapel and Library are filled with Masonic symbolism from the Knights Templar and the Occult. 

You may recognise this fabulous palace as it was a filming location for Roman Polanski’s “The Ninth Gate” starring Johnny Depp.  

The exotic gardens are also a delight to explore and were designed by the French architect François Nogré. You’ll find waterfalls, caves, and a tea house on the extensive grounds. 

10. Explore Sintra Historic Centre

Most people only spend a day in Sintra from Lisbon and make a beeline to Pena Palace and the castles around the area.

But, I wouldn’t skip a wander around the vibrant and colourful Sintra Historic Centre on your visit.

You can meander the narrow laneways and find all sorts of charming souvenir shops, cafés and restaurants.

There’s also a Sintra Natural History Museum and the train station has the prettiest entry hall with ornate tiles.  

If you’re looking for a pick-me-up, I would head into Cantinho Lord Byron. Byron famously stayed in Sintra in 1809 and called it ‘Glorious Eden’. 

11. Casa Piriquita

On your stroll around the Sintra Historic Centre, make sure to pop into Casa Piriquita.

This is a classic coffee house and bakery that was established in 1862 and serves up the best pastries in town. 

You must try their famous Travesseiro pastries. Travesseiro means ‘pillow’ so it’s also known as the pillow pastry. 

It’s a famous Sintra delicacy and has a sweet egg and almond cream centre and is topped with sugar.

The coffee house is quite small so you may have to wait for a seat – but it’s well worth waiting as it’s beautifully decorated in floral tiles!

12. Palacio de Seteias 

If you’re looking for a truly beautiful place to stay in Sintra then I would recommend the Tivoli Palacio de Seteais. 

It was a palace of the notable Marquis’ of Marialva who hosted Prince Regent John VI and Princess Carlota Joaquina here in 1802. They built a neoclassical arch in their honour.

Now, it’s a sumptuous 5-star property with rooms and suites overlooking the valley and coast of Cascais. You’ll be treated like royalty during your stay. 

There is also a bar, restaurant, wellness suite and planned gardens to explore at your leisure.

Even if you’re not a guest, I recommend paying a visit to the front courtyard as it has wonderful views over the valley towards the coast. It’s just a few minutes walk from Quinta da Regaleira!

Click here to book your stay at Tivoli Palácio de Seteais

13. Capuchos Convent

One of the more hidden things to do in Sintra is the Capuchos Convent. It’s a bit of a secret and a great way to avoid the crowds. 

It was founded in 1560 by Dom Álvaro de Castro, a senior counsellor for King Sebastian of Portugal. 

According to legend, his father became lost chasing a deer in the Sintra hills and he fell asleep against a rock. 

He then had a dream that he interpreted as a divine calling to build a Christian temple on the site. 

Eight Franciscan monks moved here from the convent of Arrábida and it was a sanctuary dedicated to Santa Cruz  or the Holy Cross. 

It passed from owner to owner until it eventually was bought by John Cook, 1st Viscount of Monserrate in 1873 who lived in his palace nearby.

Now, it’s a desolate and atmospheric ruin protected by Parques de Sintra that’s open to the public.

You can drive here and there’s a free car park at the site. But, if you’re travelling by bus it may be a long walk to get there from the nearest stop.

There’s a 2.5 kilometre walk from Monserrate Palace but this can be quite steep and complex.

It may be easier to take a taxi. Uber and Bolt both work in Sintra but make sure to arrange a return journey to save you from getting stranded! 

14. Café Paris 

If you’re looking for places to eat in Sintra with style, I would recommend the stunning Café Paris which can be found opposite the Royal Palace.

It has been here since 1945 and has sumptuous interiors, mirrored walls and sparkling chandeliers. 

They have a huge menu and are open for a lavish breakfast, brunch, afternoon tea or dinner! I highly recommend their artisan pancakes. 

Sintra is famous for its seafood as you’re so close to the Atlantic Ocean and Octopus is usually found on the menu as the catch of the day. 

15. Queluz National Palace

Although not in Sintra proper, Queluz National Palace makes a great day trip or stop on your way to Lisbon. 

It was founded by Queen Maria I and King Pedro III in 1747 as a royal Rococo residence and summer retreat. 

Unfortunately, it also became a discreet retreat for Maria I as she suffered from severe mental illness after Pedro’s death. 

It later became the official residence of Prince Regent João and his family following the destruction of Ajuda Palace in 1794. 

There are so many gorgeous features, lavish rooms and wings to admire on a self-guided tour.

You can visit the elaborate ceremonial facades on the grounds with azulejo tiled water canals, grotto waterfalls, and elaborate fountains with Roman gods such as Neptune.

Inside the palace, you also have highlights like The Ballroom, Sala de Mangas and The Hall of Ambassadors. I also loved the Equestrian Library too. 

It makes a great day trip from either Sintra or Lisbon. As not many people visit, it’s a great way to avoid the crowds. 

The town of Queluz isn’t that great though. I had high hopes but only ended up getting a quick bite to eat before I left. So, make it a quick stop!

16. Explore Cascais & Portuguese Riviera

When visiting Sintra, you’re in touching distance of the seaside town of Cascais and the Portuguese Riviera! 

It was the official summer residence of the Portuguese royal family in the 1870s and so it became very popular after that. It makes a great day trip from Lisbon or Sintra.

You can meander through colourful streets, admire stunning lighthouses and eat your weight in fresh seafood. 

You can also visit highlights like the Santa Maria Lighthouse, Boca do Inferno, Cidadela Art District and Cabo da Roca, the most western point of Europe.

If you’re not bored of lavish residences yet, you can head to the Castro Guimarães Museum which was the home of the Count and Countess de Castro Guimaraes.

You’ll also be spoiled for choice with golden sand beaches as there are so many to choose from!

How to get to Sintra in Portugal 

Most people travel to Sintra from Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, and it’s very simple to do.

You can take the train from Rossio train station to Sintra in around an hour so it makes it an easy day trip. 

If you have invested in a Lisbon Card , you can use this for the train journey as well which is a bit of a saving!

You’ll arrive at Sintra train station and then you can take the local buses or taxis to the palaces and castles in Sintra Hills.

If you’re heading to Sintra from Porto, I found the bus a lot quicker and cheaper than the train. 

You can take a FlixBus from Porto to Sintra directly and it’s just over a 3-hour journey as opposed to 4/5 hours by train.

How many days in Sintra are enough?

Many people only take a day trip to Sintra to see Pena Palace and a few other sites but I would encourage you to stay overnight. 

There are so many magical things to do in Sintra that make it worth visiting, but you do need a couple of days to see it all at a relaxed pace.

Many of Sintra’s attractions are spread out and built on the rolling hills of the countryside. So, it involves a lot of walking and uphill climbing.

Travelling to the attractions can be a challenge without a car. There are buses and rickshaws if you don’t want to pay for taxis.

Even if you decide to drive, note that traffic can be awful as Sintra has a lengthy one-way system in the hills and this often has bottlenecks. 

I visited Sintra for 3 days and found this was just the right amount of time to see all the main highlights without burning out. 

When is the best time to visit Sintra? 

Sintra is one of the busiest locations to visit in Portugal and sees over 20 million tourists a year.

The best time to visit Sintra would be in the shoulder seasons of Spring or Autumn. Also, I would try to avoid weekends as these are the busiest days of the week. 

Although it can be a risk with the weather, at least you don’t suffer from the stifling heat and can visit the sites with fewer crowds.

I visited in early March and was very lucky as it was sunny every day. But, it was already very crowded in the castles with super long lines.

I dread to think what summer would be like. From speaking with the taxi drivers, it sounded like it was absolute chaos!

If you are heading there in peak season, make sure all your tickets are pre-booked in advance to guarantee entry and set off early to beat the heat and larger tour groups.

How to travel around Sintra 

Sintra is a spectacular place of natural beauty but many of the fairytale attractions are spread out and perched high on the rolling hills. 

Visiting all the highlights can be a challenge if you don’t have a car to get around and it does take some pre-planning if you want to use public transport.

It’s easy enough to walk to places like Quinta de Regaleira from the historic centre on foot as this would only take 15-20 minutes.

However, if you want to visit places like Pena Palace, the Moorish Castle or Monserrate Palace, I would strongly advise taking a bus or taxi. 

These places are so high up and it would take over an hour to walk to them from the train station. You also have to traverse steep, winding roads with traffic and you’ll be exhausted before you even begin!

The Sintra Tourist Bus 434 is a great way to get around and has stops for all the notable sites. Just keep in mind that it can get incredibly busy onboard and services are every 15 minutes. 

They also stop early in the afternoon and sometimes before the closing times of the main attractions. 

To save time, you can easily take taxis and I would recommend this for Pena Palace.  Although Uber and Bolt work, I found local taxis to be a little cheaper with the taxi metre. 

There are also rickshaw tours that you can take but prices for these can be extortionate if you’re not careful!

If you prefer you can take this Sintra guided tour from Lisbon where you can visit Pena Palace, Quinta Regaleira and Cascais. It takes all the work out of planning so you can simply enjoy it.

Is Sintra worth visiting?

Most definitely, Sintra was my favourite place in all of Portugal as it looks like it’s been plucked from the pages of a fairytale. 

Majestic castles perched on rolling emerald hills and the epic views of the coast make this a spectacular destination. 

There are so many magical things to do in Sintra that you’ll be spoiled for choice. So, make sure to leave enough time to explore it properly. 

I had a 3-day stay and didn’t want to leave. I could have spent weeks here as it’s a world away from the busy capital of Lisbon. 

Many people don’t like Sintra due to the crowds but there are always ways to manage that by travelling in the off-season, during the week and booking early morning tickets in advance. 

Don’t skip a visit to Sintra in Portugal, it’s a little slice of heaven near the Portuguese Riviera! 

My top tips for visiting Sintra 

• Book tickets for Pena Palace in advance – do this before you visit Sintra to avoid disappointment. Also, try to book the first slot of the day to avoid long lines. 
• Take a bus or taxi to Pena Palace – it’s really high up so make sure to plan transport to get you there. 
• Wear decent footwear – you’ll be doing a lot of walking in Sintra. Many paths are steep and are often uneven. So, you need sensible shoes like trainers or boots. 
• Pack a lunch – the food outlets run by Parques de Sintra at most of the attractions left much to be desired. It was tasteless and overpriced. Pack a lunch to save time, money and your taste buds!

• Stay overnight – a day trip is what most people do but consider staying to see everything at a relaxed pace. 
• Take a layer – You’ll be high up in the hills here and there can be a chilly breeze especially as you’re so close to the Atlantic Ocean. 
• Photography – photos and videos are fine in most places without flash. Tripods and selfie sticks are not allowed to be used inside the palaces but the parks and grounds are fine. 

Read more of my Portugal travel guides

Livraria Bertrand – the oldest bookshop in the world

Why you must visit Café A Brasileira in Lisbon

Livraria Lello – magical bookshop in Porto

Was Harry Potter written in Porto’s Café Majestic?

Palacio da Bolsa – How to visit Bolsa Palace in Porto

Livraria ler Devagar – a must visit bookshop in Lisbon

Save these magical things to do in Sintra for later! 

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Sintra Attractions

Sintra, Regaleira and Pena Palace, Regaleira ticket included, from Lisbon

At last, the opportunity to visit the most emblematic and romantic Palaces of Sintra in one day! Always accompanied by an enthusiastic and dedicated tour guide, you will have the experience of a lifetime! Our Team at Tugatrips, takes all measures to provide you all the comfort so that ones may enjoy a relaxing and fun experience! Please note: On some days, due to the high risk of fire, Pena Palace and Quinta Regaleira may be closed. Alternatively, ones shall visit National Palace of Queluz, Sintra historical centre and Sintra's National Palace.

Sintra Tour in talking-car with GPS Audio guide

It's a tour guide .. a talkative car… a reliable copilot… a wheeled place… and a concept of adventure and fun. While driving, this car brings you to know Sintra in a relaxed, fun and innovative way. The Talking Car system exists in the Classic and Confort version. Endowed with advanced GPS (Global Positioning System) technology, to provide all the tourist, historical, cultural and landscape information of Sintra, in audio-guide format, and placing music between the points of interest. It explains everything that is being seen in a playful way, as well as suggests which places to visit. It tells anecdotes and still tells unique stories that many of the Sintrenses do not even know.

Private Tour Sintra-Cascais Portugal Unknown

Our tours are private so it'll just be yourselves and your guide for the day. This makes for a trip that is catered to your particular interests, and aptness.

Sintra and Cascais Private Tour with Pena Palace Ticket

Journey from the city to the coast to the mountains on this full-day private tour from Lisbon and sample the highlights of Portugal’s capital region. Kick off your adventure soaking up the dreamy landscapes of mountaintop Sintra and visit the fairy-tale Pena Palace. After exploring Sintra’s UNESCO-listed historic center, head to the coast to take in the views from Cape of Roca, the westernmost point of continental Europe, and visit the lively seaside resort of Cascais.

Skip the line Entrance Ticket for Pena

People who visit Portugal they dont leave without visiting Sintra’s beauty and history, its romantic Marvel at Pena Palace, one of the most magnificent and recognisable tourist attractions of Portugal. The palace exemplifies the 19th century Romanticism style of architecture and stands atop a rocky peak, which is the second highest point in Sintra Hills. Its colorful buildings and its top view all will make your visit memorable Please be at the meeting point 30 mins before

Sintra Jeep Safari

Climb aboard our vintage Portuguese 4x4s and tackle the best of the Sintra. You’ll explore the mysterious Quinta da Regaleira and eat a traditional Portuguese lunch (with wine, of course) before cruising off-road through Sintra’s lush forests, to emerge at the seaside cliffs of mainland Europe’s westernmost point, Cabo da Roca. Passing from hilltop castles to the sheer coastline of the UNESCO world heritage landscape. We take you to secret lookouts and hidden beaches. In summer, feel the breeze whip through your hair as we bounce along off-road tracks with the roof off. In the cooler months we keep the roof on, turn the music up, splash through puddles of mud as we swerve past house-sized boulders, pine forests and giant ferns. This is why we love to go off-road, play epic tunes all day long and give you the chance to taste Sintra’s traditional sweet “travesseiro” pastry and homemade “ginja” liqueur. Join us for an unforgettable day of adventure, laughs and local legends.

Wonders of Sintra & Coast

An amazing day in Sintra that includes the highlights of the city and the surrounding coastal and rural area. Travel along the centenary tram line toward your first stop, the rural village of Colares. Visit one of the country's oldest wine cellars and learn about Portugal's ancient winemaking traditions.(N/A on Sundays) Continue along the coast toward your next stop, a whitewashed village located on top of the cliffs where you can take in views of the crashing waves of the Atlantic. Afterward, stop at some more breathtaking beaches along the coastline before stopping for lunch at a traditional restaurant in Sintra (not included). After lunch, head to the westernmost point of Continental Europe, Cabo da Roca, before heading to the fairytale Pena Palace where you can create your own fairytale. (ticket not included) Finally, the choice is yours of where to get dropped off. You can head to the train station, or finish the tour at Quinta da Regaleira, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Unforgettable Sintra Tour E-CAR GPS audio-guided route that informs and entertains!

Awarded “Best of the Best” by TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice. It's a Talking-Car! a storytelling vehicle, 100% electric and ecological with GPS audio guide. This fabulous route is a combination of Romantic Gardens and Heritage and Nature. A complete route through the four greatest monuments in Sintra. A route that highlights natural forces, recalling Sintra as the “Capital of Romanticism”, from its romantic legends, passing through the most varied landscapes and palaces of Sintra, to the poets who passed through Sintra and were inspired by it. UNFORGETTABLE!!! Let yourself be enveloped by the magic of one of the most beautiful, passionate, romantic and beautiful villages in the world, Vila de Sintra. Enjoy an exciting, cultural and UNFORGETTABLE day.

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Pena National Palace (Palacio Nacional da Pena)

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Chalet and Garden of the Countess D'Edla (Chalet e Jardim da Condessa D'Edla)

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No Cancellation Charges  up to 24 hours before the chosen travel date. 100% cancellation fee applied within 24 hours of travel date.

For groups of 12 or more, you may send us an inquiry at [email protected]. Although we do not guarantee bulk deals for all our tours, there are some tours for which we can offer discounted pricing. Ordinary hop-on-hop-off bus tickets are entitled to group savings. Attractions, pass items and combo tickets aren't.

Due the nature of this type of tour and varying demand, group travellers should be aware that there is no guarantee that the group will be able to travel altogether as the available seats vary from stop to stop and depends on demand each day. The group may need to split up and/or wait for the next bus(s).

As, we cannot guarantee that the group shall be able to travel together as one group, therefore we will reduce the group size down to 4-5 smaller groups per ticket (depending upon group size).

City Sightseeing: Moscow Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Tour

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• The Bus Tour offers unlimited 360° panoramic views of main sights of Moscow.
• Access to audio-guide in 10 different languages which enables to know about Moscow’s history and traditions.
• The three-bus tour routes and 40+ stops around Moscow completes the trip. Draw an itinerary to explore the city on your own.
• There can be a boat tour and bus tour to enjoy panoramic views of Moskva River.
• Smartphone Voucher Accepted. (No need to print)

The City Sightseeing at Moscow begins at Bolotnaya Square with Hop-on-Hop-off bus service. The bus operates on the Red, Green and Orange lines. If you have limited time in Moscow, start your trip on the Redline and get yourself acquainted with the city’s 16 best attractions. The green line, however, covers 26 amazing spots so if you are staying for an extended period catch the green line.

• Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts
• Alexander Garden
• GUM State Department Store
• Sofiyskaya Embankment
• Cathedral of Christ the Saviour
• University Square, Vorobyovy Gory Observation Deck
• Hotel Ukraina Pier
• Zaryadye Park
• Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics
• VDNKh Metro Station
• Cosmonauts Alley
• Ostankino Television Tower
• Red Route: Schedule: 10:00 - 18:00 , Loop: 60 Minutes , Frequency: 15 Minutes
• Green Route : Schedule: 10:00 - 18:00 , Loop: 120 Minutes , Frequency: 30 Minutes
• Orange Route : Schedule: 10:00 - 18:30 , Loop: 140 Minutes , Frequency: 30 Minutes
• 24 / 48-Hours Hop-on Hop-off Bus Ticket
• Red Line Audio Guide: Russian, English, German, Spanish, Italian, French, Chinese, Arabic, Portuguese, Farsi
• Green Line Audio Guide: Russian, English, German, Spanish, Italian, French, Chinese, Arabic
• Orange Line Audio Guide : Russian English, German, Spanish, Italian, French
• Guided walking tour
• Boat Tour (If option selected)
• Hotel Transfers
• Entrance Fees (Unless Specified)

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You can board the bus at any stop and voucher can be exchanged directly with the driver. Printed vouchers required for this tour and are accepted at all stops. You will receive a ticket in exchange for your voucher, which you must keep until the expiry date/ tour. Please check your ticket to know when it expires. After exchanging your voucher for a ticket, your voucher will no longer be valid. In loss of voucher/ticket, company is not liable for any refund. Book Now! You can use your ticket any day within 12 months.

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Wheelchair Access, Heating Please note that face masks must be worn on board the bus. Orange Route is temporarily suspended   

Operational Details: Walking Tour

• Daily at 10:45 a.m.
• Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Meeting point: next to the monument to Saints Cyril and Methodius (Kitay-Gorod metro station)

Capital River Boat Tour

• May - October: from 11:30am to 6:30pm (Subject to change)
• Duration: 60 minutes
• Departure Point: Zaryadye Park Pier

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Discover the different routes and stops of Moscow's tourist bus and explore the city comfortably enjoying panoramic views of its main monuments.

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The Moscow sightseeing bus has two routes with 46 stops around the main tourist areas of the Russian capital , throughout which you can enjoy recorded commentary in English about the places you are passing through and the city's history .

Some of the unmissable stops for the Moscow bus are: Kropotkinskaya metro station, the  Pushkin Fine Art Museum , the Red October factory and the Alexander Gardens. And of course, no trip to Moscow would be complete without getting off at Red Square to explore the heart of Moscow, admire the Kremlin , St Basil's Cathedral , and the Moscow River.

You can check out the route with all the stops by clicking on the following link:

• Routes and stops on the Moscow bus .
• The ticket with 2-day validity costs € 33 ( US$ 35.20) for adults and € 30 ( US$ 32) for children between 7 and 13 years old. The bus ticket for children under 7 years old costs € 16 ( US$ 17.10).

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• Red line : from 10 am to 6 pm, every 20 minutes. The whole route lasts an hour.
• Green line : from 10 am to 6 pm, every 40 minutes. The whole route lasts two hours.

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Russia presses its offensive in Ukraine and issues new threats as the West tries to blunt the push

Associated Press

Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

FILE - Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks during a meeting at the Foreign Ministry in Moscow, on Friday, June 14, 2024. Putin says that Moscow isn't seeking quick gains in Ukraine and will stick to the current strategy of slow advances as it presses a grinding summer offensive. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko, File)

Slowly but steadily this summer, Russian troops are forging through Ukraine's outgunned and undermanned defenses in a relentless onslaught, prompting the West to push for new weapons and strategies to shore up Kyiv.

That, in turn, has brought new threats by President Vladimir Putin to retaliate against the West — either directly or indirectly.

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The moves by the West to blunt the offensive and the potential Kremlin response could lead to a dangerous escalation as the war drags through its third year — one that further raises the peril of a direct confrontation between Russia and NATO.

Russia’s probing offensive

Russia took advantage of its edge in firepower amid delays in U.S. aid to scale up attacks in several areas along the 1,000-kilometer (600-mile) front. Relatively small units are probing Ukrainian defenses for weak spots, potentially setting the stage for a more ambitious push.

Russia's offensive near Ukraine's second-largest city, Kharkiv, that began in May and worried Kyiv’s Western allies has apparently lost momentum after the Ukrainian army bolstered its forces in the area by redeploying troops from other sectors.

Meanwhile, Russia has made incremental but steady advances in the Donetsk region, including around the strategic hilltop town of Chasiv Yar, a gateway to parts of Donetsk still under Ukrainian control. Analysts say the fall of Chasiv Yar would threaten the key military hubs of Sloviansk and Kramatorsk.

Putin declared that Moscow wasn’t seeking quick gains and would stick to the current strategy of advancing slowly.

Jack Watling of the Royal United Services Institute said that by stretching Ukrainian forces along a wide front, Russia is overcoming the limitations of its military that lacks the size and training for a major offensive.

The breadth of the strikes has forced Ukraine to spread out its artillery, "expending munitions to break up successive Russian attacks,” he said in an analysis. “Russia’s aim is not to achieve a grand breakthrough but rather to convince Ukraine that it can keep up an inexorable advance, kilometer by kilometer, along the front.”

Michael Kofman of the Carnegie Endowment said Russia's apparent goal is to maintain pressure and try to stretch out Ukraine's forces. He noted that even though Ukraine managed to stabilize the front line, it had to use reserves intended to be deployed elsewhere.

“It will take more and more time to actually regenerate Ukraine’s combat strength because of that,” he said in a recent podcast.

Moscow also has stepped up airstrikes on Ukraine’s energy facilities and other vital infrastructure with waves of missiles and drones. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the country had lost about 80% of its thermal power and one-third of its hydroelectric power in the strikes.

“This will be a growing problem when we talk about the future Ukraine’s economic viability,” Kofman said.

Watling said the shortage of air defenses is giving Ukraine a difficult choice between concentrating them to safeguard critical infrastructure, or protecting troops on the front.

“The persistence of Russia’s long-range strike campaign means that not only is the front being stretched laterally, but it is also being extended in its depth,” he said.

The West responds, the Kremlin counters

Washington and some NATO allies have responded to the offensive by allowing Kyiv to use Western weapons for limited strikes inside Russia. The U.S. has allowed Ukraine to use American weapons against military targets in Russia near Kharkiv and elsewhere near the border, but, to Kyiv's dismay, Washington so far hasn’t given permission for strikes deeper in Russia.

French President Emmanuel Macron and some other Western officials argue that Kyiv has the right to use their equipment to attack military assets anywhere in Russia. There also has been talk by Macron and the leaders of NATO's Baltic members — but not the U.S. — of deploying troops to Ukraine.

Putin warns that this would be a major escalation, and he threatened to retaliate by providing weapons to Western adversaries elsewhere in the world.

He reinforced that argument by signing a mutual defense pact with North Korea in June and holding the door open for arms supplies to Pyongyang.

He declared that just as the West says Ukraine can decide how to use Western weapons, Moscow could provide arms to North Korea and “similarly say that we supply something to somebody but have no control over what happens afterward” — an apparent hint at Pyongyang’s role as arms trader.

Dmitry Medvedev, the deputy head of Russia’s Security Council, noted Moscow could arm anyone who considers the U.S. and its allies their enemies, “regardless of their political beliefs and international recognition.”

Another threat of escalation followed a Ukrainian attack with U.S.-made ATACMS missiles that killed four and injured over 150 in Sevastopol on the Crimean Peninsula, which Russia illegally annexed in 2014. Russia's Defense Ministry warned it could take unspecified measures against U.S. drones over the Black Sea that provide intelligence to Ukraine.

The nuclear threat and Putin's long game

Putin said it was wrong for NATO to assume that Russia won't use its nuclear arsenal, reaffirming it will use “all means” if its sovereignty and territorial integrity are threatened.

He also warned that Moscow was pondering possible changes to its doctrine that specifies when it resorts to nuclear weapons.

Underscoring that, Russia held military drills with battlefield nuclear weapons involving Belarus. Last year, Moscow deployed some of those weapons to Belarus to try to discourage Western military support for Ukraine.

A military defeat in Ukraine, Putin said, would deal a deadly blow to Russian statehood, and he vowed to press his goals “to the end.”

He declared that for Russia to halt the fighting, Ukraine must withdraw its troops from the four regions that Moscow annexed in 2022, an idea Kyiv and its allies dismissed. He also said Ukraine must abandon its bid to join NATO.

Hawkish Russian commentators criticized Putin for failing to respond forcefully to NATO ramping up support for Kyiv and allowing the West to continuously push back Russia’s red lines. Some argued that if the damage grows from Ukrainian strikes deep inside Russia with longer-range Western missiles, Moscow should hit NATO assets.

Vasily Kashin, a Moscow-based defense analyst, noted that while Ukraine already had used Western weapons to inflict limited damage, Putin will “have to do something if there are cruise missile strikes deep inside Russian territory resulting in significant casualties.”

Russia could respond by targeting Western drones or U.S. spy satellites, or also strike some NATO countries’ assets in overseas territories to minimize triggering an all-out conflict with the alliance, Kashin said.

Other Russian commentators argued, however, that such action fraught with triggering a direct conflict with NATO isn’t in Moscow’s interests.

Moscow-based security analyst Sergei Poletaev said the Kremlin aims to steadily drain Ukrainian resources to force Kyiv into accepting a peace deal on Russia's terms.

While nothing spectacular is happening on the front line, he said, "constant dropping wears away a stone.”

Moscow’s military advantage allows it to “maintain pressure along the entire front line and make new advances while waiting for Ukraine to break down,” he said in a commentary

Lacking the resources for a major offensive, the Kremlin has opted for slow advances, aiming to “keep pressure on Ukraine while warding off the West from direct involvement in hostilities,” Poletaev said.

“We must walk the razor's edge between our victory and a nuclear war,” he said.

Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.