Found just 30km from Lisbon, the colourful fairytale land of Sintra, Portugal is probably one of the most magical places in the world.

Picture rolling hills, dewey forests (and the shimmering Atlantic nearby), with more regal estates and mountain-top castles than you could ever possibly imagine. Little wonder why it’s one of the most popular day trips to do from Lisbon (and therefore packed with starry eyed tourists all the time, just like you and me).

But plan properly by staying overnight, and Sintra really is an incredible place to visit, filled with many fun things to do.

So, if you’re wondering about the best things to do in Sintra, let me guide you through the top must-sees!

Out of Sintra’s many castles and palaces, the beautiful gem of Pena Palace (with its Ronald McDonald colour scheme) is probably the most recognizable.

Boasting a stunning mountain-top location and dreamy, awe-inspiring details, I’d say this one is a non-negotiable Sintra must-do.

For centuries, a simple chapel (then monastery) sat on this site, until the 19th century when Ferdinand II acquired the grounds (and other nearby estates) to build the swanky summer palace of his dreams for the Portuguese royal family.

With the help of a German architect, he was able to bring his whimsical vision to life, creating the eclectic and vibrant Pena Palace we know today… along with the 200+ hectares of lush gardens and grounds to explore across the estate.

Be warned though, it gets frightfully busy here, so I recommend arriving AS SOON AS IT OPENS, because otherwise, you’ll be stuck in lengthy line-ups to get in and all throughout the property too.

Another Sintra must-do? The epic Castle of the Moors. With majestic views over Sintra’s top landmarks, this medieval castle has a lengthy history spanning over 1000 years… hence why the castle is mostly in ruins… albeit very scenic ruins that you’ll be wanting to photograph for hours.

Wandering the rocky walls of this castle (once an important strategic stronghold thanks to its sprawling views) was a main highlight of my Sintra trip.

Plus, it’s super close to Pena Palace, which means it makes sense to do both together.

3. Quinta da Regaleira

Book skip the line tickets here

Now, another of my favourite Sintra attractions is the Quinta da Regaleira, a magnificent estate with a mysterious aesthetic spread across a five-floor palace and (more importantly) the prettiest ever gardens, complete with a spooky Initiation Well that winds 9 stories underground.

The most famous figure linked to this estate is a fella known as “Monteiro the Millionaire”, an odd and eccentric man who acquired the grounds in 1892, soon linking up with architect Luigi Manini to transform the estate into what it is today – a mystical wonderland of grottoes, waterfalls, tunnels and parks.

Today, Monteiro’s interests and beliefs (it’s widely assumed he was a Freemason) continue to be seen throughout the estate, which is why the entire place is dripping in symbolism and mysterious details. I could have easily spent hours here exploring, so be sure to add it to your Sintra bucket list!

Looking for things to do in Sintra that are slightly more off the beaten path? One very underrated spot is Monserrate Palace and Park, where you’ll find its stunning centerpiece of a villa, and (relatively) calm grounds, beautifully adorned with greenery and flowers from around the world.

While it’s a bit farther from the historical center than other Sintra castles and palaces, getting here was only a short 7 euro Uber ride, which made the detour more than worth it in my eyes.

At the heart of the estate, you’ll find an elegant palace that seamlessly blends Moorish, Indian and Gothic design elements, plus grounds so spectacular, they even earned a mention from Lord Byron in one of his poems.

I mean, I’m no poet, but I can see why inspiration struck.

While it’s not my favourite of Sintra’s castles and palaces, it’s worth mentioning that another noteworthy attraction is the Sintra National Palace, located in the heart of Sintra’s historic centre, with distinctive chimneys that look like inverted snowcones.

This palace is considered the best preserved medieval residence in Portugal, having housed Portuguese royalty for centuries (and Moorish rulers on the same grounds before that).

During my visit, I felt this palace paled in comparison to the grandeur of some others in Sintra, but there were a few truly stunning rooms that I really enjoyed, including the epic Sala dos Brasões, which is crowned with an octagonal dome and covered in gorgeous azulejo tiles.

It’s also predominantly indoors, making it a great option for things to do in Sintra when it rains.

6. The Chalet and Garden of the Countess of Edla

Now, I unfortunately didn’t have time for this one, but it’s worth noting that your your Pena Palace entrance ticket includes access to the secluded Chalet and Garden of the Countess of Edla, a romantic retreat built to the west of Pena Palace.

Once upon a time, this was built as a serene escape for King Ferdinand II and his second wife…. on the grounds of their already very swanky palace. Oh, to be royalty-levels rich.

Today, visitors can go admire eclectic little chalet, known for its ornamental cork details and warm yellow colour.

7. Cabo da Roca

Another one of the best things to do in Sintra that I missed was a visit to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe.

In the words of my highly aggravated Uber driver, “coming to Sintra and not seeing Cabo da Roca is like going to Paris and not seeing the Tour Eiffel!!!!!!”

But hey, I’m saving it for next time! Of course, the highlight here is a stunning view of the Atlantic Ocean, and obscure bragging rights I guess if you want to inform others of just how far West you’ve been.

NOTE: This spot isn’t very close to the historic center and other castles, which means you’ll have to schedule some time/transportation to get there, but if it’s ease you’re after, you can actually book some tours from Lisbon like this one that include it in the package!

8. Try some Travesseiros

Another Sintra must-do? Savouring Travesseiros, a Sintra delicacy. These sweet pastries are a local must-try and consist of puff pastry filled with an almond and egg yolk cream. The name means “pillows” and they really are like soft and delicious pillows dusted with icing sugar!

Some popular places to try it include…

• Casa Piriquita: the bakery that apparently first invented them so you basically have to try the OG!
• Casa de Preto: the Travesseiros here are served warm which makes them even more gooey and delicious – although the shop name and logo is quite outdated and problematic…
• Queijadas da Sapa: this bakery is on the way on to Pena Palace, which makes it very handy for trying some Travesseiros on your way there or back!

9. Go on a Sintra Food Tour

If you’re interested in more delicious tastings while in Sintra, you could also join this gourmet food and wine tour to combine sightseeing with yummy treats!

Of course, this tour includes a stop to try some Travesseiros, along with a visit to the oldest wine cooperative in the country for some wine tasting. You’ll also get to explore some more villages and beaches in the area surrounding Sintra, including a stop at Cascais on the Portuguese Riviera.

Delicious food, wine and beautiful beaches? Sign me up!

Sintra is best known for its eclectic and unique Romanticist castles, but there’s other palaces nearby that lean more towards styles commonly seen in palaces around Europe, like Baroque, Neoclassical and Rococco.

After all, it’s little surprise that the tastes and persuasions of the royal court began to shift significantly in the 18th/19th century, and the National Palace and Gardens of Queluz (located close to Sintra) reflects this evolution of taste.

At this palace, you’ll find a hunting lodge that was converted into a royal summer palace in the 1700s. There’s a stunning mirror-lined throne room to explore, as well as the opulent bedroom where Pedro IV used to sleep surrounded by Don Quixote murals. The palace kitchens are now a very fancy restaurant where you can try original dishes that the royals would have dined on too!

The gardens here are also incredible, with stately oak-lined avenues, bubbling fountains, canals where the royals would go boating and beautiful formal gardens.

11. Villa Sassetti

Looking for sportier things to do in Sintra?

Well, if you plan to hike from Sintra’s historical centre up to Pena Palace and the Castle of the Moors (good for you), then it might be worth your while to take the trail that passes Villa Sassetti.

This footpath only opened in 2015, and according to a lot of reviews online, it’s the most scenic path for the (sweaty and arduous) hike up.

Through some restoration, the villa itself is now a picture-perfect spot to snap a few photos, but it’s the gardens (designed actually by the same architect who did the Quinta da Regaleira!) that make this stop a worthwhile one if you plan to hike up to Pena or the Castle of the Moors.

12. Peninha Sanctuary

If it’s a truly offbeat adventure you’re looking for in Sintra, consider heading to the Peninha Sanctuary, a remote clifftop sanctuary that is only accessible by car or hiking.

Far removed from the bustle of Sintra’s more touristy spots, this sanctuary is free to visit, with surprising links to other famous Sintra properties.

The mustard yellow colour for instance is reminiscent of the famous Pena Palace, and the palace here was actually commissioned by none other than Monteiro the Millionaire himself (yes, the strange fella who owned the Quinta da Regaleira).

NOTE: Neither the palace or chapel are open for public visit, so you’d mostly be coming here to explore the terrace and the views…. although based on the photos I saw, the views here are indeed spectacular!

13. Tivoli Palácio de Seteais

Another one of Sintra’s prettiest palaces is the Tivoli Palácio de Seteais.

This 18th century neoclassical palace is now fully functional today as one of the most luxurious hotels in Sintra! If you’re craving a taste of that Sintra royal life, you might consider booking a room here.

Otherwise, it IS open to the public for visit, even if you’re not staying here yourself. Is it worth going out of your way to see?

I probably wouldn’t, but you can scope out more photos of the hotel here to make the choice for yourself.

For history lovers, another Sintra attraction worth seeing is the Convent of the Capuchos, which dates back to the 16th century.

Far removed from the grandeur of Sintra’s other hotspots, this convent is starkly minimalist, prioritizing a harmony with nature over unhinged glitz and glam.

I must warn you though: it’s not really close to anything else. I bought a ticket here that I never ended up using, because the journey was just a bit too far, with no easy public transportation options.

So, if you end up checking it out, let me know how it is!

15. Try mountain biking

For adventure seekers braver than I, another fun thing to do in Sintra is taking a mountain bike tour around Sintra’s hills and forests for a unique perspective.

Apparently the area around Sintra is home to some of the best enduro and downhill mountain bike trails in the country, plus there are beautiful national parks to explore. If you want to really get your blood pumping then you could join this enduro mountain biking excursion which includes all the gear and bikes!

If you’d like to explore the coast on bike but aren’t quite looking for the adrenaline of mountain biking, you could also join this much more relaxed electric bike tour of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park.

16. Enjoy (or cry) at a Fado show

Fado is a traditional music genre from Portugal that typically expresses themes of longing, nostalgia, and melancholy. It’s kind of like Portugal’s answer to the blues and is even designated as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Portugal.

Seeing some live Fado music while in Sintra is a great thing to do if you’re there in the evening, as it’s usually performed in intimate settings like taverns and cafes. You can try going for a wander and listening out for music or consider checking out Taverna dos Trovadores which is supposed to be very good in terms of both food and music!

Did I miss any of your favourite things to do in Sintra?

Let me know in the comments so I can add more of the best Sintra activities to the list. Happy and safe travels! 🙂