Sintra is the ideal destination for a mini vacation
The 2024 calendar has several possibilities for mini holidays with long weekends, take the opportunity to get to know Portugal, here we leave a suggestion for you, a tour of Sintra and enjoy all the heritage, landscape and food that Sintra has to offer, to have fun, stroll and relax in one of the most beautiful destinations in Portugal.
Sintra is a charming village, full of history, culture and nature. There is a lot to see and do in Sintra, so it is important to plan your trip well. Here are some tips and suggestions to make the most of your visit to Sintra: Before you go, book your accommodation in advance, as Sintra is a very popular destination and can get crowded, especially on weekends and holidays. You can find good options for hotels, guesthouses and country houses in Sintra on Booking.com, or Airbnb or see our suggestions for your stay or a delicious meal with family or friends or a more romantic meal here.
To get to Sintra, you can choose to go by car, train or bus. If you go by car, keep in mind that parking can be difficult and expensive in Sintra, so consider leaving your car in one of the free parking lots on the outskirts of the town and using public transport or walking to get around. If you go by train, you can take the Sintra line at Rossio station, in Lisbon, and get off at Sintra station, which is about a 15-minute walk from the historic centre. If you go by bus, you can take Scotturb line 403, which leaves from the Cascais bus terminal, and get off at the Sintra-Vila stop.
To visit Sintra’s main monuments and attractions, you can use the Scotturb tourist buses, which have several routes and stops. You can buy tickets at tourist offices, train stations or on the buses themselves. Another option is to rent a bike, tuk-tuk or electric car and explore Sintra at your own pace. You can also take a guided tour with a local guide, who will show you the secrets and stories of Sintra. You can book your guided tour on GetYourGuide or Viator.
To enter Sintra’s monuments and attractions, you can buy individual tickets or combined tickets, which give you access to several places at a lower price. You can buy tickets online on the official Parques de Sintra website or at the ticket offices at the venues themselves. It is recommended that you buy tickets online in advance, as you can avoid the queues and guarantee your entry, especially in the most popular places, such as Parques de Sintra and Parques de Sintra
Choose the places you want to visit in Sintra, it depends on your time, interest and budget. There are places for all tastes and styles, from fairytale palaces to medieval castles, magical gardens and wild beaches. Here are some of the most popular places to visit in Sintra, according to web search results:
Pena National Palace and Park: a colourful wonder on top of a hill, which mixes several architectural styles and offers stunning views over the mountains and the sea. The park that surrounds the palace is an oasis of vegetation, with lakes, fountains, caves and exotic pavilions.
Quinta da Regaleira: a mystical and mysterious place, which hides esoteric and occult symbols in its gardens and buildings. Don’t miss the Initiatory Well, an inverted tower that descends into the depths of the earth, and the Chapel, which has an impressive decoration.
Castelo dos Mouros: an ancient citadel dating back to the 8th century, when Muslims dominated the region. The castle has imposing walls and towers that tower over the landscape and offer panoramic views over Sintra and Lisbon.
Sintra National Palace: the oldest royal residence in Portugal, which was inhabited by almost all kings and queens until the end of the monarchy. The palace has several architectural styles but stands out for its two huge white cones that cover the kitchens. Inside, you can admire the beautiful tiles, painted ceilings and richly decorated rooms.
Monserrate Palace: an exotic palace that combines Arab, Indian and Gothic influences, and was built by an English millionaire in the 19th century. The palace has an elegant facade and a refined interior, with halls, galleries and domes. The garden that surrounds it is one of the most beautiful in Sintra, with botanical species from all over the world.
Cabo da Roca: the westernmost point of continental Europe, where the sea meets the land in a spectacle of strength and beauty. The cape has a lighthouse, a monument and a certificate that certifies its passage through the place. It is an ideal place to watch the sunset and feel the ocean breeze.
Praia da Ursa: one of the wildest and most impressive beaches in Sintra, which owes its name to a huge rock that resembles a bear. The beach is difficult to access, but it is worth the effort for its natural landscape and tranquillity.
Azenhas do Mar: a picturesque village that clings to the cliff, with white houses and a windmill. The village has a small beach and a natural pool, which fills with seawater. It is a charming place to have lunch or dinner in one of the restaurants, which serve fresh fish and seafood.
I hope these tips and suggestions are useful to you in planning your trip to Sintra and enjoying this wonderful village. If you have any questions or want to know more about any of the places I mentioned, ask me. 😊
Check the list of holidays and their respective days of the week:
- Holy Friday (March 29) – Friday
- Easter (March 31) – Sunday
- Freedom Day (April 25) – Thursday
- Labor Day (May 1) – Wednesday
- Portugal Day (June 10th) – Monday
- Saint Anthony’s Day (June 13) – Thursday (municipal holiday in Lisbon)
- Corpo de Deus (June 20) – Thursday
- Assumption of Our Lady (August 15) – Thursday
- Implementation of the Republic (October 5th) – Saturday
- All Saints (November 1) – Friday
- Restoration of Independence (December 1) – Sunday
- Immaculate Conception (December 8) – Sunday
- Christmas (December 25) – Wednesday.
