Sintra Day Trip

Overview

Sintra is a UNESCO Cultural Landscape of Romantic palaces, misty forests, and Moorish castle ruins set in the hills 30 km northwest of Lisbon. Easily reached by a 40-minute train from Rossio station, it's Lisbon's most popular day-trip destination.

Highlights

• Palácio da Pena: A fantastical hilltop palace in vivid yellow and terracotta, mixing Romantic, Manueline, and Moorish styles.
• Quinta da Regaleira: A Neo-Gothic palace with initiatic wells, underground tunnels, and mythological gardens.
• Moorish Castle: 8th-century ramparts with panoramic views over Sintra and (on clear days) the Atlantic.

History

Sintra has been a royal retreat since the 15th century. Lord Byron called it a "glorious Eden" in 1809. The Romantic-era palaces were largely built in the 19th century by Ferdinand II.

Visitor Tips

• Go early: Take the first train (around 07:00) and head to Pena Palace before the crowds.
• Buy tickets online: Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira sell out by midday in summer.
• Duration: Full day (6–8 hours including travel).