Discover Portugal’s best places to visit in the enchanting town of Sintra. Easily reachable from Lisbon by train, bus, or car, Sintra offers a variety of local transportation options, including charming trams and scenic tuk-tuks. Stay in luxurious hotels like Tivoli Palácio de Seteais or cozy guesthouses such as Casa do Valle. Indulge in local delicacies at Piriquita and enjoy fine dining at Restaurante Tulhas. Plan your visit during spring or fall for the best experience, and purchase tickets for popular attractions like Pena Palace in advance. Explore Sintra, one of Portugal’s best destinations, brimming with history, culture, and natural beauty.
Sintra, a charming town known for its stunning palaces and landscapes, is easily accessible from Lisbon.
By Train: The most convenient way to get to Sintra from Lisbon is by train. Trains leave regularly from Lisbon’s Rossio Station, and the journey takes approximately 40 minutes. A one-way ticket costs around €2.25. For schedules and more information, visit the Comboios de Portugal website.
By Car: Driving to Sintra is another option. The journey from Lisbon takes about 30-40 minutes via the A37 motorway. Car rentals in Lisbon range from €20 to €50 per day. Be prepared for limited parking in Sintra, especially during peak tourist season.
By Bus: Several bus services connect Lisbon to Sintra, with the Scotturb buses being a popular choice. The bus ride takes about 45 minutes to an hour and costs approximately €4.50 one way. Check schedules and fares on the Scotturb website.
Once you’re in Sintra, there are several ways to get around and explore the town’s attractions.
Sintra Tram: A delightful way to travel is by the historic Sintra tram, which runs from the town center to Praia das Maçãs. Tickets cost about €3 for a single journey. More details are available on the Sintra Tram website.
Local Buses and Tuk-Tuks: Scotturb operates local buses that can take you to key sites like Pena Palace and the Moorish Castle. Fares range from €1 to €5. Tuk-tuks are also available for short trips, typically costing €10-€15 for a 15-minute ride.
Walking and Cycling: Many of Sintra’s attractions are within walking distance of each other. Bicycles can be rented for about €15-€25 per day, providing a scenic way to explore.
Sintra offers a variety of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences.
Luxury Hotels: For a luxurious stay, consider the Tivoli Palácio de Seteais, a 5-star hotel offering elegant rooms and stunning views. Prices start from around €250 per night.
Mid-Range Hotels: Sintra Boutique Hotel is a great mid-range option, providing comfortable accommodations with excellent amenities. Prices range from €100 to €150 per night. Sintra Boutique Hotel.
Budget Hotels and Hostels: For budget travelers, Moon Hill Hostel offers dormitory beds starting at €20 per night and private rooms from €50. Moon Hill Hostel.
Guesthouses and Airbnb: There are many charming guesthouses and Airbnb options available, such as Casa do Valle, with prices starting from €60 per night. Casa do Valle.
Sintra’s culinary scene offers a mix of traditional Portuguese cuisine and international dishes.
Local Cuisine: Sample local delicacies like Travesseiros and Queijadas at Piriquita. For traditional meals, visit Tascantiga, where dishes like Bacalhau à Brás cost around €15. Tascantiga.
Fine Dining: Enjoy a fine dining experience at Restaurante Tulhas, known for its fresh seafood and gourmet Portuguese dishes. Expect to pay €30-€50 per person.
Casual Eats: For a casual meal, try Cantinho Gourmet, where you can enjoy various dishes for €10-€20.
Cafes and Bakeries: Don’t miss out on visiting Piriquita, famous for its Travesseiros and Queijadas, priced between €1.50 and €3 each.
Weather: Sintra has a mild climate, but it can be cooler and wetter than Lisbon due to its elevation. Pack a light jacket and an umbrella, especially if visiting in fall or winter.
Best Time to Visit: The best times to visit are spring (March to May) and fall (September to October) when the weather is pleasant, and the crowds are smaller.
Tickets for Attractions: To avoid long lines, purchase tickets for popular attractions like Pena Palace and the Moorish Castle online in advance. Prices for Pena Palace start at €14. Pena Palace Tickets.
Tourist Cards: The Lisbon Card offers free or discounted entry to many Sintra attractions and includes free public transport. Prices start at €20 for a 24-hour card. Lisbon Card.
Language: Portuguese is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
Currency and Payments: The currency is the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted, but carrying some cash for small purchases and places that don’t accept cards is advisable.
Enjoy your visit to Sintra, a town rich in history, culture, and natural beauty!
