Top 10 Things to Do and Must-See Attractions in Sintra

1. Pena Palace

The Neuschwanstein castle in Bavaria may be an iconic image of Europe’s romantic architecture, but before that famous German fantasy there was this Portuguese fairytale in Sintra. It was a dream-come-true for a king, built on the site of a ruined monastery at the top of a mountain, blending different architectural styles. It resulted in one of Europe’s most spectacular buildings and one of its finest romantic constructions. It’s the highlight of any visit to Sintra, and where you should head to first.

See the Pena Palace Guide.

2. Sintra National Palace

One of the few medieval palaces in the world that remains practically intact, this royal residence was once home to Prince Henry the Navigator. It features two gigantic conic chimneys, rising up from a kitchen where banquets (or actual food orgies) were prepared. The interior presents beautifully-painted ceilings and a room almost entirely covered in blue-and-white tile panels. While Pena gets most of the attention for its stunning setting and storybook architecture, the Sintra National Palace is the town’s most historically-significant monument.

See the Sintra National Palace Guide.

3. Quinta da Regaleira

Once known as the “Palace of the Millions,” the aristocratic residence of the Regaleira estate was built by an eccentric millionaire who wanted the most exquisite of homes. He ended up creating a mystical place that includes a park with an enigmatic system of tunnels, that has been turned into one of Sintra’s most intriguing and most popular attractions.

See the Quinta da Regaleira Guide.

4. Moorish Castle

Resembling a smaller “Great Wall of China,” this castle takes visitors back 1200 years, to a time when the Moors conquered much of the lands of the Iberian Peninsula. It survived a number of earthquakes and fires, as well as the reconquest of Sintra by Christian Crusaders in the 12th century. Restored in the 1800s when Pena Palace was built, it’s a romantic sight where everyone goes for the most breathtaking views of Sintra.

See the Moorish Castle Guide.

5. Monserrate Palace

It’s not just one of Portugal’s most exotic buildings, it’s one of the finest examples of 19th-century European eclecticism. It’s a romantic palace that belonged to different millionaires, including English novelist William Beckford. Blending several architectural styles, it’s surrounded by a wonderful botanical garden, and its oriental-inspired interior has been carefully restored.

See the Monserrate Palace Guide.

6. Queluz Palace

Inspired by the palace of Versailles outside Paris, the Portuguese royal family built this beautiful rococo palace as a summer home outside Lisbon. It eventually became their permanent official residence, with a splendid interior and lavish gardens dotted with mythological statues and fountains.

See the Queluz Palace Guide.

7. Cabo da Roca

This mystical cape marks Europe’s westernmost point. It’s a place of raw beauty and one of Portugal’s most emblematic sights. Before or after a visit to “the edge of Europe,” many head down to the beautiful beach of Ursa nearby (see below), and hikers continue for another 4 kilometers to Praia da Adraga, yet another rather wild and stunning beach.

See the Cabo da Roca Guide.

8. Pena Park

Below Pena Palace is an enchanted forest with paths leading to a number of romantic constructions, including an Alpine-inspired chalet, statues of monarchs, lakes and strategically-placed viewpoints. In between are over 2,000 varieties of plants brought from around the world.

See the Pena Park Guide.

9. Praia da Ursa

It’s one of Portugal’s most beautiful beaches and one of the best beaches on the Lisbon coast, but thanks to the hike necessary to reach it, it’s never crowded. In fact, the relative isolation means that the few who make it down to the sand, often end up removing their clothes and sunbathing nude. Located by Cabo da Roca, it’s the westernmost beach on the European continent, and has a wild and unforgettable scenery made up of gigantic sea stacks.

See the Praia da Ursa Guide.

10. Azenhas do Mar

One of Portugal’s most photographed villages is located just outside Sintra. It’s a picture-postcard Mediterranean-looking cluster of whitewashed houses tumbling down a cliff to the Atlantic, and with a tiny beach. From there, it’s possible to walk north to the wild beach of Aguda and then to the local favorite Praia do Magoito, or south to Praia das Maçãs, the most popular beach in the region.

See the Azenhas do Mar Guide.