Sintra holidays

How to reach Sintra

• Flight time: Non-stop flights to Lisbon, the nearest airport to Sintra, from London Heathrow, London Gatwick and other major UK airports take around 2 hours 40 minutes.

• Transfer time: The metro from the airport to Lisbon’s Oriente station takes around 10 minutes, and from there, a train ride to Sintra takes 45 minutes. Taxis or rideshares directly from the airport to Sintra take approximately 30 to 40 minutes.

• Price: A metro ticket in Lisbon costs €1.80, and the train to Sintra will set you back €2.25 one-way. Taxis from Lisbon Airport to Sintra cost €30–€35.

Best time to visit Sintra

Sintra offers pleasant weather year-round, but each season has its own unique charm.

• March to May: Spring, with Sintra gardens in bloom, is a great time to explore the town if you want to avoid the summer crowds. With temperatures from 15°C to 21°C and 6 to 8 hours of sunshine a day, it’s a very pleasant season of the year.

• June to August: Summer is definitely Sintra’s peak season, with warm yet comfortable temperatures between 23°C and 26°C and up to 11 hours of sunshine per day. Rain is sporadic (5–15mm per month). Popular attractions can be crowded so try to arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon for a more peaceful experience.

• September to November: Sintra autumn brings mild weather, with temperatures dropping from 25°C in September to 17°C in November. Rain increases to 50–100mm a month, but there are still 5 to 8 hours of daily sunshine. With fewer tourists, this shoulder season is ideal for more tranquil sightseeing.

• December to February: In winter, expect cooler temperatures (11°C to 15°C), more rain (80–120mm), and shorter daylight hours (4 to 6 daily). However, winter throngs are minimal and you might be utterly delighted with a fairy-tale atmosphere created by moody local mists.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: Portuguese is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.

• Local habits and customs: Late-evening dinners are typical, often starting after 8 pm. Don’t rush through meals; dining is seen as a leisurely affair here.

• Currency: Portugal uses the Euro. ATMs are widespread, and credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but better carry some cash for smaller establishments.

• Getting around: Sintra’s compact size makes walking possible, but the hilly terrain can be challenging. Tuk-tuks or hop-on hop-off buses are popular, with rides costing €5–€10. For public transport, a single bus ticket is around €1.50.

• Electricity and plug types: The standard voltage is 230V, with Type C and F plugs, so UK travellers need an adaptor.

• Time zone: Sintra operates on Western European Time, the same as the UK.

• Required travel documentation: UK nationals can stay in Portugal visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, with a passport valid for at least six months.

Best things to do in Sintra

Holidays to Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offer unforgettable experiences. The hilltop retreat near Lisbon is one of the most scenic in the country, surrounded by opulent palaces and country estates.

Historical monuments

• Pena Palace: Perched high above Sintra, this colourful 19th-century Romanticist palace, the Palácio da Pena, resembles something out of a Shrek film, with its ornate medley of domes, statues and towers.

• National Palace: Right in the town centre, this royal residence is famous for its twin chimneys and stunningly tiled interiors. The sumptuous and wonderfully atmospheric Palácio Nacional largely dates from the reign of Dom Joăo I, making it the oldest surviving palace in Portugal.

• Quinta da Regaleira: It’s one of Sintra’s most elaborate estates, laid out at the start of the 20th century. Known for its mysterious Initiation Well, Quinta da Regaleira also boasts fascinating secret tunnels and fairy-tale grottos.

• Castle of the Moors: From Sintra, it’s a pleasant, if steep, walk up to the spectacular ruined ramparts of the Castelo dos Mouros, the Castle of the Moors. Dating back to the 8th century, this fortress provides breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.

Parks and gardens

• Monserrate Palace and Gardens: This romantic palace, inspired by Brighton Pavilion, with a mix of Moorish and Italian decoration, is surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens showcasing flora from across the globe, from tree ferns to Mexican cacti.

• Pena Park: A verdant haven enveloping Pena Palace, this sprawling park features meandering trails, quiet lakes and hidden viewpoints.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Cruz Alta: The highest point on the Sintra Mountains, this 529-metre viewpoint offers exquisite views of the region, including Pena Palace nestled among the trees.

• Cabo da Roca: A short trip from Sintra takes you to this dramatic clifftop point, Cabo de Roca. It’s officially the most westerly point on the mainland and an enjoyable trip to get here. Below the cape’s lighthouse you’ll see how Atlantic breakers slam the cliffs.

Day trips in the area

• Cascais: A popular seaside escape is Cascais, a 15-minute drive from Sintra, which boasts three beaches and a campsite. Cascais has a particular appeal to surfers due to its proximity to Guincho beach, which has hosted the World Surfing Championships.

• Lisbon: Portugal’s capital city is just 40 minutes by train. Strung out over a series of hills facing the glistening waters of the Tejo estuary, Lisbon is one of Europe’s most handsome cities. Admire its hills and cobbled alleys which are still served by ancient trams and funiculars that rattle along streets where old-fashioned shops and cafés far outnumber the multinationals.

• Queluz: If you crave exploring even more palaces, head some 16km southeast of Sintra, to Queluz National Palace. It’s one of Portugal’s most sumptuous palaces, commissioned in 1747, its striking Rococo exterior and formal gardens clearly influenced by the Palace of Versailles.

Activities for families in Sintra

Sintra offers some engaging family-friendly activities that will keep both kids and adults entertained.

• Interactive museums: The Sintra Science Centre offers hands-on exhibits designed to spark curiosity in young minds, while the Toy Museum in the town centre captivates with its extensive collection of vintage toys.

• Horse-drawn carriage rides: Children will love riding a horse-drawn carriage through Sintra’s winding streets – it’s a fun way to see the town.

• Cycling and e-biking: Bike rentals are available for families who prefer exploring on wheels. E-bikes are a popular option, especially for tackling the hilly terrain and reaching off-the-beaten-track gems like Capuchos Convent.

• Beaches and water sports: Just outside Sintra, Praia da Adraga and Praia Grande offer dramatic cliffs and golden sands. These beaches are excellent for playing in the sand, swimming and soaking up the sun.

Free things to do in Sintra

Luckily, there are some free things to do in Sintra that won’t break the bank.

• Local markets: There’s a great market – with antiques and crafts, as well as food – held in Sao Pedro’s main square, 2km southeast of Sintra-Vila, on the second and last Sunday of every month. Head there and, if you don’t want to buy anything, just enjoy wandering through the stalls.

• Parks and scenic walks: Many of Sintra’s natural attractions, like the trails in Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, are free to access. A favourite is the hike from the Castle of the Moors to Cruz Alta, providing sweeping views over Sintra’s palaces and surrounding countryside.

• Nature-inspired wellness: Sintra’s pristine landscapes are a wellness haven. Mindful walks through the serene gardens of Monserrate Palace or gentle hikes in the misty woods of the Sintra hills are perfect for connecting with nature, and cost nothing at all.

Local dishes in Sintra

On your Sintra holidays, indulge in diverse local culinary delights, reflecting the region’s royal history and coastal location.

Some typical dishes

• Cozido à Portuguesa: This hearty Portuguese stew of various meats and vegetables is a firm favourite across the region and you’ll find it on many local menus.

• Queijadas de Sintra: Small, round pastries made with cheese, sugar and cinnamon, these treats are Sintra’s iconic dessert and are very difficult to resist. They pair well with espresso or a glass of sweet dessert wine.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Grilled Sardines: A summer favourite, grilled sardines provide one of the country’s most appetising smells. Typically served with olive oil and salt, as well as potatoes and a salad, they capture the taste of Portugal’s coast.

• Amêijoas à Bulhão Pato: Reflecting its coastal location, Sintra offers this mouthwatering clam dish, cooked with garlic, coriander and white wine. It’s a must-try for all seafood aficionados!

Tapas dishes

• Petiscos: Portugal’s answer to tapas, petiscos include dishes like garlic prawns, grilled chouriço (Portuguese sausage), pica-pau (small pieces of steak in a garlicky sauce), tremoços (pickled lupin seeds) or a small round of cheese. All of them are perfect for sharing.

Sweets and desserts

• Travesseiros de Sintra: If you have a sweet tooth, you have to try these light puff pastries which are filled with almond and egg cream. They are best enjoyed with a strong coffee at one of Sintra’s cafés.

• Pastéis de Nata: These are classic Lisbon custard tarts, also beloved in Sintra, which have a sweet creamy filling and are deliciously flaky. For an extra touch of flavour, enjoy them with a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Local drinks

• Colares Wine: Produced in the region, this rich red wine is known for its unique flavour, shaped by the sandy coastal soil where the vines grow.

• Ginjinha: The region specialises in the punchy cherry brandy Ginjinha, which is typically served as a shot at tiny bars. Everyone should try it at least once during their Portuguese holidays.