Key Facts about Sintra, Portugal

Location

Sintra is a historic town in Portugal’s Lisbon District, set in the foothills of the Sintra Mountains, about 30 km northwest of Lisbon.

Known for

Its romantic palaces, castles, and gardens, blending Gothic, Moorish, and Manueline styles, and its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Best Time to Visit

• Spring (April–June): Mild weather, blooming gardens, and fewer tourists.

• Autumn (September–October): Pleasant temperatures and smaller crowds.

• Summer (July–August): Very popular but often crowded at main attractions.

Local Language

Portuguese. English is widely spoken in tourist areas.

Currency

Euro (€).

Getting There

• By train: 40 minutes from Lisbon’s Rossio Station.

• By car: About 30 minutes from Lisbon, though parking can be limited.

• By bus: Regional buses connect Lisbon and coastal towns like Cascais to Sintra.

Top Attractions

• Pena Palace (Palácio da Pena): A colorful Romanticist palace perched high on a hill.

• Moorish Castle (Castelo dos Mouros): Ancient fortress with panoramic views.

• Quinta da Regaleira: A Gothic-style mansion with mysterious gardens, wells, and tunnels.

• National Palace of Sintra: The medieval royal palace with its iconic twin chimneys.

• Monserrate Palace: A 19th-century exotic palace surrounded by lush gardens.

• Sintra-Cascais Natural Park: Scenic hiking trails and coastal cliffs.

Local Specialties

• Travesseiros: Puff pastries filled with almond cream.

• Queijadas de Sintra: Sweet cheese tarts made with fresh cheese, sugar, and cinnamon.

• Fresh seafood: Cod, sardines, and octopus are staples of the region.

• Portuguese wines: Especially whites and fortified wines from the Lisbon area.

Notable Events

• Festa de São Pedro (June): Celebrating the patron saint with music, parades, and street food.

• Sintra Music Festival (summer): Classical music concerts in palaces and historic sites.

• Christmas in Sintra: Holiday lights and festive markets in the old town.