2025 Sintra Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

📖📖Itinerary Day 1: Lisbon International Airport → Belém Tower → Jerónimos Monastery → Rua Augusta Arch → Alfama → São Jorge Castle Day 2: Pena Palace → Quinta da Regaleira → Cabo da Roca Day 3: Santa Juana Hostel Madrid → Mercado de San Miguel → Plaza Mayor → Royal Palace of Madrid → Plaza de España → Museo Nacional del Prado → El Retiro Park Day 4: Palma de Mallorca Airport → Palma Cathedral Day 5: Cal Reiet Hotel & Holistic Retreat → Sóller Day 6: INNSiDE by Meliá Alcudia → Gothic Quarter → Casa Milà → Los Tarantos Flamenco Barcelona Day 7: JonCake → Mercat de Santa Caterina → Casa Batlló → Basilica de la Sagrada Familia → Hospital de Sant Pau Day 8: Abu Dhabi International Airport → Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque → Presidential Palace Abu Dhabi → Louvre Abu Dhabi The most highly recommended place is the small island of Mallorca ~ the lemon-flavored Mediterranean style

#MarchGoodPlaces2025 When I first saw the exterior of the Palace of Sintra, I began to doubt my life, because this is where the king used to live. From the outside, you can see two huge kitchen chimneys. The interior of the palace is elegant and generous, not as magnificent and splendid as we had imagined the European palaces to be. The Royal Palace of Sintra is located in the town of Sintra, about 30 kilometers west of Lisbon. In the 10th century, the Moors built a royal palace castle in the Sintra area. Afonso I, the first king of Portugal, also lived here. The view from the inside of the palace is pleasant. Although the interior of the palace is not big, you can see how simple the Portuguese king was at that time.

Lisbon is not just a city. She’s that cool art history major who writes poetry on napkins, takes you to wine bars in Bairro Alto, and then disappears for a weekend in Sintra “to clear her head.” I started off strong: • Got emotionally compromised at Torre de Belém, staring at the water like I was waiting for my 16th-century sailor husband to return. • Ate three Pastéis de Belém in under ten minutes. Zero regrets. • Climbed literal mountains of cobblestone, fueled only by espresso and delusion. Bairro Alto by night? Pure chaos in a bottle. Everyone’s hot, slightly drunk, and giving indie band lead singer energy. I made 12 best friends and forgot all their names by sunrise. That’s the Lisbon way. Then Sintra said, “You thought you were done? Lol no.” • Quinta da Regaleira was like stepping into a gothic fever dream. Secret tunnels, inverted towers, and the kinda vibe where you’d 100% join a cult if someone asked nicely. • Park & National Palace of Pena? Bright colors, sweeping views, and more castle-core drama than my last situationship. If Barbie had a Euro summer, she’d be living in that palace in a cape and plotting her royal comeback. I left with sore legs, a full camera roll, and a mild identity crisis. BRB, moving into a pink palace and changing my name to Constança. #AprilBlooms #TramTales #BelémBabe #FairyTaleFatigue #PastelDeNataEra

A 12-day trip to Spain and Portugal will take you to experience the customs of both countries! Take in all the highlights of the attractions. Follow this guide to easily start your romantic European trip! -- 🌟 Route Overview: DAY1: Fly from Shanghai to Madrid, visit Toledo and Badajoz. DAY2-3: Go to Lisbon and explore the city of Lisbon, then visit Sintra, Cabo da Roca, and finally arrive in Évora to visit the Pena Palace and the ancient city of Évora. DAY4-5: Travel from Évora to Seville to enjoy flamenco dance, then head to Ronda and Granada to explore the Alhambra Palace and the town of Ronda. DAY6-7: Arrive in Valencia, then go to Barcelona to visit the Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, and enjoy paella. DAY8-9: Continue to visit Park Güell and Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, ​​and have free time on the last day. DAY10-11: Take the high-speed rail back to Madrid, visit the Royal Palace of Madrid, and then go to Segovia to see the ancient Roman aqueduct and taste roast suckling pig. DAY12: Fly back to Shanghai from Madrid, ending the unforgettable journey. -- Must-visit attractions: ✨ Alhambra Palace: A must-see traditional Spanish building. Walk through it and feel the rich history and beautiful scenery. 🌊 Casa Mila: The wavy appearance is eye-catching, and the unique architectural style inspires your infinite imagination. It is not to be missed. 🐉 Casa Batlló: Step into Gaudi’s magical apartment, where every corner is filled with dragon stories, as if you are in a fairy tale world. 🌳 Park Güell: Located on Mount Pelada in Barcelona, ​​Gaudi's paradise is waiting for you to explore and enjoy the harmonious beauty of nature and art. -- Travel preparation: 🧳 📞 Prepare a phone card to facilitate communication and not get lost. 🔌 A plug converter is a must-have to ensure you don’t have to worry about charging. 🪪 Be sure to bring your ID with you, including your visa and passport. 👗 Clothing should be seasonal and a warm jacket should always be worn. 🔋 Charger and power bank, always have power to keep you safe. These are the essential items I have summarized from my years of travel experience. Remember to bring them with you to make your trip to Spain and Portugal smoother and more enjoyable! 😊 -- During your trip to Spain and Portugal, you will be accompanied by beautiful scenery along the way. Don’t miss any scenery. I look forward to your next exploration!

Fairytale castles, mystical gardens, and breathtaking views! 🚆 Getting There • Take a train from Lisbon Rossio Station to Sintra (40 min, €2.30 one way). • Once in Sintra, use bus 434 (€11.50 hop-on-hop-off). Top Tip: Don’t use Uber/Bolt if you could, they don’t follow the normal fare and will keep cancelling even though the drivers accepted your booking, waiting you to raise the fares! 📍 Itinerary Morning ☀️ 🔹 Pena Palace (Palácio da Pena) – The most famous and colourful palace in Sintra! Arrive early (opens 9:00 AM) to beat the crowds. Enjoy the stunning views and explore the romantic gardens. (€14 entry) 🔹 Moorish Castle (Castelo dos Mouros) – A short walk from Pena Palace, these medieval ruins offer incredible panoramic views over Sintra and the coast. (€8 entry) Afternoon 🌿 🔹 Quinta da Regaleira – A mystical estate filled with underground tunnels, enchanting gardens, and the famous Initiation Well. A must-visit! (€11 entry) 🔹 Sintra Historic Centre – Stroll around the charming old town, grab a Travesseiro pastry from Piriquita Bakery, and explore the little shops. 💡 Extra Time? Visit Palácio de Monserrate, a hidden gem with gorgeous gardens and Moorish-Gothic architecture. 🚆 Heading Back • Take the train back to Lisbon Rossio Station (last train ~11 PM). 💡 Tips ✅ Wear comfortable shoes – Lots of walking and hills! ✅ Book tickets online to avoid long queues. ✅ Bring a light jacket – Sintra can be cooler than Lisbon. A magical day trip that feels like stepping into a storybook! ✨ #Favouriteitinerary #sintra #sintramagic

Winter break is coming! Here's a 13-day itinerary for Spain and Portugal! With this guide, you'll be able to enjoy the food, attractions, and shopping without any stress! Are you ready for a wonderful winter snow trip? Let's go! . 🎉Itinerary🎉: Day 1–2: 💺 Fly from Shanghai to Lisbon, explore Sintra and Cabo da Roca, and don't miss the World Heritage Site Pena Palace🏰! Day 3–4: Travel from Lisbon to Seville, try the ham culture experience at Jabugo🍖, admire Seville Cathedral, and feel the passion of flamenco💃! Day 5–6: Head to Ronda, Mijas, and Granada, where you'll find World Heritage Sites🎖️, and admire the living fossils of European architecture in Consuegra and Toledo! Day 7–8: Visit the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid🏟️, and enjoy a carefully selected roast suckling pig dish🍽️ on the way from Madrid to Segovia! Day 9–11: Take the high-speed train🚄 to Barcelona, enjoy a Gaudí magic tour, and be enchanted by Casa Batlló and seafood paella with sea views💓! Day 12–13: ✈️ Fly back to Shanghai from Barcelona, and return home happy, ready for your next trip! . Must-see attractions: 🕌 Alhambra, a must-see traditional Spanish building, with beautiful scenery that makes you feel like you're in a painting. 🏠 Casa Milà, with its wavy appearance and unique architectural style, inspires endless imagination, and the artistic touch overflows the picture. 🔮 Casa Batlló, Gaudí's magical apartment, is full of dragon stories, making you reluctant to leave. 🌹 Park Güell, Gaudí's paradise on the hill of Barcelona, where every tree and leaf is a beautiful legend. ⛪ Sagrada Família, a Spanish landmark, with intricate carvings inside and a varied exterior style, will move your heart💕. . Travel tips: 📅 January climate: Southern Spain has a mild maritime climate, while Portugal is slightly colder, but you should prepare warm clothes for both. 💰 Exchange rate: The currency in Spain and Portugal is the euro, and the exchange rate is about 1 euro = 7.5 yuan. 🛂 Visa information: You need to apply for a Schengen visa in advance for a trip to Spain and Portugal, so remember to plan ahead. 🎁 Specialty prices: Jamón, wine, and olive oil are specialties of Spain and Portugal, and the price is about 20–40 euros per kilogram. +U+1F60D . That's it for the wonderful trip to Spain and Portugal. Have a full and fulfilling holiday!

: : : : : : : : : : : : : : : (The entrance is below the fort) 📍The main point is that the Moorish Castle🏰 is located on the mountain~You can see the clouds and mist in the mountain~Sometimes there is sunshine🌞Sometimes there is a rainbow🌈You will not feel bored on the trail, but will make you feel like you are in a paradise~Super beautiful ✏️Expected stay: about 2 to 3 hours ✏️Tickets🎫: Adult ticket: €12 Student/Senior Ticket: €10 (If you don’t buy a ticket~You can also walk to the ticket gate and then turn back) ⌚️: Opening hours: 09:30AM – 06:00PM Personal recommendation: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (really beautiful) #100 Ways to Travel

#wecreate Unveil the wonders of Sintra, Portugal, with the delightful Comboio Turístico! 🌈🚆 Discover fairytale-like castles, mesmerizing palaces, and lush gardens. 🏰✨ Lose yourself in the romantic atmosphere of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. #Sintra #ComboioTurístico #EnchantingSintra 💡Pro tip: Start your journey early to avoid crowds and make the most of your visit! 🌞👣 Plan your itinerary in advance, including must-see spots like Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, and Monserrate Palace. 🏰🌳 Don't forget to explore the narrow streets of Sintra's historic center and indulge in local delicacies. 🍴🍷 Immerse yourself in Sintra's unique charm and capture unforgettable memories! 📸🎉 #TravelTips #SintraMagic #PortugalUnforgettable

#2023travelwish There are plenty of palaces in Portugal but if you can only visit one, this should be it (Queluz is another must-see!) Located on top of a hill, there are great views and you can see the ocean from here. Although the views are great, you’ll probably visit because of the beautiful colors and amazing architecture. It’s very popular so it’s recommended you get tickets online in advance. You can either reach it by licensed tuk-tuk or on foot, which is a nice walk through the woods.

Sintra has to be on your itinerary if you are visiting Lisbon. The town is small enough for one day visit, but has alot to see. We left Lisbon at 830 and had breakfast in Sintra before embarking on our journey. First stop was Quinta de Regaleira - a private home and garden built in the early 20th century - and one of the most interesting structures in the garden is the 9 levels spiral well, hidden amongst the trees and rocks. Our second stop was the colorful and almost Disney like Peña Palace. perched on top of the hill and can be reached by bus from the town center. The last stop of the day was the Moorish Castle which is only 10 min away on foot from the palace. One can see miles away from the castle top and even Lisbon on a clear day. Sintra is only 40 min away by train from Lisbon from Rosario Staton. It is a popular destination especially in the summer. tickets should be booked online in advance. #portugal #sintra #historicplaces

The history of this magical place begins in the 12th century with the construction of a small chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Pena. In the same place, Manuel I ordered the construction of a monastery, the Royal Monastery of Our Lady of Pena, which was later handed over to the Catholic organization the Order of St. Jerome. In the 18th century, lightning strikes destroyed parts of the tower, chapel and sacristy, and then the Lisbon earthquake of 1755 reduced the monastery to near ruins. Only the high altar area within the church, with its marble and alabaster altarpiece by Nicolas de Chantraine, remains intact. In the 19th century, the Sintra mountain landscape and the ruins of the ancient monastery amazed King Fernando II of Portugal, and he fell in love with Sintra. In 1838 he also acquired the ruined old monastery, the Moorish castle, the surrounding farms and all the forests with his personal property. The original project was to restore the building as a summer residence for the royal family, but his enthusiasm led him to decide to build it into a palace under the guidance of German geologist, mineralogist and architect Baron Wilhelm Ludwig. The building is surrounded by other structures that are connected by walkways, watchtowers, a pathway, and even a suspension bridge. The palace blends architectural references of Manueline and Moorish influences, producing a surprising "Thousand and One Nights" scene Driven by his interest in collecting, Ferdinand II planted native forest species from all continents, including Asian camellias, which turned the 85 hectares of Pena Park into the most important botanical garden in Portugal. In 1995, the Sintra Cultural Landscape, including the Pena Palace, was listed as a World Cultural Heritage Site. #OverseasTravel #PortugalTravel #PortugalClothing #WorldHeritage #WorldHeritageCulturalHeritage #WorldHeritageTour #Palace #portugal #sintra #palácio Nacional da Pena

◆Access: 30-40 minutes by bus from Sintra Station A palace and monastery ruins built in the 19th century with Romantic architecture. As you can see, the exterior is very colorful, but since it was originally a privately owned home, the exhibits inside the house are also very interesting, as they give a glimpse into how people lived at the time. As it is the most popular spot in Sintra, it is bound to be crowded. Since tourist buses run on a one-way circular route, it is especially crowded in the afternoon and evening. If you have time, we recommend visiting as early in the morning as possible. #historical ruins #great views

Sintra is a charming Portuguese town situated within the cooling hills of the Serra de Sintra. Hidden among its majestic pine forest, you will discover whimsical palaces, extravagant villas and the ruins of a 10th-century Moorish castle. This variety of fascinating historic buildings and stunning natural scenery, makes Sintra an outstanding tourist destination. Sintra is regarded as the finest day trip of the Lisbon region, and a visit to this wonderful town will make a fantastic addition to your holiday plans. The Pena palace is located in the mountains and it's location is absolutely amazing. Get your tickets online in advance which were about 13 euros each

When you take the train from Lisbon to Sintra, you must visit Pena Castle💕 The castle is beautiful with colorful colors, so it looks great in photos! If you go to Portugal, you must visit!❤️ #HotPlace

I am still marveling at this beautiful gigantic colourful palace. Perfectly standing on top of d Sintra mountain, #penapalace atau dalam bahasa negara sana digelar Palacio Nacional da Pena oversees d Atlantic Ocean & some parts of Lisbon. During d whole visit I pretended like I was in a Walt Disney castle, only its cheaper (€13.50) & surrounded with 200 hectares of garden. tu acik macam beruk mak yeh terlompat sana sini fefeeling skit Do consider visiting this place cause its only a 45min train journey from Lisbon & u can opt to walk or take a shuttle bus to the palace. bila da sampai Sintra (atas bukit & dlu tempat royals la) ni, kami menapak la juga sebab ada banyak gila castles (kalau ada masa lebih, sila pergi sekali Castle of d Moors. tu lawa juga tapi tak sempat pergi sebab nak kejar grafitti lagi di city), bangunan, rumah & tempat worth visiting along d way up. siap kami benti lunch (eryzal suka masak bawak bekal, acik tolong makan & cuci tupperware je) Quick info: initially it was a monastery & later reconstructed by King Ferdinand in 1847. Highly influenced by d Neo-Gothic, Neo-Islamic, Neo-Renaissance and Neo-Manueline architectural styles (Wikipedia) Most importantly, it has landed on d #unescoworldheritage sites list and one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal of course my pics don't do justice to the beauty of this place tapi sumpah cantikkkk #lisboa #sintra #portugal

Pena Palace in Sintra, Portugal This colorful, candy-like castle was built on a ruined monastery and is a popular tourist destination in Portugal. This castle, which stands on top of a mountain, is a mysterious mix of Islamic, Gothic, Manueline, and Renaissance styles. #WorldHeritage #Photogenic

The palace can be this gorgeous Portugal Sintra's 📍Pena National Palace (Parque e Palácio Nacional da Pena) Usually, palaces are gorgeous on the inside but plain on the outside.. Whoa! Pena Palace🏰 is no joke I wonder if this palace I'm looking at is really a palace built a long time ago🤭 It looked more like the fantasy space of someone who likes toys ㅎㅎ Honey⭐️TIP (Pena Palace-Regalera Villa-Roca Cape-Azenas do Mar) This is a popular course when traveling to Sintra from Lisbon for a day trip! Me too🥰 I'm going to introduce you one by one, starting with Pena Palace👍🏻 ✔️Lisbon-Sintra Train & Bus 1-day Integrated Ticket 💶15.5 (You can use the dedicated staff at the station or the unmanned vending machine) . #Portugal #LisbonTravel #Lisbon #SuburbanCity #SuburbanTravel #TrainTravel #Sintra #SintraTravel #HiddenTravelDestination #SmallCityTravel

The pictures are from the Palaco da Pena located in the small town of #sintra in #portugal . The place is very colorful with super nice views and a good landscape. It is located in a small forest on a hill. If you stay in Lisbon you can access the palace by trains that are running frequently and cheap. If you go by car note that the parking places are limited. #happynewyear

Palacio da Pena is recognized as one of the top ten most beautiful castles in the world. In 1995, it was selected as a World Heritage Site as part of the Sintra Cultural Landscape. It is now frequently used for the state affairs of the Portuguese President and other government officials. In the Middle Ages, it was only a church of the Virgin. In 1493, the Joao II couple came here for pilgrimage, and the successor Manuel I built the monastery. In 1755, the monastery was razed to the ground during the Lisbon earthquake. In 1842-1854, the summer palace was vigorously built. The architect was Baron von Eschwege, the German, who was finally completed in 1885. The palace is both Gothic, Renaissance, Moorish and Manuel.

#postandearn #localguides #attractive Tucked away in the mystical hills of Sintra, Palácio de Monserrate is one of Portugal’s most underrated architectural treasures — a palace where Moorish, Gothic, and Indian influences blend into a truly magical masterpiece. Built in the 19th century as a summer retreat for British aristocrat Francis Cook, the palace is surrounded by lush botanical gardens featuring plants from every corner of the world. Inside, the lace-like stone carvings, arabesque arches, and marble columns create a surreal, dreamlike atmosphere — as if you’ve stepped into a fantasy novel. Far less crowded than other Sintra palaces, Monserrate offers peaceful exploration, breathtaking architecture, and quiet corners ideal for photography, meditation, or a slow, romantic walk. 📍 Location: Palácio de Monserrate, Sintra, Portugal 🌟 Tip: Combine your visit with a picnic in the gardens — it’s one of the most serene spots in all of Sintra. #PalacioDeMonserrate #HiddenSintra #PortugalTravel #ArchitecturalWonder #SintraSecrets #MoorishPalace #RomanticPortugal #ExoticArchitecture #BotanicalParadise #OffbeatDestinations #UNESCOWorldHeritage #FantasyTravel #SintraVibes #SlowTravelPortugal #WanderlustPortugal

The town of Sintra unfolds like a scene from a fairy tale. Its landscapes, which captivate the heart and eyes even before the camera, feature old buildings quietly whispering under red rooftops. Walking through the streets, you can feel time flowing gently. Rather than a bustling tourist spot, it feels like an old scenery quietly welcoming visitors. Cafes and craft shops nestled in every alley invite travelers to pause for a moment, while the streets are imbued with Portugal's unique charm.

As it emerges through the lush green forest, visitors can't help but exclaim in unison, "This truly feels like a fairytale palace." **Pena Palace (Palácio da Pena)**, perched atop the hills of Sintra, Portugal, is one of the most enchanting palaces in the world. Its unique blend of red, yellow, and gray hues, along with exotic towers, arches, and intricate decorations, gives the impression of a castle straight out of a dream brought to life. Built in the mid-19th century by Ferdinand II, a king with a deep love for the arts, the palace was constructed atop the ruins of a medieval monastery. It embodies his romantic ideals and vision, standing as a masterpiece of European Romantic architecture. Today, it is the crown jewel of the Sintra Cultural Landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Located at the end of winding alleys lined with red rooftops in the heart of Sintra village, the National Palace of Sintra served as the summer residence for the Portuguese royal family for centuries. The two white conical chimneys, visible from afar, are the iconic symbols of this palace and the most striking structures piercing the Sintra skyline. Its exterior, blending traces of Arabic influence with medieval elegance, exudes a simple yet timeless charm. Inside, the palace preserves the traces of royalty who resided there over the centuries. Notably, the **Swan Room (Sala dos Cisnes)** features a ceiling adorned with swan paintings, while the **Magpie Room (Sala das Pegas)** is decorated with 136 magpies, offering a glimpse into the stories and humor of the king, making these spaces particularly intriguing.

Located in the center of Sintra village, the Sintra National Palace is a historic palace that served as the Portuguese royal family's summer residence for many years. Unlike other castles perched on hills, this palace is situated right in the middle of the village, making it easily accessible. Its most distinctive feature is the two massive white conical chimneys rising above the roof, which have become the symbol of the palace. Thanks to its unique appearance, it stands out even from afar and is considered one of the iconic elements of Sintra's landscape.

**Moorish Castle (Castelo dos Mouros)** is a fortress built by the Moors in the 10th century, located on a hill amidst the lush forests of Sintra, Portugal. Its massive walls stretch along the mountain ridge, offering a majestic view reminiscent of the Great Wall of China. ⸻ 🏰 Basic Information • Name: Moorish Castle (Castelo dos Mouros / Moorish Castle) • Location: Northern hill of Sintra's historic district • Construction Period: Around the 8th–9th century, built by the Moors (Islamic forces) who ruled the Iberian Peninsula.

Pena Palace (Palácio da Pena) is a stunning 19th-century Romanticist palace perched atop the hills of Sintra, Portugal. With its vibrant, fairytale-like exterior that seems straight out of a Disney animation, its exotic design built upon the ruins of a medieval monastery, and its breathtaking views of lush forests and clouds, it truly embodies the "castle from a fairy tale" that everyone dreams of. ✨ Highlights of Pena Palace • Vibrant Colors: The yellow and red walls harmonize with the gray towers, making it a striking sight even from afar. • Architectural Fusion: A unique blend of Gothic, Mudéjar, Renaissance, and Manueline styles, symbolizing European Romanticism.

Pena Palace, located in Sintra, Portugal, is a prime example of 19th-century Romantic architecture and is considered one of the most impressive structures in Europe. Originally the site of a monastery, it was purchased in 1838 by King Ferdinand II of Portugal, who transformed it into the royal family's summer palace. He blended various architectural styles, including Medieval, Gothic, Mudéjar (Islamic), Renaissance, and Baroque, harmoniously integrating influences from across Europe to create a unique and ornate palace. The palace is renowned for its vibrant exterior, featuring colorful walls, particularly its yellow and red towers, intricate decorations, and arched windows, leaving a lasting impression on visitors. Inside, rooms such as the bedrooms, dining halls, and chapel used by the royal family are preserved, offering a glimpse into the lifestyle of Portugal's royalty.

As you ascend through the lush forests of Sintra, a castle emerges like a dream beyond the mist. Its unique silhouette, blending yellow, red, and gray hues, instantly captures your gaze. This is none other than the pinnacle of Romantic architecture in Portugal, **Pena Palace (Palácio da Pena)**. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this place is more than just a tourist destination—it's a magical space where romance, imagination, and history intertwine. During your trip to Portugal, take a day to step into a fairytale—Pena Palace will be the perfect starting point.