What to do in Sintra

Activities, attractions and tours

A coastal rock formation with waves crashing against it.
A street with shops including a wine bar and a pâtisserie.
A historic castle with ornate architecture, surrounded by lush greenery and a stone bridge.
A cobblestone street lined with shops and a signboard.
A stone castle with a flag on top, surrounded by lush green hills and a clear blue sky.

Places to Visit in Sintra

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Sintra, Lisbon District while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Sintra attractions from NZ$2, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Sintra tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 1992 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Sintra. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

Activities

The remarkable Pena Palace

Sintra-Cascais-Pena Palace 8-People Small Group Tour from Lisbon

NZ$138
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Sintra-Cascais-Pena Palace 8-People Small Group Tour from Lisbon
Castle in Lisbon

Day Trip to Sintra & Cascais with Admission to Pena Palace and Garden Walk

NZ$158
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Day Trip to Sintra & Cascais with Admission to Pena Palace and Garden Walk
Belem Tower

Tour Lisbon: Belém Tower, the Cathedral & Parque das Nações

NZ$152
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Tour Lisbon: Belém Tower, the Cathedral & Parque das Nações
Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tour with Optional Bus Tour Combos

Lisbon Hop-On Hop-Off Packs

NZ$55
per adult
Lisbon Hop-On Hop-Off Packs
Pena Palace

Sintra, Pena, Regaleira, Roca & Cascais Tour with Pick up

NZ$115
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Sintra, Pena, Regaleira, Roca & Cascais Tour with Pick up
Lisbon: Sunset DJ & Porto Tonic Premium Boat Experience

Lisbon Sunset DJ Party Cruise with Pizza & Drinks

NZ$97
per adult
Lisbon Sunset DJ Party Cruise with Pizza & Drinks
Escape Hunt Experience

Escape Hunt Experience

NZ$54
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Escape Hunt Experience
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Top places to visit

1. Sintra National Palace

Immediately identifiable by its two white cone-shaped chimneys, the spectacular Sintra National Palace is part of the UNESCO-listed cultural landscape of the town. Explore the lavish interior and learn about the palace’s fascinating history, which stretches back to Moorish times.
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A town with white buildings, red roofs, and a view of the countryside.

2. Pena Palace

An icon of the region, the striking orange-and-yellow Pena Palace stands out amid the lush forest-covered Sintra Mountains. Inspect the eclectic architecture and ostentatious interior of this former royal summer retreat and stroll through the pretty surrounding park, where you’ll find temples and other follies hidden among the trees and flowers.
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Pena Palace with its distinctive yellow and white facade, domed towers, and ornate balconies.

3. Quinta da Regaleira

The fantastical villa and gardens of Quinta da Regaleira encompass elements of Roman, Renaissance and Manueline styles. Explore the property and soak up its otherworldly atmosphere. With its offbeat architecture, mysterious follies and network of underground tunnels and caves, the site seems to more closely resemble a movie set than it does a real-life abode.
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A historic castle with ornate architecture, including turrets and arched windows.

4. Cape Roca

Cape Roca, or Cabo da Roca as it’s known in Portuguese, is a dramatic, wind-battered tract of headland located at the most westerly point of mainland Europe. Admire the wild and windswept coastal scenery, follow trails along the cliffs and take photos of the monument that marks the spot as the westernmost on the continent.
Learn more
A coastal cliff with a lighthouse, ocean waves, and rocky terrain.

5. Moorish Castle

Though the Moorish Castle of Sintra has been reduced to ruins, it is still a powerful presence on the forested slopes of the Sintra Mountains. Wander up to the hilltop ruins, trekking past fortified stone walls and precariously placed ramparts. Enjoy views that extend over the surrounding hills of Serra de Sintra and the Atlantic Ocean.
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A historic stone castle on a rocky hill with flags.

6. Monserrate Palace

Monserrate Palace is often said to be the most striking palace in Sintra. Admire the unusual, almost fantastical, design of the palace building and the gorgeous, wild gardens that sprawl on the hillside surrounding the structure.
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A historic building with ornate stonework, a dome, and a red-tiled roof.

Recommended things to do in Sintra

Number of things to do
1992
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Exciting Free Walking Tour: Explore Iconic Landmarks & Stunning Viewpoints: NZ$2
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Sintra

Stay near popular Sintra attractions

A town with white buildings, red roofs, and a view of the countryside.

Sintra National Palace

9.0/10 (2,437 reviews)
The Sintra National Palace dazzles with iconic twin conical chimneys and Gothic, Moorish, and Manueline styles. Explore ornate rooms with intricate tilework and painted ceilings revealing Portugal's royal heritage.
See properties

Our guide on where to stay in Sintra

Find the best Sintra areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Sintra
Learn more about Sintra
A lush green landscape with a variety of buildings, including a prominent church with a tall bell tower and a red building with white windows.

Historic Center

When in Historic Center, you can plan a visit to Quinta da Regaleira and Castle of the Moors, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

A yellow castle on a hill overlooking a city.

Galamares

The gardens and monuments make Galamares worth a stop. Make a stop by Sintra Mountains, and jump on the metro at Galamares Tram Stop to get around the area.

A coastal town at sunset with a beach, a cliffside staircase, and white buildings.

Azenhas do Mar

While there might not be top attractions in Azenhas do Mar, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Magoito Beach and Macas Beach.

A grand, historic building with intricate architecture, surrounded by lush greenery and a stone staircase leading up to it.

Santa Maria e São Miguel

If you're spending time in Santa Maria e São Miguel, check out sights like Castle of the Moors or Sintra Mountains and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Sintra Tram Stop or Monte Santos Tram Stop.

A castle with yellow and red buildings, surrounded by forest and overlooking a coastal town.

São Pedro de Penaferrim

While visiting São Pedro de Penaferrim, you might make a stop by sights like Penha Longa Golf Course and Pestana Golf Resort.

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Sintra

A bustling street with shops and cafes, including 'Justtea' and 'Amorguera'.

Cascais

A coastal cityscape with terracotta-roofed buildings, a prominent white church, and a view of the sea and distant city lights.

Lisbon District

A green statue of a man in uniform, a harbor with boats, and a cityscape with buildings in the background.

Colares

A wooden boardwalk along a riverbank with a bridge in the background.

Loures

A large historic building with two towers and a central dome.

Mafra

Frequently asked questions

Is Sintra worth visiting?
Providing a mix of history and walking trails, there's no shortage of things to do in Sintra. When you're here, visit Carcavelos Beach, a leading attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Sintra?
Once you've checked off leading attractions like Carcavelos Beach and Guincho Beach, spend some time exploring the food and retail options in Sintra.
What is the top tourist attraction in Sintra?
You can't go home without visiting Carcavelos Beach, ranked the top tourist attraction in Sintra.
Is three days enough to stay in Sintra?
Three days will give you plenty of time to tick off popular city attractions, including Guincho Beach, Sintra National Palace and Grande Beach. The average stay in Sintra is two days. If you have the urge to extend your break, Lisbon District isn't far away.
Is Sintra a walkable city?
That depends on what you'd like to do and see in Sintra. Several attractions, such as Sintra National Palace and Moorish Castle, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a wander through some of Sintra's best neighbourhoods, Santa Maria e São Miguel, São Martinho e São Pedro de Penaferrim is 0.64 kilometres away from downtown, while Santa Maria e São Miguel is 2 kilometres away from the city centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Sintra with kids?
If you are after tours and attractions for all the family, have a look at these excellent ideas for what to do in Sintra with kids.

What to do in Sintra for adults?
National Hotel School and Lagoas Park are just a couple of the things to do in Sintra. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Sintra?
From relaxing in parks to strolling around vibrant neighbourhoods, it's a breeze to find free things to do in Sintra. If you're stuck for ideas, ask for recommendations from a local tour guide. Guincho Beach is a great spot for anyone wanting to save on their travelling adventures.

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