How to Do Sintra in One Day: The Perfect Itinerary
The Ease of 1 Day in Sintra
If ever in Lisbon, a quintessential day-trip worthy of your time is the beautiful hamlet of Sintra. A mere 40 minute train ride from the heart of Portugal’s capital, it’s unique and appealing aesthetic has been molded by a hodgepodge of historical times, from the Moors of North Africa to the Renaissance artists of Italy. Though we had only heard of Sintra from an old friend and colleague from Portugal, any traveller in Lisbon’s tourist areas will quickly see signs advertising this UNESCO Heritage site. Though we thought an overnight stay would be ideal, we learned how convenient it is to see the town in one day, and still easily make it back to downtown Lisbon by nightfall. If you’re the type of person often on the fence about “committed” day trips, I assure you the scenery in Sintra is well worth the effort.
2. Pena Palace
Iconic for it’s mix of Romantic and Gothic architecture, Pena Palace was closed when we were there which, although sad, made our afternoon itinerary that much less stressful. Perched upon the highest hill in the area, the palace was built as a luxurious summer home for King Ferdinand the II and his wife. The interior aesthetics and extensive vistas are among the most beautiful in Sintra, our guide advised us, and urged us to come back when it was open again in season. It is at most a 20 minute car ride from the main central area of Sintra, and can be accessed via taxi for about 10 - 15 Euro. If unable to visit, there are countless vantage points around the area to grab some beautiful, colorful shots.
What to Wear in Sintra
When it comes to what to wear, the most obvious questions to consider is what time of year you are visiting. The less obvious question to ask yourself, is what kind of climate are you coming from? Our trip was in February, and we knew going in that weather would be anywhere from 40 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit, with windy and cloudy days giving more “Midwest” than “Mediterranean” vibes. Both being from temperate climates that saw cold, snowy winters, we did not stress too much over these chilly forecasts. Having lived and met in Florida for several years, however, we had not realized how much our blood had thinned.
Sintra in a Day; Do it
Upon grabbing the 6PM train back to Lisbon, our feet beat from the old-town streets, we were glad to be heading back to our hotel in Lisbon, ready to relax and unwind after a spectacular day in Sintra. Tackling a town in one day can often seem overwhelming, yet we had the perfect amount of time to explore all that was there. Had Pena Palace been open, we may have regretted missing it, but otherwise saw every site we set out to see. The train ride back was equally relaxing, only about 45 minutes, with uncrowded cars and a soft sun setting over the Portuguese countryside. The walk back to our hotel in Baixia was brisk and pleasant in the late-day air, and we stopped at a cafe for a light dinner with some pastries to go. All-in-all, a perfect day trip without over-doing it.
How to get from Lisbon to Sintra
If in Lisbon for the first time, you will be (or should be) staying in and around the area of Baixa. The thick yellow lines on the map highlight the wide, bustling streets of this classic European capital. Endless wandering along the narrow backstreets that flow off of the main tourist avenues make Lisbon an urban hiking gem. After 2 full days of tramping around town, we mapped out our day trip to Sintra starting with breakfast and coffee [insert real places]. The Rossio metro station, circled on the map to the right, was an easy walk from our hostel, which was located less than a mile away. If your inner child is up for it, LIME has electric scooters located in many areas of the city that offer a fun and easy way to scoot a few blocks for only a Euro or two. The trains run roughly every half hour during the day and every hour during off-peak times. The trains stop running from about 12-6AM every day, so be sure to plan outside of this time frame. The ride lasts about 40 minutes each way, with the scenic views of the Portuguese countryside. We were there in winter, so lack of AC was not an issue, though I imagine the old train cars we rode get quite hot in the summertime.
Top 3 Attractions in Sintra
1. Sintra National Palace
Centrally situated in the main square of the city center, Sintra National Palace was a former royal residence of Portugal’s aristocracy for over 500 years. Now serving as a historic house and museum, the palace showcases the iconic and eclectic architecture that characterizes this area of Europe. Tickets run 13 Euro and hours seem to fluctuate, though anytime from 10AM to 6PM will guarantee entry. A short walk from the Sintra train station, local buses also run throughout the main town area, offering an easy option if you are still beat from your Lisbon wanderings. It’s central location makes it an easy starting, or ending, point for the day, and it’s gorgeous interiors offered refuge from the February chill. I imagine in the hot summer months, it is a nice break from the muggy Mediterranean climate. Do be sure to check out the tile collections found inside, as they are particularly impressive, even by Portuguese standards.
Top Things to do in Sintra
Once in Sintra, all main attractions are easily accessible by foot or bike-taxi. A young local on a rickshaw persuaded us to hop on for a lengthy tour of the area, a decision we would not regret. Whenever in a new country, I sometimes pressure myself to map out the area I am in on my own, to find the best local spots, and to interact with the place as organically and unguided as possible. We have found, however, that very basic and touristy guides and activities often yield the most enjoyment and education. Our man Roberto was no different, telling us the names and importance of each major building we rolled past on our beautiful ride up the hills of the Portuguese countryside. Many drivers with their taxis will be waiting at the station, in the most laid back, unobnoxious way. Hopping on one for roughly 40 Euro per person made the whole afternoon better than I had anticipated.
3. Castle of the Moors
A sprawling medieval fortress perched high in the hills above Sintra, the Castle of the Moors was my personal favorite as a former World History teacher. Dating as far back as the 9th century, visitors are allowed to walk it’s long stone walls and high watchtowers, giving you pristine panoramas of the Portuguese countryside surrounding Sintra. Beautiful gardens and lofty vantage points make visiting the castle an absolute must for your Sintra day trip. The structure is over a 1,200 years old, so de be prepared for narrow walkways with no rails, and uneven steps as rocky as the mountain it was built on. Stiff-soled shoes that fit snugly will make you feel both comfortable and safe when exploring the many walls and towers still intact over a Millenia later. Try your best to come on a clear day, as the views to the Atlantic Ocean were unexpected and amazing.
The Chilly Days of the Off-Season
My biggest failure in dressing appropriately was failig to bring a scarf or jacket that protected my neck. The cold February air was sharp and dry, and my skin took as bad a beating as it would on an intense beach day with no sunscreen. The elevation is slight, but just enough for the winds off the ocean to feel heightened and chilly. Two layers is recommended, ideally one for the cold, and one for the wind and/or rain. Though a tad chilly in my jeans, I worked up enough warmth walking where they were an ideal choice. If you’re going in summer, sturdy shoes (mentioned above) will be your most important decision, followed probably by sunscreen and hats for the strong summer rays of the Mediterranean sun.
