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, its unique and appealing aesthetic has been molded by a hodgepodge of historical influences, 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 traveler 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.
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.
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.
The trains run roughly every half hour during the day and every hour during off-peak times.
The trains stop running from about 12–6 AM, so be sure to plan outside of this time frame.
The ride lasts about 40 minutes each way, with 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 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 on my own, to find the best local spots and 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 a laid-back, unobnoxious way.
Hopping on one for roughly 40 Euro per person made the whole afternoon better than I had anticipated.
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 10 AM to 6 PM 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.
Its central location makes it an easy starting or ending point for the day, and its gorgeous interiors offered refuge from the February chill.
2. Pena Palace
Iconic for its 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 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.
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 its 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 1,200 years old, so 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 millennium later.
The views out to the Atlantic Ocean were unexpected and amazing.
What to Wear in Sintra
When it comes to what to wear, the most obvious question to consider is what time of year you are visiting.
The less obvious question to ask yourself is what kind of climate you are 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.
The Chilly Days of the Off-Season
My biggest failure in dressing appropriately was failing 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 are 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 that they were an ideal choice.
As always, sturdy shoes will be your are a must.
Sintra in a Day – Do It
Upon grabbing the 6 PM train back to Lisbon, our feet beat from the old-town streets, we were glad to be heading back to our hotel, 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 we saw every site we set out to visit.
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 Baixa was brisk and pleasant in the late-day air, and we stopped at a café for a light dinner with some pastries to go.
All in all, a perfect day trip without overdoing it.
