Sintra , Portugal

Exploring Sintra - Half Day Tour

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(24 reviews)

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About this experience

Our mission is to make you happy in this magical place.

This is a place to reminisce with a smile on your face.

We live in Sintra and we love this village.

We are a family business that loves meeting new people.

Sharing knowledge with others is like traveling.

We want to show you our favorite sites and provide the best experiences in Sintra.

Small groups, gretat Places!

Available options

Exploring Sintra - Half Day Tour

What's included

Bottled water

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

The thousand-year-old history of the Palace of the Town of Sintra began during the Muslim occupation of the Iberian Peninsula.

This Palace is also called Town Palace, because it’s located in the town of Sintra.

Anyone visiting Sintra, going up the large curve around the valley known as the “Volta do Duche”, is immediately struck by the clear white outline of the Town Palace which dominates with its two immense cones that corresponded to its colossal chimneys. No one will remain indifferent to the originality and the bizarre character of this rich building, resting in the valley and facing the very small town just ahead.

Stop 2

This is one of Sintra’s main tourist attractions. This magical village with its extravagant neo-Manueline gardens, dreamed by an Italian opera designer, Luigi Manini, under the orders of the Brazilian tycoon of precious stones and transport, António Carvalho Monteiro, known by Monteiro dos Millões.

Stop 3

Monserrate Palace is a beautiful 19th century stately home. This extravagantly decorated palace blends Portuguese, Arabian and Indian architectural styles and is one the most beautiful buildings in Sintra. The palace was commissioned by Francis Cook, an English textile baron, who used the estate as a summer retreat.

The grounds of the Monserrate Palace hide specialist and exotic gardens with non-native plants. This palace is the smallest of Sintra’s three palaces but it is by far the most decorative and beautiful one.

Built in the 18th century by the Dutch Gildmeester and rebuilt by the 5th Marquis of Marialva. Currently it is a famous fiver stars hotel unit. The garden and the belvedere are open to the public

What's not included

Monuments tickets

Guided Visit inside the Monuments

Meals

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.5

4 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.9

20 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Train Station

About Sintra

Sintra is a picturesque town on the Portuguese Riviera, known for its 19th-century Romanticist castles, palaces, and lush gardens. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers a fairytale-like atmosphere with its unique blend of history, architecture, and natural beauty.

Top Attractions

Pena Palace

A 19th-century Romanticist palace perched on a hilltop, known for its vibrant colors and eclectic architectural styles.

Historical/Architecture 2-3 hours €14 (adult ticket)

Quinta da Regaleira

A mystical estate with lush gardens, hidden tunnels, and the famous Initiation Well.

Historical/Architecture 1-2 hours €10 (adult ticket)

Moorish Castle

A medieval castle with origins dating back to the 8th century, offering stunning views and a glimpse into Sintra's past.

Historical 1-2 hours €8 (adult ticket)

Praia da Adraga

A beautiful beach with golden sand and dramatic cliffs, perfect for a relaxing day by the sea.

Beach Half-day Free

Monserrate Palace

A stunning 19th-century palace set in a lush, romantic garden, showcasing a blend of Gothic, Moorish, and Indian architectural styles.

Historical/Architecture 1-2 hours €8 (adult ticket)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Trajana

A traditional pastry filled with various ingredients like meat, cheese, or sweets.

Snack Can be vegetarian or vegan depending on filling.

Bacalhau à Brás

A classic Portuguese dish made with shredded cod, eggs, and thinly fried potatoes.

Main course Contains fish and eggs.

Pastel de Nata

A famous Portuguese custard tart with a flaky pastry crust.

Dessert Contains dairy and eggs.

Sardinhas Assadas

Grilled sardines, a popular dish in coastal regions.

Main course Contains fish.

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park Surfing at Praia da Adraga Beach relaxation Wine tasting Visiting historic palaces and castles Exploring local markets Swimming and sunbathing at local beaches Visiting museums and indoor attractions

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to October

These months offer the best weather with pleasant temperatures and fewer tourists compared to the summer peak.

15°C to 25°C 59°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Portuguese
Widely spoken: English, Spanish, French
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (WET), GMT+2 (WEST during daylight saving time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Sintra is a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure in crowded areas
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps
• Be cautious when using ATMs at night

Getting there

By air

Lisbon Portela Airport • 28 km

By train

Sintra Station

By bus

Lisbon Sete Rios Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Trains are the most efficient way to get around Sintra and its attractions.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Bolt

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Town Center Park of Pena Colares

Day trips

Cascais

20 km • Half day

A charming coastal town known for its beaches, historic center, and vibrant atmosphere.

Lisbon

30 km • Full day

Portugal's capital city offers a rich history, vibrant culture, and diverse attractions.

Cabo da Roca

25 km • Half day

The westernmost point of mainland Europe, offering stunning coastal views and dramatic cliffs.

Festivals

Sintra Music Festival • June to September Sintra Halloween • October Sintra Christmas Market • December

Pro tips

Visit Pena Palace early in the morning to avoid crowds.
Explore the town on foot to discover hidden gems and charming streets.
Try local pastries like Pastel de Nata and Trajана for an authentic taste of Sintra.
Use the Viva Viagem card for convenient and discounted public transportation.
Book tickets for popular attractions in advance to avoid long queues.