Sintra’s Town & Palaces: fairytales & views city game

Sintra , Portugal

Sintra’s Town & Palaces: fairytales & views city game

Active

2h - 3h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Have you heard of Sintra’s fairytale-like palaces and mysterious lush gardens? Enthusiastic and knowledgeable local, Rodrigo, created this discovery walk for other curious humans (yes, just like you!) to experience the magic of this charming town. As you solve fun location-specific riddles, you’ll go off the beaten path to learn about mighty kingdoms and legends about fairies and fauna. Along the way, you’ll unlock recommendations for delicious sweet specialties too! Treat yourself to this ultimate authentic Sintra experience!

During this experience you will:
-Explore Sintra during this interactive and fun discovery walk
-Keep a comfortable distance from other people throughout the experience
-Learn about the history and local stories of Sintra in a playful way
-Solve location-based riddles to unlock directions to your next stop along the route
-See popular sights from a different angle and discover hidden local spots

Available options

Sintra’s Town & Palaces: fairytales & views city game

What's included

A link (via email) to the web app with your discovery walk. Open the link on your phone's browser.

Detailed itinerary

Mouth-watering local sweet delight - Piriquita

Stop 2 Pass by

Sintra National Palace and its various architectural styles

The gorgeous Moorish Fountain

Stop 4 Pass by

The mysterious Quinta da Regaleira

What's not included

Food and Drinks

Mobile data

Available languages

Written guide

PT EN

Important information

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Meeting point

Start your activity at the Sintra train station. When you arrive, click on the link you’ve received from Secret City Trails and start the self-guided discovery game. You can start and pause the trail anytime you want, and pick-up later to finish.

Important notes

- To play the trail, you click on the play link which you received by email from Secret City Trails
- If a trail is available in multiple languages, you will receive an English introduction mail, but you can select the language once you have started the game
- The play link is valid for 90 days starting at your activity date, so if you want to postpone your activity, you can do that without modifying your booking.
- Once you click on the play link, you can invite 4 other people to play along with you. - - Only the team captain can enter the answers.
- Once started, you have 15 days to finish the trail. So if you are tired or the weather changes, take a break and go ahead once ready to do so.
- We suggest playing the trails during daylight hours to make it easier to discover clues and directions, which often can be found in the details

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.