Portimão , Portugal

Magic Sintra

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(1 reviews)

12h

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

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Discover the magic of Sintra on a private, exclusive tour in a luxury car with a fluent English driver-guide, ideal for up to seven people. This experience takes you through the charms of this unique village, starting with the stunning Palacio da Pena, with its fairy-tale architecture and incredible views of the mountain. Follow to the Castle of the Moors, where you can walk through the historic walls and feel the imposition of the past. Then explore the historic center of Sintra with its picturesque streets, shops and traditional flavors. End in the enigmatic Quinta da Regaleira, a place full of mysteries, caves and symbolism, where the famous Pozo Iniciático promises to fascinate. Entrance to the monuments and personal expenses are not included, allowing total flexibility. It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes and camera to capture every moment of this unforgettable day.

Available options

Magic Sintra

Pickup included

What's included

WiFi on board

Air-conditioned vehicle

Bottled water

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

One of the most magical places in Portugal!
Built in the 19th century by D. Fernando II, on the ruins of an ancient monastery, blends architectural styles such as the Gothic, Manueline and Moorish, it looks like a fairy tale castle!
Super colorful, with very striking yellow and red towers, inside, is decorated with furniture and objects from the time of the monarchy.
It lies at the top of the Sintra mountain, surrounded by a huge park with beautiful gardens.
It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal!

* Entrance not included 47€ per person, including access to the Pena Palace and the Quinta da Regaleira, as well as audioguide in both palaces)

Stop 2

A dive into the ancient history of Portugal!
Built by the Moors between the 8th and 9th centuries, to protect the region of Sintra, it is a stone fortification, with long walls that serpent at the top of the mountain, with spectacular views over Sintra, the Palacio da Pena and even the ocean!
It was conquered by D. Afonso Henriques in the 12th century, during the Christian Reconquest. Despite the ruins, you can walk through the walls and feel the medieval atmosphere.
It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site (Cultural Landscape of Sintra).
(Entry not included 12€ per person).

Heart of the village of Sintra, with narrow streets, colorful houses, typical shops and cosy cafes. Mix ancient charm with nature. It is surrounded by mountains, palaces and forests.
Here is the National Palace of Sintra, with its iconic white chimneys.
Ideal for walking, tasting traditional sweets like pillow and cheese, and buying crafts.

Stop 4

A magical place full of mysteries and symbolism!
Built in the early 20th century, it belonged to António Carvalho Monteiro, a millionaire passionate about esotericism. The palace is beautiful, in Neomanuelin style, with many symbolic details linked to Masonry, Alchemy and Templars. The gardens are a truly enchanted maze, filled with caves, lakes, secret tunnels and towers.
The highlight is the Initiatic Well — a spiral staircase that goes underground, wrapped in mysticism and symbolism. It’s a place where everything has a hidden meaning — perfect for those who like to explore and imagine stories.

* Entrance not included 47€ per person, including access to the Pena Palace and the Quinta da Regaleira, as well as audioguide in both palaces)
Take comfortable shoes and camera!

Available languages

Guide guide

PT EN

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

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Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Specialized infant seats are available

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

About Portimão

Portimão is a vibrant coastal city in the Algarve region of Portugal, known for its stunning beaches, rich maritime history, and lively atmosphere. It offers a mix of traditional charm and modern amenities, making it a perfect destination for both relaxation and adventure.

Top Attractions

Praia da Rocha

Praia da Rocha is one of the most famous beaches in Portimão, known for its golden sands, clear waters, and dramatic cliffs. It's perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports.

Beach Half day to full day Free

Portimão Museum

The Portimão Museum offers a glimpse into the city's rich maritime history and cultural heritage. It houses a variety of exhibits, including archaeological artifacts and traditional boats.

Museum 1-2 hours €5

Algar Seco

Algar Seco is a natural park with stunning rock formations, caves, and viewpoints. It's a great spot for hiking, photography, and enjoying panoramic views of the coastline.

Nature Half day Free

Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição

This historic church is a beautiful example of Baroque architecture and a significant religious site in Portimão. It's worth a visit for its intricate design and cultural importance.

Religious 30 minutes to 1 hour Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Cataplana de Marisco

A traditional Portuguese seafood dish cooked in a cataplana, a copper cooking pot. It typically includes a variety of seafood such as clams, mussels, shrimp, and fish, cooked with tomatoes, onions, and spices.

Dinner Contains seafood and shellfish

Bacalhau à Brás

A classic Portuguese dish made with shredded codfish, onions, garlic, and eggs, often served with fried potatoes and parsley.

Dinner Contains fish and eggs, can be made vegetarian with substitutions

Pastel de Nata

A popular Portuguese custard tart with a flaky pastry crust and a creamy egg yolk filling, dusted with cinnamon.

Dessert Contains dairy and eggs, can be made gluten-free

Popular Activities

Hiking in Algar Seco Water sports at Praia da Rocha Sunbathing at Praia da Rocha Spa treatments Visiting Portimão Museum Exploring the historic center Swimming Boat tours

Best Time to Visit

June to September

This is the best time to visit Portimão for beach activities and water sports. The weather is warm and sunny, perfect for enjoying the coastal attractions.

20°C to 30°C 68°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Portuguese
Widely spoken: English, Spanish
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (Western European Time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Portimão is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates. However, as with any tourist destination, it's important to take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps
• Be cautious of distractions and common scams

Getting there

By air

Faro Airport • 65 km from Portimão

By train

Portimão Train Station

By bus

Portimão Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

EVA Transportes operates a network of buses that cover Portimão and the surrounding areas. The buses are reliable and affordable.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Bolt, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Praia da Rocha City Center Alvor

Day trips

Alvor

5 km from Portimão • Half day

Alvor is a charming fishing village with beautiful beaches, scenic walks, and a relaxed atmosphere. It's a great place to escape the busier areas of Portimão.

Lagos

25 km from Portimão • Full day

Lagos is a historic town with a rich maritime heritage, stunning beaches, and beautiful architecture. It's a popular destination for history buffs and beach lovers alike.

Silves

30 km from Portimão • Half day to full day

Silves is a historic town with a stunning castle, beautiful architecture, and a rich cultural heritage. It's a great place to learn about the region's history and enjoy traditional Portuguese charm.

Festivals

Carnaval de Portimão • February Festas de São João • June

Pro tips

Visit Praia da Rocha for stunning sunsets and vibrant nightlife
Explore the historic center and visit the Portimão Museum for a glimpse into the city's rich maritime history
Try local seafood dishes like cataplana de marisco and bacalhau à Brás
Take a day trip to nearby destinations like Alvor, Lagos, or Silves for a variety of experiences
Use public transport or rent a bike to get around the city and reduce your carbon footprint