Private Day Tour from the Centre to the Highest Point in Sintra.

Sintra , Portugal

Private Day Tour from the Centre to the Highest Point in Sintra.

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About this experience

This tour explores why Sintra became the capital of Romanticism in the 19th century, avoiding typical tours. As we begin walking up we arrive at Vila Sassetti's gardens, a hidden gem near the centre, then ascend for panoramic views of the coastline near Mourish Castle. Entering Pena Palace park through the lake entrance, we encounter diverse wildlife amid stunning natural scenery. At Pena Palace, we admire the exterior, visit the chapel, and enjoy a break at the cafeteria. Moving to the High Cross for unique views, we then explore the eastern park towards the Chalet of the Countess. Descending through the park's farm area and leaving the Pena Park we head to Mourish Castle and pass landmarks like Hans Christian Andersen's house en route to the historical centre, concluding a challenging yet enriching journey with nearly 300m elevation gain with some traditional snacks.

Available options

Private Day Tour from the Centre to the Highest Point in Sintra.

What's included

Entrance to the Chalet of the Countess

Entrance to Pena Park

Coffee or tea and a traditional pastry to give a bit of an energy boost.

Some typical snacks to finish off the day. The snacks depend on the days as some places are closed on certain days.

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

Our meeting point is here. First and foremost you will see the National Palace of Sintra from the outside as it is right in the middle of the historical centre of Sintra. We will walk around through some of the streets as we slowly head upwards.

Along the path heading to highest point we will come across this little Palace hidden amidst the hills just above the centre. You will get a chance to admire the wonderful grounds with little ponds and exotic plants.

Stop 3

Once we reach the Pena park we will explore the park, where we will spend most of the tour. An emblematic park with exotic plants from around the world strive due to the different microclimates that this huge park of 88 hectares contains. The high cross, the highest point in Sintra is inside the park. We will also get a chance to explore the Palace from the outside, where we will get a chance to have a break to recharge as before exploring the rest of this romantic park.

Stop 4 Pass by

On our way back down to the historical centre after leaving the Pena Park, we will pass by the Mourish Castle and explore the outside walls. Entrance inside the Mourish Castle is not included.

Stop 5

We will browse again through the centre and stop for some savory snacks as we unwind.

What's not included

Entrance to inside of Pena Palace 20 euros entrance for adults. Slots have to be booked in advance

Castelo dos Mouros

Available languages

Guide guide

PT EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

3 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness

Children below 13 years are not advised to join.

Teenagers and adults need to be in good physical shape to do this tour.

The walk up tends to the Pena Park takes about an 1h-1h 15minutes depending on the person´s pace

The walk down from the Pena Park to the centre should take about 1h.

The tour is designed NOT to visit the interior of the Pena Palace and the Mourish Castle due to the limitation of time.

Meeting point

The meeting point is infront of the Palace by the stairs. From the trainstation it is a short walk of 10-15 minutes.

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.