Historic Centre of Sintra captivates visitors with its UNESCO-protected palaces and castles. Cobblestone streets wind past candy-colored Pena Palace and mysterious Quinta da Regaleira with its spiral wells. Medieval ruins crown forested hilltops while Romanticist mansions peek through ancient oak groves. Traditional Portuguese taverns serve local delicacies like almond pastries and queijadas. Artisan shops sell hand-painted ceramics and cork products throughout the area. The surrounding Sintra-Cascais Natural Park offers extensive gardens with exotic plants and mystical grottos.
Galamares offers a peaceful retreat from Sintra's tourist crowds. This charming residential area features traditional whitewashed houses with terracotta roofs nestled among eucalyptus groves. The area serves as an authentic Portuguese base for exploring nearby UNESCO Heritage sites. Rolling hills and cobblestone lanes create a serene atmosphere throughout Galamares. Visitors appreciate the easy access to Sintra-Cascais Natural Park's scenic trails and viewpoints. Though dining options are limited, the quiet evenings filled with cricket sounds and distant church bells provide a genuine local experience.
Santa Maria e São Miguel in Sintra transports visitors through centuries of Portuguese history. UNESCO-protected medieval buildings like the twin-chimneyed National Palace stand among cobblestone streets. Ancient churches and traditional pastry shops serve authentic queijadas and travesseiros throughout the historic district. This cultural enclave is surrounded by the lush Sintra Mountains and nearby Pena Park. Catch the tram at several local stops or walk to attractions like Castle of the Moors and Olga Cadaval Cultural Centre. The area offers authentic Portuguese experiences through its architecture, azulejo tiles, and preserved heritage.
Discover the mystical hills of São Pedro de Penaferrim, home to Sintra's most enchanting treasures. The fairy-tale Pena Palace rises with rainbow-colored towers while the ancient Moorish Castle stands guard nearby. Cobblestone paths wind through emerald Pena Park where peacocks strut beneath exotic trees. This UNESCO World Heritage area offers panoramic views stretching to Portugal's Atlantic coastline. The area sits within the larger Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, providing hiking trails through lush forests. Though tourist-focused, early mornings and evenings reveal the true magic of this historic mountain retreat.
Discover the most popular places to visit in Sintra
Pena Palace
9.0/10 (4,911 reviews)
This 19th-century Romantic palace blends Neo-Gothic, Islamic, and Renaissance styles atop the Sintra Mountains. Explore its vibrant facades, ornate interiors, and exotic gardens with panoramic views.
Sintra National Palace
9.0/10 (2,437 reviews)
The Sintra National Palace dazzles with iconic twin conical chimneys and Gothic, Moorish, and Manueline styles. Explore ornate rooms with intricate tilework and painted ceilings revealing Portugal's royal heritage.
Quinta da Regaleira
9.4/10 (1,387 reviews)
Descend the mysterious Initiation Well at this estate known for Gothic architecture and esoteric symbolism. Wander through hidden tunnels and grottoes while discovering the secrets of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Cape Roca
9.2/10 (145 reviews)
Stand at Europe's westernmost point where dramatic cliffs plunge 140 metres into the Atlantic. Collect a commemorative certificate from the visitor centre while watching the sun sink into endless ocean.
Queluz National Palace
8.6/10 (724 reviews)
This 18th-century "Portuguese Versailles" dazzles with ornate Rococo interiors and throne rooms fit for royalty. Wander through sculptured gardens with mythological statues and elegant fountains.
Grande Beach
8.6/10 (281 reviews)
This golden beach hosts European surfing competitions and reveals dinosaur footprints on its southern cliffs. Visit mornings for calmer winds and spectacular Atlantic Ocean vistas.
Moorish Castle
9.2/10 (1,055 reviews)
This 10th-century fortress crowns the Sintra Mountains with stone walls and five climbable towers. Explore ancient ruins while enjoying panoramic views stretching from lush hills to the Atlantic Ocean.
Pestana Golf Resort
7.8/10 (7 reviews)
Enjoy a round of golf in Santa Maria e São Miguel, São Martinho e São Pedro de Penaferrim at Pestana Golf Resort. Take in the acclaimed art galleries in this culturally rich area.
"Good location if you’re looking to stay in old Sintra but a bit of a hike to get to main Sintra. The hotel staff were very friendly and accommodating. The room was big and had incredible views. There was WAY too much fragrance being pumped into the lobby, not like a luxury hotel fragrance, it was extremely overpowering. The hotel was generally clean but curtains and vents were old and a bit stained. Overall good experience for the price!"
"This was by far one of the best hotels that we stayed in visiting Portugal and I would gladly book at the same place again I also actually wish I could have stayed here for my entire day that's how well-maintained and peaceful it was at this property."
"We had a great overnight stay at Storytellers Villas in Sintra. The location is peaceful and quiet, yet close to all the main attractions in Sintra. The beautiful garden was a lovely place to relax, and we were delighted to be greeted by the friendly resident cat!
The beds were very comfortable, and everything was spotlessly clean. The hosts made us feel very welcome, and the whole experience was enjoyable from start to finish. We would happily stay here again and highly recommend Storytellers...
"Room is clean, renovated, and spacious. It has excellent view facing their beautiful garden. The reception staff is very helpful. The only improvement I suggest is to respond expedia messages faster or provide other ways for communication."
"We had a great stay at the Ibis. The staff was incredibly friendly and welcoming from the moment we arrived. Everything was wonderfully clean, and we enjoyed a highly comfortable bed with great pillows that ensured a peaceful night's sleep. The shower was also excellent with great water pressure.The only downside was that the air conditioning in the rooms was not working. Luckily, it wasn’t very hot during our stay, so the room temperature remained manageable with the window open. Despite the AC...
"Nice room, newly renovated, cute small balcony with doors. AC/Heat pump right in your room. We didn’t explore the property as we only stayed 6 hours after our flight but could tell they had a nice area for breakfast. Would stay again :)"
"Staff was very attentive and helpful. We did not have breakfast at the place, but they did offer breakfast for 10 euros. The bathroom shower doors could use some renovating. Also, the path to get to the reception area, around the back of the restaurant, looks like an abandoned alley way. There was debris collected to the side of the building, it didn't give the building a good aspect. This is why I gave it a rating of 4 and not 5.
I do want to mention the terrific italian restaurant,...
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
You'll find cheap prices on Expedia for your Sintra getaway. However, a range of factors like the season, length of stay and your choice of hotel will influence how much your holiday to Sintra costs.
What are the cheapest months to go to Sintra?
You can typically find lower rates and greater availability in December, January and February. Explore our cheap Sintra holiday packages and you could land some excellent off-season deals.
How many days is enough for Sintra?
To get the most out of a Sintra holiday, we recommend staying for 2 days. Divide your time between visiting Moorish Castle, Magoito Beach and other major sights, as well as exploring neighbourhoods like Santa Maria e São Miguel, São Martinho e São Pedro de Penaferrim and Santa Maria e São Miguel. If you've got some time to spare, include a day trip or tour in your Sintra holiday itinerary.
Is it worth booking a holiday package to Sintra?
Whether you're looking to explore major sights such as Sintra National Palace and Penha Longa Golf Course on your Sintra holiday, or coming for its excellent walking trails, culture and history, there's something for everyone here. With so much to do, you'll soon discover why so many families think Sintra is a good holiday destination.
How to find the best Sintra package deals?
Start your search for a Sintra package deal by entering your travel dates and destination under our "Packages" tab. Then select a few filters, like "Property type" and "Guest rating," to fine-tune the results to your exact needs. You can also sort by "Package discount" and discover offers that come with huge savings. If you don't find the ideal Sintra package deal straight away, simply play around with your dates and search again. Remember that deals are only available for a limited time, so book early and get your Sintra adventure underway.
Is it cheaper to book a Sintra holiday as a package?
You can enjoy significant savings on your next Sintra getaway by booking a personalised holiday package. Check the "Package" heading, then select your travel dates and destination to see some great flight and hotel prices. Bundle everything into a great-value package and you can save hundreds of dollars. Consider adding a rental car and you may land a better deal.
When to book a holiday package to Sintra?
If you're considering a spur-of-the-moment Sintra adventure, check out our last-minute deals that can be booked up to one week before you take off. Prefer not to wait until the last minute? You can land terrific deals on your flights and hotels by booking ahead.
How to plan a trip to Sintra?
Pick your dates: The things you want to do in Sintra and your preferred season can help you decide when to travel.
Work out your budget: Ensure you have enough money to cover everything from dining out and transportation to activities and flights. Your hotel will probably be the biggest expense during your trip to Sintra.
Determine how many days away: Start by listing all the attractions you'd like to experience in Sintra. Then, estimate how long you'll need at each, as well as any travel time.
Bundle your hotel and flights: Awesome destination, check. Length of stay, check. Now all that's left is to find a Sintra holiday package that brings all your bookings together.
* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages.