Planning a day trip from Lisbon to Sintra, Portugal? Get ready to embark on a captivating adventure into a world of fairytale landscapes, magnificent palaces, and lush greenery. In this blog post, I’ll guide you through the must-see attractions, practical tips, and hidden gems that make Sintra a truly magical destination. Let's dive into this enchanting journey together!

Exploring Sintra's Crown Jewel: Pena Palace

Located high on a hill, Pena Palace is the crown jewel of Sintra. Its vibrant and whimsical architecture transports visitors into a fairytale setting. Explore the ornate interiors adorned with intricate details and breathtaking views from the palace's terraces. Don't forget to capture the perfect Instagram-worthy shots of the palace's colorful façade against the backdrop of the surrounding lush forests. If you are traveling with children I highly recommend taking a taxi to Pena palace from the train station as tuk-tuks can not take you if you have a child younger than the age of 7 for safety reasons. You can however walk back down from Pena palace and grab lunch at the base of the hill where the Palace sits as there are plenty of lovely shops and restaurants. We ate at Mela Canela after our visit to the palace which is an all plant based cafe in town which we loved!

The Mystical Quinta da Regaleira

Prepare to be mesmerized by the hidden wonders of Quinta da Regaleira. This mystical estate boasts stunning gardens, secret tunnels, and an impressive Gothic-style mansion. Descend into the Initiation Well, an extraordinary spiral staircase leading to underground tunnels and hidden chambers. Explore the enchanting gardens, dotted with grottos, fountains, and mysterious symbolism. Quinta da Regaleira is a true playground for imagination and exploration. I highly recommend this Palace when traveling with children as the grounds are extensive allowing kiddos to run around freely with plenty of space. Also, another tip about this palace is that it is best to line up to do the Initiation Well as soon as you enter the grounds. The well is the main attraction here so it can get quite busy so be sure to check that off your list first. When you enter the well have your cameras ready as they monitor how many people can go in at a time and photos are only allowed at the top due to safety reasons. The well steps are often wet and the staff want to ensure guests are watching their step on the way down to avoid any one slipping or falling. This is also totally child friendly especially if you have a baby. We wore our daughter in her carrier and followed the stairs down which leads you into a cave where you’ll then make your way back out to the grounds of the palace.

Sintra National Palace

One of my favorite palaces in Sintra, The Sintra National Palace, is nestled in the heart of Sintra, Portugal. It is a captivating architectural marvel that offers a glimpse into the country's rich heritage. This iconic palace, also known as Palácio Nacional de Sintra, boasts a distinctive blend of Moorish, Gothic, and Manueline styles. Step inside to marvel at its opulent rooms, including the enchanting Swan Room adorned with intricate azulejo tiles. The mesmerizing chimneys, shaped like giant cones, are a signature feature of the palace's exterior. Explore the centuries-old history and cultural significance of this royal residence, and don't miss the opportunity to capture breathtaking views of Sintra's enchanting landscapes from the Sintra National Palace's towers. Immerse yourself in the grandeur of this historic gem, where captivating architecture meets captivating views. The best part about the Sintra National Palace is it is just right across from all of the shops and restaurants so you can grab a delicious lunch at one of my favorite places in town, Paco Real (which serves an incredible seitan steak) and sangria after your tour of the palace.

The Enchanting Gardens of Monserrate

Step into a botanical wonderland at the Gardens of Monserrate. This lush oasis showcases an eclectic mix of architectural styles and exotic plant species. Wander through the picturesque gardens, featuring vibrant flowers, towering palm trees, and serene lakes. Be sure to explore the Moorish-inspired palace, which houses an impressive collection of artwork and artifacts. Monserrate is a true feast for the senses and a paradise for nature enthusiasts. They even have a massive lawn behind the palace that is perfect if you’re traveling with children for them to run around and the gardens are extensive. This palace is one of the furthest and the smallest of all of the palaces and castles in Sintra but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t visit it. It is absolutely worth the visit but if you are tight on time and only coming for the day I would suggest skipping this one.

The Moorish Castle

Perched atop a hill in Sintra, Portugal, the Moorish Castle stands as a magnificent testament to the region's rich history. This medieval fortress offers visitors a glimpse into the past with its impressive walls, towers, and panoramic views. Explore the strategic battlements and admire the intricate stonework that showcases Moorish architectural influences. From its commanding position, the Moorish Castle provides breathtaking vistas of Sintra's lush landscapes, making it a must-visit attraction for history enthusiasts and avid photographers alike. Experience the allure of this ancient stronghold, immerse yourself in its storied past, and revel in the stunning vistas that await at the Moorish Castle in Sintra. If you are traveling to the Moorish Castle with young children it’s important to note that this Castle is extremely high up and there are stairs everywhere. It is best to keep young children close by you or in a carrier. The stairs are steep and can be overwhelming for someone afraid of heights but it is absolutely breathtaking from below or above.

Practical Tips for Your Sintra Adventure

How to Get to Sintra from Lisbon

To reach Sintra from Lisbon, hop on a short train ride from Rossio Station or from the Oriente Train station depending on where you are staying in Lisbon. Trains depart frequently, and the journey takes approximately 40 minutes from Rossio or about an hour from Oriente. If you are traveling with a small child you do not need a car seat for them on the train. If you are traveling with a stroller on the train there are designated carriages for families with strollers. Just look for the signs on the carriage carts when the train arrives so you know which one to get on, however I wouldn’t recommend bringing a stroller with you to Sintra unless you plan on only visiting the Sintra National Palace and Quinta Da Regaleira as these can all be accessed by a road without stairs. Having a baby carrier is the best way to travel around Sintra if you’ve got a young child under 2 to get around. We love our Ergo Baby 360 carrier and use it with us everywhere.

You’ll also want to plan your trip in advance, as Sintra can get crowded during peak seasons. Consider starting your day early to beat the crowds and make the most of your visit.

Navigating Sintra's Attractions - Buying Tickets & Transportation

Sintra's attractions are spread across the town, so it's helpful to have a transportation plan in place. Consider using the hop-on hop-off bus service, which conveniently stops at the main points of interest. Alternatively, taxis and tuk-tuks are available for shorter distances.

To purchase your tickets for any of the palaces or arrange for a guided tour I highly recommend utilizing Get Your Guide. We use the app several times to purchase our skip the line tickets or bus transportation which we could easily access from our Get Your Guide mobile app.

Keep in mind that some attractions, like Pena Palace, require uphill walks, so wear comfortable shoes. My family and I all purchased Kizik shoes for our 3 month stay in Portugal and they were well worth the money! We navigated the stairs and hills of Portugal perfectly in these shoes and I can’t recommend them enough!

A day trip from Lisbon to Sintra unveils a world of enchantment, where palaces and gardens blend seamlessly with natural wonders. Immerse yourself in the magical allure of Pena Palace, wander through secret tunnels at Quinta da Regaleira, and discover the tranquility of Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. With these practical tips in hand, your Sintra adventure is bound to be a truly unforgettable experience. Get ready to create lifelong memories in this fairytale-like destination.