Visit Centro Histórico de Sintra
Table of Contents
The Centrum Sintra is located in Portugal’s lush hills, offering an exceptional blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is characterised by narrow, winding streets with pastel-coloured cottages, small shops, and inviting cafés.
Sintra is home to breathtaking palaces and castles, each with its own particular personality. The must-see sites are the vibrant Pena Palace, the historic Moorish Castle with panoramic views, and the National Palace of Sintra, with its beautiful tilework and chimneys. These architectural treasures are the symbols of the rich past of Portugal.
Sintra will delight nature lovers as well. The adjacent Sintra-Cascais Natural Park with the gardens of Quinta do Regaleira, with its lush woods and picturesque pathways, is ideal for trekking and exploration.
Tourist Information
The historic area is home to numerous spectacular palaces and castles. The Pena Palace is a famous emblem of 19th-century Romanticism, known for its brilliant architectural style. Its interiors are magnificent, with elegant chambers and great halls with period furnishings and paintings. The Moorish Castle is distinguished for its rugged stone walls and breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. The National Palace of Sintra is a one-of-a-kind blend of Gothic, Manueline, and Moorish styles.
Best Time to Visit
Sintra is opened around the year. But the best time to visit Sintra is in the spring (April-June) and fall (September-October), when the weather is mild and there are no crowds. In summer it may be quite busy, so if you want to come during this time, arrive early to avoid the high tourist season.
Dining and Refreshments
Sintra has several fantastic restaurants and cafés. To try local food, go to Tascantiga, famous for its tapas and welcoming environment, or Cantinho Gourmet, which serves a lovely combination of traditional and contemporary meals. Café Saudade, near the train station, is ideal for a peaceful coffee break or light lunch, with fresh pastries and a pleasant setting.
Interesting Facts
The Sintra Centro is a treasure trove of cultural, historical, and architectural marvels. This charming community, located in the hills near Lisbon, entices travelers with its rich history and lovely scenery. Here are some remarkable facts that explain why Sintra is so unique:
- UNESCO World Heritage Site: The Centro Storico Sintra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its cultural significance, architectural splendor, and well-preserved historical structures.
- Royal Retreat: Sintra has long been a favourite retreat for Portuguese kings. The National Palace of Sintra is the summer residence for the Portuguese royal family and a welcome relief from the heat of Lisbon.
- Moorish Legacy: The Moorish Castle, with its impressive stone walls and battlements, dates from the eighth and ninth centuries, when the Moors governed the Iberian Peninsula. The castle affords stunning views of Sintra and the surrounding countryside.
Open Hours
Centro de Sintra is open year-round, 24/7.
Tickets
- Pena Palace & Park Tickets – €15
- Pena Palace Guided Tour – €45
- Pena Palace & Park Audio Guide – €25
- Moorish Castle Entry Tickets with Optional Digital Audio Guide – €12
Purchase Tips:
- Online Booking: It is advisable to purchase tickets online in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to avoid long queues and ensure entry.
- Sintra Green Card: Consider purchasing the Sintra Green Card, which provides unlimited access to public transport within Sintra and discounts on various attractions.
Always check the official websites of the attractions you plan to visit for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Address
Address of Centro Histórico de Sintra: 2710-623 Sintra, Portugal
How to get to Centro Histórico de Sintra
By Train:
- From Lisbon: The most common and efficient method to get to Sintra is by rail from Lisbon. Trains to Centro Sintra depart from Rossio and Oriente stations:
- Trains leave Rossio Station every 30 minutes and take around 40 minutes. The first train normally departs at 6:00 a.m., while the final train returning to Lisbon leaves around midnight.
- Oriente Station also provides daily service to Sintra. The travel lasts roughly 47 minutes.
Local Buses in Sintra: Once you arrive in Sintra, several local buses operated by Scotturb can take you to your destination:
- Bus #434 (Circuito da Pena) is good for travelers since it connects the Sintra train station to the historic town, Pena Palace, and Moorish Castle. It is a loop that runs every 15-20 minutes.
- Bus #435 (Villa Express 4 Palácios) travels through the old center, Quinta da Regaleira, Seteais Palace, and Monserrate Palace. It also repeats every 20-30 minutes.
