The Best Palaces and Castles in Sintra
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The landscapes and buildings in Sintra look as if straight out of a fairy tale. Palaces and castles rise out of the mist as if from dreams. In this place, with its green forests and majestic hills, visitors enter a world of magic and grandeur. Let’s take a guided tour of Sintra’s most interesting palaces and castles, including the Pena Palace, the Moorish Castle, the Monserrate Palace, and the National Palace of Sintra. Each has its own history and charm.
How to Get to Sintra?
To get from Lisbon to Sintra, you just need to take a bus tour. You can take a direct train to Sintra from Rossio station in Lisbon. It takes about 40 minutes to get there. You can also take buses 434 or 435 from different places in Lisbon to get to Sintra. These buses go through beautiful scenery. Another easy option is to go on a one-day tour to Sintra. These tours usually include transportation from Lisbon and tours of the main sights with a guide.
CASTLES AND PALACES OF SINTRA
The Pena Palace
The Pena National Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a beautiful example of a Romantic building. It is perched on top of a hill in Sintra. The famous Yellow Bastion and the valley of the lakes Pena Palace are two of the palace’s colorful towers. The views of the Sintra Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean are amazing from the palace’s charming gates and garden park.
Tickets: The Pena Palace skip-the-line ticket is recommended during peak season, which can be purchased online in advance.
Opening hours: 9:30 am to 6:00 pm
Ticket prices: Entrance ticket prices start at €12, but there are options for families with children and seniors.
Where is the Pena Palace: The Pena Palace is located at Estrada da Pena, 2710-609 Sintra, Portugal. It’s a short walk from the Pena Park entrance or you can take a shuttle bus.
Moorish Castle
On top of a hill in Sintra stands the impressively destroyed Moorish Castle Portugal, a fortress with a long and interesting history that goes back to the 8th or 9th century. The Moors built it, and it was a key defensive point in the area. People can explore its walls, buildings, and secret tunnels that reach the Atlantic coast.
Tickets: While separate Moorish Castle Sintra tickets are available, consider a combo option that includes both the Pena Palace and Moorish Castle combo tickets for a discounted price.
Opening hours: 9:30 am to 6:00 pm
Ticket prices: There are discounts available for the elderly and families with children, with entrance tickets starting at €12.
Address: Estrada da Pena, 2710-609 Sintra, Portugal.
The Moorish Castle is located a short distance from the Pena National Palace, allowing you to explore both sites easily.
Monserrate Palace
The Park and Palace of Monserrate (Parque e Palácio de Monserrate) is a beautiful Romantic building from the 1800s. The architecture of this beautiful castle is a unique mix of Gothic, Moorish, and Indian styles. Check out its fancy interiors, which are decorated with hand-painted tiles and elaborate wood carvings.
Tickets: Monserrate Palace tickets can be purchased online or at the entrance.
Opening hours: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm
Ticket prices: Entrance tickets start at €12, with discounts available for seniors and families.
Address: Rua Marginal, 2710-519 Monserrate, Portugal.
Monserrate Palace is located outside Sintra, a short drive or bus ride away.
National Palace of Sintra
The National Palace of Sintra (Palácio Nacional de Sintra) is an interesting trip through the past of Portugal. This building, which dates back to the 12th century and used to be the royal home, has an interesting mix of architectural styles, from medieval touches to Manueline flourishes. Its grand rooms are filled with detailed tilework, royal symbols, and beautiful furniture that give you a look into the lives of Portuguese kings and queens.
Tickets: National Palace of Sintra tickets can be purchased online in advance to skip queues, especially during peak season. Tickets can also be purchased at the entrance of the palace.
Opening hours: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm
Ticket prices: Entry tickets start at €18, with discounts available for seniors and families.
Address: Largo Rainha Dona Amélia, 2710-616 Sintra, Portugal.
The National Palace is conveniently located in the heart of Sintra’s historic center.
FAQ
Can you explore Sintra’s castles and palaces in one day?
It is possible to see the castles and palaces of Sintra in one day, but it will be a busy itinerary that requires fast travel. You should consider the number of sites to be visited, the time required for sightseeing and the travel time.
Are there any hidden costs when visiting Sintra’s sites?
You should include in the prices of transportation, garden admission, audio tours, food, drink, and paid public restrooms while planning your itinerary for Sintra attractions.
Are there guided tours available for exploring palaces and castles in Sintra?
Yes, you can take a lot of organized tours to see the houses and castles in Sintra. Take one of these tours to skip the lines and get the most out of your stay. You can also learn about the history and beauty of these places.
