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Sintra UNESCO sites

Our most recommended Sintra UNESCO sites

Lisbon: Pena Palace, Sintra, Cabo da Roca, & Cascais Daytrip

1. Lisbon: Pena Palace, Sintra, Cabo da Roca, & Cascais Daytrip

Escape Lisbon and go on a full-day, guided journey to some of Portugal’s most popular locations stopping at the iconic Pena Palace in Sintra, the awe-inspiring cliffs of Cabo da Roca, and the ritzy seaside town of Cascais. Choose between the shared tour or private tour options. Your journey from Lisbon starts at the famous city of Sintra, whose Romanticist architecture, historic estates and villas, and numerous royal palaces and castles have made it a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy the freedom of choice on whether you want an included entry ticket and tour of the colorful Pena Palace, or whether you prefer to gain some extra free time instead. Arriving early at Sintra means greater chances of avoiding long lines if you choose to go with your guide on a comprehensive tour through its lavish interiors and lush gardens. Marvel at the palace’s fairy-tale-like appearance, beautiful facade and extravagant interior. Next, head over to the center of Sintra and get 1.5-hour of free time to wander on your own. Get recommendations of the city’s must-see locations as well as the best restaurant options for delicious traditional Portuguese dining from your guide. Continue to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of continental Europe, and take in the impressive views of the ocean crashing against the high rocky cliffs. If weather permitting, stop at Guincho beach, whose strong winds and high swells have made it a popular surfing destination. Lastly, arrive in Cascais, an elegant seaside resort town on the Portuguese Riviera. Stroll through the lovely city center and make sure to check out Cascais’ luxury marina, its charming fishing port, and a restored fort that houses many local craftsmen. After your free exploration time in Cascais, relax back on board your air-conditioned vehicle, and admire more breathtaking views of the Portuguese coast as you make your way back to Lisbon.

From Lisbon: Quinta da Regaleira, Sintra, & Pena Palace Trip

2. From Lisbon: Quinta da Regaleira, Sintra, & Pena Palace Trip

Discover Sintra’s beautiful architecture, admire the beauty of one of the highest hills of the region Walk the narrow streets of Sintra in your free time and visit with our fantastic tour guide Quinta da Regaleira. Arrive at the romantic Pena Palace in Sintra, which has a profusion of styles much in accordance with the exotic taste of Romanticism. Explore the ancient castle, which was one of the favorite residences of the royal family throughout the 19th century. Walk through the fairytale-style building and learn about its fascinating history. Take some free time to stroll through Sintra and purchase lunch if you're feeling hungry. Get recommendations on what to see and eat in the area. Afterward, begin a guided tour of the main landmarks of Sintra, and hear about local secrets and stories. Visit the picturesque village of Cascais, linked to the Portuguese royals who summered here. Stroll along beautiful beaches, mansions, museums and photogenic streets. Return to Lisbon at the end of the day.

Sintra: Pena Palace and Park Entrance Ticket

3. Sintra: Pena Palace and Park Entrance Ticket

The palace is situated in the eastern part of the Park of Pena, which one has to pass through to reach the steep ramp built by the Baron of Eschwege that provides access to the castle-like building. The palace itself is composed of two wings: the former Manueline monastery of the Order of St. Jerome and the wing built in the 19th century by King Ferdinand II. These wings are ringed by a third architectural structure that is a fantastical version of an imaginary castle, whose walls one can walk around and which comprises battlements, watchtowers, an entrance tunnel and even a drawbridge. In 1838, King Ferdinand II acquired the former Hieronymite monastery of Our Lady of Pena, which was built by King Manuel I in 1511 on the top of the hill above Sintra and had been left unoccupied since 1834 when the religious orders were suppressed in Portugal. The monastery consisted of the cloister and its outbuildings, the chapel, the sacristy and the bell tower, which today form the northern section of the Palace of Pena, or the Old Palace as it is known. King Ferdinand began by making repairs to the former monastery, which, according to the historical sources of that time, was in very bad condition. He refurbished the whole of the upper floor, replacing the fourteen cells used by the monks with larger-sized rooms and covering them with the vaulted ceilings that can still be seen today. In roughly 1843, the king decided to enlarge the palace by building a new wing (the New Palace) with even larger rooms (the Great Hall is a good example of this), ending in a circular tower next to the new kitchens. The building work was directed by the Baron of Eschwege. The 1994 repair works restored the original colors of the Palace’s exterior: pink for the former monastery and ochre for the New Palace. In transforming a former monastery into a castle-like residence, King Ferdinand showed that he was heavily influenced by German romanticism, and that he probably found his inspiration in the Stolzenfels and Rheinstein castles on the banks of the Rhine, as well as Babelsberg Palace in Potsdam. These building works at the Palace of Pena ended in the mid-1860s, although further work was also undertaken at later dates for the decoration of the interiors. King Ferdinand also ordered the Park of Pena to be planted in the Palace’s surrounding areas in the style of the romantic gardens of that time, with winding paths, pavilions and stone benches placed at different points along its routes, as well as trees and other plants originating from the four corners of the earth. In this way, the king took advantage of the mild and damp climate of the Sintra hills to create an entirely new and exotic park with over five hundred different species of trees. The Palace of Pena was designated a National Monument in 1910 and forms part of the Cultural Landscape of Sintra, which has been classified by UNESCO as World Heritage since 1995.

From Lisbon: Sintra, Regaleira and Pena Palace Guided Tour

4. From Lisbon: Sintra, Regaleira and Pena Palace Guided Tour

Benefit from a guided tour inside the Quinta Regaleira and Pena Palace. Fall in love with Sintra, a village full of magic and mystery, the lasting symbol of Portugal's Romantic period and also classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Opt to treat yourself and your loved ones to a private experience with your own guide and pickup from your own hotel. Alternatively, you can get picked up from a convenient location in the center of Lisbon. Accompanied by a tour guide, visit Quinta da Regaleira and enjoy its lush gardens, lakes, grottoes, and enigmatic constructions, including the world-famous Initiation Well. Uncover the mysteries of each place and learn about the orders of the Freemasons and the Knights Templar. During the lunch break in Sintra's old town, you will have free time to explore the historical and charming streets. You will also have time to taste the traditional pastry, travesseiro. After buying your entry ticket with your guide, step into a fairy tale when you enter the romantic Pena Palace and Park. Understand its unique architectural expression of Romanticism. Spot how it blends many styles, including Gothic, neo-Manueline, neo-Islamic, and neo-Renaissance. Stroll around the park with its astonishing variety of plants and trees. Marvel at the palace's amazing views of the castle and the Atlantic Ocean, a perfect way to end the day before returning to Lisbon.

Sintra: Historical Jeep Tour

5. Sintra: Historical Jeep Tour

Hop into a classic Portuguese jeep to explore Sintra’s wonders. See the best of Sintra with the help of your tour guide, as you learn the incredible histories and explore the must-see landmarks in this 7-hour tour. Drive around three of the five stunning palaces of Sintra, the National Palace, Seteais Palace, Monserrate, as well as Moorish Castle. View the stunning palaces from multiple vantage points. Take in the gorgeous panoramic views of Sintra. Stop to visit Quinta de Regaleira. Marvel at the breathtaking architecture. Look deep into the initiation wells, that were once used for ceremonial purposes. Visit Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of continental Europe. Admire the gorgeous views atop the cape and hear the immensity of the ocean clashing into the land beneath you. If your group chooses to, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Continue on to a wine tasting, and relax with some of the finest wines Sintra has to offer. As the last stop on your tour, enter Pena Palace. Admire the colorful, unique palace, that looks like it has come straight out of a fairytale. Capture your final tour photos, before your guide returns you to your drop-off.

Sintra: Castle of the Moors Fast Track Ticket

6. Sintra: Castle of the Moors Fast Track Ticket

The Castle of the Moors was classified as a National Monument in 1910 and it also forms part of the Sintra Cultural Landscape classified by UNESCO as World Heritage Site in 1995. It soars 412 m above sea level and looms high above the surrounding forest.  The 10th-century Moorish castle’s dizzying ramparts stretch across the mountain ridges and past moss-clad boulders the size of small buses. The best walking route here from Sintra-Vila is not along the main road but the quicker, partly off-road route via Rua Marechal Saldanha. The steep trail is around 2 km, but quiet and rewarding.  Once you reach the castle, the views over Sintra’s palace-dotted hill, across to the glittering Atlantic are breathtaking. Along the walkways, you can admire the unique landscape that in the foreground features Sintra town and its town hall, the Palace of Pena and the hills. In the background, admire the extensive plain running northwards and the Atlantic Ocean.

From Lisbon: Sintra, Cascais and Cabo da Roca Coast Day Tour

7. From Lisbon: Sintra, Cascais and Cabo da Roca Coast Day Tour

Escape noisy Lisbon on a visit to nearby sites of natural and architectural beauty. See Sintra's historic center, Pena, Cascais, and more on this day excursion. On this full-day tour, start off with a walk-in Pena Park. Feel like royalty in Pena Palace while your guide explains its history. Marvel at the views of the surrounding landscape and the Atlantic Ocean. Next visit Sintra's historical center. Enjoy lunch or visit the National Palace. Continue on with a drive through the Sintra Mountains. Stop at the great cliffs at Roca Cape, which are the westernmost point of continental Europe. The last stop of the tour is the stylish town of Cascais, where you can take a relaxing walk along the bay before heading back to Lisbon.

From Lisbon: Sintra, Cascais, Cabo da Roca Private Car Tour

8. From Lisbon: Sintra, Cascais, Cabo da Roca Private Car Tour

Discover the breathtaking Sintra, Cabo da Roca, and Cascais on a private car tour with a local guide. Explore the old royal summer home of Pena Palace, the enchanting gardens of Quinda da Regaleira, and the charming seaside town of Cascais along your way Listen to stories that surround these beautiful locations nearby Lisbon, taking your time to walk through any or all sights. Sit back and relax as you’re driven along the stunning coastline from Sintra to Cabo de Roca and Cascais. Be amazed by the cliffside views and the vast Atlantic Ocean.

Sintra & Cascais Full-Day Private Tour

9. Sintra & Cascais Full-Day Private Tour

Explore Sintra to uncover the beauty of its 19th-century Romantic architectural monuments on this day trip from Lisbon. Capture pictures from the cliffs of Cabo da Roca. Drive through the towns of Cascais and Estoril and take the sea road back to Lisbon.  Enjoy the convenience of being picked up from the doorstep of your accommodation in Lisbon. Relax on the drive to Sintra where you can soak up the eclectic architecture the Pena Palace, the Moorish Castle, the Regaleira and Monserrate Palaces. View the town's granite massif that is 10 kilometers-long, the Monte da Lua (Mountain of the Moon). Crossover the mountain to visit the westernmost point of the European mainland at Cabo da Roca where you can watch the Atlantic crash into the cliffs.  Ride along the Portuguese Riviera discover Cascais and pass thorugh its old town center where royalty once summered. Head to Estoril, popularly recognized for the Casino Estoril, widely regarded as the Europe's largest casino. Travel by the seashore road to Lisbon center and see where the Atlantic meets the Tagus River. The tour is private and available in a range of car classes.

Sintra: Monserrate Palace and Park Skip-the-Line Ticket

10. Sintra: Monserrate Palace and Park Skip-the-Line Ticket

Four kilometers from Sintra’s historic center is the unique Monserrate Palace, located in the center of a beautiful 30-hectare park. The Park and Palace of Monserrate were included in the Cultural Landscape of Sintra, which was been classified by UNESCO as World Heritage Site in 1995. The 19th-century castle is known not only for its unique Moorish-Gothic-Indian style architecture but also for its surrounding gardens.  Over the years, the gardens have welcomed plant species from all over the world. In the various gardens, you will find surprisingly contrasting scenery, from tree ferns from Australia and New Zealand, to agaves and yuccas from Mexico. Seek out the Himalayan rhododendron and the bamboo-fringed Japanese garden abloom with camellias. Enjoy a stroll along the paths and discover ruins, lakes and waterfalls. 

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The best day trips and excursions from Sintra are:

Cabo da Roca

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What people are saying about Sintra

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 4,997 reviews

We had a trip on 7.03. Everything was amazing! Miguel is very cool guide. He is as a real local , knows many nuances how to avoid crowded places and big lines, that made this trip very comfortable.he told us about history and much more. Totally recommend. Everything went smooth, interesting and very funny))

Magical place exceptional exhibition. Interesting comments !! No queue ... Easy access to the paintings because not too many people ... rare ... I had taken premium tickets but it was not useful suddenly .. (1st week February holidays)

Great tour. An early start to avoid the crowds in Pina. Plenty of exercise, quite cool. Excellent narration with loads of good personality. Everything was well done.

Fascinating architecture and period furnishings. Plaques at each room explained the occupant and their place in the royal family. Thoroughly enjoyable!

We were picked up promptly by our guide, James! He took his time to explain everything and was very knowledgeable! A great day, thank you.