Best Things to Do in Sintra near Pena Palace
Sintra is a beautiful town in Portugal that is full of stunning palaces, castles, and gardens.
One of the biggest challenges for visitors to Sintra is figuring out how to fit everything in.
There are so many amazing things to see and do that it can be hard to know where to start.
This section will highlight the top things to do in Sintra near Pena Palace and help you plan your perfect day trip.
1. Castelo dos Mouros (Moorish Castle)
Distance: 350 meters (0.2 miles) from Pena Palace
Opening Hours: 9.30 am to 6.30 pm
Best time to visit: June to September
How Long to Spend: 1 to 2 hours
Address: 2710-405 Sintra, Portugal
The Moorish Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit for those interested in medieval history and architecture.
It is located in the hills above Sintra, in the central Portuguese parish of Santa Maria e São Miguel.
This castle is a fascinating blend of Moorish and Christian architecture.
It has thick walls, towers, and turrets and is surrounded by a moat.
There are many things to see and do at the Moorish Castle.
You can explore the ruins of the castle, climb to the top of the towers for stunning views, or simply wander around the grounds and enjoy the scenery.
It is 25 kilometers (15 miles) from Lisbon and two minutes from the famous Pena Palace, so you can easily add it to your itinerary.
A fast-track entry ticket to Moorish Castle costs €8 per person for ages 6 and above, and kids under 5 can enter for free.
You can also purchase a Pena Palace and Moorish Castle combo tour for €30 per individual.
2. Quinta da Regaleira
Distance: 8.7 km (5.4 miles) from Pena Palace
Opening Hours: 10 am to 5.30 pm
Best Time to Visit: March to May and September to November
How Long to Spend: 2 to 3 hours
Address: R. Barbosa du Bocage 5, 2710-567 Sintra, Portugal
Quinta da Regaleira is a palace and gardens located near the historic center of Sintra, Portugal.
It was built in the late 1800s by Antonio Augusto Carvalho Monteiro, a wealthy Brazilian businessman.
The palace is full of symbolism and mystery and is said to have been inspired by ancient secret orders.
Visitors can see mesmerizing gardens, secret tunnels, mystical symbols, and the famous Initiation Well.
The Initiation Wells are one of the most famous features of Quinta da Regaleira.
They are two wells that resemble underground towers, and they were used for ceremonial purposes.
The number of steps and the spacing of the landings in the wells are linked to Tarot mysticism.
One of the best things to do in Sintra is to tour Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira together, which costs €73.
You can also purchase skip-the-line entry tickets to Quinta da Regaleira, starting at €21.
3. Sintra National Palace
Distance: 7 km (4.3 miles) from Pena Palace
Opening Hours: 9.30 am to 6 pm
Best Time to Visit: March to May
How Long to Spend: 1 to 2 hours
Address: Largo Rainha Dona Amélia, 2710-616 Sintra, Portugal
Located in the historic town of Sintra, the National Palace of Sintra (Palácio Nacional de Sintra) was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995.
Also known as Palácio da Vila (The Town Palace), the palace dates back to the 9th century, when the Moorish governors built their residence on the site.
During the Middle Ages, this palace was extensively used by the Portuguese monarchs as a resort, hunting retreat, and haven during outbreaks of disease.
The palace is a fascinating blend of architectural styles, including Moorish, Gothic, and Manueline.
It is decorated with elaborate paintings and sculptures and offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
During your Lisbon holiday, visiting the National Palace of Sintra is a must to know how culturally rich the city was during medieval times.
With a fast-track entry ticket, you can access the gardens and the palace for just €10 per person.
If you spend a whole day in Sintra, you can combine your visit to the Sintra Palace with the famous Pena Palace and Castle of the Moors for just €30.
4. Park and Palace of Monserrate
Distance: 13.1 km (8.1 miles) from Pena Palace
Opening Hours: 9 am to 6 pm
Best Time to Visit: May to September
How Long to Spend: 2 to 3 hours
Address: 2710-405 Sintra, Portugal
No list of the best things to do in Sintra would be complete without exploring the palatial villa, the Monserrate Palace, located near Sintra.
It is stunning to see how Arabic and Indian architectural styles are seamlessly merged at Monserrate Palace.
The gardens are rich in unique plant species that Cook collects throughout his trips worldwide.
Therefore, we highly recommend strolling through them.
Wandering about the grounds gives guests the impression that they travel to various locations, including India, Mexico, and Arabia.
You can get skip-the-line access to both the Palace of Monserrate and Pena Palace together for €21 per person.
If you are limited on time and want to explore the Monserrate Palace and Park only, tickets start at €8.
5. Cabo da Roca
Distance: 24 km (14 miles) from Pena Palace
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Best Time to Visit: May to June
How Long to Spend: 15 to 30 minutes
Address: Estrada do Cabo da Roca, s/n, 2705-001 Colares, Portugal
When most people think of Sintra, they only imagine the lush hillsides peppered with colorful castles, not realizing that Sintra extends all the way to the coast.
In fact, the westernmost point in Europe, Cabo da Roca, is located within the boundaries of Sintra.
Cabo da Roca is a wild and rugged headland that forms the westernmost point of Sintra’s Mountain Range.
The windswept cliffs and barren lands are known as the world’s edge, along with its lighthouse, a tourist favorite.
If you plan to visit Cabo da Roca, you should dress accordingly.
The wind is incredibly strong, so you’ll need to bring a warm jacket and leave the hats at home, regardless of the season.
As one of the best things to do in Sintra, you can combine your visit to Cabo da Roca with Pena Palace for just €79 per person.
Most visitors prefer this ticket to plan their full day conveniently.
6. NewsMuseum
Distance: 2.2 km (1.3 miles) from Pena Palace
Opening Hours: 10 am to 6.30 pm
Best Time to Visit: March to May or September to October
How Long to Spend: 1 to 2 hours
Address: R. Visc. de Monserrate 26, 2710-591 Sintra, Portugal
The News Museum is a fascinating museum that is one of the best things to do in Sintra if you are interested in news, media, and communication.
It is a relatively new museum, having opened in 2016, but it has quickly become one of Sintra’s most popular tourist attractions.
The museum is located in the former Museu do Brinquedo (Toy Museum) in the historic center of Sintra.
It has exhibits on the earliest cave paintings and the latest digital technologies.
One of the most interesting exhibits is the war room, which explores the relationship between war and journalism.
The exhibit features a timeline of major wars and how they have been covered by the media.
It also examines the role of journalists in conflict zones and the ethical challenges they face.
You can find tickets to this museum on their official site.
Taste Sintra’s Local Treats
Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is known for its beautiful palaces and gardens.
But it is also home to some delicious local treats.
- Travesseiro is a pastry that translates to “pillow” in English.
It is made with puff pastry dough filled with a creamy mixture of eggs and almonds.
The travesseiro is a popular breakfast pastry in Sintra, and it is said that people line up early in the morning to buy them.
- Queijada is a phyllo pastry made with eggs, cheese, sugar, and milk.
It has a mildly sweet flavor and is often compared to the pastel de nata, a custard tart that is popular in Lisbon.
These are just a few local treats you can enjoy in Sintra.
If you are looking for a sweet and delicious way to experience the local culture, be sure to try one of these pastries.
Can you See Sintra in One Day
Yes, it is possible to see Sintra in one day, but you will need to be well-organized and efficient with your time.
Here is a possible itinerary for a one-day trip to Sintra:
- Morning: Visit the Pena National Palace and the Quinta da Regaleira.
These are two of the most popular attractions in Sintra and can get crowded, so it is best to visit them early in the day.
- Afternoon: Hike to the Castelo dos Mouros (Moorish Castle). This is a steep hike, but the views from the top are amazing.
- Evening: Enjoy a leisurely dinner in Sintra’s historic center.
If you are short on time, you can also consider taking a guided tour of Sintra.
This is a great way to see the town’s highlights without worrying about planning your own itinerary.
FAQs
What town is near the Pena Palace?
Sintra is the town near Pena Palace.
The Palace is situated on a hilltop over Sintra and can be seen on a clear day from Lisbon.
It is a national monument famous for its unique architectural style, views, and vast forested parks.
Is Cabo da Roca the end of the world?
It is popularly known as the end of the world or the edge of the world.
Cabo da Roca is located on the westernmost point of the Sintra mountain range.
It is a rugged, rocky coastline overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, offering beautiful views of Portugal.
Is the National Palace of Sintra worth visiting?
The Palacio National Sintra is the country’s most preserved medieval royal palace.
Its minimalistic gothic exterior and its hidden staterooms define its elegance and beauty at the same time.
What is the famous well in Portugal?
Quinta da Regaleira’s Initiation Well is the most popular in Portugal.
A subterranean tower, which is 27 meters deep, was built by Carvalho Monteiro, a notable Free Mason, for spiritual purposes.
Today, the well is even more famous than the majestic castle it is built in. It is one of the top things to see in Sintra.
Where to park at Monserrate?
There are two options to consider when arriving at the Palace of Monserrate.
One park is halfway up Monsterrat Mountain at the Cremallera de Moinstrol Vila rack railway station.
The other car park is located next to Montserrat Monastery.
Featured Image: Tripadvisor.co.uk