Rising from the lush, forested hills just outside of Lisbon, Sintra is a fairytale town of whimsical palaces, ancient castle ruins, and deep green valleys. Its close proximity and regular train service from the capital make it an ideal choice for a memorable day trip.

This guide details a popular and efficient route designed to help you experience the best of Sintra in a single day. The journey focuses on the town's two unmissable highlights: the vibrant, romanticist Palácio da Pena perched high on a hill, and the mysterious gardens and inverted tower of the Quinta da Regaleira.

Along the way, you will also have time to explore the charming historic centre of Sintra and, time permitting, the ancient Castelo dos Mouros. All of these sights are spread across the hills of the Serra da Sintra but are conveniently connected by the 434 tourist bus route.

This guide will also detail how to manage the tourist crowds of the summer months and provide helpful insights to help you make the most of your day trip to Sintra.
Related articles: Sights of Sintra – Lisbon day trips

The Palácio Nacional da Pena

A dazzling spectacle of colour crowning a Sintra hilltop, Pena Palace is a masterpiece of 19th-century Romanticism. It fuses Gothic towers with Moorish gateways, offering sweeping coastal views from its famous red and yellow terraces and winding battlements - Palácio da Pena guide

The Quinta da Regaleira

While the estate’s palace is a flamboyant display of Neo-Manueline architecture, its true secrets are hidden within the gardens. This symbolic landscape is a labyrinth of grottoes and secret passages, all centred around the incredible subterranean Initiation Well - Quinta da Regaleira guide

The Castelo dos Mouros

The oldest historical site in Sintra, these 9th-century walls are a remnant of the region's Moorish occupation. The fortress was a key strategic outpost, and its high stone towers still provide the best panoramic views of the entire region - Castelo dos Mouros guide

Important Note: The entrance to the staterooms of the Palácio da Pena and the Quinta da Regaleira are by timed tickets and these should be booked in advance of your day trip. This is especially true within the peak season, when popular times completely sell out. These entrance tickets for the Pena Palace can be purchased from GetYourGuide.com - link here.

A popular and recommended itinerary for a day trip to Sintra from Lisbon is:
• Train from Lisbon to Sintra (50min)
• 434 bus from the station to the Palácio da Pena (20-30min)
• Palácio da Pena terraces (30min) and staterooms (40min)
• Palácio da Pena's grounds (optional, 1 to 2 hours)
• Castelo dos Mouros (optional, 1 to 2 hours)
• 434 bus to the historic centre of Sintra (15min)
• Lunch in the centre of Sintra
• Sights of Sintra town (45min)
• Walk to the Quinta da Regaleira (10min)
• Quinta da Regaleira (80min)
• Walk to train station (20min)
• Train to Lisbon (50min)

The suggested is a very long day, but it is definitely possible to visit the three main sights (the Palácio da Pena, Castelo dos Mouros and Quinta da Regaleira) in a single day. If this seems too much, reduce the day trip to just two sights, with the Palácio da Pena and Quinta da Regaleira as the recommended sights for a shorter day trip.

This itinerary is structured around the route of the 434 bus, which connects the train station to the hilltop locations of the Palácio da Pena and Castelo dos Mouros. As the Palácio da Pena is the main highlight of the day, it is best visited first, allowing you to explore its expansive grounds and intricate details with fresh energy.

Arriving at the Palácio da Pena early (before 10 am) is the most effective strategy for avoiding the significant queues. This presumes you have already purchased your timed-entry ticket in advance, as same-day availability is extremely limited and should not be relied upon.

Conversely, the Quinta da Regaleira is busiest in the morning, partly due to its 10 am opening time and its proximity to the historic centre. It typically becomes quieter and more pleasant to explore later in the afternoon (after 3 pm).

Plan to have lunch in the historic centre of Sintra, as the food options near the Palácio da Pena and Castelo dos Mouros are very limited.

The interactive map below details the suggested day trip. The yellow markers indicate the sights, while the blue line shows the route of the 434 bus.

Sights of the day trip: 1) Palácio da Pena 2) Castelo dos Mouros 3) historic centre of Sintra 4) Quinta da Regaleira 5) Palácio Nacional de Sintra 6) train station
The 434 bus route (blue): 7) Train station 8) Castelo dos Mouros bus stop 9) Palácio da Pena bus stop 10) Sintra Vila bus stop 7) Train station

Sintra has a pretty town centre

The Palácio Nacional de Sintra is an enjoyable alternative to the Quinta da Regaleira if you are interested in Portuguese history

As a popular tourist destination, prices in Sintra reflect its high demand. Following the full itinerary detailed in this guide, an adult should budget €85. This total includes approximately €65 for all transport and entrance fees, plus an additional €20 for food and drinks, based on current prices:
• Return train fare: €4.90
• 434 tourist bus (24-hour ticket): €13.50
• Palácio da Pena full ticket: €20 (purchased in advance)
• Castelo dos Mouros: €12
• Quinta da Regaleira: €15 (purchased in advance)
• Lunch in a restaurant: €17- €25
• Snacks and drinks: €5 - €10

Alternatives prices
• Palácio da Pena (park only ticket): €10
• Palácio Nacional de Sintra: €12 (as an alternative to the Quinta da Regaleira)
• One-way taxi from the station to Palácio da Pena: approx. €15

A day trip to Sintra can cost significantly less for visitors who choose to walk between sights and focus on exploring the historic centre rather than entering every paid monument. For a guide to the free sights of Sintra and a budget-friendly day trip, read this guide..

The Castelo dos Mouros with its amazing views over the region

For many visitors, an organised tour is a stress-free and highly efficient alternative for visiting Sintra. A good tour handles all the transport, bypasses the need to book separate timed-entry tickets, and removes the hassle of navigating crowded public buses.

We have partnered with GetYourGuide.com for the last seven years, as their platform offers tours with clear itineraries, user reviews, and an easy cancellation policy. Below are some of the best-rated tours that cover the most popular routes:
• From Lisbon: Sintra Highlights Full-Day Tour
• From Lisbon: Sintra, Cabo da Roca and Cascais Full-Day Tour
• From Lisbon: Pena Palace and Regaleira Guided Tour

The Câmara de Municipal Sintra (Sintra town hall)

The following section explains in-depth the 1-day tour of Sintra.

The recommended way to travel to Sintra from Lisbon is by train. There are two services:
• Rossio station (Lisbon) to Sintra
• Oriente station (Lisbon) to Sintra

Most visitors depart from Rossio station, as it is conveniently located in the popular tourist district of Baixa. Oriente station (Estação do Oriente) is the better option if you are travelling from the airport or from the eastern side of the city.

Both train routes have similar journey times (40 minutes from Rossio, 47 minutes from Oriente). A return fare costs €4.90 for an adult and €2.50 for a child. Trains are frequent, departing approximately every 20 minutes throughout the day, and the services run from early morning until late at night.

If you are visiting Sintra from Cascais or Estoril, taking the bus is the best way to travel. Regular services operate from the bus station in Cascais and the train station in Estoril.
Related articles: Lisbon to Sintra – Cascais to Sintra

The train to Sintra waiting in Rossio station

Sintra station is the final stop on the railway line, but the main sights are not directly outside. The historic centre is a 1.5km walk to the west, while the Palácio da Pena and Castelo dos Mouros are high up on a steep hill.

When you exit the station, you have two main choices. It is best to decide your plan before you leave the station.

Option 1: Head to the Palácio da Pena first (Recommended) To do this, you should take the 434 bus from directly outside the station. Walking to the palace is not a realistic option; it is a very demanding 50-minute uphill trek that will use up significant time and energy.

Option 2: Walk to the historic centre first This is a pleasant 15-minute walk. The route takes you past the decorative town hall and the Fonte Mourisca, a Moorish-style drinking fountain, and is lined with small stalls selling gifts. From the historic centre, you can later explore the Quinta da Regaleira on foot.

When you exit the station, it is not immediately obvious where to go. Guides, drivers and tour operators often take advantage of this confusion to target arriving visitors, trying to sell expensive tuk-tuk tours and other activities.

These tours are significantly more expensive than the 434 bus. If you are considering a guided tour, it is far better to book one in advance that picks you up from your accommodation, which saves you the time and expense of the train journey.

Sintra train station

The 434 bus service is designed for tourists and follows a one-way loop that connects the train station to the Castelo dos Mouros and Palácio da Pena. It then descends to the historic centre of Sintra before returning to the station.

A 24-hour ticket, which allows for unlimited use on all Sintra buses, costs €13.50. While this may seem expensive, it is more economical than a return taxi journey or a tuk-tuk ride.

Be prepared for the journey itself, especially during peak season. Buses are frequently packed, with standing room only. The ride to the palace is surprisingly long, taking at least 30 minutes and often more than 40 in heavy traffic. This is due to traffic being banned from the centre of Sintra and a narrow, winding ring road that gets clogged with tourist vehicles. Given the twists and turns, it is always a good idea to try and get a seat if possible.

It is important to note that taking an Uber, Bolt, or tuk-tuk will not be any faster. All vehicles use the same congested road to reach the palace. You will also face long waits for ride-hailing services, and drivers often decline the difficult fare from the station or town up to the palace due to the traffic.

Crucially, the bus route's one-way loop means that to get from the historic centre up to the Palácio da Pena, the bus must first travel back down to the train station. Therefore, it is much more efficient to visit the Palácio da Pena at the start of your day, taking the bus directly from the train station upon arrival.
Related article: The 434 tourist bus

The 434 tourist bus waiting at Sintra train station

The historic centre of Sintra has many restaurants, but it can be difficult to find good value among the tourist-focused eateries. For a satisfying lunch that won't be overpriced, consider one of these highly-regarded options that are popular with both locals and informed visitors.

Apeadeiro (Traditional Portuguese, €€) This traditional Portuguese restaurant is a local favourite, serving generous portions of classic fish and meat dishes. It provides an authentic, no-frills dining experience with very reasonable prices for the area - link to Google maps

Tascantiga (Modern Portuguese Tapas, €€) An extremely popular and compact restaurant serving creative, modern versions of Portuguese petiscos - link to Google maps.

Tacho Real (Traditional Portuguese, €€-€€€) Located within a historic building with stone walls, this restaurant offers a traditional dining atmosphere - link to Google maps.

The Palácio da Pena is one of Europe's most distinctive palaces and will almost certainly be the highlight of your day in Sintra. This vibrant spectacle of colour was the fantasy creation of King Ferdinand II in the 19th century, built from the ruins of a monastery that once stood on the high rocky peak.

The palace is a masterpiece of Romanticist design, mixing Gothic towers, Moorish arches, and decorative Manueline details. The interior is just as interesting, preserved as it was in 1910, the year the Portuguese monarchy was overthrown by revolution.

Due to its immense popularity, entry to the palace requires careful planning:

• Timed-Entry Tickets: To visit the staterooms (the interior), you must book a ticket for a specific 30-minute time slot. These slots, especially for morning times, sell out far in advance during the high season, so it is essential to book them online before your trip.
• Park-Only Tickets: A cheaper ticket (€10) provides access to the extensive grounds and, crucially, the famous exterior terraces and battlements of the palace. This is a fantastic option if interior time slots are sold out or if you are more interested in the architecture and views.
Both the timed entry and park only tickets can be purchased from GetYourGuide.com.

Insider Tip: The main entrance to the Pena grounds is at the bottom of the hill. From here, it is a steep 10-15 minute uphill walk to the palace itself. To save energy, you can take the shuttle bus that runs from the entrance to the palace (€3).

The colourful terraces of the Palácio da Pena

The Sala dos Veados (Stag Room) inside the palace

The Palácio da Pena sits within the vast Parque da Pena, a 200-hectare forested parkland designed by King Ferdinand II to be a romantic and mystical landscape. A half-day could easily be spent exploring its winding paths, exotic plants, and hidden viewpoints.

For a day trip, it is best to focus on a few key highlights. On a hot day, the shaded paths through the Valley of the Lakes (Vale dos Lagos) and the lush Queen's Fernery (Feteira da Rainha) offer a cool escape.

For the best views, there are two unmissable spots. The Cruz Alta (High Cross) is the highest point in the Serra de Sintra hills (529m) and is a 20-minute walk from the palace, providing panoramic views over the entire region. However, for the most iconic photograph of the palace itself, head to the Alto do Chá viewpoint.

Another significant attraction is the Chalet of the Countess of Edla, a charming Alpine-style house built as a private retreat for King Ferdinand II's second wife. This is located in a different section of the park and may require too much time for a packed day trip.

Advice: The park is a maze of trails. Pick up a map at the entrance to help you navigate and decide which points of interest you want to prioritize.
Related articles: The Parque da Pena

The Chalet da Condessa d'Edla

A 16th century cross marks the Cruz Alta, the highest point of the Serra da Sintra

The Castelo dos Mouros is an excellent addition to your day, but it is the most logical sight to skip if you are short on time. A visit typically takes between 60 and 90 minutes.

This ancient fortress dates from the 8th century when the Moors dominated the region. Its high stone walls and watchtowers served as a strategic viewpoint over the coastline and the lands leading to Lisbon. After falling into ruin for centuries, the castle was romantically restored in the 19th century by King Ferdinand II to be a dramatic feature in the grounds of his Pena Palace.

The main activity is walking the stone battlements, which follow the natural contours of the rocky landscape. The reward for climbing the towers is some of the best panoramic views in the entire Sintra region, looking down upon the historic centre and up at the colourful Pena Palace.

Advice: The entrance to the Castelo dos Mouros is just a short 400m walk from the Pena Palace entrance, so there is no need to take a bus between them. Be aware that the castle is very exposed and involves climbing many steep steps.
Related articles: Castelo dos Mouros guide

The impressive views from the battlements of the Castelo dos Mouros

After visiting the hilltop sights, take the 434 bus down to the historic centre, getting off at the "Sintra Vila" stop. While there is a scenic footpath down from the Castelo dos Mouros (the Caminho de Santa Maria), it is a long walk that is difficult to fit into a single-day itinerary.

Sintra's historic centre is a charming maze of narrow cobbled lanes and traditional buildings, housing a variety of cafes and unique shops. It's an area best explored by simply wandering. Key landmarks include the flamboyant town hall and the main shopping street of Rua das Padarias. This is also the ideal location to stop for lunch, with a wide selection of restaurants.

Insider Tip: Sintra's Famous Pastries No visit to Sintra is complete without sampling its famous sweets. Be sure to try:
• Queijada: A small, sweet tart made with cheese, eggs, sugar, and cinnamon.
• Travesseiro: A warm, pillow-shaped puff pastry filled with a delicious almond and egg-yolk cream.
The most famous place to find both is the historic Piriquita bakery.

The Rua das Padarias and the warren of cobbled streets at the heart of Sintra

Casa Piriquita

The Quinta da Regaleira is a mystical estate where the main attraction is not the flamboyant palace but its enchanting gardens. The grounds are a symbolic landscape filled with hidden tunnels, grottoes, and waterfalls, all connected to the estate's most famous feature: the Poço Iniciático, or Initiation Well.

This subterranean "inverted tower" spirals deep into the earth and is thought to have been used for secretive initiation rituals. Descending its staircase is a unique experience; at the bottom, the well connects to a network of tunnels that allow you to emerge from a cave hidden behind a waterfall. Just be prepared for a long queue to enter the Poço Iniciático at peak times.

The Quinta da Regaleira is a 10-15 minute walk from the historic centre. There is no need for a bus or taxi, but the entrance is on the western side of the estate, so you will need to walk along its long perimeter wall.

Advice: Due to its popularity, timed-entry tickets must be booked online in advance. If you arrive and find the queues for the Initiation Well are extremely long, the Palácio Biester next door is a wonderful, less crowded alternative.
Related articles: The Quinta da Regaleira

The hidden cave network below the gardens of the Quinta da Regaleira

From the Quinta da Regaleira, the best and most reliable way to get back to the train station is to walk. The journey takes approximately 20 minutes and leads you back through the historic centre, providing a final opportunity to browse the shops or grab a drink.

While it may be tempting to order an Uber or taxi after a long day of sightseeing, it is often faster to walk. At the end of the afternoon, demand for ride-hailing services is extremely high, and Sintra's traffic can cause long waits and slow journeys.

Our most popular guides to Sintra