Portuguese Sintra. Sintra - main attractions

There is nothing complicated about how to get from Lisbon to Sintra - it can be done using regular transport. Trains, buses and even a special “tourist” tram depart for Sintra. You can also use taxi services. Taxi drivers take passengers to Sintra and back very willingly.

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The distance between the two cities is 23 km in a straight line on the map, but of course it increases as you travel. In fact, Sintra is 31 km away from Lisbon.

What to go with?

Most often, travelers use the train, but this is not the only way to travel from Lisbon to Sintra, and it is not the fastest or most convenient.

Buses go to the ancient Portuguese city, a special tram route has been laid, and taxi passengers are willing to take passengers there. Of course, you can also go by rented car.

Electric trains

There are two ways to get to Sintra by train - directly and with a transfer.

The advantages of traveling in a car with a driver are obvious - it is the opportunity to stop for a while in a place you like or if necessary.

As a rule, the car has an air conditioner, thanks to which it will not be either hot or cool while traveling. And, of course, the most important advantage of this method of travel is the absence of reference to stopping points, departure times of transport and its routes.

You can get to Sintra from any Lisbon hotel, without looking for bus stops and without adjusting to the train schedule, not only in a taxi, but also in a rented car. This can be done on.

The number of kilometers that will have to be traveled will be from 30 to 32, depending on the starting and ending location of the trip itself, that is, the entire trip will take less than 10 liters of gasoline and about half an hour of time. the cost of a liter of fuel in Portugal ranges from 2 to 3 euros. There are no toll roads between Sintra and Lisbon.

Video: tips for tourists - Lisbon, Sintra, Cape Roca.

There are two other travel options - private single-engine planes and bicycles. The plane covers the distance in 20 minutes, taking into account pre-takeoff troubles and immediate exit after landing. However, such air travel is usually booked not with the goal of getting there as quickly as possible, but with the goal of exploring the Portuguese Riviera from above and taking pictures of the coast for your own social networks or just as a souvenir.

An air taxi costs from 70 euros, there are no exact prices for such services, cost issues are resolved privately. You can find the plane on the Sintra city website or at Lisbon airport.

José Carlos Cortizo Pérez / flickr.com

As for riding a bicycle, it is a popular and fashionable means of transport in Europe. Ecotourism - traveling by bicycle between cities - is preferred by Europeans. Bicycle racks are located at stopping points along the route to and directly next to Mauritanian attractions. You can rent a bike through.

However, this method of travel requires physical preparation, a calm attitude towards one’s own unpresentable appearance and, of course, the lack of comfort when traveling.

The cost of renting a car in Portugal is around 25 euros, while the price of renting a bicycle varies from 10 to 15 euros.

Home to famous palaces, parks and castles, Sintra is not to be missed while in Portugal.

Sintra is only 23 kilometers from Lisbon and 18 kilometers from Cape Roca

From Lisbon, without any problems, you can go to Sintra by train, which departs very often from the Rossio railway station, which is located in the very center of the historical part of the city. You can also get there by metro by getting off at the metro station called Rossio

You can buy a ticket at the box office or from a machine. There is no point in buying a ticket in advance, there is always space. A ticket costs about 3 euros.

The photo shows the platform of the Rossio station and the train to Sintra. The ride takes about 30-40 minutes. Sintra is the final stop, so it is impossible to drive through it - the station is called Sintra

It is best to start exploring Sintra from Pena Castle, as it opens first at 09.30. Monday is a day off everywhere.

Having arrived at the station and leaving it, you don’t need to go anywhere, but after walking 50 meters to the right from the station exit you will see a stop (it’s the only one there) - the bus numbers will be reflected on it. At this stop, take the circular bus No. 434 - it starts running in the morning - the first one at 09.15, the next at 09.30, 09.50, 10.05., 10.20... etc. the last one at 19.50. Go to the Pena Palace (Palacio da Pena) - ticket 5 euros - drive 10-15 minutes, it’s difficult to walk up the mountain.

We drive up not to the palace itself, but to the ticket office, buy a ticket for a minibus here right away that will take you up to the castle itself

Here it is in the photo - price 2 euros

In the castle of the Moors

From the castle of the Moors to the park of Rigileri you also basically go down, so it’s not difficult

Rigileri Park

From the park and the Rigaili Palace you can also walk through the center of Sintra, and at the same time see the town

We return to the railway station where we arrived in the morning and sit down at the same stop to the right of the station, leaving for Cape Roca (Cabo da Roca). The bus takes about an hour and leaves every hour. There will be a line at the bus stop to get on this bus - get in line if you want to ride while sitting. Bus number 403.

You buy a ticket from the driver at the entrance - the price is about 5 euros.

The small cozy town of Sintra, listed by UNESCO, is located just 27 km from Lisbon. Previously, this was where the royal residence was located, and today it is an amazingly beautiful city with ancient architecture. It was here that Lord Byron sought inspiration and Andersen often came. Unique sights, colorful landscapes and the special atmosphere of the town of Sintra will not leave any tourist indifferent.

A little history of Sintra

This town was founded ten centuries ago, back in the days when the Moors ruled in these places. It was they who built a fortress here in the 11th century, which, after the expulsion of the Moors (this happened in 1147), was captured by the King of Portugal, Afonso Ecriques. Seven years later, in 1154, on his orders, St. Peter's Cathedral was erected, and this date began to be officially considered the year of the founding of Sintra. Then, for seven centuries in a row, the city became a favorite vacation spot for Portuguese rulers; during this period, many castles and palaces were built, as well as many other unique buildings. The peak for the town came in the 19th-20th centuries, when the nobility and elite built Sintra with villas. Today this city is famous for its diverse and different architecture.

Palaces and castles of Sintra

These are the most unique buildings in Sintra, let's take a brief tour of them.

• It was erected in 1840 and is mesmerizing at first sight. This palace is considered the main pride of Sintra, as it is not only a majestic medieval-style palace, but also a huge park surrounding it. Previously, there was a monastery on this site, which was destroyed by an earthquake in 1755, then only the altar and chapel survived. After 85 years, a castle was built here, which became the royal residence.

• National Palace. This building is located in the historical center of Sintra and is the only building that has survived in its original form since the Middle Ages. Of course, the palace did not retain its original appearance, since all the monarchs stayed there, and everyone tried to bring something of their own to it. And today the National Palace is a mixture of different styles, each room in it is unusual in its own way. This is where Lord Byron stayed.

• This palace is one of the most visited by tourists due to its majestic appearance and neo-Gothic design. It was erected relatively recently, in 1910, and its ensemble includes a picturesque chapel and a large, luxurious park. It is this palace that is considered the most romantic in Sintra; it was financed by Carvalho Monteira, a millionaire who began to build an estate, but got carried away “a little”, resulting in a real palace.

• The history of Sintra begins with this fortress, built by the Moors. During its existence, the castle had to go through many trials: Jews and Spaniards sought refuge here, and after the earthquake in 1755, the building remained in ruins for a long time. And only a century later it was restored, but the medieval style was completely ignored, and the Romanesque style took its place, which completely deprived the fortress of its originality.

• Montserrat Palace. This palace in the Moorish style was built several centuries ago in the mid-19th century; in 1856, it underwent a thorough restoration. This building amazes with its luxurious decoration, and around it there is a picturesque park, which in 2013 was recognized as one of the best parks on the planet. Today this palace is an example of a harmonious combination of several styles, where Romanesque and Indian styles are organically intertwined.

• Capuchin Castle. This building is an ancient monastery, built in the 16th century, in 1560. Unfortunately, the monastery has now fallen into disrepair - its walls are overgrown with moss, and only the walls remain of the building. This once majestic complex is located not in Sintra itself, but at a distance from it; it can only be reached by car. But even today the view of the monastery is simply breathtaking - this place has preserved a special ancient atmosphere.

Other attractions in Sintra

But Sintra is famous not only for its palaces and castles; there are also other interesting places.

• Historical Center. This Portuguese town is a real labyrinth of streets with charming houses and very cute shops. Here you can buy something as a souvenir in souvenir shops, listen to street musicians, try rare dishes from street vendors and just stroll along the cobblestone streets. Sintra is the very town where it is better to walk or ride a bicycle to feel its special aura.
• Vintage trams. Arriving in Sintra and not taking a ride on one of the old trams is a “crime”. This transport is more than a hundred years old, it has no windows or doors, and passengers enjoy riding “with the breeze.” Vintage Sintra trams (there are 11 of them in total) run from the city to the sea, which is very convenient for beach lovers, and are used more as an attraction. The first such tram was launched back in 1904, and since then it has never stopped moving.
• Well of dedication. This is another unique attraction of Sintra. Not far from the Quinta da Regaleira Palace there is a truly amazing place that is very popular among travelers. This object is a wide round well with a tower going underground, with many arches and stairs. This is a kind of natural allegory showing the connection of heaven and earth. A truly mesmerizing sight.
• Airplane Museum. If there is something truly modern and exciting in Sintra that can be of interest to both children and adults, it is the aircraft museum. It was created back in 1909, presenting many exhibits that include not only aircraft from different eras, but also photographs of outstanding pilots on the planet. Here the kids can sit at the helm and also receive a memorable symbolic gift from the museum. Moreover, entry to the museum is free for children; an unforgettable experience awaits every child.

Interesting facts about Sintra: a reminder for tourists

What will be interesting and useful for travelers who come to the town of Sintra to know?

• Here you can try national Portuguese dishes, the names of which will not mean anything to tourists, but the taste will be remembered for a long time. For example, bacalau - sea fish cooked over a fire, or risotto - a dish with seafood.
• It is better to go to Sintra at the end of summer or early autumn - it is at this time that there is no rainy or foggy season, during this period the weather is clear and sunny. But if you come to Sintra in winter (February), you can go to a colorful carnival.
• There are many hotels in Sintra, and if your goal is a beach holiday, then it is better to choose a hotel along the coastline. If you are interested in sightseeing, the best and most convenient option is hotels in the historical center.
• Sintra is an inexpensive city, and sales are regularly held here. Housing prices are budget, as are food prices. And you can see the sights very economically by purchasing a combined ticket for all of them.
• There are beaches in Sintra for every taste, there are many of them - 17, and they are all sandy, but not all are accessible - some of them will have to be reached by boat due to the rocks. But absolutely all beaches in Sintra are free and equipped with everything you need.
• There are also churches in this town, the most popular of which are: the Church of St. Martin, built at the end of the 13th century; the ancient Church of St. Peter, unique for its interior; and the Gothic Church of St. Mary, built at the end of the 12th century.
• Of course, there are also museums in Sintra: this is the Museum of Modern Art with interesting exhibitions; a natural history museum that clearly shows the evolution of life on earth; and a unique media museum highlighting the progress of journalism.
• Children will undoubtedly be interested in such places as the archaeological museum, which will tell about the history of our land; as well as a toy museum, where more than 40,000 exhibits are collected - every child here finds himself in a real fairy tale.
• In February and March, costume carnivals with music are held in the palaces of Sintra - an analogue of our Maslenitsa. These are unusually colorful spectacles that you can not only look at from the outside, but also take part in.
• In Sintra you can easily rent a car or a bicycle, they will be delivered to you free of charge. As for souvenirs, it is recommended to purchase ceramics, handmade lace and napkins, and engravings by local artists as souvenirs.

Sintra - interesting places and attractions that everyone should see. Palaces, castles, monasteries, parks and Masonic villas.

To get from Sintra to the Castle of the Moors, follow the Rua Marechal Saldanha road - this is the fastest and quietest route.

#5. Montserrat Palace and Park

Not far from the historic center of Sintra (3.5 km to the west), surrounded by a lush park with exotic trees, lies the eclectic 19th-century Palacio de Montserrat. It is a Moorish palace with a rare combination of Gothic and Indian influences. Tourists rarely get here - Sintra already has a lot of interesting places - there is a chance to become a pioneer!

#6. Capuchin Monastery

Almost invisible due to the surrounding nature, the small monastery with spartan conditions was built in the 16th century as a home for Franciscan monks. Monks lived in this place until 1834, when the liberal regime abolished the religious orders.

#7. Cape Cabo da Roca

Cape Cabo da Roca in the vicinity of Sintra

The westernmost point of Europe, and this is what Cape Roca became famous for, is not in Sintra, but half an hour’s drive from it. Therefore, a trip to this city is often combined with a visit to the observation deck on the Atlantic shore. If you rented a car in Lisbon, you can be congratulated - you will see all the iconic places not only of Sintra, but throughout Portugal. If not, then you can go on a tour.

Routes including the best places around Sintra and Lisbon:

• (Cape Roca in the program, duration 8 hours);
• (intensive program for 8 hours, in a group of up to 4 people).

Whatever option you choose, remember two names - Sintra + Cabo da Roca. Better yet, immediately put them at the top of your must see list - so you definitely won’t miss anything interesting!

Summarize. The city and its surroundings are one of the most impressive places in Portugal. Lovers of history, culture and architecture will love this place - there are countless attractions in Sintra!

Excursions in Lisbon and surrounding areas

The most worthwhile excursions you can find in Lisbon are those from locals. They are created by creative people who have something to show and tell about the city. All excursions are conducted in Russian.

Sintra is a picturesque Portuguese town located near Lisbon surrounded by amazingly beautiful nature. The splendor of the area many years ago made Sintra a favorite holiday destination for several generations of rulers.
Now Sintra in Portugal is a lively modern city that has managed to preserve not only many valuable attractions, but also the unforgettable atmosphere of the city, which you can feel even just by looking at the photos of these places.

City architecture

Did you know? Thanks to the abundance of valuable historical attractions, Sintra and its surroundings have become a UNESCO protected area.

One of the most popular attractions not only of Sintra, but of Portugal as a whole is Palace of Quinta da Regaleira.

Palace of Quinta da Regaleira

They say that the palace was originally built by the millionaire Mason Monteiro. This magnificent five-story building changed about 10 owners during its existence, until finally in 1997 it was bought by the local municipality, and the palace was open to the public.
The palace building is very beautiful and majestic. On the territory of the palace there is a beautiful, cozy park with many elegant fountains and a chapel rich in decorations.
There is also another amazing attraction here -.
This unusual place has become very popular among tourists. The well resembles an underground tower made of stone, with a beautiful spiral staircase decorated with arches leading far down.
The structure plays a symbolic role, showing Masonic ideas about the structure of the Universe. The well serves as an allegory of a staircase connecting heaven to earth and reminding that, being at the bottom, a person is in darkness, and rising up, he recognizes the light and bliss of spiritual knowledge.
Another famous attraction of Sintra is the beautiful Pena Palace. It was built in the 19th century on the site of the ruins of an ancient monastery.
The palace is very bright and beautiful; it combines many styles in its architecture.
Now there is a museum in its building. The richest halls are the Arabic and Ballroom. Also on the territory of the palace there is a beautiful chapel and a picturesque park.

Undoubtedly, the snow-white one, decorated with conical twin towers, which are actually chimneys of kitchen stoves, also deserves your attention.
From the 15th to the 19th centuries, the palace was constantly inhabited, which is why it is better preserved than other palaces in Portugal.
The palace was completed and transformed many times - each of the rulers wanted to make their own changes. Now it has a rather unusual, but very beautiful appearance and is rightfully the pride of Portugal.

Also in Sintra you can visit:

• Medieval castle of the Moors(top of the Serra da Sintra mountain range);
• Montserrat Palace(Monserrate, 2710-405);
• Countess Edla's Chalet(Pena Palace Park).

Natural attractions and parks of Sintra

The city is surrounded by beautiful nature - picturesque mountain slopes and forests, not far from the Atlantic coast.
Sintra has many cozy corners of nature. Almost every palace mentioned above contains beautiful parks and alleys, where you can walk endlessly.
Not far from Sintra there is another popular attraction - Cape Roca.

This amazing place delights tourists with beautiful scenery, especially at sunset.

Also on the cape there is a lighthouse, popular among tourists, a stele reminding that the cape is the westernmost point of Europe, and nearby there is a cozy rocky beach.

Other natural attractions of the city and its surroundings:

• Sintra-Caixas National Park;
• Liberdade Park;
• Praia da Ursa beach;

• Adraga Beach;
• Praia Grande beach;
• Praia do Magoito beach.

Religious buildings of the city

There are not many buildings of a religious nature in Sintra - and this is not surprising, since kings and rulers came here not for prayer and renunciation, but to relax and have fun.
Although this did not prevent almost every king from building magnificent chapels.
On the territory of the Sintra Caixas Park is also located Capuchin Monastery, founded in the 16th century.

Unfortunately, after the order to dissolve the monastic orders, the monastery was empty and has been gradually destroyed since then.
But still, even now it conveys the special atmosphere and spirit of the place.

Sintra Museums

In Sintra you will find several educational museums. One of them - Natural History Museum. It is located in a 19th century building in the Old Town.
Here you will see a rich collection belonging to Professor M. Barbosa and his wife, collected over 50 years. The collection includes more than 10 thousand fossils and minerals.
Temporary exhibitions are also held in the museum building. There is a multimedia room where you can watch scientific films about evolution, there is also a laboratory and a research room.
And after the tour, you can relax in the cozy garden of the museum, have a snack in the cafeteria and buy a souvenir in the museum shop.
Visit a unique Toy Museum in Sintra will be exciting not only for children, but also for their parents. The museum's collection includes about 40 thousand exhibits, among which there are toys more than 3 thousand years old!
Also on the territory of the museum there is a workshop where dolls and toys are repaired, as well as a multimedia room.
The museum building has 4 floors. On the 1st there is a ticket office, a shop and a cozy restaurant. On the 2nd floor there is a department of antique toys, toys of famous companies and handmade toys. On the 3rd floor you will see more modern toys, including soldiers, motorcycles, space technology, plastic dolls and others. And the entire 4th floor is occupied by a workshop.
Another interesting institution in Sintra is, which houses a valuable collection of works of art.

Among them, the works of Berardo are especially valued.
It also hosts temporary thematic exhibitions dedicated to different areas of art: surrealism, abstract expressionism, pop art and many others.

You can also visit:

• News Museum(Rua Visconde de Monserrate 26);
• Aircraft Museum(Estrada Granja do Marques);
• Anjos Teixera Museum(Azinhaga da Sardinha, Rio do Porto);
• Museu do Bonsai(Estrada Chao de Meninos 12).

Sintra – what to see in 1 day?

1. You can start getting acquainted with the city with palace and park complex Quinta da Regaleira. To do this, you can take bus No. 435. Here you can explore the palace itself, the park, the chapel and the famous. All this takes 2-3 hours.
2. Then we suggest returning to the railway station and from here get to Pena Palace by bus number 434. Be sure to take a walk around palace park and look Countess Edla's Chalet.
3. We return to the railway station again, where we can have lunch.
4. If you arrive in Sintra early enough, you can have time to visit the following attractions in the city: National Palace of Sintra, Castle of the Moors, Toy Museum, Montserrat Palace.
5. Towards evening we take bus No. 403, which will take us to Cape Roca. Here you can admire nature and watch a sunset of stunning beauty.

Where to go in Sintra with a child?

• Most children will enjoy visiting ancient palaces and castles, of which there are a great many in the city.
• Delight your children with a visit to the famous Toy Museum. Here you can not only view the rich collection, but also buy an interesting souvenir for your child.
• You can take a ride on the old tram in Sintra while sightseeing.
• Also in Sintra there is a wonderful children's Micolandia park.
• Go to Cape Roca and admire the views. Children will certainly be interested in the ancient lighthouse.
• Also, if you have free time, you and your whole family can enjoy a vacation on one of beaches near the city.

Video review of the sights of Sintra

Sintra is one of the best places for, and also quite an interesting place for lovers of city tours. And this is not surprising, because Sintra is an ancient city, rich in historical sights that you can talk about for hours. But despite this, we have selected for you a short but informative video about the sights of Sintra.

We are confident that Sintra will delight you with its sights and nature, and here you will not only relax, but also recharge your batteries.
And those who have already visited this wonderful town can share their impressions of the best attractions of Sintra with their photos and descriptions of their favorite places in the comments to the text.