FAIRYTALE CASTLES IN SINTRA PORTUGAL

Sintra is truly a fairytale and a dream come true. After seeing multiple photos of the beautiful Palacio da Pena on social media I was inspired to visit! I had no idea there were so many castles located in Sintra, I was blown away and it’s worth a day trip from Lisbon.

During my second time visiting we only had time for Pena Palace. Make sure to get advance tickets online by entry time and get 5% off your entrance tickets.

GETTING TO SINTRA

The train departs Lisbon from the Rossio train station, located in central Lisbon. Sintra is located roughly 40 minutes from Lisbon by train. I highly suggest leaving as early as possible from Lisbon since you will need the entire day if you want to see all the castles.

HOW TO GET AROUND SINTRA

Most castles are far from one another. Once you arrive by train you are dropped off at the city center of Sintra. From here we purchased a ticket for the bus to the castles.

Visiting the fairytale castles in Sintra

Palacio da Pena/Pena Palace

Our first stop was Palacio da Pena. The moment we laid our eyes on the castle we were mesmerized by the beautiful bright colors and fairytale castle. The palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal. We truly felt like princesses in this castle and explored the entire castle. It is free to roam around the castle but there is a small fee to go inside to see how people used to live.

Guests can also add a shuttle pass ticket for 3 euros. From the entrance it’s about a 15 minute walk up the hill to the castle, it’s not a bad walk. All tickets are 5% off through this link for all the parks in Sintra.

Castle of the Moors/Moorish Castle

From Pena Palace we walked to the Castle of the Moors, also called Moorish Castle. It is roughly a 10-minute walk down the hill. Quite easy to get to and entrance fee is around $10. It is a hilltop medieval castle and has stunning views!

Quinta da Regaleira

Our last stop for the day was Quinta da Regaleira. It is a 20th century estate located near the city center of Sintra. Roughly a 15-minute walk. This gothic like property has a beautiful park, fountains, garden and an initiation well you must visit!

Cabo da Roca & Cascais

If you have time, make sure to visit Cabo da Roca. It is the westernmost point of Europe with beautiful ocean views. The hop on hop off bus has a stop here. From here you are able to go visit a small town called Cascais, 25 minutes south of Cabo da Roca. You will need to hire a taxi to get here since the bus does not stop in Cascais.

MORE PORTUGAL TRAVEL POSTS:

Lisbon City Guide

Sofitel Lisbon Luxury Hotel Review

What to do in Porto

Where to Stay in Douro Valley: Lamego Hotel

Where to Stay in Algarve: Tivoli Carvoeiro

Share your favorite castle in the comments below!

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24 comments

  • Neni

    December 18, 2016 at 4:29 am

    Such a beautiful, colourful city and I love the old castle.

    1. Tour de Lust

      December 18, 2016 at 9:47 am

      Thanks Neni! It’s such a beautiful place, can’t believe this exists!

  • Jimmy and Tina

    December 18, 2016 at 10:28 am

    The Palacio da Pena is really quite colorful, Its the type of castle that little girls dream about and by my favorite out all the ones that you visited

    1. Tour de Lust

      December 18, 2016 at 12:04 pm

      I agree! I’m surprised I only knew about this place this year!

  • Monica Houghton

    December 18, 2016 at 1:02 pm

    This was seriously one of the best days of my Gap Year, fun filled and tons to explore. The Pena Palace is one of a kind and a must see for anyone visiting Portugal. LOVELY blog Christine, and per usual, amazing photos 🙂 Love it.

    1. Tour de Lust

      December 18, 2016 at 10:30 pm

      Thanks Monica!! It truly was one of the best days!!

  • melody pittman

    December 19, 2016 at 7:23 am

    I truly love Portugal. Such an underrated travel destination. Sintra was my favorite so seeing your gorgeous photos of Palacio da Pena were amazing. You really got some great shots.

    1. Tour de Lust

      December 19, 2016 at 5:31 pm

      Thank you Melody! I’m really surprised by Portugal as well, definitely an underrated destination!

  • Jill Wiley

    December 19, 2016 at 10:24 am

    Oh my gosh!!! I’ve only been to Lisbon… and LOVED it! I am definitely putting Sintra on my wishlist!! These castles are STUNNING!

    1. Tour de Lust

      December 19, 2016 at 5:31 pm

      You need to go to Sintra soon!

  • Hallie

    December 19, 2016 at 5:37 pm

    Those castles are so colorful! I love the color palette. I haven’t seen too much about Portugal’s castles so this was wonderful. I’d definitely dig that hop on hop off bus trip for sure.

    1. Tour de Lust

      December 19, 2016 at 5:48 pm

      Thanks Hallie. It’s definitely a town not that many people visit!

  • Erin Klema | The Epicurean Traveler

    December 19, 2016 at 9:38 pm

    These castles really do look like they belong on the pages of a fairy tale.

    1. Tour de Lust

      December 20, 2016 at 6:01 pm

      It’s like we’re in a disney movie!

  • Jo

    December 19, 2016 at 11:36 pm

    Oh gee, these castles look dreamy – what a magical adventure you two girls had and amazing shots too – love the reflection in the well. I can only imagine girls roaming around beautiful castles – can I join? 🙂

    1. Tour de Lust

      December 20, 2016 at 6:01 pm

      You sure can! =)

  • Daphne of Girlswanderlust

    December 20, 2016 at 1:46 am

    Wow Sintra looks amazing! I can’t believe that I have never heard about it. I am planning to visit Lisbon next year and it is good to know that this amazing place is just 40 minutes located from Lisbon by train. The castles look amazing! I think the Palacio da Pena/Pena Palace would be my favorite! =)

    1. Tour de Lust

      December 20, 2016 at 6:01 pm

      Daphne you need to go!! I’m always shocked when people haven’t heard of it!

  • izzy

    December 20, 2016 at 8:13 pm

    Well aren’t you two just the loveliest! I love your romper by the way! My sister studied abroad in Portugal two years ago and she said her favorite place was Sintra too. It really is spectacular, ughhh I need to go back to Portugal now!

    1. Tour de Lust

      December 20, 2016 at 9:25 pm

      That’s awesome your sister got to study abroad there! I need to go back too!

  • Paige Wunder

    December 21, 2016 at 5:35 am

    Wow! I’ve never even heard of Sinatra, but you better believe it’s totally on my radar now! I’ve not been to Europe in a few years, but Portugal is quickly making its way to the top of the list when I do get back. I love that photo inside the tower- so cool! I think Pena Palace looks so beautiful with all of the bright colors!

    1. Tour de Lust

      December 21, 2016 at 8:32 am

      Portugal is definitely an underrated city! I didn’t know much about it either but now I need to go back to explore the rest of the country!

  • Vicky and Buddy

    December 21, 2016 at 11:26 am

    Wow, I had no idea there were so many castles there! I especially love Palacio da Pena; it’s so colorful!

    1. Tour de Lust

      December 21, 2016 at 3:35 pm

      I was surprised too! Sintra is a dream!

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