Is Sintra worth visiting in 2025? Here’s my ultimate list of pros and cons, based on my personal experiences during a day trip to Sintra from Lisbon.
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Is Sintra worth visiting?
Where is Sintra?
Sintra is a charming town in Portugal, known for its unique landmarks and located just 30 km from Lisbon. It’s a popular destination for travelers visiting the Iberian Peninsula, and many people visit it as a day trip from Lisbon. However, if you’re not a fan of rushed trips, Sintra has enough historical sites and attractions to easily fill a few days of exploration.
Since Sintra had been on my travel bucket list for quite some time, I couldnβt pass up the chance to visit during my recent trip to Lisbon.
What makes Sintra special?
Sintra often tops the lists of dream destinations in Europe and is considered an absolute must-see on any Portugal itinerary. It is especially renowned for its rich history, iconic palaces, and stunning gardens. The earliest mentions of Sintraβs castles can be found in the works of the Arab geographer Al-Bakri in the 11th century. Back then Sintra Palace served as a residence for Moorish rulers. During the Reconquista in 1147, the Christians took control of the city. Afterward, Sintra became a safe haven for Portuguese aristocracy for centuries. Today, itβs a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its unique blend of both Arab and Christian decorative styles. While walking through the halls of the Palace of Pena in Sintra, you feel as though youβre inside a mystical castle from the Middle East, yet the statues, icons, furniture, and paintings clearly reflect European aristocratic influence.

Why to visit Sintra? – Pros
Stunning Palaces and Gardens
Letβs start with why Sintra is worth visiting, although Iβm sure the photos speak for themselves, and the unmatched uniqueness of Sintra is quite obvious. This enchanting town lies at the crossroads of different civilizations and cultural influences, brimming with magical castles, unique art, stunning decorations, and beautiful Portuguese mosaics. The diversity of shapes and colors in Sintra makes it a must-visit destination for any art lover.
The top attractions in Sintra – Pena Palace, Sintra National Palace, Monserrate Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, and the Moorish Castle – all look like theyβve come straight out of a storybook.



Easy Day Trip from Lisbon
There are several ways to travel from Lisbon to Sintra, allowing everyone to find an option that fits their preferences and budget, which is a clear advantage. If you plan to rent a car in Portugal, you can drive to Sintra in about 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a train from Lisbon’s Rossio Station, which is a convenient 40-minute ride.
We chose the train to avoid parking issues, and although we visited Sintra in October on a weekday, it was still quite touristy. If you decide to go by car, itβs best to arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds and parking challenges. Another great option is to book a private transfer or one of the highly-rated tours, such as the Pena Palace, Sintra, Cabo da Roca & Cascais Day Trip (check availability) or the Guided Day Tour of Sintra, Pena, Regaleira & Cascais (check availability).
The best part about visiting Sintra is that itβs nearly impossible to miss any of the highlights unless you choose to, since getting there is so easy.



Lots of epic landmarks in one place
As a UNESCO World Heritage site, Sintra is packed with a rich blend of history, architecture, and intricate designs that it almost feels like a cultural overload – in the best way possible. From the vibrant Pena Palace to the enigmatic Quinta da Regaleira with its hidden tunnels, it feels like a lifetime of adventures squeezed into one day. Sintra is an ideal destination for history enthusiasts or those who love to make the most of their vacation. While the landmarks are spread out, with smart planning, you can see all the highlights in a single day, which is truly amazing.

Why not to visit Sintra? – Cons
Too Touristy
The biggest drawback to visiting Sintra is how extremely touristy it has become, to the point where it sometimes feels like it might collapse under the weight of the crowds. Few places in Europe have felt as overcrowded to me as Sintra did on my last visit – and this was on a weekday in October, which isnβt even peak season. We arrived right after the opening on a train from Lisbon, and within 30 minutes, all the palaces were packed with people. While itβs unrealistic to expect to enjoy such a unique destination entirely on your own, the constant growth of tourism in Sintra feels truly overwhelming.
Transport in Sintra
All the major sights in Sintra are spread out, and there is a public bus service that connects them. Other alternatives include Uber and Tuk Tuks. While these options seem convenient, the downside is that it can be difficult to get on, as the lines are often long. At one point during our day in Sintra, we decided to take the hiking trail that connects the Sintra Palace with the Pena Palace, just to avoid wasting time waiting in line for transportation.
Overrated and Overpriced
Many say the Palace of Pena is overrated, but I would disagree. I absolutely feel that Sintra deserves every bit of its international fame. While the Palace of Pena isnβt my absolute favorite castle in the world, it is truly unique and worth visiting. However, regarding prices, Sintra can be expensive when it comes to entrance fees, accommodations, transport, and day trips. This might seem like a logical way to limit the number of visitors, but the reality is that it just doesnβt work. People still happily pay those elevated prices to experience Sintra with their own eyes. So, Sintra is not the most budget-friendly destination.

Is Sintra worth visiting?
Absolutely, just keep in mind all the pros and cons. I feel like itβs a must-see for first-timers in Portugal, but Iβm not sure Iβd return every weekend even if I could (unless they find a way to manage the crowds). Also, visiting Sintra in one day is possible, but due to the large number of visitors around, itβs not exactly an easy task to see it all in one day. I imagine during the peak summer season itβs nearly impossible. We visited in October, but even then, our plans were still slowed down by long wait times. Sintra is a very popular destination, so you can’t expect to have it all to yourself. Still, itβs absolutely worth the visit!
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What a beautiful place, I love your photos. This is a must next time I am in Lisbon. Thanks for sharing with #TheWeeklyPostcard
Thank you, Jo!
Ah I’m dying to see Lisbon and this castle! Have you been many times or did you just bring all those adorable clothes with you? #TheWeeklyPostcard
Took the dress with me! π
So excited to read this because I am headed there next month. We are debating whether to walk or to ride the bus…..I’m sure either way I will love it there. Your photos are amazing. Thanks for sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcard
Thanks Anisa! Enjoy your trip next month – such a great place to visit!
Oh I can’t wait to explore Sintra! My friend and I will be travelling in Portugal in September, I know it’s a long way more to go but we excited π Sintra is definitely one of the places which we will visit from Lisbon. I reckon we will take the bus to the Palace of Pena haha, cheers! #TheWeeklyPostcard
Thank you, Kat! Hava a great trip to Portugal!
Gorgeous place, gorgeous photos. Despite visiting Portugal rather often, it has been quite some time since I have been in Sintra, and it would appear that it has been well and truly “discovered” by mainstream tourism. I’m not surprised in the slightest. Looks like you had a wonderful time exploring this fascinating place. #TheWeeklyPostcard
Thanks, Jonny!
Sintras has to be one of my favourite places in Portugal, so many stunning landmarks plus I loved just walking through the forests there, even if I did get lost looking for the Capuchin Monastery haha. Would happily go back.
Me too! Absolutely wonderful place!
Sintra is just gorgeous! There is so much to love in Portugal, but this place captures you. Great photos!!
Thanks Rob and Ann π