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 couldn’t 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 Sintra’s 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, it’s 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 you’re inside a mystical castle from the Middle East, yet the statues, icons, furniture, and paintings clearly reflect European aristocratic influence.

Beautiful tiles one day in Sintra, Portugal
My day in Sintra was full of colorful tiles

Why to visit Sintra? – Pros

Stunning Palaces and Gardens

Let’s start with why Sintra is worth visiting, although I’m 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 they’ve come straight out of a storybook.

Palace of Pena Castle in Sintra, Portugal
Colorful tiles atThe Gardens of Sintra Palace, Portugal
The Gardens of Sintra Palace
The Gardens of Sintra Palace

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, it’s 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 it’s nearly impossible to miss any of the highlights unless you choose to, since getting there is so easy.

Is sintra worth visiting gardens
The magical gardens of Sintra
moorish castle
The Moorish Castle in Sintra
The hiking trail connecting the Palace of Sintra with the Palace of Pena in Sintra, Portugal
The hiking trail connecting the Palace of Sintra with the Palace of Pena

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.

Visiting Sintra in Lisbon: All you need to know - Pin for Pinterest

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 isn’t 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 it’s 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 isn’t 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 doesn’t work. People still happily pay those elevated prices to experience Sintra with their own eyes. So, Sintra is not the most budget-friendly destination.

Quinta da Regaileira in Sintra, Portugal

Is Sintra worth visiting?

Absolutely, just keep in mind all the pros and cons. I feel like it’s a must-see for first-timers in Portugal, but I’m not sure I’d 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, it’s not exactly an easy task to see it all in one day. I imagine during the peak summer season it’s 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, it’s absolutely worth the visit!

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Is sintra worth visiting

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