Where to Stay in Sintra
Portugal
|Pop. 26K
|3 neighborhoods covered
Sintra at a Glance
4 categories
Top Tips for Sintra
Things to know before you go
Local Tip
Purchase a 'Sintra Green Card' or 'Sintra Blue Card' for access to multiple palaces and attractions, which can save money if you plan to visit several.
Getting Around
The hills are steep; consider using local buses or tuk-tuks for ascents to palaces if mobility is an issue.
Watch Out For
Overpriced tuk-tuk tours: agree on price and itinerary beforehand.
Solo Female Travel
Sintra is generally very safe for solo female travelers. Be aware of your surroundings in crowded tourist spots, especially around the train station and main palace entrances, to avoid pickpockets.
Hidden Gems in Sintra
Lesser-known spots the locals love
Parque e Palácio de Monserrate
Wander through exotic gardens with plants from all over the world and admire the romanticist palace with its unique architectural details. It offers a tranquil escape from the more crowded palaces.
Vila Sassetti
Discover a beautifully restored historic villa and its enchanting terraced gardens, complete with waterfalls and grottoes. It provides a peaceful, less-visited green space with stunning views.
Casa Piriquita
Indulge in the legendary Queijadas and Travesseiros, traditional Sintra pastries, at this historic bakery loved by locals. It's a delicious and authentic taste of the region.
Museu de História Natural de Sintra
Explore the natural history and geological heritage of the Sintra mountains in this charming, intimate museum. It's a quiet place to learn about the unique ecosystem.
Praia da Adraga
FREEVisit this dramatic wild beach framed by rugged cliffs and sea stacks, often considered one of the most beautiful in the region. The natural scenery is breathtaking, especially at sunset.
Convento dos Capuchos
Step back in time at this remarkably austere Franciscan convent built into the rock and cork trees. Its simplicity and integration with nature offer a profound and humbling experience.
What It Costs in Sintra
Daily budget per person in EUR
💡62% cheaper than New York
EUR 70/day
EUR 150/day
EUR 350/day
Where to Stay in Sintra
Honest neighborhood guide: where to stay and where to avoid
Best for
Walk to
- Quinta da Regaleira15 min
- National Palace of Sintra5 min
- Sintra train station10 min
Pros
- +Access to major attractions
- +Abundant dining options
- +Atmospheric old town
Cons
- -Extremely crowded, especially in peak season
- -Can feel very tourist-focused
Top stays in Sintra Historic Center
Tivoli Palácio de Seteais
$$$A luxurious former palace offering opulent rooms and stunning views.
Sintra Boutique Hotel
$$Modern boutique hotel with a central location and comfortable amenities.
Casa Miradouro
$$Charming guesthouse with picturesque views and personalized service.
Moon Hill Hostel
$Social hostel with a great atmosphere, offering dorms and private rooms.
Best for
Walk to
- Sintra Historic Center10 min
- Câmara Municipal de Sintra5 min
Pros
- +More peaceful than the absolute center
- +Authentic local feel
- +Good value for accommodation
Cons
- -Fewer dining and shopping options directly in the neighborhood
- -Slightly further walk to some attractions
Best for
Walk to
- Praia das Maçãs30 min
- Local Wineries10 min
Pros
- +Excellent local wine tasting experiences
- +Closer to beaches
- +Escape the main tourist crowds
Cons
- -Requires transport to reach Sintra's main attractions
- -Limited nightlife
- -Fewer accommodation options
Top stays in Colares
Quinta do Rio
$$Charming hotel nestled in nature, known for its tranquil atmosphere and wine production.
Colares Charm House
$$A beautifully restored house offering a cozy and authentic stay.
Casa da Adraga
$$$Upscale hotel near the dramatic Adraga beach, offering stunning sea views and fine dining.
Areas to be cautious
- Areas immediately surrounding Pena Palace and Moorish Castle without accommodation: These are primarily tourist sites with very limited residential areas or services, making them impractical for stays and often overcrowded.
Insider tip: Purchase a 'Sintra Green Card' or 'Sintra Blue Card' for access to multiple palaces and attractions, which can save money if you plan to visit several.
Safety in Sintra
SafeSolo Female Travel
Sintra is generally very safe for solo female travelers. Be aware of your surroundings in crowded tourist spots, especially around the train station and main palace entrances, to avoid pickpockets.
At Night
The historic center is quiet at night, with most tourist facilities closing early. Stick to well-lit main streets if walking late.
Emergency
112
Common Scams to Watch For
- 1Overpriced tuk-tuk tours: agree on price and itinerary beforehand.
- 2Misleading information about attraction tickets: always buy from official sources.
- 3Pickpocketing: common in crowded areas near attractions and the train station.
Getting Around Sintra
Transport, connectivity, and costs
✈️
Airport to City
Train from Lisbon (Oriente or Rossio stations) to Sintra: ~€2.25, 40-50 mins. Bus 434 from Sintra station to Pena Palace/Moorish Castle: ~€7 for a hop-on/hop-off day ticket.
🎫
Day Pass
Sintra tourist bus (434) day pass: ~€7. Public transport day pass in Lisbon area (covers train to Sintra): ~€6.60.
Single: Local bus single ride: ~€2.
🚶
Walkability
Good TransitUber, Bolt
📶
WiFi
Good30-60 Mbps
Public Transport
Sintra is best explored on foot within its center, but a tourist bus (434) connects the train station to the main palaces; local buses serve wider areas.
Ride-share
Uber/Bolt are available but can be expensive and difficult to find in very touristy or remote palace areas; typical cost €5-€15 for short rides within Sintra.
Transport Tip
The hills are steep; consider using local buses or tuk-tuks for ascents to palaces if mobility is an issue.
WiFi & Remote Work
Free WiFi
Cafes, restaurants, some public squares, and hotels.
Coworking
Limited dedicated coworking spaces; cafes are the primary option. Some apartment rentals offer good workspace setups. Daily cost for a cafe spot with purchase: negligible.
Weather & Best Time to Visit
Best months to visit: Jul, Aug, Sep
Hotels & Accommodation in Sintra
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Who Is Sintra Best For?
Matched recommendations for different traveller types
First-time Visitors
Provides immediate access to the iconic palaces and the heart of the town's charm.
Couples Seeking Romance
Offers a quieter, more local atmosphere while still being walkable to the historic center's magic.
Culture Enthusiasts
This area is the epicenter of Sintra's historical and architectural wonders.
Budget Backpackers
Provides more affordable accommodation options compared to the immediate historic center.
Foodies and Wine Lovers
This region is renowned for its unique wines and offers a more rural, gastronomic experience.
About Sintra
Sintra (, Portuguese: [ˈsĩtɾɐ] ), officially the Town of Sintra (Portuguese: Vila de Sintra), is a town and municipality in the Greater Lisbon region of Portugal, located on the Portuguese Riviera. The population of the municipality in 2021 was 385,654, in an area of 319.23 square kilometres (123.26 sq mi). Sintra is one of the most urbanized and densely populated municipalities of Portugal.
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Sintra Guides by Traveller Type
Tailored neighborhood picks for how you travel