Curator’s statement
Lisbon is wonderful, but a must-do day trip is Sintra. Truly a place where history feels alive, tucked away in the mist of the Portuguese mountains. Hike from palace to palace and enjoy the views from the Atlantic Ocean to Lisbon. Mid-to-late March weather can be “iffy”—layering and a reliable rain jacket are non-negotiable, but the smaller crowds make it a magical time to visit.
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Getting there
A €20 Uber (approx. 40 minutes) from Lisbon to the Pena Palace gates is one option. You can also hike up from the city center, but the drive up the mountainside is narrow and winding. Let the driver handle the switchbacks and enjoy the rising views!
Tip: Pre-book a timed ticket before 10 a.m. to beat the enormous lines.
Sintra train station
Pena Palace
The Palace is a vibrant, multi-colored storybook castle offering 360-degree views—from the Atlantic beaches of Sintra to the cityscape of Lisbon. Inside, the audio tour guides you through rooms preserved with original furniture, offering a glimpse into the daily lives of Portuguese royalty.
Pena Palace's entry guard
Tickets include the interior tour, as well as the vast forest and formal gardens. A two palace ticket includes the Moorish Palace from the 11th century, a great place to spend 45 minutes climbing the stone towers of the Islamic quarter for breathtaking views of the valley.
If a hike down is not of interest, hop on a Tuk-Tuk ($5–$10 per person) waiting outside the exit. If you’ve never taken one, hold on tight—it’s a thrill ride down to the old city.
The Palace of Monteiro
Tapas at Tascantiga
Head into the old city center in search of tapas (known locally as petiscos). A steep climb up the winding stairs to find Tascantiga is worth every step. On a hot day, enjoy cold vegetable and seafood salads, and the traditional bread service with salted butter and olives.
Service in Portugal is impressively quick, and if you’re a big water drinker, be sure to order the 1-liter bottle for the table.
Quinta da Regaleira & more
After lunch, explore the mystical depths of Quinta da Regaleira, which requires an additional timed ticket. The highlight is the Initiation Well, an inverted tower designed to represent Dante’s Inferno. It was built for secret rituals, never for water. The estate is filled with hidden grottos, waterfalls, and “The Palace of Monteiro the Millionaire.”
Quinta da Regaleira's Initiation Well
No trip to Sintra is complete without a stop at Casa Piriquita. Try the house specialty, the Travesseiro—a puff pastry filled with almond and egg cream. It’s so good you won’t want to share.
Before heading back, wander the local boutiques for jewelry, ceramics, or a stunning, hand-embroidered thin wool scarf.
Return to Lisbon... or don’t
Head back to Lisbon and opt for the local experience. Trains from Sintra station to Lisbon are approximately €5.
To stay overnight, Palácio de Seteais will make you feel like royalty.
Need to know
Pre-book your palace tickets to avoid the lines.
If there is a wait at Tascantiga, take a rest, the tables turn quickly.
Bring hiking shoes and a rain jacket.
For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Portugal page.
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