A Fit Traveler’s Guide to Sintra: 2 Palaces, 1 Castle and Plenty of Steps

Sintra is a quaint and enchanting little town, 20 miles outside of Lisbon, that dates back to the Middle Ages. I arrived with a large oversized suitcase, which is not practical for a small mountainous town with cobblestone streets. (Pro tip: For deep, involved travel, it’s always best to pack light.) Sintra is a beautiful destination, rich with a long history. I was there for two weeks, but most visitors only need a few days. However, I highly recommend stopping at a grocery store before arriving in town. Trust me — you’ll appreciate having some food on hand, as many of the markets near the town’s center are sparse and overpriced. Keep in mind many of the nearby restaurants (due to Sintra being a high-tourist area) aren’t great, and lack flavor. That said, there is a charming little bakery near Sintra train and bus station — Padaria Saloia. Their fresh breads and pastries are definitely worth a visit and had a real strong hold on me.

Padaria Saloia Bakery

Castle of the Moors

Which is why on my first full day in Sintra, I decided to walk up to the Castle of the Moors, instead of taking a tuk-tuk. I thought it would be good exercise. And indeed it was, but it required more exertion than I anticipated, on an empty stomach and a hot sunny day. I made this trek with only a liter of water. Further into the steep hike, I had the hope that there would be a cafe or a roadside food vendor, to put an end to my devastating hunger. But to my dismay, there were none, and so I trudged on until I finally made it to the top, where I thought I could finally catch my breath and explore. But to my momentary dismay, I had only reached the entrance to the park grounds. What I thought would be the end of my journey, was just the warm-up. (Yay, me!) To get to the castle itself would require even more effort and sweat, which I gladly gave. I was not at all prepared for such an undertaking (I do sometimes enjoy surprises) but I was having a really wonderful time making my way through the lush, winding, medieval forest.

Pena Palace

Sintra Terrace Restaurant

Once at the top, to truly appreciate the stunning fortress views, I had to conquer the final challenge: 200 stairs. I crushed it! With no regrets, yet completely exhausted, I found my breath, as I took in the captivating vistas and determined that it was a worthwhile experience!

As I began my descent, I was delighted to spot a tiny cafe near the exit. I treated myself to an indulgent snack, and savoring its richness, instantly dissolved my plans to visit Pena Palace. The brightly colored Palace, a prominent landmark in Sintra, is located on a nearby hill. While I decided to skip it, if you're keen on fully experiencing both historical and architectural wonders, in addition to maximizing your calorie burn, visiting both the palace and castle in a single trip up the Sintra mountains is definitely worth considering. As for me, at that moment, I was more interested in descending the mountain to fill my belly with sustenance and enjoy a relaxing glass of sangria on the balcony of the Sintra Terrace, while overlooking the surrounding landscape.

Street view of Quinta Da Regaleira

Initiation Well at Quinta da Regaleira

Sintra is a hilly terrain, and the next day, I continued my calorie burn with an uphill hike to Quinta Da Regaleira. Like Pena Palace and Castle of the Moors, Quinta Da Regaleira is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. I explored the estate's palace, chapel, gardens, tunnels, cascades, grottos and the mystical Initiation Well. The grounds are beautiful and shrouded with a fairytale-like mystique, making it an absolute must-see.

So there you have it. Visiting the Castle of the Moors, Quinta Da Regaleira and Pena Palace are all worthwhile on their own. But when you combine sightseeing with fitness goals, a trip to any of these Sintra landmarks offers an efficient way to accomplish two things at once: cultural touring and exercise!

Grotto at Quinta da Regaleira

Another sweaty day!

• Depending on the time of day, it can be difficult to get an Uber from the city center.

• On weekdays, Sintra becomes eerily quiet and empty around 8 pm.

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