Hotels in Sintra

Sintra: Palaces Above the Atlantic Pine Forest

Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995, sits in the Serra de Sintra hills 28 km west of Lisbon. The town is defined by its cluster of 19th-century Romantic palaces built for Portuguese royalty and aristocracy. Pena Palace, completed in 1854 on a 529-metre peak, dominates the skyline in yellow and red. Below it, the Moorish Castle dates to the 8th–9th centuries. Quinta da Regaleira, a neo-Manueline estate completed in 1910, draws visitors for its initiatic wells and garden tunnels.

Where to Stay

Most hotels concentrate in Sintra Vila, the historic centre around the National Palace of Sintra — the town's medieval royal palace still marked by twin conical chimneys. The São Pedro de Penaferrim neighbourhood, 2 km east, offers quieter guesthouses. A handful of properties sit on the Estoril Coast road toward Cascais, 16 km south, combining beach access with hill-town proximity.

Practical Tips

• Getting there: Direct trains run from Lisboa Rossio station every 20 minutes; journey time is 40 minutes.
• Crowds: Palace queues peak between 10:00–14:00 in July and August — book timed tickets online in advance.
• Weather: Atlantic mist is common year-round; pack a light layer even in summer.
• Currency: Euro (€); most attractions charge €8–€14 per adult for entry.