Budget-Friendly Fun in Sintra: Free Things to Do
Situated only 45 minutes away from the busy streets of Lisbon, Sintra Portugal, entices visitors with its ethereal charm. This fabled village, tucked away amid verdant foliage and undulating hills, offers a day full of discovery and excitement. Take off on an amazing adventure as we show you the top sights, things to do, and the most practical methods to maximise both your day trip and your budget whilst in the premier resort town.
Sintra is one of the finest tourist destinations in Portugal, however entrance fees, transportation, and food expenses can quickly add up, making it a super expensive day trip.
A typical day trip to Sintra entails visiting Quinta da Regaleira (adult entrance fee €8) or the Palácio Nacional de Sintra (€10), before heading into the Sintra hills (€11.50 bus fare) to see the Castelo dos Mouros (€12) and the majestic Palácio Nacional da Pena (€20). With entry fees, lunch, and the return train journey from Lisbon (€4.60), this can all add up to become a very costly day trip - probably more than you budgeted for.
QUINTA DA REGALEIRA
Quinta da Regaleira isn't on the main bus route, so you have two choices. Walking is best—it's only a 15-minute stroll with great views. Or, take bus number 435; it costs €2.50 each way.
Quinta da Regaleira boasts a 'palace,' which in reality, is a mansion in the true sense of the word. The real draw is the amazing park attached to the mansion. When Carvalho Monteiro bought the place in 1892, he filled the park with quirky features. Honestly, you could spend your whole day trip just inside Quinta Da Regaleira, but you don't have time for that!
You'll see towers, fountains, sculptures, bridges, and terraces. Even with a map, you might get lost but you'll find new surprises as you explore.
The highlight is the Initiation Well (or inverted tower) with its 27-meter spiral staircase. Descend the spiral stone stair case, then follow underground tunnels to another well or further into the garden.
Quinta da Regaleira is open:
January to April: 10:00 – 18:30
May to September: 10:00 – 19:30
October – March: 09:30 – 18:00
It's closed on January 1, and December 24, 25, and 31.
Adult tickets are €10, concessions are €5. Get a 20% discount with the Lisboa Card.
Visit the estate’s website for more info.
THE MOORISH CASTLE
From Quinta da Regaleira, head back to Sintra town center and catch the 434 bus from the National Palace to the Moorish Castle.
Built by the Moors in the 10th century, the castle was part of Sintra's defenses. Over time, Portuguese rulers added to it, but now it's mostly ruins. Climbing the walls offers stunning views, especially of Pena Palace.
The Moorish Castle is open daily from 09:30 to 18:00.
Adults pay €8, concessions are €6.50.
To skip the line, buy a fast-track ticket online ahead of time.
For more details, check out the castle’s website.
PENA PALACE
It's just a 10-minute walk from the Moorish Castle to Pena Palace, or you can hop on the bus.
Pena Palace is a Sintra icon with its bright colors and unique design. After entering the park, you can walk up to the castle or take a shuttle bus for a small fee.
Part of the palace is an old monastery from 1511. King Ferdinand II turned it into a lavish home in 1838 and later expanded it.
The surrounding wall is decorative, with battlements, towers, and even a drawbridge. Pena Palace captures the Romantic era that transformed Sintra in the 19th century.
Pena Palace is open every day from 09:30 to 18:30 (the park opens 30 minutes earlier and closes later).
You can buy tickets for the park alone or both the park and palace. (No palace-only tickets.)
Tickets for the park let you see the palace exterior. Inside access requires a combined ticket.
Buying a skip-the-line ticket online saves time.
Park-only tickets are €7.50 for adults and €6.50 for concessions.
Combined tickets cost €14 for adults and €12.50 for concessions. Save 10% with the Lisboa Card.
Visit the palace’s website for more info.
HOW TO EXPERIENCE SINTRA’S BEAUTY FOR LESS
Whether it be one day or a week's holiday to Sintra, it doesn't have to obliterate your entire budget. It is possible to enjoy Sintra economically, without substituting your experience too much; there are a myriad of activities and attractions available to tourists and the public alike, at either no, or very little, cost.
This guide outlines the most affordable and worthwhile attractions in Sintra, along with advice to get the most out of your budget on your trip!
Sintra, nestled in the heart of Portugal, is undeniably a top choice for travelers seeking a rich historical experience. Yet, the allure of this picturesque destination comes with a price tag. From entrance fees to transportation and dining costs, exploring Sintra can swiftly escalate into a considerably expensive day out!
However, whether it be one day or a week's holiday to Sintra, it does not have to obliterate your entire budget. It is possible to enjoy Sintra economically, without substituting your experience too much; there are a myriad of activities and attractions available to tourists and the public alike, at no cost.
This guide outlines the most affordable and worthwhile attractions in Sintra, along with advice to get the most out of your budget on your trip!
BEST FREE ACTIVITIES IN SINTRA
The Caminho de Santa Maria – This picturesque hiking route ascends from Sintra's historic center to Castelo dos Mouros and Palácio da Pena, meandering through serene forests and across rugged hillsides.
The route is a challenging hiking trail, involving a 50-minute ascent, but grants partial access to the the Moors castle for free, as well as avoiding the congested 434 tourist bus (€7 fare) or expensive (but sometimes worth it!) tuk-tuk rides (€20). Naturally, the descent is more leisurely and takes a mere 30 minutes.
The Cabo da Roca – Featuring imposing cliffs, tumultuous seas, and a windswept promontory, Cabo da Roca marks the westernmost point of mainland Europe. This is a magical spot is ideal for watching the sunsets over the Atlantic Ocean, or just admiring nature's simplistic beauty.
North of Cabo da Roca lies the stunning Praia da Ursa beach, one of Lisbon's most beautiful beaches, accessible via a 1.2km coastal footpath. Cabo da Roca lies 10km west of Sintra and is best reached by car or the 403 bus departing from Sintra.
Exploring Sintra's Historic Centre – It might seem obvious, but self-touring Sintra's historic core is free. Visitors can view the exterior of Palácio Nacional de Sintra (aka Sintra National Palace), and observe the distinctive town hall, stroll through vibrant shopping streets like Rua Padarias, or relax in tranquil parks such as Parque da Liberdade and Parque das Merendas. It's really no wonder that Sintra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, because even just walking from Sintra train station into the historic center is scenic, passing by Fonte Mourisca - an ornate Moorish fountain.
Vila Sassetti – The sole grand villa and gardens in Sintra that are open to the public and free of charge. The mansion, dating back to the 1890s, draws inspiration from classic Mediterranean architecture, and its decorative gardens feature numerous water features.
Unfortunately, the villa's interior remainds closed to the public due to (seemingly never-ending) restoration efforts. While Vila Sassetti cannot rival the splendor of Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, or Palácio de Monserrate, it is free and offers an escape from the throngs of tourists.
Capela de Nossa Senhora da Peninha – Arguably the most extraordinary viewpoint in the Sintra region, this small chapel sits atop a jagged rock formation, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline. Its dramatic and enchanting setting is most easily accessed via car.
The Sintra tram to Praia das Maçãs – A fascinating tramway links Sintra to the alluring seaside resort of Praia das Maçãs, with a vintage 1930s tram navigating the 13km route. A tram ticket costs a mere €3, leading to the splendid Praia das Maçãs beach and a quaint coastal village, complete with scenic walking paths.
The tram journey and a visit to Praia das Maçãs make for a marvelous, cost-effective activity when holidaying in Sintra, with Praia das Maçãs being the most accessible beach from Sintra, making it a perfect Sintra day trip!
Sintra's charm and allure doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. By exploring the Caminho de Santa Maria and other free attractions, you can immerse yourself in the town's rich history and natural beauty without straining your finances. This guide serves as a testament to the fact that with a little research and planning, experiencing the wonders of Sintra can be both affordable and unforgettable. So pack your sense of adventure and prepare to discover the hidden gems of Sintra that await you, free of charge.
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