Enjoy the cooling hills and rich history of Sintra
The Sintra municipality is one of the most picturesque and charming regions in Portugal, peppered with hilltop towns, pine forests, rolling hills and majestic historic architecture. Just a short drive from the hustle and bustle of Lisbon, the cooling hills have long been the preferred retreat for Portuguese nobility and the region is home to some of Portugal‘s most extravagant and palatial residencies. The Palacio da Pena is said to be not just one of Portugal’s, but Europe‘s most beautiful castles. The town of Sintra itself is well worth a visit with winding roads that lead to the impressive, sprawling, white washed Palacio Nacional de Sintra, which dates back to the mediaeval period. More palaces and villas can be found around the region, dotted throughout the region’s impressive natural beauty. There’s rugged forests that lead to a coastline that offers both dramatic cliffs and sandy beaches. At Portugal’s most western tip the Cabo da Roca lighthouse and lookout is sprayed by the Atlantic ocean and offers dramatic views from its cliff top vantage point.
Experiences picked by our destination specialists
Luxury accommodation in Sintra
There are many incredible places to stay in Sintra. Here are some of our favourites, handpicked by our travel designers:
Trip inspiration
Get inspired with our Portugal example trips and then get in touch to plan your own adventure
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Explore more of Portugal
Lisbon
Europe’s second oldest capital, Lisbon is an effortlessly elegant city, full of old-world charm. Lisbon has plenty to offer, with a plethora of museums and galleries as well as beautiful buildings covered in iconic azelujo tiles.
Porto
Built on a steep riverbank, a jumble of colourful medieval houses hug the calm waters of the Douro River where wooden boats bob on the surface and people spill out of its cafes and bars, more often than not with a glass of the wine that gave the city its name.
Douro Valley
The Douro River winds its way from the north of Spain, along the Portuguese border and eastward to Porto where it meets the sea. It is most famous for its port, a sweet brandy fortified wine that must originate in this valley to be considered the genuine article.
Algarve
Striking rock formations extend skywards from azure waters as the sun warms the sandy coastline. The southernmost part of Portugal, Algarve is most known for these Mediterranean beaches, quaint coves, fishing villages and luxurious hotels and eateries.
Alentejo
Alentejo is a vast region of cork plantation, wheat fields, vineyards and clusters of historic hilltop towns.
Meet your Europe team
When to visit
The best time to visit Portugal is from March to October, but you may want to schedule your visit either side of July and August. During these summer months, temperatures can be particularly searing and the beaches in the south overcrowded.
Beach Break
June - September
City Sightseeing
Year Round
Outdoor Activities
April = September
Plan your trip to Sintra
Whatever you want from your adventure in Sintra, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.
Why book with Jacada?
Why book with Jacada?
We’ll plan your trip around your specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice based on first-hand knowledge of the destination.
Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience, bringing your destination to life with care and passion.
Responsible travel
Our luxury trips are designed with responsible travel principles that prioritise travel experiences that are both good for you and good for the planet.
Your trip, your story
We craft trips deeply personal, delightfully surprising and entirely one of a kind. Every Jacada journey begins in conversation with a travel designer, a specialist in their destination of expertise. Behind each journey is a wealth of insight, gathered over years of on-the-ground exploration.
Once you’re booked, you’ll meet your concierge. Based in the region you’re visiting, they’ll take care of all the details so your mind is at rest. They make the trip truly special – and truly yours.
