Sintra is home to one of Portugal’s most beautiful collections of palaces, nestled among wooded hills and shrouded in a mysterious mist. We were struck by the diversity of their styles, ranging from 19th-century Romanticism to Moorish and Manueline influences. Each building tells a chapter of Portuguese royal history, ranging from summer residences to fortresses and unique estates. Many are located in the heart of the city, while others can be found a little further out, such as the Palace of Queluz.
In this article, check out our tips on the best palaces in Sintra, our list of the city’s top 10 palaces, and a few bonus picks.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
The Best Palaces in Sintra: Tips
In Sintra, you’ll find palaces in a wide variety of styles, ranging from flamboyant Romanticism to Moorish architecture and Rococo interiors. But there’s much more to do in and around the city: check out our guide on things to do in Sintra.
If you only need to do 3, we recommend it:
- The Pena National Palace, the most iconic for its romantic architecture and vibrant colors— Book your ticket here.
- The Quinta da Regaleira Palace, known for its initiatory well and mysterious gardens— Book your ticket here.
- The Monserrate Palace, known for its botanical gardens and oriental style— Book your ticket here.
To help you find your way around, here is a map of the best palaces in Sintra:
WHERE TO STAY IN Sintra
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
In downtown Sintra, with easy access to the palaces –
Hotel Sintra Jardim – Check photos and availability
In the Sintra countryside, in the natural park—
Penha Longa Resort Hotel – Check photos and availability
By the sea, a little further on—
Hotel Arribas Sintra – Check photos and availability
1. Pena National Palace
Why visit it? Our review
Perched on one of Sintra’s highest hills, the Pena National Palace features a 19th-century Romantic style that blends several architectural influences. We were struck by its colorful walls and its array of turrets and battlements. The royal interiors feature stunning azulejos and period furniture that are sure to surprise you. The park surrounding the palace is just as remarkable, featuring winding paths, rock formations, and exotic vegetation. We loved getting lost in these gardens filled with trees from faraway places.
Our 3 favorite moments
- The palace’s flamboyant architecture and vibrant colors
- Royal Interiors and Their Azulejos
- The trails and rock formations in the surrounding park
Useful tips
- Located on a hill in Sintra, accessible by tuk-tuk, bus 434, or on foot from Villa Sassetti
- Tour duration: 2h30 to 3h
- Well-suited for children thanks to its design, which resembles a fairy-tale castle
- Full adult price: €20 (palace and park), €12 (park and exterior of the castle only)
- Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (last admission at 6:00 p.m.)
- Visit the official website for more info here.
- Book your ticket now for the park and the castle grounds to save time and avoid waiting in line!
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Portugal
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Don’t take a car that’s too wide, as old towns have narrow streets and small parking spaces.
- For more choice, book early.
Read our tips
2. Quinta da Regaleira Palace
Why visit it? Our review
Construction of the Quinta da Regaleira Palace, which began in 1892, combines Gothic, Renaissance, and Manueline architectural styles. There, we discovered mysterious gardens, caves, underground passages, and a chapel that conceal esoteric symbols and secret passages. The Initiation Well—an inverted tower 27 meters deep—is sure to intrigue the curious. You’ll be surprised as you descend its 9-level spiral, which is inspired by Dante’s *Divine Comedy *. The palace is also an architectural gem, featuring intricate ornamental details and lavishly decorated rooms.
Our 3 favorite moments
- The Descent into the Initiatory Well
- The Chapel and Its Sculptures
- The estate’s gardens, grottoes, and underground passages
Useful tips
- Located a 20-minute walk from downtown Sintra; also accessible by bus 435 or tuk-tuk
- Tour duration: 3 hours
- This is a fairly strenuous tour with many slopes and stairs; be sure to wear comfortable shoes.
- Full adult price: 20€
- Opening hours: daily from 9:30 am to 6:30 pm
- No parking near the site
- Visit the official website for more info here.
- Book your skip-the-line ticket and audio guide now to save time!
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3. National Palace of Sintra
Why visit it? Our review
Sintra’s National Palace is the historic heart of the town. We were impressed by its blend of Gothic, Manueline, and Moorish styles. As we wandered through its rooms, we discovered architectural treasures such as the Swan Room and the Coat of Arms Room. The Hispano-Moorish azulejos adorning the walls tell the story of centuries of Portuguese history. The palace kitchen, featuring huge cone-shaped fireplaces, is particularly remarkable. This palace, whose construction began in the 10th century, attests to Sintra’s importance to the Portuguese monarchy. There, you’ll take a real trip back in time.
Our 3 favorite moments
- The Swan Room
- The Hall of the Coats of Arms
- The kitchen and its huge conical fireplaces
Useful tips
- Located right in the heart of downtown Sintra, easily accessible on foot
- Tour duration: 2 hours
- Great for kids who are curious about history
- Full adult price: €13
- Opening hours: daily from 9:30 am to 6:30 pm
- Visit the official website for more info here.
- Book your skip-the-line ticket now to save time!
4. Monserrate Palace
Why visit it? Our review
The Monserrate Palace is an architectural gem that is often overlooked by visitors in a hurry. We enjoyed walking around there, in a setting that looked like something straight out of a movie. Built in the 19th century, the palace harmoniously blends Gothic, Indian, and Moorish influences. As we strolled through the gardens, we discovered a botanical paradise home to more than 3,000 exotic species. The Mexican and Japanese gardens, as well as the rose gardens, offer a stroll that feels like a trip to another world. You’ll also enjoy the palace’s interior, featuring delicate stucco work and Moorish arches.
Our 3 favorite moments
- The botanical gardens and their 3,000 species
- The palace’s Moorish stucco work and arches
- Mexican and Japanese gardens and rose gardens
Useful tips
- Accessible by bus 1253 or 435 from the Sintra train station
- Tour duration: 2 hours
- Great for kids, thanks to the large gardens they can explore
- Full adult price: €12
- Hours: Daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Visit the official website for more info here.
- Book your ticket now to save time!
5. Château des Maures
The Château des Maures is not a palace in the strict sense of the word, but this fortress comes close to being one given its history over the centuries.
Why visit it? Our review
The Château des Maures, perched atop one of Sintra’s hills, transported us back to Portugal’s medieval past. Built in the 8th century by the Moors, this granite fortification bears witness to the Muslim occupation of the Iberian Peninsula. You’ll be impressed by its crenellated walls, which wind along the mountain ridge, offering panoramic views of Sintra and the surrounding area. As we walked along the ramparts, we imagined the lives of the sentinels who stood guard there centuries ago.
Our 3 favorite moments
- The walk along the ramparts
- Panoramic views of Sintra
- The site’s medieval atmosphere
Useful tips
- Accessible by bus 434 from the Sintra train station
- Duration of the visit: 1 hour
- There are many steps and narrow staircases, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes
- Full adult price: €12
- Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (last admission at 5:30 p.m.)
- Visit the official website for more info here.
- Book your skip-the-line ticket now to save time!
DISCOVER Sintra
6. Biester Palace
Why visit it? Our review
The Biester Palace is one of Sintra’s little-known gems. We loved its eclectic style, which blends Art Nouveau, Romantic, and Neo-Gothic influences. Built at the end of the 19th century, this palace bears witness to the refined taste of the period. We particularly enjoyed the library, adorned with intriguing symbols, and the neo-Gothic chapel with its stained-glass windows. This is where a famous movie, *The Ninth Gate*, starring Johnny Depp, was filmed. The gardens, designed by French landscape architect François Nogré, form an exotic ensemble. There, you’ll discover rare species, water sources, and waterfalls.
Our 3 favorite moments
- The Library and Its Intriguing Symbols
- The Neo-Gothic chapel and its stained-glass windows
- Gardens Designed by François Nogré
Useful tips
- Accessible by bus 434 from downtown Sintra, by taxi, or by tuk-tuk
- Tour duration: 2 hours
- A tea house in the park is a great place to take a pleasant break with the family
- Full adult price: €16
- Hours: Daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
- Visit the official website for more info here.
- Book your ticket now to save time!
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7. Countess Edla’s Chalet
Countess Edla’s chalet is not a palace in the strict sense either, but this royal residence nestled in Pena Park comes close to being one, given its history and the status of its occupants.
Why visit it? Our review
Countess Edla’s Chalet is a point of interest nestled in Pena Park. We were captivated by its architecture, inspired by the Alpine chalets that were all the rage in the 19th century. Built for Elisa Hensler, King Ferdinand II’s second wife, this chalet is a testament to their love story. We were surprised to learn that the structure is made of painted plaster and cork, and not wood as one might think. The tastefully decorated interior offers a glimpse into the private life of the royal couple. The garden surrounding the chalet features exotic plant species, including tree ferns from Australia and New Zealand.
Our 3 favorite moments
- Architecture Inspired by Alpine Chalets
- The Story of Elisa Hensler and Ferdinand II
- The Garden and Its Tree Ferns
Useful tips
- Located at the top of the western side of Pena Park; accessible by bus 434
- Tour duration: 30min
- The trail can be steep, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes
- Full adult price: €12 (admission included with tickets to the Park and Pena Palace)
- Hours: Daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Visit the official website for more info here.
- Book your ticket now to save time!
8. Villa Sassetti
Villa Sassetti is not a palace, but this elegant residence comes close to one in terms of its architecture and its ties to Sintra’s prominent families.
Why visit it? Our review
Although Villa Sassetti is less well-known than other sites in Sintra, it is worth a visit. We were charmed by its Romantic Lombard-style architecture and its terraced gardens. Although it is not possible to tour the interior of the villa, we enjoyed its terra cotta brick facade. The gardens are also charming, featuring winding paths, small fountains, and panoramic views of the town of Sintra. You’ll find lush vegetation and secluded spots to relax, perfect for a quiet break.
Our 3 favorite moments
- The terra cotta brick facade
- The terraced gardens and their small fountains
- Panoramic Views of the City of Sintra
Useful tips
- Accessible by bus 434, taxi, or tuk-tuk
- Tour duration: 45 min
- Free admission
- Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the summer, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the winter
- The gardens offer pedestrian access to the Pena Palace and the Château des Maures, but be prepared for a steep climb
9. Valverde Sintra Hotel, Palácio de Seteais
The Palácio de Seteais is no longer open to the public, but is now a luxury hotel. We really wanted to include it on this list because it lets you stay in a genuine 18th-century palace!
Why stay here? Our review
The Hotel Valverde Sintra Palácio de Seteais is an 18th-century palace offering a luxurious stay. We were struck by the elegance of the place. Its refined decor, featuring Dona Maria-style furniture and murals, evokes the atmosphere of the Portuguese nobility. The property offers high-end amenities, including a swimming pool with a panoramic view and a wellness center. In our opinion, what sets this hotel apart is its setting: in addition to décor fit for royalty, the hotel offers views of the Moorish Castle and the Pena Palace, and is located right next to Quinta da Regaleira. If you’re looking for a royal getaway in Sintra, this hotel is the obvious choice.
Our 3 favorite moments
- The views of the Moorish Castle and the Pena Palace
- The Dona Maria Style Decor
- The pool with a panoramic view
Pool
- Open all year round
- Breathtaking view of the palaces
- Pool towels and sun loungers available
- Umbrellas also available
Practical information
- A 20-minute walk from downtown and a 5-minute drive
- Price range: 5 stars
- Restaurant: yes
- Family rooms: yes
- Amenities: wellness center, bike rentals, golf, and hiking
- Free private parking
- See prices, photos and availability, and make a reservation!
10. National Palace of Queluz
Why visit it? Our review
The National Palace of Queluz, built in the 18th century by order of Pedro III, husband of Queen Maria I, is known as the Portuguese Versailles. We were impressed by its Rococo, Baroque, and Neoclassical styles, the result of the work of Portuguese architect Mateus Vicente de Oliveira and French artist Jean-Baptiste Robillon. The Throne Room and the Ambassadors’ Hall are among the most magnificent rooms in the palace. Pedro IV’s bedroom, decorated with paintings inspired by Don Quixote, also left a lasting impression on us. The French-style gardens, bordered by a canal lined with azulejos, invite you to take a pleasant stroll. There, you’ll experience all the splendor of the 18th-century Portuguese court.
Our 3 favorite moments
- The Throne Room
- Pedro IV’s bedroom and its paintings inspired by Don Quixote
- The French-style gardens and the Azulejos Canal
Useful tips
- Located about 20 km from Sintra, in the town of Queluz, between Sintra and Lisbon
- Tour duration: 1h30 to 2h30
- Great for kids who are curious about royal history
- Full adult price: €6
- Hours: Wednesday through Monday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (last admission at 5 p.m.); closed on Tuesdays
- Visit the official website for more info here.
- Book your ticket now to save time!
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Frequently asked questions
Which is the most beautiful palace in Sintra?
In our opinion, the Pena National Palace remains the most memorable, thanks to its romantic architecture and vibrant colors. But the National Palace of Sintra, with its extraordinary interiors, is every bit as impressive.
How much time should I allow to visit the palaces of Sintra?
Allow at least 2 days to visit the main palaces in the city center. If you’d like to visit the National Palace of Queluz, plan on spending an extra half-day.
Do I need to book my tickets in advance?
We highly recommend it, especially during peak season. There may be long lines at the Pena National Palace and Quinta da Regaleira. Get all your palace tickets here.
How do you get around the palaces of Sintra?
In Sintra, the streets are very steep! Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, and don’t hesitate to take buses 434 and 435, which connect downtown to the main palaces. A tuk-tuk is still a fun option, while a car comes in handy for getting to the National Palace of Queluz.
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