Day trip to Sintra or Evora?

I just returned from a trip to Portugal this past weekend, and we did a day trip to Sintra. The Pena Palace was amazing and definitely worth a visit. The town is quaint and has lots of places to shop and eat. I haven't visited Evora, but our trip to Sintra was a highlight.

Evora was extremely interesting. We enjoyed our stay at the Pousada there.
We like visiting the National Palace in Sintra.

I was just in Sintra a few days ago. I cannot believe this is off-season! It felt very crowded to us. We took the train out from Lisbon to Sintra and then, once there, took a public bus to the Moorish Castle and Pena Palace. It was a long, windy, and uphill bus ride and you will still be doing some climbing once there.

Sintra I would plan it as a whole day. Mainly that is because of the lines, lines at the ticket kiosks, lines waiting in a queue to go in for your assigned time, etc. We enjoyed both the Morrish Castle (lots of walking uphill and steep downhills - which is par for the course we are learning in Portugal) & Pena Palace but I'm not sure when you can really go now without crowds. We are here in what is still off-season and things are very packed.

It really depends on your interests -- Sintra is castle- and palace-heavy with some pretty scenery and tons of traffic, people and lines. Lots of people love it, but I've been there several times and found it overrated each time. Evora is more 'real' Portugal. First, it's in the Alentejo, which is geographically, culturally, gastronomically and historically very different from Lisbon and environs. Evora, easy to reach by train, is a small, picturesque town with few tourists but a variety of Roman ruins, an austere gothic cathedral (with great views from the roof), calm courtyards, cobblestone streets and whitewashed houses. I found it interesting that the aqueduct is very well-preserved outside the old part of town, but in town, shops and houses are built right into it. And, it is the home the cork industry. Some of the best food we had during our month in Portugal was in Evora. The wine (about half of all that Portugal produces), olive oil, black pork (free-range pigs, if you will, who feast on acorns of cork and oak trees), alentejo bread, and cheese are all noteworthy. Do try carne do porco alentejana if you go. There's a lot, almost too much, to absorb in just one day, but at least you'll get a taste of something completely different from the Lisbon area.

I've been to both and love both. They are very different and unique. If the weather isn't too warm yet, I would pick Evora. Sintra is magical, but the crowds can be overwhelming. Evora is older and has some amazing sites, a place that Portuguese families live and work. In the evening we enjoyed searching for the Roman aqueduct, a section of it with homes built under the arches. The public garden has lots of peacocks sitting on ruins, and of course, there are the sites that are listed in guidebooks such as the bone chapel. You can either take the train or bus and look out the window to view the countryside.

But, then, you really don't need to decide ahead of time. Can always see how you feel the night before, and then decide based on mood and weather. As a side note, if it's raining in Sintra, that will reduce the crowds and make it more manageable. The rain generally doesn't last long.

If you dislike crowds and long lines, don’t go to Sintra. I actually don’t go to Sintra anymore due to the crowds.

I agree with everything Wanderlust said about Evora. It’s small but very charming with few crowds. Food is great and, if you have time, the Megaliths outside of town are pretty amazing. It’s as easy a train ride as Sintra, just a bit longer. And you get to see some of the Alentejo, with cork trees, lots of grapes and quintessential Portugal.

Wondering if you have any recommendations for specific restaurants in Evora? My family and I are spending a night there after Lisbon, before Porto. We have two other nights before Porto and I am still unsure where to go! Coimbra?

Thank you!

If someone has been to Sinatra many times it’s probably not worth the effort to return, but for someone who has never been there it is definitely worth it. It is a shorter trip from Lisbon so more time can be spent enjoying the sights in addition to Pena Palace. It depends on your interests which you choose. Not an easy decision!

Jenny, For a restaurant in Evora I can highly recommend Taberna Tipica Quarta Feira, Here you will get a taste of the typical food of Alentjo. Set menu of delicious variety. Wonderful family runs the place. Be sure to reserve.