We have 2 1/2 days in Lisbon at the end of May and are considering spending one day in Sintra. Friends are recommending we sign up for a day tour from Lisbon but I don't want to be constrained by a tour group schedule and we'd been thinking of doing it on our own by train. I know we need to purchase tickets to Pena Palace in advance and the lines will still be long. Is the inside of the palace worth the wait/lines/crowds or would visiting just the outside and gardens be worthwhile? Is a 10:30 Palace entrance time feasible with a very early start from Lisbon? I understand trains do not run like clockwork, compared to other cities in Europe.
Posted by
Cascais, Portugal
1816 posts
Actually, the commuter trains run very much on schedule if they aren’t on strike!
My favorite trip to Sintra was the one in which I did a tour. With a tour, I didn’t have to deal with buses or Ubers, or try to determine where to go, etc. I had plenty of time to explore the places we visited, too. I, personally, don’t think the inside of Peña is worth the time or fighting the crowds. The outside is spectacular, though.
That said, I think most tours only do a couple of palaces - Peña and Reguleira. And they try to squeeze in a very short stop in Cascais, which is too short to do it justice.
10:30 is likely right when many tours will be arriving or still at Peña. I would try to get there shortly after it opens or go late in the afternoon - if you are on your own.
Posted by
28 posts
We visited Sintra last year. I would try to get there earlier. Less crowded and cooler. We Took an early train from Rossio station (every 30 minutes, on time and about 3€)
Got there around 9:30. You can take the bus (434?) or hire a tuk tuk. Bought tix for Peña in advance and didnt bother going inside. Walked past the (very long) line waiting for interior tours and just spent time on the balconies. Very interesting and fun. Then you can walk to Moorish castle or go back to town. Don’t lunch at Peña as sloooow, crowded and expensive.
Do Peña and Moorish Castle, go back to Sintra for lunch, then head to Quinta Regalaria which, IMO was more interesting and enjoyable. If you are interested, maybe do the Quinta first, then Monserrat, then back to town and up to Sintra for balcony walk when tour buses are leaving. We did walk thru Sintra park/gardens which were not that interesting to us.
Good luck
Posted by
8 posts
I understand the train takes about 40 mins from Rossio Station to Sintra. How much longer does it take to buy jump on jump off bus tickets ( #'s 434 and 435),and get to Pena Park? Also is it possible to buy a combination entrance ticket to Pena Palace, Moorish Castle, and Quinta da Regaleria or is it necessary to purchase individual tickets?