Very nice historical palace to visit. There is lot of walk so wear comfortable shoes, lots of uphill walk. Very colourful and well maintained palace to visit. It has nice restaurant inside for quick snacks. I really enjoyed its colours. Also beautiful view of city and ocean from top of palace. Beautiful gardens and trees in the way to palace to enjoy scenic view. They give you 2 hours time slot to see palace so not much crowd. I spent wonderful day there.

So worth the slog up the hill. Be warned! From entry gate (and the initial queue), it's around 30mins walk up to the Palace entry Q. They are very strict with entry time slot. The Palace, it's gardens and the little lakes are a wonderful , restful outing. Use bug spray for the gardens and take a stroller for youngsters. The view is awesome from the parapets, well organized queues. Has a small cafeteria with lively outdoor seating. Choose an early slot or much later in the day. Midday is chaos. Don't choose a Monday- Lisbon has many closed sightseeing spots and tourists flood to Sintra. You can walk the gardens and exit at the lakes. No need to return to the main entrance. We walked from here a short distance to the Moorish Castle.

Beautiful Palace. If you plan on visiting, earlier is definitely better. The walk through the palace is guided and takes you through rooms one by one. It is easy to get stuck behind one of the tours while they discuss a room, the later you go, the heavier the traffic. While there, the places is majestic and beautiful. The views are spectacular, and the freedom you can walk the walls with at the completion of the tour is staggering. This venue is a must visit!

Better take tickets online. The palace is beautiful but crowded as you can expect from a monument like this. However, the park is STUNNING. We loved to idle there and look at the beautiful scenery. The palace can be done in an hour, but take the time to enjoy the park. It truly is stunning

What a beautiful place. Lines are very large so tickets should be bought in advance and you can only enter at the designated time. If you want you can visit the exterior part only, but you won’t get to see all areas. The restaurant in the basement serves great food and was a good option for lunch after a few hours on the lines and touring the castle.

Amazing Palace! The view from there is also incredible! The price was 14€ per ticket per adult ( November 2023 ) For the Palace of Pena only. The inside was nice but not breathtaking in my opinion but still pretty and interesting of course. It doesn't take a lot of time to visit everything. I recommend it.

This place was amazing. We went early Sunday morning in January and had no trouble parking and walked right in through the gardens. We had a little mix up and didn't get to see the inside but that was fine. Tickets are cheaper if you buy online at least 3 days in advance.

As the next part of our tour, the Pena Palace, should also not be missed. The story of it creation is fascinating. The fact that the materials to build it had to be hauled up some of the steepest and most windy roads I have travelled makes it even more impressive. Luckily for us, it turned out to be one of the best weather days the guides could remember, so the views were stunning.

Way overcrowded and difficult to get to. Don’t get me wrong, it’s beautiful, but the logistics of getting there are a pain, and once you’re there, you’re packed in with thousands of other people, making it difficult to enjoy. Especially considering the price you pay to get in. It would be nice if they had two ticket options: one for touring only the grounds and another for going inside. Walking around the terrace and exterior was the best part for us. The interior is similar to any other castle or palace in Europe from around that time period. As for getting there, we parked at one of the train stations at the bottom of the hill. While eating lunch, we asked the server the best way to get to the palace and were told to take the city bus. When we got to the bus stop, there was a giant line of people in the queue. We priced out a Bolt and saw that it was only 1€ more than the bus for our family of six, so we went with that option. At the top, someone scanned our tickets to let us into the grounds (our tickets were scanned three more times before we actually made it inside the palace). By the time we were done, it was nearly closing time, and taxis lined up outside were eager to get any business since they were heading downhill anyway, so we were able to get a taxi down for the same price using Bolt. The terrace and walkway around the exterior were truly the best part of our experience there. Maybe one day there will be a cable car or something like that to make it easier to visit.

The palace is located in the mountains and it's location is absolutely amazing. We came during an overcast day so we weren't able to see the surrounding location very well, but it was still worth it. Get your tickets online in advance which were about 13 euros each. There is also a section to enter inside and get a look at the architecture. Definitely a great and beautiful place to see.

A very nice palace to visit. The park around it is amazing. A must to see when you go to Lisbon. The inside of the palace is kind of small and the visit is very straightforward. A lot of tourist on site but the line is going fast. The ticket are sold with a time slot so no need to rush.

Buy your tickets in advance and get a time slot for early in the day. It is a fantastic experience climbing up the road and then going through all the parts of the Palace. Give yourselves lots of time because you can easily make a day of it. We had a great time and our entire day was amazing.

Magical! One of the favorite places we visited. Go early! It gets really crowded later in the day. Buy your tickets in advance, as they are timed. After going through the palace (looks more like a castle), wander around the walkways that go around the building for some spectacular views.

Stunning place, get there early for opening so you can see the grounds without so many around. The inside of the palace is interesting but I wouldn’t felt like I missed out if I didn’t go inside. The audio that you can purchase with the facility did not work well and the app kept closing so I wouldn’t recommend this. Many people around us went on a tour and this may be better if you are looking for the information.

Amazing! One of the best sights I've ever seen in my life. It was rainy and foggy, which made the whole experience even more unique, although we couldn't see clearly, but still, the castle was amazing. Make sure you book your visit early in the morning. The mini bus that takes you from the entrance to the palaces is very crowded, but just go with it, it's totally worth it.

Bey nice palace. And very nice park. If you want to go into the palace. Plan ahead and be prepared for long lines. Or go early. Around 10 am there was no line at the entrance. But in the afternoon it gets really crazy. So in the summer it require more time. Also recommend to go see the ponds / lakes. It has a very relaxing atmosphere. The go trough the park it takes a couple of hours, but it’s really worth it. And it has some stiff walking up and down the hills. So have some walking shoes on.

Could easily spend a whole day here or two. There is so much to see and do particularly in the grounds and park. The palace itself looked like something straight out of a Disney film. Such interesting history behind the whole of Sintra and this is the most popular attraction.

Beautiful nature and views. We bought tickets in advance online and still had to wait in line in and around the palace. The palace itself wasn’t much to see, but the other things around the palace are great. The Moorish castle is amazing and the small hikes through the woods especially with the lakes are breathtaking .

This was a beautiful visit to an amazing piece of history. I took my family of six, and was glad I had an infant due to the lines of people. We arrived at 11, and would have waited at least 1.5 hours to get in, but thankfully they prioritize people with infants and moved us to the front of the line. This was both for the bus up, and line to get in, and pretty much anything else. VERY family friendly. It doesn’t take long to explore unless you include the gardens, which I recommend.

was great, I'd recommend you book tickets for 10:30 as it's not too hot and it's not when there are too many tourists about. check the weather forecast, as sometimes when it rains there is fog and it spoils the veiws (although the fog can be quite cinematic). bring a camera as there are many lovely things such as intricately done tiling and the grand architecture of the place.

Unless you’re interested in learning about the family that lived there and seeing all their rooms and old furniture, the inside isn’t super necessary to go in in my opinion. I made a 1:30 reservation and still had to wait in the heat for probably an hour, and then you walk through the palace in a single file line just snapping pictures of things quickly and not even really getting to read about or appreciate anything. Not great. You can just go up and walk around the grounds for free if you don’t feel the need to go inside. I wouldn’t recommend coming here honestly.

Beautiful Castle with cool history. Very pretty, great views. Go early to avoid long lines. We arrived at 9 am and walked right inside the gate. We did not go inside the castle after hearing from others that the best part is the castle grounds. Great views.

I recently visited the Pena Palace in November and I was pleasantly surprised. Despite it being a very popular destination, the atmosphere was not too overwhelming and there were many areas where I could find some peace and quiet. The view from the palace was stunning; the surrounding landscape and architecture were breathtaking. The wind was cold and chilly, but it didn’t take away from the beauty of the place. I would highly recommend this place if you’re looking for a place to escape to for a while.

Beautiful palace, but very poorly managed. IMHO, here is no need to get a ticket to see the interior, because the most picturesque part of this castle is the colorful exterior. If you do get a ticket, be sure to go at the time of your scheduled entry. If you miss it, they WILL NOT let you in no matter what happened. Finally, if you do get in, don't be rushed through by the crowd. The staff and the rest of the crowd will try to herd you and push you through the predefined path as fast as possible. And before you know it, you are already out. And guess what? No matter what happens, they WILL NOT let you go back in. It's very frustrating, and frankly quite stressful. You end up wasting a lot of time waiting to get in, only to be herded out as fast as they can. I'm sorry to say that I did not enjoy visiting this castle

Really beautiful from the outside, inside is decent too. You follow a routed pathway to see everything. The queues were massive, we booked at 1pm. Still there’s a 10-20 minute up-hill walk to get to the pena palace entrance from ticket entrance. Recommend tickets in advance.

The National Palace of Pena is truly awe-inspiring! Its vibrant colors, intricate architecture, and stunning location atop a lush hilltop make it a must-visit destination. Exploring its rich history and breathtaking interior left us enchanted. A true gem of Portugal!

We booked palace tickets one day in advance. Uber from Sintra station was cheaper than taking the bus 434/435 for the two in our group. The restroom before the palace entrance in the gift shop were clean. There was another restroom inside the palace complex. We reached at 950 am for our 1030 am booking. We walked to the palace from the main entrance where the time is not checked.. We were early and so took pictures when crowds were not so large. Terrace near the queue is location to take pictures Palace visit took about 40 minutes when we moved leisurely. The cafe had a very long queue. :( We hiked to the Holy Cross and Warrior statue. It was worth spending extra 45 minutes if you have time. (And this is on route to exit). We then exited from lakes entrance to walk further to the Moor castle.

After a long walk on a misty morning, we stumbled upon this gem. The experience was truly remarkable, as the atmosphere, beauty, and surrounding nature combined to create one of the most inviting environments to explore. The history of the place told a captivating story that added to the overall charm.

Best views of Sintra. Buy tickets online as entrance is time specific otherwise you’ll wait online to buy tickets and then to enter. Also recommend buying the round trip bus ride from the entrance of the park to the actual castle unless hiking is your thing. We took the bus to the castle and walk on the return to see the rest of the park. You can also walk to castelo dos mouros from here. Go with time it can take a good 20-30 minutes to get to the entrance of park from town and another 15 minutes on the bus from entrance of park to castle.

Amazing experience. You don't have to visit the inside of the palace, only the terrace and walking along the perimeter on the upper surface is enough to give you the full experience. There is also a small chapel not to be missed, it's absolutely beautiful inside with painted glass and marble sculptures. Excellent Vista views of Sintra and the entire city!

This place is absolutely incredible and stunningly beautiful. One of my favorite places ever. I especially love hiking there to immerse myself in the breathtaking natural beauty; it's absolutely perfect.

A magical spot, well worth the visit. Steeped in history, this beautiful spot is a must visit while touring around Sintra. There are lots of castles around Sintra and you won’t have time to visit them all. Be sure you see this spot - you will not be disappointed. Go early, as the crowds build throughout the day. 🌟 HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Beautiful castle. I'd highly recommend going inside and taking in the view from the balconies. You can see the rest of the palace grounds as well as the city from up on the terraces. Of course, there's a short wait to get in and the exterior may be the most impressive part, but if you have the time, I still think it's worth it to go inside and admire the architecture up close. The interior is lovely as well.

We really enjoyed the park, lots of beautiful sights and hidden paths. We skipped the well as the line was way too long (not sure if it's worth waiting an hour to see it). The palace itself was really nice too, but I think the park alone is worth the visit.

This was a fantastic place to visit. We got here after we finished our visit to the Pena Palace. The line was short and we purchase our tickets at the ticket office. Be prepared to spend a good 2 hours here minimum as there is a lot to see. There's some beautiful houses that you can visit, a giant well, a cave that leads to some beautiful fountain, and kinds of beautiful plants for all you plant enthusiasts. If you're near the Town center this is a short walk but it is a bit uphill. I would recommend this as a must see if you're in the area.

Our favourite place in Sintra (we also went to the Moorish Castle and Pena palace). Easy to get to and can spend hours there, such a beautiful space to explore, with a spooky (in a fun way) history. Felt a bit magical / fairytale-like with all the winding towers and hidden wells and caves. There is also a cafe and toilets (these weren't the nicest but did the job).

The most amazing castle I have ever seen. The stuff is helpful and the prices were low. I paid 11€ for exploring the whole garden, the cave, church, castle and the famous steps. The whole building was breathtaking. It is a great program for a whole afternoon.

What a stunning place! This is one of the most unique places I have ever seen. The initial well is an experience and the palace is gorgeous. My only complaint is that going during the summer (late august) is not only hot, but insanely crowded, so be prepared to wait.

Breathtaking scenery! The size of this estate is surprising with so many trails and attractions to go through and, as I didn't research in advance, didn't have time to explore all of them. This is definitely an activity for the entire afternoon. The staircase, or the "initiation well", is the most popular attraction, with the wait time of around 20 minutes to enter. Its starting point is at the top, and descends into a cave-like tunnel with three pathways to other viewpoints of the estate. While it is the most popular one, it personally wasn't that much more amazing than the rest, as the natural beauty blends in perfectly with the architecture with such detail and composition of the whole in mind. I would say it's great value for money; it's a bit of a walk from the old centre of Sintra, although there is a bus you could take to get there.

The palace is truly magical and enchanting. There was a little drizzle, but not too bad. We had to stay in line for about 15 minutes to get to the Initiation well, but it was worth it. The caverns where one comes out from the well are very pretty and unique. There are many places to walk around holding hands and stealing kisses. The Castle itself is beautiful, although fairly small. It takes about 10 minutes to walk through. The grounds provide plenty of opportunities for photos, even on an overcast day.

Absolutely worth visiting! An "easy, but hilly" 10 minute walk from the National Palace. The grounds are beautiful with cobblestone paths and some steep stairs. Many of the paths do not have hand rails and may be challenging if you have mobility issues. We were here the beginning of December and the site was not crowded at all, no wait.

Worth the drive from the city. It was a rainy day however i would say it just made the visit that much more magical. Yes there long cues for the more popular attractions within the site.. but the natural beauty does take your breath away. Ornate buildings.. interesting cave passages… tropical gardens, you feel like you have stepped back in history. The town of Sintra itself is quite charming as well !

Quinta da Regaleira is an interesting place to explore. The well, in particular, is unique with its design. The feeling is hard to describe as you descend into the well. The caves are also nice to explore, but the grounds have been fully restored and lost their original charm. The whole estate is huge, so be prepared to do a lot of walking. Some parts have been restored completely and lost their original look and charm. The palace is filled with intricate designs that are worth admiring. The chapel may be small inside, but its exterior design is quite beautiful. Overall, Quinta da Regaleira offers something different.

Visited in early May on a weekday in the early evening. Not many people so it was very pleasant and peaceful. Beautiful grounds and feels quite old and magical. I enjoyed seeing the many different little interesting structures around the grounds and wondering what sparked some of this eccentricity. I actually preferred this to the Pena Palace. Would definitely recommend a visit if you have the time.

What a magical place. Center of gracious architecture, full of symbolism about the free masons and the glory of roman Christians. Beautiful building from outside and inside it is a must see. You can easily get lost in its gardens. We highly recommend.

Oh man! This place it’s insanely beautiful! This garden is my favourite place from Sintra. You walk through the garden to enjoy the plants and the different construction elements (house, balcony, rampart, etc). The best element is hidden: you need to find the entrance of the inverted tower. This monument is so magnificent, it inspired some movies decors. I fully recommend this visit!!

Very nice place, recommended to buy your tickets in advance (high season). There's a huge line to see the staircase (40 min + of waiting). Go early and take your time there, you also have other castles near to visit so you can use the morning for one and then see another in the afternoon.

This was probably my favorite place to visit in Sintra and I wish I had spent more time here. The grounds are just really pretty and nice to wander around. It’s also massive and the maps don’t make it very easy to navigate but it’s still very pretty. The initiation well is quite unnecessary in my opinion. You have to wait in line maybe 20-30 minutes just to walk down into the well and have a million people in your pictures. But other than that it’s a nice park and you can get some really cute photos

Allow a good half day here to explore and relax, it is like a cool lush botanic gardens with some fantastic scenery as well! Make your way to the inverted tower and enjoy some of the other towers for those perfect photos. Plenty of shade spots to sit and cool down on hot days. Tickets can be bought online in advance

For only 10 or so euros it feels like you could explore this place for several hours. There are endless little nooks for explore especially outdoors if you like plants, caves, architecture and good views. Highly recommend the well of imitation. Spooky! It’s about a 25 min walk from the Sintra station. 45 degree angle the whole way 😂

Beautiful complex with lots of awesome stuff to explore. You really get lost in the aura of enrapturing history and, even in the rainy, overcast weather, it's a beautiful fusion of nature and construction that has stood the test of time. The building is slightly closed-off and more impressive on the outside than inside, however it's mainly about the grounds surrounding it and the initiation well that's such a great time. Additionally, I was surprised by the many creepy, macabre caves that prodded my imagination after seeing the well.

Beautiful gardens tow wander round.. Didn't actually visit the castle. The footpaths around the area are beaut. You can wander off and get away from others! Fairly cheap to enter. Didn't have to queue much! Lots of beautiful plants and flowers. Lots of little birds! Walked to here from the train station in about half an hour.

Lovely gardens and an old house. The gardens include waterfalls, caves/tunnels and ornate follies. The old house was less impressive but still good to see. Well worth a visit.

We visited here end of February, on a week day, around 3pm. Didn’t run into any lines and bought tickets at the front gate - approx. 13€ per ticket. Probably need to pre purchase tickets in busy season but the park is a nice size so you don’t run into too many people. A few of the smaller lookouts and the tunnels/well do have lines due to small stair cases, but all moved pretty fast. The well is cool but when you file down in a line of people, definitely takes away from the experience. If you’re claustrophobic I could see it being challenging also. The grounds (very well kept) and the palace were more amazing personally! Either way, it’s worth seeing and learning about. There’s a cafeteria on site and washrooms as well and I recommend walking up to the front gate. It’s a bit chaotic driving through or trying to get a ride right to the front gate.

It is the most unique place I've been to. Eerie, tranquil, quaint with a touch of green wetlands. The idea behind it, the serenity of experiencing it and the vibe of the place blending in with the natural rocks of the earth. It will leave you wanting more. I just wanted to soak the place in. Pro tip: get the audio guide, trust me.

Breathtaking views. Unbelievable views. You can even see Pena Palace in the distance. It's 400 km from the entrance to the Castle itself which provides lovely green walks. The Castle Walls themselves have a lot of steps but it's worth it for the views. We went when the weather was gorgeous and so sunny and warm which made it even better.

Lots of great views. Lots of climbing up for the views. Nicely restored castle. Beware of the vertical needed to really enjoy the place though. There are toilets inside the gates with the small cafe. Tickets CAN be purchased at the gates, is you take a Bolt to the guard house.

Mouros Castle and Palace of Pena are the first two sites you would want to visit. My recommendation is that go to Palace of Pena first and walk down about a mile from the palace to the Mouros Castle. Bus wait is almost the same as the walking time and you get to enjoy the nature if you walk. Get your tickets online in advance and have some food with you. Note that this is not castle, so there is not an actual building. You will just walk on the remainders of the castle walls which is still a great experience. The views from the walls are also fascinating.

It’s amazing to be walking on the ancient castle. Warning for the ticket to Sintra. Highly recommended to buy ticket online during in summer. There’s a very crowded of tourist otherwise you might lost the chance to enjoy Sintra. *p.s. Train and bus ticket to Sintra are not included.

A very beautiful & peaceful place. I love the stone architecture and how it flows. It wasn’t overcrowded. It was about $12 usd per person. There’s a lot of stair climbing, narrow walk way and some uneven paths.

So interesting and beautiful place. There so many trees around the castle, so its not so hot even in very warm weather when you go to the castle from the parking. Better to get by car, save your strength

We loved spending a couple of hours climbing the walls of the old castle. It is a workout but the views are spectacular. It was very windy the day we were there, late June, so you may want to take a jacket and something to contain long hair. The entrance was 8€ each for us. There were pretty nice views of Pena Palace from one of the watchtowers.

Amazing views over the area. Paved walkway to the castle, however some parts can be steep! Fine enough for pushchairs and buggys. Would recommend also, not suitable for above, but the walk around the walls and to the top of the castle for the best views. Expect to spend about 1hr-2hr here, but the price is about right for what is here. Do *not* drive here!

Nice place to visit if you ate in great shape Beautiful views from everywhere and well maintained To buy Tickets they must have people working at list @ summer time Only one machine at the castle was a long wait to get tickets. Put people to work machines only slows down.

Very cool place to walk around. Surrounding gardens are stunning as well so try and walk up to the castle. We were even able to walk from the Train Station - a lot of uphill but well worth it as you get to see a bit of the local surroundings.

My husband and I went in November on a Sunday around 1pm. There was no wait to get inside. It was a little chilly so bundle up. We bought our tickets in advance but you are able to purchase tickets on site both with a live person and on a screen. The views were amazing!! Plus you can also get several views of the Pena Palace and overlook of Sintra and the ocean.

It's an amazing marvel how this place has stood here for so long and kudos to Portugal for keeping this preserved. You can see how they kept on eye and protected they city from this vantage point. You will get some workout climbing some sections of the wall. You can see an amazing view all around from here. I would definitely recommend visiting here if you are in Sintra and visiting National Pena Palace.

Beautiful experience. I walked all the way up avoiding the roads full of tourists and took a lovely trail, it took me around 1 hour, comfy shoes are a must and consider it might get slippery on the way down, the air is very moist and the pavement is made of rocks. There is a ticket machine to enter the area of the castle ticket is €12 for adults, many older people were complaining about having to use the machine so maybe a ticket office would be appreciated buy the elderly who come up a long way to visit the castle! The view is incredible, bare in mind there is no protection so it’s highly dangerous for kids, I was getting a heart attack seeing them wondering freely on the castle walls.

Had an amazing walk. Recommend to put on comfy shoes and outfit as it gets hot climbing. Also steps gets steep some places so be aware. The view is amazing and nature around it makes it even better. Woth it. Also buy tickets online so would not need to wait in line, having online tickets you can go straight in.

Wow! What an amazing place. Great views. You can see the Peña palace from here. You can also see the Atlantic Ocean from here. Would definitely recommend to visit here. We have had an amazing day 😌

amazing place! takes about an hour to get up and 20-30 mins to get down, lots of steps but easily done with average or below average fitness! definitely worth it when you get to the top! is an excellent place and very pretty, the cafe isn’t amazing but it sells water, basic coffee and maybe a small pastry 🥐

If you can purchase tickets beforehand, I recommend doing it. Castle is really beautiful, located on a hill with breathtaking views. You can get to the entry point on a car or if you hike up the hill. From entry point to the actual castle, there is a bit of a hike, probably 15 minutes, and so it might night be accessible for everyone. There is a small cafe in there and a bathroom for a quick rest. Btw, you can also purchase tickets for Pena palace from here, which will save you a lot of time.

Definitely worth a quick visit for an hour. Very pretty place and had a nice cat at the entrance waiting for us. Got to visit when it was rainy/ foggy which helped with the ambience plus it was almost empty. Some parts were scary to climb/slippery so bare that in mind.

Amazing Place with a stunning view as well. Not really far from more notorious Sintra Palace and definitely worth a visit. I suffer from vertigo and let me tell you, in some places it wasn't easy for me to keep going on those stairs, but the views were clearly worth it.

An amazing experience climbing up the stairs to the summit. Pros: 1. Very well maintained castle 2. Amazing views Cons: 1. Steps are narrow 2. Be prepared for a steep climb The effort is worth it - highly recommended!

Great views from the wall! This is a beautiful restored treasure! There are lots of areas that are very accessible, but if you have mobility issues, there are some irregular stairs and steep climbs as well as areas without railings.

Awesome place to visit. We walked from the train station, which took us approx an hour or so. Beautiful footpaths up to the castle. Would recommend walking, if you don't mind a bit of a hike. Views at the top were amazing. Saw a couple of lizards up there too! Little cafe sold basic food and drinks. Though seems like they need to stock more quantities as they were struggling to keep up with the amount of people. Grabbed a cold beer there :) Ticket machine there which is easy to use.

The Moorish Castle offers fantastic views from its peak. The journey to the top is a relaxing and relatively easy walk, perfect for visitors of all ages. Sections of the castle are original, adding a sense of authenticity to the experience. Overall, the castle is incredibly interesting and definitely worth a visit for anyone exploring Sintra.

Wow what a magnificent spectacle and enjoyable day trip to this historic castle in beautiful Sintra. We walked up to the castle and the steep climb is hard work but rewarding when you get the gate. Best to purchase tickets before hand they are 12 euros for an adult. A tuk tuk ride is 5 euro per person euro to go up and in our case 5 euro to down as walking the walls wore us out! About a two hour visit and it does have a cafeteria in the castle grounds.

I would like to give warning after coming back from this place. It is not to go with kids. not for the kids. avoid it. Especially during the storm weather condition. the outer walls are tall enough, but inner walls are too low and passages are very narrow. and there are not enough handrails to hang onto , and very high. some points there are no guardrails at all. it is very scary to elder people too. When I was there on December 1st, the rainstorm hit the castle , my hat was blown away. The view from top to look down Rich Sintra as well as Lisbon and ocean is spectacular. and walking up from Sintra center is rewarding. If you are physically fit, walking up hill is good choice. takes only 30 minutes to 45 minutes.

The Moorish Castle offers fantastic views from its peak.Dont take a taxi's, way uphill is not so hard. On the way u can find a lots of spaces to rest. Sections of the castle are original, adding a sense of authenticity to the experience. Overall, the castle is incredibly interesting and definitely worth a visit for anyone exploring Sintra.

One of the sights you must visit while in Sintra / Lisbon. Wonderful views from the top of the stairs on every side. A bit challenging climbing all of them in windy weather but definitely worth it once you reach the top. The views over the surrounding areas are truly breathtaking and worth enjoying for a while. Take your time and sit around while taking in the views. Good viewpoint over Pena Palace as well in the days with a clear sky.

Not to be mixed up with the palace of Pena which is on the mountain! This palace is way nicer to visit and there is a lot more inside. It foes not have the same views as the other palace but it is way more accessible and interesting. This palace is for those interesting in learning a bit more about the Portuguese royal family. This place is not a tourist trap and brings people a lot of new and amazing facts about the Portuguese royals. When in Sinatra this is a must!

We came on a rainy day. For some reason we were not to excited go into the palace and chose to walk through the garden only. It is a tiny garden but lovely. We enjoyed the view and hopped on the trail to walk to. No regrets for us. Overall, it is a good place to visit. It stands in front of a few nice restaurants and positioned just on the way from the train station to the Palace of Peña. The walk to Pena is about 45 min uphill. It was a good exercise and experience for us with very nice views on the way.

Beautiful palace and gardens. Buy tickets online. Reserve your time and explore the gardens before you go into the castle. It's worth it. Just be prepared to walk a bit - it's not so bad on the downhill portions ;)

Sintra National Palace is smack in the middle of the town. Get there early! It's very popular. We had a private guide who was very informative. The first thing I noticed about the Palace--it's two very different periods, styles of architecture slammed together. This seems to be common in Europe as each new King wants to modernize and put their own personality onto their abodes. This palace has elements of Moorish, Spanish, English, and even Chinese influences. Beautiful tiles throughout. This is a sprawling palace, so allow yourself ample time. It's well worth your time.

A lot of pictures i would love to show your guys, so beautiful place and many colors of buildings, you guys can buy a souvenir there. Also incredible palace and beautiful forest. Many restaurants and shop there. I recommend!

Sintra is a charming, with it's hills, natural scenery and majestic pine forest. There are some whimsical palaces, extravagant villas, the ruins of a 10th-century Moorish castle and also a breathtaking coastline. A must see. Make sure you are not feared of heights and very steep narrow roads.

Amazing 360 views of the surrounding areas. Can see the castle, as well as the lands below. Definitely a must visit when you come to Sintra. You can learn a lot of their rich history and see the lovely decor inside. There are lots of great picture opportunities, and you can even get some ideas where to go from this central location.

From the outside, the Sintra National Palace doesn't look that spectacular, but from the inside, the Palace is beautiful, worth a visit. Every room is differently decorated, with beautiful tiles and painted ceilings. The visit of the whole Palace will take at least 1 hour.

Something to see in your life time. At least once. The gardens are wonderful. Great hike. Can take much effort. Trek up to the holy cross. There are some small trails that will pop you out in places to get amazing pics of the palace.

I actually had a better time here than at Peña Palace. I got here at 5:30 on a Wednesday and basically had the entire place to myself. They were roping off rooms as I got closer to the end of the palace but I felt I got to see most of it. There are a couple of rooms that have really intricate detail on the ceiling that make it worth visiting

Lovely palace! Better book your ticket online. It could be very crowed particularly during peak period. If you want to avoid the crowd, you may want to book toward end of day

Outstanding fairy tale castle on top of a mountain. It looks down on additional palaces and a castle. World class site. It is difficult to get to and coordinate scheduled entry. YouTube and travel books are confusing. Easiest thing is to Google a small van tour. They pick you up in Lisbon and act as a guide in the palace. My tour included two other palaces. Well worth the cost and avoiding the hassle.

Beautiful unique palace with stunning views of the national park, the coast and towns around. Beautiful botanical garden is a great escape from the crowds. Just a great place for a day visit. We ended up spending over 4 hours there but is definitely manageable in an hour.

Beautiful Moorish castle on the hill top. This is a wonderful site with multiple tourist attractions just around 1.5hrs train ride from Lisbon. It takes a short hike to reach the top of the hill which is very refreshing. The two main attractions are the ruins of the castle and the palace itself which are both beautiful. The view down from the hill top is also breath taking. Spending a day at Sintra is definitely recommended if you're visiting Lisbon.

It was our first stop in sintra and didn't disappoint us. We went with a tour and so we have a guide to explain us the history and that was very helpful. amazing place and some of the rooms are so very pretty. We ended up taking a ton of pictures here .worth a visit and unlike other places there is not a wait here and you can get in easily . We also bought the ticket at site and it wasnt a bad experience

Beautiful castle, if you're up for it, walk to the castle through the pena Park, it is quite nice, but your legs will feel like marshmallow when you finish the climb up. You need to buy the ticket outside the castle and you go in by time slot. Try to be on time, but they might let you in if you are a bit late. From the entrance to the castle it takes about 30 minutes walking but there is a bus that can take you to the castle. However, the queue is quite long.

The overall experience from the museum is nice. It's a bit short cuz there aren't a lot of things to see but still nice. The Palace is located on a beautiful small square where are nice and cozy coffee shops. It's also nice to grab a coffee or cake and enjoy it from this perspective. Thank you 🤩

Most people come to Sintra just to see the colorful Pena Palace, but this should be the #1 Palace that shouldn't be missed. The unique double chimney on the outside is something that you don't see anywhere else. And the interior decor is just amazing. Best of all, it is not so crowded, so you are free to take your time and explore the entire palace and see all that the palace has to offer. It is The Sintra National Palace after all.

Amazing. Buy tickets in advance and keep in mind that the entry time is to the palace which depending on your fitness level could be 20 mins up the hill (sign says 30 we made it in 7). It will be busy and tour of the palace is had me humming "we don't need no education" as it was basically a long line of people moving slowly room to room. But you don't want to miss it.

Thoroughly enjoyed visiting this palace. Unlike Pena Palace, this place was almost deserted when we went. Visited end of February, during a week day around noon. It was a rainy day and it was close to our air bnb, so we decided to check it out. Cost was roughly 12€ per person. Tickets in advance might be useful in busy season, but I think the off season is fine to walk up and head in. It has great architecture with many different cultural influences, has an interesting history dating far back, large walking areas in rooms, early known tiling, good furniture collection, & the Coat of Arms room is something to see! The kitchen design is quite unique & I recommend getting the “National Palace of Sintra” book at the gift shop if you didn’t come with a tour guide. It explains a lot of history and room uses (there’s also descriptions throughout the palace and audio tours I believe for an extra 1€).

Amazing day trip out of Lisbon. The architecture is amazing and I loved learning about the history. We were on a guided tour bus and everything was smooth for the day.

A must see when visiting Portugal! Perfect on a rainy day (like today) as most of tour is indoors. Gift shop had some adorable kitchen items to purchase.

A personal art project of a rich art collector Englishman. Beautiful carvings inside and good information of the history. The gardens are even more beautiful, with probably hundreds of plant species, trees arranged in a way which makes you feel like you're in paradise. Take time to relax and enjoy the gardens, although keep well covered as there are ants that bite on the lawn. The cafe had the nicest (and sourest) lemon slushie, as well as a variety of cakes and sandwiches. Bathrooms were clean. Hop on hop off bus available although the park isn't as big as Pena.

Take the train to sintra and once you get out of the station go to the bus stop there is a little bus that goes there for max 5 € Absolutely perfect, everything is amazing. The gardens are super cute and the Palace is stunning😍 not super touristy as other places so super chill to walk around and stuff. You do not need to buy tickets beforehand, do take some comfy shoes and clothes. Totally worth it :) there is a cafeteria there in case you want some snacks otherwise take yours and have a picnic in the gardens. A most on your visit to Lisbon.

This is the most beautiful park you can imagine and there's a scenic view combined with the prettiest little castle and the option of finishing with a cold beer in the cafe. Highly recommended when in Sintra. As a matter of fact; skip Sintra and just visit this gem.

Wow. What a beautiful palace! This Moorish palace has beautiful carving that are very intricate and ornate. If you visit Sinatra, this is something you shouldn't miss. It's a bit further out compared to the other more popular places, so it's best to just take a taxi here. It's very different in its architectural style. Best thing is that it's not so crowded, because it's less well known and harder to get to. The Palace is not very big and has a museum exhibiting it's history, but the surrounding park and garden is quite large.

Fantastic place! We really appreciated the history and detail everywhere we looked! The palace is essentially completely open and the gardens are just gorgeous. There were multiple renovations and owners of this palace, and the history is published to read on the second floor.

This is an extremely ornate palace with fascinating architectural elements. In addition to the palace itself, you can also stroll through the various gardens surrounding the property. The entry cost for one adult is 8€ (purchased online). The site is a bit farther from the historical district of Sintra, but I found that you can avoid some of the crowds that are often found at more popular areas (Park and National Palace of Pena and Moorish Castle).

This place us magical! Transports you into a fantasy garden world that makes you forget another world exists. Portugal has a whole has amazing architecture and this site is no different. Jazz plays on the grounds in the back by a live band. Easy to access and just sit and listen if you like. Had a phenomenal time and is a must-see is the UNESCO certified city of Sintra

The grounds around the palace are wonderful. The variety of trees and other plants is impressive, and the atmosphere (except when you find yourself near the loud citizens of a certain neighboring country) is relaxing. My only complaint would be the condition of the rose garden, although that is easily explained by the need to save water during the summer.

A breathtaking architectural and botanical gem. The palace itself is a stunning example Romanticism, with its intricate Moorish and Gothic-inspired design elements. The surrounding park is equally captivating, featuring lush gardens, exotic plants, and scenic pathways that lead to charming follies and water features. Overall, Monserrate offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination for travelers exploring the Sintra region.

Lovely place. We were lucky to be here during the spring!! Why? Well, the place was almost empty, we met a few people but we had the Palace for ourselves. Many people went to Peña Palace while we decided to come her3, and we definitely do not regret it. Nice place, huge garden, lots of beaches to sit and enjoy the peacefulness. The view of the Palace is adorable, interior contained information about the Palace, the people that were living there, and the of the renovation and restoration. Definitely recommend this place.

Beautiful (although small) palace and amazing, diverse gardens. We didn’t arrive too early in the day but we could have definitely spend an entire day here.

This is one of my favourite palaces in Sintra. Hidden in the green Sintra mountain, lies this beautiful palace. You walk through a beautiful garden to the palace. It is so green and beautiful and that makes the walk really enjoyable. There are several hiking trails that take you to the palace. The palace is beautiful to see. It invites you to take nice pictures and you can also visit the palace from the inside. The palace is situated on a large green lawn where you can chill out in the shade or in the sun. The palace itself is not very big, but the combination with the beautiful garden makes a visit to this palace really worthwhile! I recommend you to buy your tickets in advance on the official Sintra website. This saves waiting time as it can be very busy in the summer.

What a beautiful and unique palace, with an interesting history of owners through the years. No crowds at all- we almost felt like we had the place to ourselves. The palace's Indian, Moorish, and Gothic influences make the whole setting feel surreal and mystical. The grounds are beautiful to walk, with well-groomed trails, unique flora, and places to sit and take in the views along the way. The palace itself has many areas to explore on multiple levels, with informational signs posted about the history. There is also a very nice and reasonably-priced cafe on the grounds as well.

I walked to the Palace from the centre of Sintra, and it was an hour and ten minutes walk - very relaxing. The Palace is incredible with amazing grounds and views around it. The cafe is very nice too - good tea and sandwiches. I spent at least 5 hours here. It's a very soothing place to be. Once you arrive here you likely won't want to leave.

Much more quiet than the other castles in Sintra but we'll worth a visit. Still absolutely stunning carvings and a lovely garden park. You can walk back to Sintra at least one way and it's a nice 2km stretch

A pretty unique place worth a visit! The palace has a rich and quite interesting history involving Portuguese nobles, English business men, caretakers and figures from WWII then the Portuguese government! The gardens are lavish and boast many types of plants and trees! There's even a Bar/Caffè and a Restaurant for those that wish to eat or have a brunch! Tickets are for sale currently for 8 euros for adults and less for children!

Stunning park with church ruins that are beautifully overgrown. The Palace itself is intricate and beautiful. The grounds were open at 9am to stroll leisurely without any other people, that’s the way to truly enjoy them. The Palace opens at 9:30, again only minimal people so loud voices didn’t spoil the serenity.

This was my highlight of Sintra and you can easily spend half a day just enjoying tulle walking route and stunning grounds of the park. The Palace ilhas some incredible features and the restaurant offered some lovely food. If you're into nature walks you'll definitely love this.

Amazing garden! The surrounding place is so beautiful and calm. We visit it early afternoon and didn't have a lot of tourists.Totally worth a visit

Beautiful castle - Ornate 19th-century mansion with Moorish, Gothic & Indian influences, set in botanical gardens. Definitely a place to visit, beautiful and interesting interiors, richly decorated and very stylish. Visited 1h before closing time andnit was perfect, no other visitors which made for beautiful pictures. Big garden and park domain, easily to spend half a day on the premises if you have the time.

Beautiful palace, both inside and outside, and a lush garden with a variety of plans, several waterfalls, picturesque ruins and flower gardens. Be careful with the renovation work, currently some paths lead nowhere, but aren't marked so. We took our time and enjoyed the visit for around 2 hours with leisurely strolling and a short break on the lawn in the sun.

What a fabulous house, but honestly the grounds steal the show. You can spend a couple hours taking in the nature and landscaping. Spring time is an excellent time to come. It can be a bit nippy in the shade during the morning so bring a jacket.

Lovely nature additionally to a lovely small palace. Lots of up and downs - wear comfy clothes. Impressive trees and I loved the forest / garden On Sunday the entrance is free for residents Do recommend it

What a beautiful garden. We went here on a „hike“ through the outer areas and this turned out to be a really good decision. There where very few people do we could enjoy the dense vegetation and beautiful flowers even better. The palace itself is also really beautiful and very well restored. There are a lot of things to see in it and it gives a nice peek into life in the last century. I can highly recommend the park, even if you have little kids with you. Just leave the stroller in the car and take a carrier for the little ones. Then you can explore all the paths and are not stuck to the main walkways.

Very lovely place to visit and cafe was cute and small. We could eat outside. We also were able to go on a trail walk for free across from this place and see waterfalls and a reservoir. 15% off if you order tickets in advance.

Expensive and low quality food. The waiter was really friendly and nice, but the quality of the food was not good, and was expensive. We ordered the sardine board and you could tell that they were cheap sardines and you only receive three sardines even though it's €12.90. Also the olive oil selection had three low quality oils, with some bread that had clearly been taken from a pre-sliced packet. You're better off either heading to a market and buying some sardines, or going round the corner to Fabrica de Nata and getting a pastel de bacalhau and a pastel de Nata

At first glance it looks like a nice place to eat since you've got a clear look on the palace and the square. The service was quick but the quality of the food was very mediocre at best. The salad with goat cheese was expensive and tasted ok but the sandwiches were not up to par. All ingredients were processed and not home made what you would expect. The foods and drinks are very overpriced. Please go elsewhere to enjoy a meal and drink. Just giving it 2 stars because of it's location and the waitress was friendly.

Loved it here! Wine is so tasty, I wanted to try it all haha. I had the Brie and Strawberry salad which was delicious. My partner had the mozzarella and pesto sandwich which was enjoyable. Lovely view looking over the square and people watching.

We understand being residents of Sintra the high prices practiced there due to the privileged location and the elevated presence of tourists. However, it’s also important to note here the high standard of taste in the food, the excellent service and the great variety of wine selection. We ordered two different bruschettas, one with mushroom and goat cheese, the other with nuts, Brie & pumpkin jam. Simple but outstanding flavor, texture and presentation. Drinks were cider and Moscatel from Douro. Joana was an attentive and kind server. We intend to go back.

Overpriced and very small portions of reheated food, most of it in the microwave. The bread was stale and like from a supermarket, sliced, not fresh. 9 euros for a tiny sausage which was supposed to come with more bread but didn't, which maybe was for the best. Glass of commercial wine costing even more than back in the UK, didn't think this was possible. But that wasn't the worst... Charging 2 euros for a thimble sized drop of olive oil to dip bread in just takes the mickey - I don't think I've ever been anywhere in the world that charges for a bit of olive oil - especially on top of an already expensive cost. Nearly 50 euros and we left feeling hungry and dissatisfied! The only positive was the friendly waitress, but then she was the one who charged for the tipple of olive oil, so not really sure..

When the palace is closed because of a strike this is the place we found. Perfect location, lovely personnel, good tapas and good wine. We were lucky to have Roberto Richart from Brazil singing next to our table. What a fantastic afternoon.

Un lugar excelente donde poder picotear algo rapidito si tienes prisa o pedir algo con más calma para comer, estaba todo muy rico 😊❤️ (Translated by Google) An excellent place where you can have a quick snack if you're in a hurry or order something calmer to eat, everything was very tasty 😊❤️

The board is good but it’s’ expensive, 11,9€ for the board and 4,30€ the small beer. And the small jelly and bread are not free and it’s very expensive 2,5€ each…. The waitress is really nice!

One of the best!!!! Best service Best Sangria Best wine Best food We had a very very good time there 🫶 Just go!

Beer was delicious but the bruschetta was gross. Cheese and presunto bruschetta. It tasted as bad as it looks. Sent it back after one bite. But they didn’t charge me for the food so all good

Nice wine recommendations from the staff. So the service was good. Good food options.

After looking at several little places to eat and have a drink we chose here and it did not disappoint! Our server, Andry, went over and above to ensure we had just the right wine for our liking…. He let us try 3 before we decided. The food was also delicious and very nice presentation. You won’t be disappointed if you go there!! 5 star food and service at very reasonable prices!!

Stopped here for a cold beer and some tapas. The beer was cold and the food was OK. Brushetta was basically cheese on toast! Still nice enough place to stop and have a drink and snacks.

Most of the food is great, good wine, and nice atmosphere. Very expensive.

Great experience - relaxed, very good range of tapas and wine. We had the Dao with octopus salad, mushrooms stuffed with sausage and sweet potato with honey and rosemary. Perfect food after a long day trekking around the Sintra castles.

This is the place where you want to chill after having visited the Palace and the Park of Pena. A small bar in the centre of Sintra, managed by Christina, offering beautiful wines (and cold beer, of course) and tasty food. Thank you, Christina, for your great knowledge about Portuguese wines. Christina recommended a glass of Muros Antigos Alvarinho (a "green wine", Vinho verde). Very nice, very special. I ended up with 2 glasses and a bottle to go. My promise to Christina: I will never drink "Mateus" again. PS: For any wine collectors out there. They have some very special old Port Wine on offer.

Great place in centre of tourist area, very helpful staff, they explain which wines they serve and everything you need to know. Food is also very tasty with reasonable prices. Don't understand why so many negative reviews

Went to the palace and initiation well with air BNB tour. The tour was called "This is Sintra, a day to remember" and it was amazing. Marta was an amazing host and had tons of information to share with the small group. Highly recommend using this tour if you are thinking of spending a day in Sintra. The well was amazing, an inverted tower with beautiful craftsmanship dating to the turn of the 1900s. The tunnels at the bottom are lit with led that provide a nice atmosphere and an almost magical vibe.

Worth the wait. This an architectonic marvel. Really amazing and magical place. It has a great atmosphere. It is really busy. Highly recommend to buy tickets online. And go there first. Afterwards go see the rest. The castle and all the surroundings are great. Amazing architecture and very well maintained. If you can go early it’s highly recommended. It gets really busy by noon.

Amazing historical place to visit!! You’ll spend hours walking through the gardens and all the hidden trails. The architecture is incredible and the cafe onsite is so lovely to take a break at. Highly recommend dedicating a good portion of the day here!

The photos on Google are deceiving. It's not as steep as it looks in the photos. Very unique experience. Love all the theories. Beautiful place to walk around.. the micro climate produces lush vegetation u won't see anywhere else. We had a guided tour and it was great value. Would recommend the guide as you get to skip queues and learn all about the area and history of the families

One of the more popular tourist hot spots in Sintra, for sure. Most come for the famous initiation well but there are other cool spots worth checking out while you visit this location. This is a part of Quinta Regaleira and you can access the well by purchasing a ticket there. You can get here by foot, but some people buy the bud package. If you are not very fitness oriented it might be better to go for paid transport as it is a lot of hiking uphill and some streets are very narrow with tons of traffic. Entrance tickets are 11 bucks on site and be careful where you purchase online as some sites will charge up for processing fee, and more. Tickets can be purchased on site either at the line or the automated ticket station. Line length and duration varies depending on the day, so come early on weekends if you don’t want to wait too long here or at the well. Even on a low volume day, the line for the initiation well can take between 15 to 30 minutes, but it was the only line I encountered here on a Wednesday. There are maps and signs everywhere to lead you around. The place is plagued by construction though, so be prepared for alternative paths as many are closed off. There are some ramps but would not def would not qualify this place as handicap friendly due to all the steeps stairs and lack of elevators of lifts. Beautiful sights and spacious site but not necessarily something kids might enjoy as it’s more about the history and the art even though they do try to make it more like a theme park experience with the maps and such.

The Initiation Well in Sintra is a fascinating and enigmatic structure that offers a unique experience to its visitors. Nestled within the historic Quinta da Regaleira estate, the well is renowned for its gothic spiral staircase that plunges approximately 88 feet underground, leading to a labyrinth of tunnels. These tunnels connect to various points in the garden, creating an intriguing underground network. Visitors often describe the well as a place shrouded in mystery, believed to have been used for ceremonial purposes and tarot initiation rites. The moss-covered walls and the depth of the well create an atmosphere of ancient rituals and hidden secrets. It’s recommended to bring a flashlight to navigate the darker sections of the tunnels. The Initiation Well is not only a point of interest for those who appreciate architecture and history but also for those seeking a touch of adventure in their exploration of Sintra. It’s advisable to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds and to fully immerse oneself in the mystical ambiance of the place.

This was one of my favorite places in Sintra! The grounds are spectacular and the well and caves are eerie and magical. I wish we'd been allowed in more of the house (I bet there are all kinds of secret passages) but just the well was worth price of admission.

Extremely cool and should definitely be on the list of castles to go see. This was my favorite. There were tons of people waiting in line to see it and tons of folks walking down the well. It was not possible to stop and get high quality photos. Maybe it is best to go right when it opens

Very cool structure. We started our Itinerary here for Sintra, stood in the left line (pre-purchased tickets) at the gate prior to it opening. Once the gates opened we moved quickly in and had our tickets scanned at the horse stable entrance (stay to your left once your in the gate). Everyone made their way to the initiation well as it is recommended which means you will be in a line of people while you make your decent in the well. Brief stops to take photos are okay but nothing longer that will hold up others. The caverns are neat also. The gardens are very cool with various things to explore. We wish we had explored here longer than we did.

Better than all of my expectations. I’ve had this on my bucket list since I first saw the BBC’s hidden histories piece on it. Being an engineer myself I have a keen appreciation for engineering marvels. They never cease to amaze me. What’s more amazing is that a vast majority predate modern tools. A lot of these were created with hand chisels and almost willed into form. The initiation well is one such marvel. In fact it’s one of the “newer” ones. It’s difficult to put into words…and pictures only do partial justice. You’ll just have to get there to see and feel this place. Don’t let the long queue scare you off. You do get to go all the way down and then wander the world underground as well. I could post more pics but that would just spoil the surprise, wouldn’t it?

Embarking on the journey to Poço Iniciático was like stepping into a realm of mystique and wonder. This captivating site, known as the Initiation Well, is a testament to both architectural brilliance and spiritual significance. As you descend into the depths of the well, you're enveloped by an aura of ancient wisdom and intrigue. The grandeur of the structure, coupled with its historical importance, makes for an unforgettable experience. Unlike its counterpart, the Imperfect Well, Poço Iniciático draws crowds with its sheer magnificence and symbolism. Yet, despite its popularity, there's a sense of reverence and awe that permeates the air. Navigating the depths of the well, you can't help but feel a connection to the past—a sense of initiation into something greater than yourself. The journey doesn't end there; exploring the tunnel network reveals hidden chambers and passageways, each whispering tales of bygone eras. One can't help but marvel at the intricate details and symbolism etched into every corner of Poço Iniciático. From the spiral staircase symbolizing ascension to the depths representing introspection, every element holds a deeper meaning waiting to be discovered. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a spiritual seeker, or simply a traveler in search of enchantment, Poço Iniciático promises an immersive experience like no other. It's not just a destination; it's a pilgrimage—a journey of self-discovery and enlightenment that leaves an indelible mark on your soul.

I would say this is definitely a must-see, go there, don't hesitate. You could spend a whole day, or half a day, or just 1.5 hours. The longer the better. Tours don't give you that much time, sadly. Stop at the Cafe, enjoy a cup of coffee & the view!

Oh wow, how incredible! Great place in a great place! The well is truly picturesque & Instagram worthy. It's a quick day trip from Lisbon & well worth it. I fact, if you only have time to see one place, this is it. Of the 4 places in Sintra I visited, Regaleira was by far my favorite... Picnic on a bench & enjoy the beauty.

This amazing monument is situated in Sintra, which is a must to visit place during your travel to Portugal and Lisbon. I mean, we were wondering how could they make such a place centuries agO?! It is a nice misterieus place that you should definitely go to visit. It is a bit cold inside once you go down and there are water drops which leak from the ciel, so make sure to have some cover considering the season you are traveling. There are many holes you need to discover and go. I thought at first this was a separate monument to see, but then we realized it was inside a palace itself, which was very beautiful. So considering this, 12 euros per person is a fair amount to pay. Leave at least 5_6 hours to discover all around the magical place.

This week is a must see at the Quinta da Regaleira. It is very popular, so the line is very long. I know, it looks like the line is going to take hours wrapping around the garden and all that. But it does move pretty fast. Take your time and don't be in a hurry to get down. Let people pass you. Because the most beautiful part of the well is actually when you are on the top half of the well looking down. One your teacher the bottom, there is a network of cave tunnels the is very cool to explore. 2 things with seeing there are (1). The Imperfect Well, and (2) the Skull Cave.

What a cool place... We were on a tour from Lisboa so we didn't get a lot of time to do anything but the basics. Would definitely like to say and explore leisurely all day.

Such a beautiful place to visit... If you're in Lisbon Sintra city is quite close and I highly recommend you visit places National palace of Pena, The Moorish Castle, or Castle of the Moors, sits isolated on the very top of Sintra's Hills, surrounded by incredible views. There's an entrance fee but it's worth it

A personal art project of a rich art collector Englishman. Beautiful carvings inside and good information of the history. The gardens are even more beautiful, with probably hundreds of plant species, trees arranged in a way which makes you feel like you're in paradise. Take time to relax and enjoy the gardens, although keep well covered as there are ants that bite on the lawn. The cafe had the nicest (and sourest) lemon slushie, as well as a variety of cakes and sandwiches. Bathrooms were clean. Hop on hop off bus available although the park isn't as big as Pena.

Take the train to sintra and once you get out of the station go to the bus stop there is a little bus that goes there for max 5 € Absolutely perfect, everything is amazing. The gardens are super cute and the Palace is stunning😍 not super touristy as other places so super chill to walk around and stuff. You do not need to buy tickets beforehand, do take some comfy shoes and clothes. Totally worth it :) there is a cafeteria there in case you want some snacks otherwise take yours and have a picnic in the gardens. A most on your visit to Lisbon.

This is the most beautiful park you can imagine and there's a scenic view combined with the prettiest little castle and the option of finishing with a cold beer in the cafe. Highly recommended when in Sintra. As a matter of fact; skip Sintra and just visit this gem.

Wow. What a beautiful palace! This Moorish palace has beautiful carving that are very intricate and ornate. If you visit Sinatra, this is something you shouldn't miss. It's a bit further out compared to the other more popular places, so it's best to just take a taxi here. It's very different in its architectural style. Best thing is that it's not so crowded, because it's less well known and harder to get to. The Palace is not very big and has a museum exhibiting it's history, but the surrounding park and garden is quite large.

Fantastic place! We really appreciated the history and detail everywhere we looked! The palace is essentially completely open and the gardens are just gorgeous. There were multiple renovations and owners of this palace, and the history is published to read on the second floor.

This is an extremely ornate palace with fascinating architectural elements. In addition to the palace itself, you can also stroll through the various gardens surrounding the property. The entry cost for one adult is 8€ (purchased online). The site is a bit farther from the historical district of Sintra, but I found that you can avoid some of the crowds that are often found at more popular areas (Park and National Palace of Pena and Moorish Castle).

This place us magical! Transports you into a fantasy garden world that makes you forget another world exists. Portugal has a whole has amazing architecture and this site is no different. Jazz plays on the grounds in the back by a live band. Easy to access and just sit and listen if you like. Had a phenomenal time and is a must-see is the UNESCO certified city of Sintra

The grounds around the palace are wonderful. The variety of trees and other plants is impressive, and the atmosphere (except when you find yourself near the loud citizens of a certain neighboring country) is relaxing. My only complaint would be the condition of the rose garden, although that is easily explained by the need to save water during the summer.

A breathtaking architectural and botanical gem. The palace itself is a stunning example Romanticism, with its intricate Moorish and Gothic-inspired design elements. The surrounding park is equally captivating, featuring lush gardens, exotic plants, and scenic pathways that lead to charming follies and water features. Overall, Monserrate offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination for travelers exploring the Sintra region.

Lovely place. We were lucky to be here during the spring!! Why? Well, the place was almost empty, we met a few people but we had the Palace for ourselves. Many people went to Peña Palace while we decided to come her3, and we definitely do not regret it. Nice place, huge garden, lots of beaches to sit and enjoy the peacefulness. The view of the Palace is adorable, interior contained information about the Palace, the people that were living there, and the of the renovation and restoration. Definitely recommend this place.

Beautiful (although small) palace and amazing, diverse gardens. We didn’t arrive too early in the day but we could have definitely spend an entire day here.

This is one of my favourite palaces in Sintra. Hidden in the green Sintra mountain, lies this beautiful palace. You walk through a beautiful garden to the palace. It is so green and beautiful and that makes the walk really enjoyable. There are several hiking trails that take you to the palace. The palace is beautiful to see. It invites you to take nice pictures and you can also visit the palace from the inside. The palace is situated on a large green lawn where you can chill out in the shade or in the sun. The palace itself is not very big, but the combination with the beautiful garden makes a visit to this palace really worthwhile! I recommend you to buy your tickets in advance on the official Sintra website. This saves waiting time as it can be very busy in the summer.

What a beautiful and unique palace, with an interesting history of owners through the years. No crowds at all- we almost felt like we had the place to ourselves. The palace's Indian, Moorish, and Gothic influences make the whole setting feel surreal and mystical. The grounds are beautiful to walk, with well-groomed trails, unique flora, and places to sit and take in the views along the way. The palace itself has many areas to explore on multiple levels, with informational signs posted about the history. There is also a very nice and reasonably-priced cafe on the grounds as well.

I walked to the Palace from the centre of Sintra, and it was an hour and ten minutes walk - very relaxing. The Palace is incredible with amazing grounds and views around it. The cafe is very nice too - good tea and sandwiches. I spent at least 5 hours here. It's a very soothing place to be. Once you arrive here you likely won't want to leave.

Much more quiet than the other castles in Sintra but we'll worth a visit. Still absolutely stunning carvings and a lovely garden park. You can walk back to Sintra at least one way and it's a nice 2km stretch

A pretty unique place worth a visit! The palace has a rich and quite interesting history involving Portuguese nobles, English business men, caretakers and figures from WWII then the Portuguese government! The gardens are lavish and boast many types of plants and trees! There's even a Bar/Caffè and a Restaurant for those that wish to eat or have a brunch! Tickets are for sale currently for 8 euros for adults and less for children!

Stunning park with church ruins that are beautifully overgrown. The Palace itself is intricate and beautiful. The grounds were open at 9am to stroll leisurely without any other people, that’s the way to truly enjoy them. The Palace opens at 9:30, again only minimal people so loud voices didn’t spoil the serenity.

This was my highlight of Sintra and you can easily spend half a day just enjoying tulle walking route and stunning grounds of the park. The Palace ilhas some incredible features and the restaurant offered some lovely food. If you're into nature walks you'll definitely love this.

Amazing garden! The surrounding place is so beautiful and calm. We visit it early afternoon and didn't have a lot of tourists.Totally worth a visit

Beautiful castle - Ornate 19th-century mansion with Moorish, Gothic & Indian influences, set in botanical gardens. Definitely a place to visit, beautiful and interesting interiors, richly decorated and very stylish. Visited 1h before closing time andnit was perfect, no other visitors which made for beautiful pictures. Big garden and park domain, easily to spend half a day on the premises if you have the time.

Beautiful palace, both inside and outside, and a lush garden with a variety of plans, several waterfalls, picturesque ruins and flower gardens. Be careful with the renovation work, currently some paths lead nowhere, but aren't marked so. We took our time and enjoyed the visit for around 2 hours with leisurely strolling and a short break on the lawn in the sun.

What a fabulous house, but honestly the grounds steal the show. You can spend a couple hours taking in the nature and landscaping. Spring time is an excellent time to come. It can be a bit nippy in the shade during the morning so bring a jacket.

Lovely nature additionally to a lovely small palace. Lots of up and downs - wear comfy clothes. Impressive trees and I loved the forest / garden On Sunday the entrance is free for residents Do recommend it

What a beautiful garden. We went here on a „hike“ through the outer areas and this turned out to be a really good decision. There where very few people do we could enjoy the dense vegetation and beautiful flowers even better. The palace itself is also really beautiful and very well restored. There are a lot of things to see in it and it gives a nice peek into life in the last century. I can highly recommend the park, even if you have little kids with you. Just leave the stroller in the car and take a carrier for the little ones. Then you can explore all the paths and are not stuck to the main walkways.

Very lovely place to visit and cafe was cute and small. We could eat outside. We also were able to go on a trail walk for free across from this place and see waterfalls and a reservoir. 15% off if you order tickets in advance.

Beach immersed in a completely wild environment, difficult to reach except through a rather demanding walking-path. There is a small strip of sand which is eaten up by the ocean at high tide and leaves no connection with the mainland. The spectacle of the waves breaking on the coast is evocative and hypnotic.

The trip down to this beach is not for the faint of heart. Bring good walking shoes, a towel, and your swimsuit. Then, a dip in the Atlantic is all the more refreshing after such a journey.

The views are spectacular - from the top to the bottom. The walk down takes time (20 minutes); difficulty is moderate. Shoes with some grip are recommended. The path starts from (38.7831603, -9.4874889). The beach is very clean and not crowded. Water was relatively calm, at the beginning of July.

One of the best beaches I've been to in my life amongst in other countries too. You need to hike the mountain to get there Somehow a difficult hike, I was wearing a flip flop although I've read the reviews not to, the scenery is soo sirine, water is cold but you get used to it, you can't swim waves are soo strong but you can take dips. People were friendly, It's a rural place i was alone but never felt unsafe. I toke an Uber from Lisbon around 31 $ The uber driver stopped at the top of the mountain in another trail point which was very difficult and longer than the one people normally take. I would like to go again to see the sunset.

Cabo da Roca in October. Huge waves. Only few people by the beach. Wear proper shoes as terrain can be slippery. Absolutely breathtaking.

Stunning hike, not difficult. Some incline if you plan to go all the way down to the beach itself. Had muddy spots, so wear your hikers.

Wonderful beach. The hike from Cabo da Roca is around 2km one way. There are lots of height differences, so be prepared with hiking gear. The last stretch down to the beach is quite steep but totally worth it.

What a stunning place! This is one of the top views in Portugal, a stunning beach with a very unique landscape! It's in the west area, so be mindful of weather, might not be always amazing! But its totally worth the detour and is just next to cabo da roca. You can do the small hike and go down to the beach. Its really really nice! Totally worth it.

My favorite beach in Portugal! It was truly beyond stunning. I went slightly before sunset and had the beach almost to myself (there was only one other person there). However, do note that the descent is rocky and steep. I found the ascent to be much easier. Make sure to wear sturdy shoes.

So, this is a must. You have to go there, no matter how. Bike, hike, car or bus. You’ll have to be careful when hiking down. Need to have any athletic shoes. Use the left path or you can hike directly from Cabo da Roca. Enjoy the speech of nature: wind, rocks, cliffs, sand, sea and waves. It’s gorgeous. Be prepare for crazy waves and a bit cold sea. Paradise!

Stunning beach. The walk up and down is quite steep and there are some loose rocks, so do not wear flip flop or anything similar. Also make sure to bring enough water down there. Absolutely worth it!

We visited Praia da Ursa in August 2023. We parked our car on the side of the street (Estrada do Cabo da Roca) and walked along the dirt road to the beginning of the trail. From the top of the mountain, we chose the path on the left down to the beach. The path stands out clearly from the terrain. At the beginning, it is easy to walk along the path, but the route quickly becomes difficult. The path is very steep in places and has loose stones. There is a steep drop down at one point, but you can walk close to the mountain wall. Immediately after this, there is a sharp turn down to the right and the rope was helpful at this point. It took us about 40 minutes to go down, and we're not in top shape, just ordinary middle-aged people who like to walk. The beach is really beautiful and there are not too many people. The waves were too big to swim in. We spent about 1.5 hours on the beach. Surprisingly, the return trip up was easier than going down. It took us about 45 minutes on the way back. At some points you have to climb using your hands as well, but it's not impossible. I definitely recommend wearing sneakers or hiking boots and bringing plenty of water to drink. I would not go on this trail with small children or if I had any kind of mobility impairment or a bad fear of heights. I also wouldn't go here in rainy weather, because then the path is sure to be slippery.

Most beautiful beach I've ever been at. Nice sunset location. Decent amount of visitors but not packed at all. Shallow water. Careful! Steep hike up and down for about 30min. Do not wear flip-flops. Use the more southern access route and start from Cabo da Roca or closer up from the roadside.

Dieser Ort könnte wohl aus einem Film stammen... umsäumt mit steil abfallenden Klippen, bizarre Felsformationen die aus dem Wasser ragen und dann diese Bucht mit feinstem Sandstrand - atemberaubend schön. Unbedingt gute Schuhe für den Abstieg in die Bucht empfohlen. (Translated by Google) This place could probably come from a film... surrounded by steep cliffs, bizarre rock formations that rise out of the water and then this bay with the finest sandy beach - breathtakingly beautiful. Good shoes are definitely recommended for the descent into the bay.

I arrived here hiking. It's one of the most beautiful beach that I ever saw. The contrast with the rocks is incredible, the sand is really fine and with a golden color and the water is amazing too. It's a big isolated so the beach is really clean. Absolutely recommended.

What a lovely place! Yes, from the parking lot, you have to go downhill for about 20 minutes and at some places it’s slippery and you have to use your hands to balance. But on the way, you also have some nice spots to view the Cabo da Roca, the beach itself and its surrounding cliffs. We did the trail with our 5 years old daughter without any problems. But if you have baby buggy with you, better skip it. The beach itself isn’t very small and thanks to the 20 minute walk, it’s also not very crowded. We also saw visitors with surf board and big sunshades there, hats off! Beside the beach, you can also walk a little to explore the hidden bay or climb the cliff. Near the cliff there is also shade in place. Going uphill is of course stressful, but somehow easier that going downhill. We stayed at the beach for about 3 to 4 hours and enjoyed every moment. The last advice, treat yourself well and don’t wear slippers to get there!

Amazing place. It takes approx. 20 minutes to get to the beach from the top, and ~20-25 minutes to get back. But it takes unlimited amount of time to enjoy the place :)

Amazing place ! Beautiful beach with not easy access and better to have right shoes trekking ones.

The best beach I've ever been to. The hike down is very steep and sometimes dangerous. It might take about 30 minutes to go down, but the beach is well worth the effort! The ascent back was much faster and easier, but you have to use both legs and arms while going up. I wouldn't risk going down if there was a risk of rain, the stones can get very slippery.

Amazing place! Takes around 30 minutes to hike there. I would recommend that you are solid at walking to do the hike

Unfortunately the information center just up the hill strong advised NOT to go to Ursa Beach because there are a lot of car break ins and robberies since the beach parking and beach are so secluded. We did view the beach from the cliff, it was stunning!

That beach was the most beautiful place I’ve seen in my life! It wasn’t difficult to get down; there were even children there. We were there in the morning, had a lovely picnic and went for a swim. We went there in August; the weather was gorgeous. I’d definitely recommend this place. Awesome views!

Relatively steep climb down but is very doable - just wear proper shoes with grip and you'll be fine. Once you get down there it's definitely worth it. Take some picnic snacks with you and enjoy a few hours here in surreal bliss.

The best spot in all of Portugal that I’ve visited, loved it! The hike offers great views and the beach makes me speechless. Highly recommended!

A Portugal must visit. Beautiful scenic views and a great place to catch the sunset. The hike is sketchy but well worth it, and the locals seems to hike up and down it like a walk in the park. Just watch your step and be sure to take your time.

Raw, unspoiled and ethereal. Caution: Extreme terrain! Give yourself at least an hour to get down and up the cliff. I'm an avid hiker but the journey also requires some bouldering skills (rocky portions that are similar to steep stairs) but the physical demands are totally worth it! This is not a typical maintained trail and isn't a designated park with services (no toilets) and is not suitable for those with any mobility concerns. Can be reached via public transport: Take the 1624 or 1253 bus to the Estr do Cabo da Roca (X) Ursa stop. Tip: Cabo da Roca has a Restaurante with affordable food, snacks, coffee, alcohol (for €10 I got a ham/cheese croissant, chips, donut and beer) and will give you passes to use their restroom with purchase. Definitely stop by before or after your Ursa Beach workout! :)

Definitely the most beautiful beach Ive been to. All around the whole experience was so much fun. Walking down takes maybe an hour and the view is stunning throughout. The beach also has very fine sand and nice spots

Beautiful place with an extraordinary nature. The beach is quite small and quite hard to reach, but the climbing the steep hill is worth it.

Such a nice beach, my photos don’t do it justice. Not too crowded, even in August. Waves a bit bigger, but there were lifeguards. Lots of surfers. Topless, doesn’t allow animals, has a public restroom, has parking and one restaurant option nearby. We Ubered to the beach entrance from Sintra Estacao. Uber there was easy to get, Uber back was hard, but we got one!

Very beautiful and peaceful beach located near a serene coastal town. We loved the drive to reach there. Definitely worth the detour on our way to Lisbon! Parking is plentiful

Beautiful beach, not crowded at all. You can have fun with a little unprofessional climbing on the rocks ;-) Also all around the beach there are the most beautiful cliffs. Definitely worth a trip!

Beautiful beach with cliffs and caves! The water is cold, but there’s plenty of parking and it’s definitely a must see if you want a scenic beach

One of the most of not the most beautiful beaches I’ve been to. If you go early in the day they may be fewer people. If you are a photographer this is a must see.

Beautiful beach, if you go early to see the sunrise you'll likely be completely alone to enjoy the view. Don't miss the hiking trail up the mountain too, bit of a climb but the views are worth it.

The best sunset in the entire world. I hope I’ll return to this place again.

It's just amazing ,this beach really takes you in another world....with the cliffs...with the ocean ,if you are in that area you can't miss this beach.

Honestly one of the prettiest beaches I’ve been to. Absolutely gorgeous and plenty of room! Got here around 4 pm on a Monday and it was perfect not busy. The waves are huge so I don’t recommend going in. They do have lifeguards. And a restaurant and bathrooms.

Cool spot Nice sunsets Has fun bouldering stuff cool rocks very climbable.

A quite private and relaxing beach. The beach is quite small but has s restaurant/bar in the beginning. If you just want to lie on the beach and go for some swimming amongst locals this is a good place. It was very calm and gave everything you'd want from a chill beach.

Lovely Beach where you can have privacy and has a natural feel to it. A must visit for couples.

Big nice sandy beach with a waves. There are two restaurants (left, smaller one is for locals, there are nice coffee and some cookies, its a cheap one) We put our tent in May, nobody told us nothing, during our Camino de Santiago coastal route.

Just did this (Apr 24) and it was underwhelming. For a family of four it’s 15€ so more expensive than Uber and takes longer. It’s also very loud when it turns so about a third of the time I plugged my ears to make sure the screeching wasn’t damaging them. 2/3 of the time the tram also just follows the road so your view is basically cars whizzing by.

On Fridays only until 4pm the train from Sintra to Paria das macas will go not 5pm. Amazing experience, clean energy, very fare price, absolutely worth the try. I personally couldn't get enough of the views and the road. In certain points because everyone was going the same direction by cars, it was passing such a long traffic since it has its own track. Loved it. Ask me questions if you have.

Unbedingt Ohrenschützer mitnehmen.

Fun old tram down to Maçãs beach. It takes about 45 min, but it’s worth checking out.

The end point of the tram that goes from Sintra to Praia Das Maças. There is a flat fare of 3 euros for adults and 2 euros for the under 18. Children under the age of 6 travel free providing they don't occupy a seat. Timetable for 4.10.2021 to 31 12 2021 is from Sintra 10:20 to 14:45 leaving approximately every 10 minutes. From Praia Das Maças to Sintra 11:20 to 15:45 approximately every 10 minutes.

That’s pretty cool that such things are being preserved, even though mainly for the tourists. -1 star because they don’t accept navegante pass and you can pay only with cash. Navegante works fine in Lisbon trams but not here for some reason

We used the tram to go to Sintra. What an unique and lovely experience, really allows you to take in the surrounding area. Bring cash as you can only pay with cash. For the way back one has to buy a ticket in a building near the place where you are dropped off.

A delightful 45 minutes journey to the past

Only 24 passenger once time.

bumpy, noisy, uncomfortable and slow, but worth every minute!!!

Nice station, direct from/to Lisbon

Very impressive palaces, interesting historic center. When we visited Sintra, between Christmas and new years eve, it was very crowded, full of tourists.

Sintra is quite good lots of restaurant's some resonable priced some expensive,not much going on at night mostly people have their evening meal and a few drinks,there are lots of shops,but the place is quite a few stepp hills.

The attractions here are literally attractive, but the transportation guideline here is not clear enough. If you aren’t a really tight budget controller, just follow the crowd then.

The city is beautiful, wonderful, and worth every moment you spend visiting it. The train station has a single ticket machine which only accepts coins. It is also hard to use and requires someone with prior experience explain it's peculiarities to you. Expect to arrive at the train station 1 hour earlier than you intend to travel otherwise risk bitter disappointment. If you have to catch a flight, allow 2 hours at Sintra train station just to be sure. Utter nightmare.

What a beautiful little town full of beautiful architectural history. I look forward to going back and spending more time there. We took a 45 min train from Lisbon. The ride was pleasant, but with 14 stops. Sintra is touristy but doesn't feel like it. It's clean and cute. We hired a tuk tuk for an hour to do a speedy tour then take us to Pena Palace. Next time I'd plan on a longer tour, the guides are so knowledgeable and fun! And next time I'd skip the Pena Castle, it's enough to see it afar. I'm more interested in the other venues that we didn't have time for.

40 minutes from lisboa with 11.5 euro public transpotation card. building so nice, it has 2 areas.

If you go to Lisbon, make sure to also take a day trip excursion to Sintra. Easy to hop on train to there, from downtown Lisbon.

Easy to get to from Lisbon , local trains run frequently to and from, pretty place but getting touristy especially in the mornings to mid afternoon, take a tuk tuk if you want to go up top, (you’ll get swarmed by the touters as you leave the station) or just walk around the whole place as we did (easy) then catch a train back to Lisbon ( they leave every 10/15 minutes) Sintra is the end of the line so any idiot will be able to work this one out. Take a moment to look up from the train station when you arrive!!!!!!!!

We took the train from Lisbon to Sintra, the train runs every half an hour, it took 40 min to get there. To go around the town you can use the public bus and more convenient is the tuktuk. You can also buy a whole day ticket which comes at a cost €11.5 to use Sintra Tourist Bus 434 – The Circuito da Pena. It’s not worth it if you use it once or twice and the bus itself can be really busy and overcrowded (you could stand on your feet the whole journey). Sintra is an excellent place to visit and to explore the whole area you probably need more than 2 days and good feet too.