Sintra is a city of palaces and historic monument. Moreover, this fairy-tale Portuguese city is listed in the World Heritage. In the past, it was known as the Hills of the Moon and its beauty had inspired Byron's poems. If you are planning a holiday in Lisbon I reckon that you should dedicate at least one day - two is better if you are not in a rush- to visit this city. There are a lot of things to see and most of them are Wolrd Heritage sites.

Palacio da Pena

Taking a bus from the centre of Sintra you can reach the hills of Sintra in few minutes. Here immersed in the green of the forest of  the Pena Park is located this romantic palace. It was the result of the creative mind of King Ferdinand II and it represents the greatest manifestation of 19th Portuguese Romanticism.  

Once you walk inside the park you can admire the palace from all perspectives. It looks so unreal and magical probably because of the structure and the colours which remind me of Disneyland. Furthermore, the palace is UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal.

The entrance fee is 14€ for adults and provides access to the park,  the palace terraces and the state rooms. It is not cheap but it totally worth it, since I think it's the most beautiful attraction in Sintra. An idea could be to visit just a couple of palace and then have a tour in the city.

Palacio da Pena interiors

Palacio da Pena interiors

Palacio da Pena interiors

Quinta da Regaleira

It is another stunning palace in Sintra, which is also World Heritage listed. It is situated in the historic centre and it was built at the beginning of the 20th century by a Brazilian coffee tycoon. 

The gothic residence is divided into five floors and it is surrounded by beautiful and massive gardens with lakes, fountains and caves. The grounds, which cover 4 hectares are the real attraction of Quinta da Regaleira with hidden tunnels and mystic ideologies inspired by the owner. 

The entrance fee is 6 euro for adults and takes into account the house and the grounds. 

Sintra’s National Palace

It was Portugal's longest-serving royal palace until the end of the monarchy in 1910. It is located in the centre of the town and it' became its symbol. 

I did not get into it because I have decided to prioritise a visit to Palacio da Pena and Quinta da Regaleira since I had not enough time to see everything. However, if you have the time it is a must seen as the interiors are really beautiful and well decorated. 

The entrance fee is 9€.

Park and Palace of Monserrate 

The palace of Monserrate is one of the most romantic Portuguese masterpieces and it is located around 3.5 Km from the centre of  Sintra, but you can get a bus from Sintra train station. The architecture of the palace was inspired by Gothic, Indian Arabic and Morish influence. Furthermore, it is surrounded by an amazing 30 hectares park with Japanese and Mexican gardens. 

The entrance fee is 6.50€ during the low season and 8€ in the high season.