Things to Do in Sintra
With its exotic landscape and climate, Sintra became the place where the nobles and aristocrats from the XIX century started to build their summer palaces and since then, it's attracted visitors from all over the world, such as the British poet Lord Byron and the German compositor Richard Strauss.
Classified as World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1995, Sintra is considered by many the most beautiful city in Portugal and a place that shouldn't be missed.
From Jardim Correnteza, we'll make our way through the narrow streets of Sintra Village, to discover its history, traditions, and culture and have the chance to try the famous local pastries, Queijada and Travesseiro.
We'll have the chance to see the Sintra National Palace, one of the oldest palaces in Portugal, and learn a bit more about the Portuguese Royal family, the Moorish Castle built to protect the city from invaders, discover the secrets of the majestic Quinta da Regaleira, to wonder at the incredible Palácio da Pena, built on the top of the hill, next to a former monastery by King D. Fernando II in the XIX century and much more.
We are sure after this tour, you'll fall in love with this magical place and feel that one day is not enough.
Embark on an enchanting journey through Sintra, a town where the veil between reality and fairy tale thins, with our captivating Essential Free Tour of Sintra. This experience, a tapestry woven from two rich narratives, invites you into a world where history, romance, and myth breathe life into every cobblestone, whispering the legacy of knights, mystics, and artisans.
A Fairytale Beginning: Our odyssey commences at the heart of Sintra, against the breathtaking backdrop of the Sintra Mountains. Here, amidst the verdant embrace of Liberdade Park, the saga of Sintra's enchantment unfolds, tracing its name to tales as old as time. Marvel at the town hall, a picturesque prelude to the mysteries that await.
Tales of Templars and Romance: Journey through the village, where the stories of Gualdim Pais and the enigmatic Templars echo against the ancient walls. Discover the Moorish Fountains, a testament to Sintra's Roman and Arabic heritage, and the Palace of Valenças, haunted by a tragic love story that whispers through its romantic halls.
Culinary Delights and Architectural Splendors: Indulge in Sintra’s famous Queijada and Travesseiro, sweet embodiments of the town's rich culinary heritage. Wander past the National Palace of Sintra, with its intriguing Magpie Room and iconic twin chimneys, and hear tales of secret tunnels and the mystical Mountain of the Moon.
The Quintessence of Romanticism: Explore São Martinho's Church, where the secrets of freemasonry intertwine with the fabric of Sintra. Delight in the esoteric beauty of Quinta da Regaleira, with its Initiation Well and symbols of ancient wisdom. Behold the Seteais Palace, a monument to love and revenge, offering unparalleled views of the Pena Palace and Sintra Mountains.
A Dreamlike Setting: Though the Pena Palace and Moorish Castle beckon from afar, their allure adds to the magic of our tour. Each step through Sintra reveals a page from a storybook, from the Biester Palace's mystic allure to the Pisões Waterfall's natural splendor.
An Invitation to Wonder: Led by our expert guide, passionate about unveiling Sintra's hidden gems, this tour is an immersive journey into the heart of Sintra’s romantic soul. Discover the Lawrence Hotel, a sanctuary for poets and dreamers, and learn of Sintra’s grand love stories that inspired its most iconic buildings.
Sintra is not just a destination; it's an experience, a dream woven from the threads of history, mystery, and enchantment. With tales of knights and mystics, tragic loves, and architectural marvels, our Essential Sintra Free Tour is an invitation to step into a living fairytale. Join us and let Sintra’s magic enchant you, leaving you with memories as vibrant and enduring as the town itself. Sintra awaits, ready to reveal its secrets and fill your heart with wonder.
Useful information:
Please note that the Castle of the Moors and the Pena Palace are too far away from the center of the villa to be visited. Many guests do visit these sites after the tour.
This walk is destined for small groups (max. 8-10 people) !
Welcome to the always-green capital of ancient mysticism and incredible landscapes (that enchanted many withstanding people throughout centuries)!
The tour is perfect for travellers who want to get a view of local history, with emphasis on mystery and secret societies - how Sintra was born, starting with pre-Portugal times and following into discoveries, freemasonry (and what stories about Holy Grail have to do with it?!). We will also revisit some of local myths and legends.
Sintra is not a big place, we will start not far from the train station and end near Quinta da Regaleira.
List of topics will go through varies widely, from local pastry to 'how started the kingdom?' and 'Why the secrecy of the societies?' , 'Who were templars?' and what's the role of Sintra in portuguese overseas discoveries.
In this tour learning new while enjoying Sintra's atmosphere - is guaranteed, be welcomed curios traveller!
Olá! Join us on this walk and see the magical village and lush green gardens of Sintra. The entire town was declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
We will walk through Sintra's medieval streets and discover the place where the Portuguese royalty decided to place the summer court. All this at the foot of the security of the Castelo dos mouros. Palaces and castles seem to spring from the mountain, and this years later will dazzle poets of the stature of the famous Lord Byron or composers like Richard Strauss.
We will follow their footsteps and we will visit on this walk: Vila de Sintra, with its famous sweets, the Queijadas and the travesseiros.
In front of Palacio da Vila I will tell you about the kings and queens that inhabited it and how the history of Portugal and the world changed from those rooms.
Once outside the village we will go in search of the palaces that populate the mountains and we will talk about perhaps the most famous, Palacio da Pena. Passing through one that is closer to us in time and the Quinta da Regaleira is equally interesting. After the tour you will be ready to visit the interior of any of these palaces and discover their secrets more closely. Or stop and regain strength with a little Sintrense gastronomy.
Até logo!
Discover the Enchanting Beauty of Sintra with Our Free Walking Tour
Step into the magical world of Sintra, where history, nature, and culture intertwine to create an unforgettable experience. Led by the passionate and knowledgeable architect Stephanie, this tour is not just a journey through Sintra’s streets but a deep dive into its soul. With an eye for detail and a heart full of stories, Stephanie will bring Sintra’s past to life, revealing the hidden symbolism and architectural wonders that make this town a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Our adventure begins at the welcoming Café Saudade, the perfect spot to meet your fellow explorers and soak in the anticipation of the journey ahead. From here, we weave through Sintra’s winding streets, visiting architectural gems like the Moorish-inspired Fonte Mourisca, the elegant Palácio de Valenças, and the iconic National Palace, with its unmistakable conical chimneys—a true testament to Sintra’s royal heritage.
- As we continue, the path leads us to the serene Parque da Liberdade, the historic Pelourinho, and the charming Igreja de São Martinho. Each stop is a moment to savor, a story waiting to be told, and an opportunity to capture the essence of Sintra through your own lens.
- A true highlight of the tour is the visit to the Quinta da Regaleira, an estate shrouded in mystery, where gardens, secret tunnels, and the famous Initiation Well whisper tales of esoteric traditions and hidden knowledge. The experience is nothing short of magical, an invitation to explore the deeper meanings behind Sintra’s enchanting landscape.
- The tour concludes at the breathtaking Palácio de Seteais, where sweeping views of the Sintra hills and the vast Atlantic Ocean provide the perfect ending to an extraordinary journey. It’s a moment of reflection, a chance to take in the beauty that has inspired poets, artists, and dreamers for centuries.
- Throughout the tour, we embrace flexibility—offering guidance in two languages or adapting to the dominant language of the group. While some listen intently to Stephanie’s captivating storytelling, others may take the opportunity to snap stunning photos or indulge in the flavors of Sintra. Delight your taste buds with stops at renowned pastry shops like Piriquita and Queijadas da Sapa, where you can savor the famous Queijadas and Travesseiros, Sintra’s beloved sweet treats.
This tour is perfect for history enthusiasts, nature lovers, and anyone seeking to immerse themselves in Sintra’s romantic spirit. Designed for groups of up to 50 people, it offers an engaging, immersive, and accessible experience that promises unforgettable memories.
Book your spot today and let Stephanie guide you through the heart of Sintra, where every step uncovers a new wonder. While the tour is free, tips are warmly welcomed as a token of appreciation for the stories, insights, and passion shared along the way.
Sintra is waiting for you—come and experience its timeless magic!
A tour of Sintra and Inside Quinta de Regaleira - The palace with the famous well (Which is not a well at all).
Wander around Sintra, a fairy tail town dotted with palaces, castles, fountains and spectacular landscapes, set against the evergreen most western mountain range of Europe.
Discover diverse human heritage (ancient and contemporary), and get to know Sintra's stories: Early settlements, tales of conquests, royal presence, aristocratic vanity, romantic artists and local traditions.
- Meet outside Sintra's train station.
- Reveal Portuguese heritage elements in the Manueline architecture style of the city hall.
- Walk along the promenade under the magnificent plane trees.
- View the Moorish castle and hear their story by the Moorish fountain. (The Moors, not the Moops... 😉)
- Wander the cobbled alleys of the historical centre and taste local pastries.
- Get to know the royal family by the national palace of Sintra.
- Reveal the underground secrets of Quinta da Regaleira's mystical grottoes and the story behind it. (The second half of the tour is there.)
- The tour ends at Quinta da Regaleira - a 10 min walk from the historic centre, where there are many lunch options.
- Get recommendations and tips for your time in Sintra.
Join me to learn about local traditions in a broader perspective and to follow in the freemasons' footsteps of a secret initiation ceremony.
Sintra is full of screts and beautifull places.
You can enjoy nature, architecture, history...
This tour starts to discover one of Sintra´s tipical sweet, at the best place and take the time to enjoy it.
After we are ready to walk to the city center to find the secrets of Vilas palace and Valença palace, also we will discover some botanical secrets, and to take the most beautiful foto´s.
After that you can try the second tipical sweet and the Ginjinha.
We walk to discover more secrets of other places and palaces.
this tour end´s with a spetacular view of Pena palace.
