Things to Do in Sintra

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!

Join us for an unforgetablle Sintra walking tour through one of the most magical destinations in Portugal.

With its lush hills, exotic gardens and romantic palaces, Sintra became the preferred summer retreat of 19th-century Portuguese nobility. Over time, it attracted international visitors such as Lord Byron and Richard Strauss, who were captived by its beauty.

Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, Sintra is widely conidered one of the most beautiful towns in Portugal - and the top day trip from Lisbon. 

Starting at Jardim Correnteza, we explore the charming streets of Sintra Village, uncovering its history, legends and royal traditions. Along the way, you will also have the opportunity to taste the famous local pastries: Queijada de Sintra and Travesseiro de Sintra.

During this Sintra walking tour, you will discover:

• Sintra National Palace - one of the oldest royal palaces in Portugal
• Moorish Castle - a medieval fortress overlooking the town
• Quinta da Regaleira - famous for its mystical symbolism and Initiation Well
• Pena Palace - the colorful Romantic palace built by King D. Fernando II in the 19th century. 

​By the end of the tour, you will understand why Sintra feels like stepping into a real-life fairytale. 

​Sintra Tour information: 

• Minimum of 6 participants required to operate the tour
• Groups with more than 6 people fixed price of 12 euros per person. 

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.

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.

Join me, a local guide born and raised in Sintra, for an unforgettable walking tour that begins in the historic center, right in front of the National Palace. We'll pass by the famous Piriquita pastry shop, where you can taste a delicious travesseiro or sip a Ginjinha. I’ll even share local tips on where to enjoy a great lunch. 

Then, the real adventure begins. 

We'll hike up the Sintra mountain through the stunning and secret trails of Villa Sassetti — a hidden green path known only by locals. Along the way, you’ll discover breathtaking viewpoints, the Gardener’s House of the Royal Court, and pass by iconic monuments like the Pena Palace and Moorish Castle. 

As we walk, I’ll share stories about Portugal’s history, legends of Sintra, and curiosities about famous sites like the Quinta da Regaleira and Monserrate Palace. 

This tour ends at the very top of the Sintra mountain, where nature, mystery, and history come together in one epic view. 

Book now and let’s explore Sintra through the eyes of someone who calls it home!