The Perfect Itinerary for a Two-Day Trip to Sintra Portugal

When you are trying to make the perfect itinerary for everyone, no location will ever seem to be able to provide everything for everyone. This is what I thought before I took a two-day trip to Sintra Portugal. A mere 45-minute train ride, or a 20-minute drive, northwest of Lisbon this gem is brimming with fairy-tale palaces, mysterious paths, and culinary delights that’ll have your taste buds dancing the salsa! 💃

But here’s a cool insider’s tip: parking atop the mountain of Sintra can be as elusive as a winning lottery ticket. So, snag a stay with parking included or park it at one of the spacious lots at the mountain base. Buckle up, amigos. This small town is a “must stop” which is why I created the perfect itinerary for a two-day trip to Sintra Portugal!

Hey, my travel-savvy buddy! 🌴✨ Before I spill the beans on all this incredible free info, I’ve got a little favor to ask! 🙏🤩 How about using my affiliate links below to book your trip? It costs you absolutely nothing, and it gives my blog a little ✨boost✨ to keep the adventure train chugging along! 🚂 So, why not help a friend out, have an incredible trip, and keep the good vibes flowing?💃 Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Day 1: Castles, Palaces, and More, Oh My! 🏰🌸

Kickstart your day with a visit to the vibrant Pena Palace perching atop the Sintra Mountains. Only a few things can rival the sheer delight of exploring this multicolored architectural wonder! 😍 But that is just the start to what you can discover at the top of Sintra!

Starting off in the morning is the perfect time to hike the Santa Maria Trail from the historical area to the Castelo dos Mouros (Castle of the Moors). Fair warning – it is steep. From start of the trail to the top is long and steep *WEAR GOOD SHOES* Now, in order to experience Sintra, you don’t have to hike it. This is something that I wanted to do personally for insane reasons I can’t explain, like why I wanted to carry a 3.5-year-old on my back up a mountain at the end of summer is beyond me, but we did it!

If you’d want to have a more relaxing morning, hop on the 434 Sintra tourist bus or take a taxi or a tuk-tuk. I also recommend while you’re at the top walking the castle’s worn walls, they offer a stunning view of the valley below. We started at the Moorish Castle and then went to the Pena Palace, but you can reverse the order too. I don’t think you should skip either of these locations though.

Of course, next for our itinerary was Palácio Nacional da Pena, which is the main draw for tourists to visit Sintra. This palace is known for its yellow and orange walls with facades covered in blue Portuguese tiles, and the palace gardens are also worth a visit. 

If you chose to ride up to the Castle of the Moors, traverse the Santa Maria Trail back down to the historic center – far less grueling than going up – or you could jump in a taxi or take the 434 bus down. Either way, the pathway is interesting and contains a few archaeological features and outlook points.

When you are done hiking or riding up to the castle and the palace it is time for lunch! This is where you can relax, enjoy a delicious glass of wine with your food and rest your feet after all your walking. After all this, you’re going to want to sit down – trust me!

After lunch, I highly suggest spending a relaxing afternoon perusing the plentiful shops of the old center. Skip the kitschy souvenirs, and search for paintings by local artists or vintage Portuguese tiles to take home. During your walk, note the facades of the buildings, and duck into the side streets in the pedestrian area. You never know what you’ll find!

No trip to Portugal is complete without listening to Fado music, which is what a visit to Sinistra is all about. For dinner, drinks and music walk behind the train station to find this restaurant and nightclub, open on Friday and Saturday nights.

We stopped at Romario de Baco for dinner, which offers authentic Portuguese cuisine. I could have stayed here all night if I didn’t have a toddler with a bedtime – so we sauntered back to our hotel for the night and rest up for our adventures for the next day!

Day 2: Enjoy Shopping, Narrow Streets & Stunning Gardens

On the last day of your two-day itinerary, after breakfast, head to Quinta da Regaleira, a remarkable palace just outside the historic center (you’ll want to get “skip the line passes or get there right as they open). Although Pena Palace gets most of the accolades, allow more time for Quinta da Regaleira. The interior is gorgeous, but the outside is what truly shines. From magnificent stone walkways and turrets to underground pathways, the site truly is a wonderland. Twisting with gardens, waterfalls and hidden pieces of architecture that are all gems to behold.

Once you are done exploring all the nooks and crannies of Quinta da Regaleira, it is time to return to the city center, where you can take your pick of the quaint cafes, or pop into Tulhas for lunch. It’s a cozy place to dine on traditional Portuguese fare within a converted grain warehouse.

After lunch, enjoy the rest of your day at museums are near Sintra’s center, including the Museu Anjos Teixeira, which is full of sculptures, or the News Museum, which consists of interactive displays focusing on journalism. A bit outside the center is the Museu das Artes de Sintra, which houses one of the largest private collections of contemporary art in the world.

Extra Day Adventures: Coastal Wonders and Culinary Adventures! 🌊🍷

Rise and shine, travel buddies! Feel the winds of the Atlantic on your face as you explore the westernmost point of mainland Europe, Cabo da Roca. Tag each other in your selfies with the end of the world (literally!) 🌍🤳

Post mid-day, treat your palate to a surprise at Adega Regional de Colares, an old, sandy-floored winery. Their Ramisco wines? A revelation! 🍷

For your grand finale, bask in the sunset at Praia das Maçãs and treat yourself to a beachside dinner. The seafood-packed Arroz de Marisco is an absolute must-try! 🦐🍚

AND.. That’s a Wrap! 🎉
Sintra, with all its splendors, can feel like a colorful fever dream. And while it’s bittersweet to bid adieu, remember, the journey doesn’t end here – it’s just the beginning of many more to come! 🚀

Before we sign off, remember our precious parking tip and make sure you’ve got your Sintra accommodation or parking sorted out. Now go on, seize the day and make every second count in beautiful Sintra!