Sintra National Palace Tours

Sintra National Palace which includes tranquil scenes, a sunset and a park
Sintra National Palace showing tranquil scenes
Sintra National Palace showing religious aspects and interior views
Sintra National Palace featuring interior views and heritage elements
Sintra National Palace featuring a square or plaza


Discover the 1,000-year history of this Moorish palace, whose relatively plain Gothic exterior hides an exuberant and ornate interior.

Immediately identifiable by its two white cone-shaped chimneys, the spectacular Sintra National Palace is part of the UNESCO-listed cultural landscape of the town. Explore the lavish interior and learn about the palace’s fascinating history, which stretches back to Moorish times.

A Moorish palace has stood on this very spot since at least the 11th century. The site came under ownership of the Portuguese Crown in the 12th century. The palace then underwent a series of alterations and extensions under several different kings from the 13th through 15th centuries. The palace as it stands today looks much the same as it did in the mid-16th century. Explore the palace complex and try to identify the various architectural influences, which range from Moorish to Manueline.

Before entering the palace, take time to survey the white exterior, which appears to gleam in the sun. The somewhat minimalist façade contrasts with the much more colorful and ornate interior.

Venture inside for a more thorough exploration of the property. Look for the Central Patio, which features tile-covered walls, a distinctive twisted column in the center and a geometric-patterned trompe l’oeil fresco. Adjacent to this is the Water Grotto, adorned by tiles and paintings. Decorative images depict various botanical, mythological and religious scenes.

Inside, find the Magpies Room, given its name because of the birds depicted on its ceiling. King Sebastião’s Room is a bedchamber with tiled walls featuring grapevines and fleurs-de-lis. Don’t leave without seeing the Bedroom-Prison of King Afonso VI, where the ousted 17th-century king was held captive for 9 years. Note the rare Mudejar tile floor, which dates back to the 15th century, and the iron bars on the window. Other highlights of the interior include the glorious vaulted ceiling of the Coat of Arms Room and the 15th-century kitchen, home to the two iconic 108-foot-tall (33-meter) chimneys that are visible from outside.

Find Sintra National Palace in the historic heart of the Old Town. The palace is open daily. Opening hours change depending on the season. There is an entrance fee.

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Eurostars Universal Lisboa
Blue Tide - Two Bedroom Apartment
Sintra Marmoris Camelia

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Best Lodging Options Near Sintra National Palace

NH Sintra Centro

NH Sintra Centro

4 out of 5
Praca da Republica, Sintra
NH Sintra Centro
Casa da Pendôa

Casa da Pendôa

4 out of 5
Rua da Pendôa nº 17, Sintra
Casa da Pendôa
Villas de Cintra

Villas de Cintra

3 out of 5
Rua Conde Ferreira, 11 A, Sintra
Villas de Cintra
Villa Bela Vista

Villa Bela Vista

3.5 out of 5
R. Mal. Saldanha 17, Sintra, Lisboa
Villa Bela Vista
Sintra Marmoris Camelia

Sintra Marmoris Camelia

4 out of 5
Dr. Alfredo da Costa 13, Sintra
Sintra Marmoris Camelia
Sintra Bliss Hotel

Sintra Bliss Hotel

3 out of 5
Rua Dr Alfredo da Costa, 15-17, Sintra
Sintra Bliss Hotel
Sintra Boutique Hotel

Sintra Boutique Hotel

4 out of 5
Rua Visconde de Monserrate, 48, Sintra
Sintra Boutique Hotel
Sintra 1012 Boutique Guest House

Sintra 1012 Boutique Guest House

3 out of 5
Rua Gil Vicente, 10-12, Sintra
Sintra 1012 Boutique Guest House
Casa do Vinho Sintra Guest House

Casa do Vinho Sintra Guest House

4 out of 5
Rua Consiglieri Pedroso, 17, Sintra
Casa do Vinho Sintra Guest House
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Sintra National Palace

When visiting Sintra National Palace, consider joining a guided tour to fully appreciate its rich history and stunning architecture. Experience a magical day in Sintra by exploring the palace's opulent rooms and beautiful gardens. Don't miss out on other Sintra tours that highlight nearby attractions, offering a comprehensive view of this enchanting town. Plan your visit to make the most of your time in this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Food and drinks

Indulge in the famous Pastéis de Belém, a delightful sweet treat located 12 miles from Sintra National Palace. For a romantic experience, visit Quinta Das Carrafouchas or Quinta de Pancas, both alcohol wineries 13 miles away, offering entertainment and local charm amidst Sintra's architectural grandeur.

Shopping

For shopping near Sintra National Palace, check out Cascais Municipal Market for local goods, just 7 miles away. If you're up for a drive, visit Colombo Shopping Centre, 11 miles distant, offering family-friendly entertainment and dining options, or head to Avenida da Liberdade, 14 miles away, for a variety of shops.

Recreation

Enjoy a round at Penha Longa Golf Course, just 2 miles from Sintra National Palace, surrounded by stunning landscapes. For relaxation, head to the Estoril Wellness Center, 6 miles away, where you can indulge in rejuvenating body treatments and unwind in a tranquil atmosphere.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of motorsport at Estoril Racetrack, located 3 miles from Sintra National Palace, where adrenaline and speed collide. For outdoor excitement, visit Adventure Park, 9 miles away, featuring exhilarating zip lines and rope courses, or explore water sports at Clube Nacional de Natac-o, 14 miles distant.

Nightlife

For an exciting night near Sintra National Palace, try your luck at Estoril Casino, just 6 miles away, offering a romantic vibe. For family fun, visit the Calouste Gulbekian Planetarium, 12 miles away, or enjoy a lively evening at Bowling Playcenter, located 11 miles from the palace.

Find the best attractions near Sintra National Palace

When visiting Sintra National Palace, you’ll find a wealth of attractions for every type of traveler. Explore the charming town of Sintra, bask on nearby beaches, or immerse yourself in the rich culture at local museums. Don’t miss iconic sites like the whimsical Pena Palace, the stunning Palace of Queluz, and the scenic Sintra Mountains, ensuring a memorable experience filled with history and outdoor adventures.

  • Pena Palace: Perched on a hilltop, Pena Palace boasts vibrant colors and stunning architecture, blending Romanticism with medieval styles. Explore its lush gardens and enjoy breathtaking views of Sintra and beyond, immersing yourself in its rich cultural history.
  • Quinta da Regaleira: This enchanting estate features a mystical garden, intricate architecture, and underground tunnels. Wander through its whimsical landscapes, discovering symbols of alchemy and mysticism, making it a unique cultural experience that feels like stepping into a fairytale.
  • Rossio Square: Located in the heart of Lisbon, Rossio Square is a lively gathering place filled with cafes and shops. Experience the vibrant city vibes as you admire its beautiful wave-patterned cobblestones and historical buildings, perfect for soaking in local culture.

Best time to go to Sintra National Palace

Visitor numbers around Sintra National Palace is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Sintra National Palace is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January54.0°F (12.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February54.5°F (12.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
March57.0°F (13.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April59.9°F (15.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May64.8°F (18.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June68.2°F (20.1°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
July71.1°F (21.7°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighAverage
August72.0°F (22.2°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September70.3°F (21.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
October66.9°F (19.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November59.9°F (15.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Sintra National Palace

To save money during your visit to Sintra National Palace, consider exploring nearby free attractions like Guincho Beach and Adraga Beach. Plan your trip between December and February for lower hotel rates, and book about a month in advance for the best deals. Utilize Expedia's last-minute offers and the One Key membership for exclusive discounts. Combining your hotel, flights, and activities into a package can also provide significant savings. Don't forget to search for eco-certified hotels to support sustainable travel while staying within your budget.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Sintra National Palace are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May and August to September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Sintra National Palace about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool makes it easy to choose your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can organize your results by price, displaying the most affordable hotels at the top. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type—if you select the "Eco-certified" filter, you'll find sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels ready for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at the Sintra National Palace with your flights and activities by choosing an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.