Things to do in Santa Maria e São Miguel

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Sintra showing a house
Sintra which includes a city, heritage architecture and a house
Sintra showing a house, mist or fog and mountains
Sintra which includes heritage architecture
Sintra which includes railway items and a city
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Santa Maria e São Miguel must see attractions

1. Pena Palace

An icon of the region, the striking orange-and-yellow Pena Palace stands out amid the lush forest-covered Sintra Mountains. Inspect the eclectic architecture and ostentatious interior of this former royal summer retreat and stroll through the pretty surrounding park, where you’ll find temples and other follies hidden among the trees and flowers.
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Pena Palace showing heritage elements and a castle

2. Sintra National Palace

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.
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Sintra National Palace showing tranquil scenes

3. Quinta da Regaleira

The fantastical villa and gardens of Quinta da Regaleira encompass elements of Roman, Renaissance and Manueline styles. Explore the property and soak up its otherworldly atmosphere. With its offbeat architecture, mysterious follies and network of underground tunnels and caves, the site seems to more closely resemble a movie set than it does a real-life abode.
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Quinta da Regaleira showing heritage architecture

4. Moorish Castle

Though the Moorish Castle of Sintra has been reduced to ruins, it is still a powerful presence on the forested slopes of the Sintra Mountains. Wander up to the hilltop ruins, trekking past fortified stone walls and precariously placed ramparts. Enjoy views that extend over the surrounding hills of Serra de Sintra and the Atlantic Ocean.
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Moorish Castle featuring tranquil scenes and a castle

5. Monserrate Palace

Monserrate Palace is often said to be the most striking palace in Sintra. Admire the unusual, almost fantastical, design of the palace building and the gorgeous, wild gardens that sprawl on the hillside surrounding the structure.
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Monserrate Palace which includes heritage elements and a park

Recommended things to do in Santa Maria e São Miguel

Number of things to do
533
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Lisbon Walking Tour - Discover Belém and the Discoveries Age: $4
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

What to do in Santa Maria e São Miguel

 

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Discover the most popular places to visit in Santa Maria e São Miguel

Rossio Square showing a fountain, street scenes and heritage elements

Rossio Square

4.5/5(1,290 reviews)

See the people-packed central square whose swirling wave-patterned cobbles are thought to have inspired copycat pavements across the rest of Portugal and beyond.

Rossio Square
Avenida da Liberdade featuring a city and a statue or sculpture

Avenida da Liberdade

During your trip to Santo Antonio, you can do some window-shopping at Avenida da Liberdade. Discover the top-notch restaurants in this romantic area, or seek out the local tours.

Avenida da Liberdade
Campo Grande which includes a pond and a park

Campo Grande

Find peaceful walks, restaurants, soccer and even horse racing in this park a short distance north of Old Town Lisbon.

Campo Grande
Lisbon City Center showing a monument and a statue or sculpture

Marquis of Pombal Square

4.5/5(254 reviews)

Crowned by a statue of a Portuguese reformer, this bustling traffic hub is a gateway to a lush city park and one of Lisbon’s chicest avenues.

Marquis of Pombal Square
Belem Tower which includes a sunset, heritage architecture and a bridge

Belém Tower

4.5/5(1,337 reviews)

Lisbon constructed a fortification along a waterway to defend its riches. Now access the structure from the shore for lovely views.

Belém Tower
Santa Justa Elevator showing outdoor eating, night scenes and nightlife

Santa Justa Elevator

4/5(1,026 reviews)

Ride the elevator designed in the 19th century to connect the districts of hilltop Bairro Alto and downtown Baixa. Enjoy views from the café atop the gothic lift.

Santa Justa Elevator
Carcavelos Beach

Carcavelos Beach

If a restful vacation is part of your travel plans, Carcavelos Beach might be the perfect place to seek out during your trip to Carcavelos. Amble around the area's seaside, or seek out its surfing spots.

Carcavelos Beach
Lisbon Oceanarium featuring interior views and marine life as well as a small group of people

Lisbon Oceanarium

4.5/5(349 reviews)

Enjoy an underwater adventure at one of the world’s largest and most diverse aquariums right on Lisbon’s beautiful waterfront.

Lisbon Oceanarium
Pena Palace showing heritage elements and a castle

Pena Palace

4.5/5(1,248 reviews)

This exuberant construction, a former royal retreat set high in the hills of Sintra, features a colorful assortment of turreted towers and domes.

Pena Palace

 

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Popular day trips from Santa Maria e São Miguel

Ursa Beach showing a sunset, general coastal views and rugged coastline

Sintra

Photo by Emilian Cirtina

Alcabideche

Cascais as well as a small group of people

Cascais

Miradouro de Santa Luzia which includes a coastal town and a lake or waterhole

Lisbon District

Cascais Fortress as well as a couple

Sao Domingos de Rana

Cascais which includes views, a coastal town and a statue or sculpture

Colares

Frequently asked questions

Is Santa Maria e São Miguel worth visiting?
From retail therapy to outdoor adventures and history, there are loads of fun things to do in Santa Maria e São Miguel. Be sure to discover the area's mix of unmissable attractions, local charm and culture.
How do I spend a day in Santa Maria e São Miguel?
Once you've visited leading attractions like Sintra National Palace, spend some time enjoying the retail and dining scene in Santa Maria e São Miguel.
What is the top tourist attraction in Santa Maria e São Miguel?
Spend a day exploring Sintra National Palace and experience why it's ranked as the top tourist attraction near Santa Maria e São Miguel.
Is three days enough to stay in Santa Maria e São Miguel?
You'll have more than enough time to explore Sintra National Palace, Moorish Castle and other top attractions around the area when you book a three-day getaway to Santa Maria e São Miguel.
Is Santa Maria e São Miguel a walkable neighborhood?
That depends on the things you'd like to see in and around Santa Maria e São Miguel. Several popular attractions, including Sintra National Palace and Moorish Castle are reachable on foot. In the mood for a stroll through some other neighborhoods nearby? Santa Maria e São Miguel is 0.4 miles from Santa Maria e São Miguel, while Colares is 3 miles away.
What are some activities to do in Santa Maria e São Miguel with kids?
Planning what to do in Santa Maria e São Miguel with kids has never been easier. Whether you're taking a trip with teenagers or toddlers, there's no shortage of family-friendly tours and activities to keep everyone entertained here.

What to do in Santa Maria e São Miguel for adults?
Whether you're an avid foodie, culture enthusiast or fan of Mother Nature, there are loads of things to do in Santa Maria e São Miguel for adults.
Are there free things to do in Santa Maria e São Miguel?
One of the most popular free things to do in Santa Maria e São Miguel is check out Castle of the Moors. You can also stroll through nearby neighborhoods and enjoy public parks and other green spaces in the area. If you're looking for more ideas, just talk with a local tour guide.