1. Fojo da Adraga and Carneiro Beach Viewpoint

Hidden among the cliffs of Adraga Beach, the Fojo da Adraga is an impressive and little-known geological formation. It is a vertical cavity that connects the surface to the sea, forming a natural shaft that, on high-tide days, amplifies the sound of the waves with an almost mystical force. Access requires caution, but the view and the sense of discovery are well worth the effort. It is an ideal spot for lovers of geology and adventure.

You can reach Fojo da Adraga via the GR11 Atlantic Route hiking trail and the Cabo da Roca, Adraga Beach path, both available on the Walk Sintra app and at walksintra.com.

Along this route, before reaching the Fojo, you’ll find the Caneiro Beach Viewpoint, one of the region’s best-kept secrets. Located between Ursa Beach and Adraga Beach, this viewpoint sits at a high point with difficult access. The path requires an adventurous spirit, but the reward is one of the wildest and most unspoilt coastal landscapes in Portugal, perfect for watching the sunset.

2. Dinosaur Footprints

At Praia Grande, hidden within the limestone cliffs, lie fossilised dinosaur footprints that are millions of years old. These traces bear witness to the presence of dinosaurs in the region during the Jurassic period. The location is discreet and poorly signposted, making the experience feel even more special — like discovering a secret place.

How to get there
For those unable to climb stairs, part of the footprints can be observed from an upper platform, accessible by car and followed by a short walk. The staircase is part of the E9/GR11 and PR7 Sintra walking routes, between Adraga Beach and Praia Grande. Praia Grande is served by Scotturb local buses 439 and 441.

The best time of day to see the footprints is in the afternoon, when the sunlight illuminates the rock face.

For prehistory enthusiasts and dinosaur lovers, the Sintra Natural History Museum is a must-visit. There, you can see fossils that are millions of years old and explore an exhibition designed to spark curiosity in visitors of all ages. Click here to check the museum’s opening hours.

3. The Circular Chapel of São Mamede

Probably dating back to the 16th century (or earlier), the Chapel of São Mamede stands out for its circular floor plan — a rare feature in Portuguese religious architecture. Its simple, whitewashed structure resembles a dovecote, giving it a peculiar charm and raising questions about the influences behind its construction.

The circular shape, associated with eternity and divine perfection, is uncommon in Christian chapels and may have roots in pagan traditions that predate the Christianisation of the region.

Complemented by a south-facing porch, the chapel is set in a landscape where the grandeur of the Sintra mountains meets the Atlantic breeze.

How to visit (with a bit of luck)
Visiting the Chapel of São Mamede is a rare privilege. Outside the August festivities, access is virtually impossible, as the building remains closed to the public for the rest of the year. Those wishing to attend the traditional blessing of the animals or to see the interior of the chapel must follow the local religious calendar.

Still, the surroundings are well worth exploring. The landscape is shaped by natural trails with magnificent views over the countryside and the ocean. Sitting beside the chapel, listening to the wind and birdsong, can feel like a quiet communion with the spirit of São Mamede. Some secrets, after all, are best when they are never fully revealed.

The chapel can be reached via the PR8 walking route (Vinho de Colares), available on walksintra.com.

4. Santa Eufémia Viewpoint

Little known even among locals, the Santa Eufémia Viewpoint offers a unique view over the town of Sintra and Pena Palace, framed by the lush vegetation of the mountains. Located next to an ancient hermitage, this is an ideal spot for a picnic or a peaceful break during a walk. Far from the bustle of the most popular tourist attractions, it is a true refuge for nature and photography lovers.

A wooden boardwalk has recently been installed, elevated above the ground and equipped with stairs, connecting the viewpoint to Miguel Torga Street. The route begins at the Chapel of Santa Eufémia and leads to Casa da Lapa. At 470 metres above sea level, the view over Lisbon and the Tagus River is simply stunning.

The recent intervention also included transforming an old ramp into a staircase and restoring the surrounding walking paths. Benches were placed along the route so walkers can pause and enjoy the landscape, sounds and scents of the Sintra hills.

The project also enhanced the surroundings of the hermitage, which dates back to the 13th century. It is believed that the water from the Fountain of Santa Eufémia once had healing properties, making this an important pilgrimage site.

5. Odrinhas Museum

The Archaeological Museum of São Miguel de Odrinhas is a hidden gem for lovers of history and culture. Located in Odrinhas, this museum brings together artefacts from across the region, offering a fascinating journey through the lives of the peoples who passed through here over the centuries.

From ceramics to coins and jewellery, the collection is diverse and impressive. The exhibitions explore themes such as ancient art forms, traditional lifestyles and craftsmanship from other eras.

More than just a museum, this space is an opportunity to immerse yourself in Portugal’s cultural heritage. With interactive exhibitions and an engaging atmosphere, it is ideal for those who wish to explore the past in greater depth. If you’re nearby, don’t miss this experience.

Sintra hides secrets that only the most curious are able to uncover. These five places are just a glimpse of what awaits those willing to venture beyond the obvious. Put on your walking shoes, bring water, and embrace your explorer’s spirit — the true Sintra reveals itself to those who are willing to discover it.

And if you wish to spend more than just a few hours in Sintra, stay at Casa do Valle: a place where you can watch the end of the day surrounded by nature, with exclusive views of Sintra’s most iconic landmarks, such as Pena Palace, the Moorish Castle and Quinta da Regaleira. And yes, it is yet another place we consider a secret. In fact, we can confidently say that Casa do Valle is Sintra’s 6th best-kept secret.

The post Sintra’s Best-Kept Secrets: 5 Places Almost No One Knows About appeared first on Casa do Valle.

In this itinerary, we have gathered the best romantic experiences in Sintra for couples, combining relaxation, gastronomy, culture and nature.

1. Stay at Casa do Valle

A romantic escape always begins with the right accommodation. Casa do Valle offers an intimate and peaceful atmosphere surrounded by nature, with views over the mountains and Sintra’s main palaces, and to start the morning off right with your better half, our breakfast is served in bed. It is the ideal place to disconnect from daily life and enjoy quality time together in a welcoming setting close to the historic centre.

Book your stay here

2. Couples Massage at Casa do Valle

Among the most romantic things to do in Sintra, a couples massage stands out as a truly relaxing experience. A moment designed to care for the body, relieve stress and strengthen the bond between partners, all in a calm and private environment. Massages are available exclusively to guests staying at Casa do Valle.

Book your stay via WhatsApp

3. Romantic Dinner in Sintra’s Historic Center

As evening falls, Sintra’s historic centre becomes even more enchanting. For a romantic dinner, these restaurants are excellent choices:

Incomum by Luís Santos: Creative and sophisticated signature cuisine

Tascantiga: Traditional Portuguese flavours in a cosy atmosphere

Romaria de Baco: Regional flavors and a good selection of wines

Regional de Sintra: Authentic Portuguese cuisine, ideal for lovers of tradition

4. Romantic Palaces and Gardens in Sintra

Pena Palace

The ultimate symbol of Romanticism in Portugal, Pena Palace enchants visitors with its vibrant colours, towers and panoramic views. It reflects the romantic spirit of the nineteenth century and is one of the most iconic settings for couples in Sintra.

Monserrate Palace and Park

Monserrate is a true romantic garden. Its winding paths, exotic vegetation and peaceful corners make it one of the most beautiful and serene places to stroll together in Sintra.

Tickets can be purchased here

5. Wine Tasting at the Adega Regional de Colares

Founded in 1931, the Adega Regional de Colares is considered one of the oldest and most historic wineries in Portugal. Its unique wines, produced in sandy soils close to the sea, tell the story and traditions of the region. A wine tasting here is a perfect sensory experience for couples who value authenticity and culture.

Make your reservation here

6. Walk Through Sintra’s Historic Center

Walking hand in hand through cobbled streets, admiring historic architecture and discovering hidden shops and corners is one of the most authentic experiences for couples visiting Sintra. We recommend the PR5 Quintas walking route, available on Walksintra.com, which leads through some of Sintra’s most emblematic and traditional estates and manor houses.

7. Sunset at Azenhas do Mar

To end the day in an unforgettable way, the sunset at Azenhas do Mar is simply magical. White houses perched on the cliffs, the sound of the ocean and the golden light create one of the most romantic scenes in Portugal.

Romantic Things to Do in Sintra: Why Sintra Is the Ideal Destination for Couples

Sintra brings together history, nature, gastronomy and unique landscapes. It is a destination where time slows down and every moment gains meaning. It is no coincidence that so many people search for romantic things to do in Sintra for couples, whether for a short escape, a special proposal or simply to celebrate love.

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Sintra has always been a place wrapped in magic and mystery. Known since ancient times as the Mountain of the Moon, this village was considered sacred by Arabs, Templars, and alchemists.
Its colorful palaces, mist-covered forests, and enigmatic caves are the stage for haunted legends and ghost stories passed down through generations.

Below, discover the 6 most haunted places in Sintra, where beauty and the supernatural walk hand in hand.

1. Biester Palace: The mysterious “Witch House”

Biester Palace, also known as the Witch House, is one of the most mysterious places in Sintra. With neo-Gothic architecture, medieval frescoes, and occult symbols, this site is linked to secret societies and enigmatic rituals.

Its dark atmosphere and esoteric symbolism inspired the film The Ninth Gate, starring Johnny Depp. According to legend, one of the three copies of the book written by the devil may be hidden here. Want to know more about this story? Click here.

Location: Estrada da Pena, Sintra
Legend: The devil’s book and secret societies

Distance from Casa do Valle: 1.2 kilometers

Official website

2. Valenças Palace: The ghost of Palmira

In the heart of the village, Valenças Palace is famous for the legend of Palmira, a maid who fell in love with the count and, after being rejected, took her own life.
Since then, it’s believed that Palmira’s ghost roams the palace, sighing and making the floorboards creak.

Former employees of the old Municipal Library have reported strange noises and unexplained voices, reinforcing the building’s haunted reputation.

Location: Rua Visconde de Monserrate, 1, Sintra
Legend: The spirit of the maid Palmira

Distance from Casa do Valle: 700 meters

3. Quinta da Penha Verde: The unexplained rain of stones

Quinta da Penha Verde became famous for a documented paranormal phenomenon on October 17, 1982: for six hours, stones mysteriously fell out of nowhere onto the property.
The event was witnessed by firefighters, GNR officers, and locals; to this day, no convincing explanation has been found.

Location: Estrada da Nova Rainha, Sintra
Legend: The rain of stones of Penha Verde

Distance from Casa do Valle: 4.5 kilometers

4. Quinta da Regaleira: The Initiatic Well and the occult

Quinta da Regaleira is one of Sintra’s most visited and mystical sites. Its gardens hide Templar and Masonic symbols, caves, and underground tunnels.
The Initiatic Well represents the descent into the unconscious and the search for spiritual rebirth. Many visitors report temperature changes, echoes, and sensations of a presence.

Location: Rua Barbosa du Bocage, Sintra
Legend: The mystery of the Initiatic Well

Distance from Casa do Valle: 1.2 kilometers

Official website

5. National Palace of Sintra: The knight of the Coats of Arms Hall

In the village center, the National Palace of Sintra is known for its iconic chimneys and the Coats of Arms Hall, where, according to legend, the ghost of a knight who died in a duel appears.
It is said that on quiet nights, one can hear the sound of armor dragging through the corridors.

Location: Largo Rainha D. Amélia, Sintra
Legend: The knight wandering in search of redemption

Distance from Casa do Valle: 500 meters

Official website

6. Haunted road of Vale dos Anjos: The hitchhiking ghost

Between Colares and Vale dos Anjos lies a stretch of road locals call the “haunted road.”
Several drivers claim to have seen a woman asking for a ride, who then mysteriously disappears upon reaching her destination.
The phenomenon is known as “the hitchhiking ghost” and is one of the creepiest stories in Sintra.

Location: Estrada do Vale dos Anjos, Colares
Legend: The woman who vanishes after the ride

Distance from Casa do Valle: 1.2 kilometers

The most haunted places in Sintra: between the real and the supernatural

Known as the Mountain of the Moon, Sintra continues to inspire mysticism and curiosity.
Among unexplained phenomena, templars, and alchemists, the village remains one of Portugal’s most haunted and enigmatic destinations.
Whether you believe in ghosts or not, one thing is certain: Sintra has a unique energy that leaves no one indifferent.

If you are curious to uncover more of Sintra’s secrets, we invite you to take part in experiences where you become the protagonist of the story, uncovering the town’s hidden mysteries step by step.

Escape Warriors: Step into an interactive escape room where you and your team will be “locked” inside a themed setting filled with clues, puzzles, and riddles. Work together to solve the enigmas and find your way out before time runs out.

Official website

Mystery City: Sintra Outdoor Escape Game

Embark on an outdoor adventure through Sintra’s enchanting streets. This scavenger hunt, inspired by a true story, leads you to famous landmarks and hidden corners, revealing tales of love, power, and royal intrigue that shaped the town’s legend. Official website:

Official website

Dare to explore Sintra’s most haunted places?

Stay at Casa do Valle and uncover the mysteries of Sintra.

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We want to alert you to the following:

• The Pena Palace and its gardens are located in the mountain, within the natural park. The palace itself is in the middle of the park, which is about 15–30-minute walk from the gates. These are accessible by public transportation (bus and taxi) or by foot; private cars are not allowed up the mountain.
• When purchasing the ticket, keep in mind that you have to be at the gates of the park at least 30 minutes before your chosen time slot, as the public transportation will leave you at the main gates and not at the entrance of the Palace;
• We strongly recommend that you enter through the Garden Gates instead of the main gates, to avoid crowds on your way to the palace (and the gardens are magnificent). This walk will be at least 30 minutes.

How to get to Pena Palace from Casa do Valle?

• If you are hiking from Casa do Valle to the Palace, it will take you up to an hour and a half to get to the gates of the park, and nearly two hours to the main gates;
• If you are going by taxi from Casa do Valle, it will take you about 30 minutes;
• If you prefer the bus, you can walk to the Historical Center, 500 meters from Casa do Valle, and take the bus 434 up to the Pena Palace. This option will take you at least one hour.

As our guest, we will happily assist you with planning your visit at check-in if needed. We can provide you with maps for your hike, or, alternatively, you can guide yourself through our free hiking app WalkSintra, which you can download on Google Play and the APP Store to follow the trail of the amazing hike to the Palace.

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Our Hike & Wine suggestions take you to wonderful, local, award winning special vineyards of our region, where you can enjoy a guided tour and a wine tasting at the end of your walk. Best yet, there is a perfect walk for everyone:  there is a route for you, whether you wish to walk through the countryside, on the coast, or in the mountain. You can choose to walk just 5 kms or make it a day with a 15 km walk. Want to have lunch on the way? Also possible.

Following are some of our suggestions for you,

Through the mountain paths: Casa do Valle to Almoçageme and Casal Santa Maria or Adega Viuva Gomes, 13 kms.  Or 5,5 kms if you start near Monserrate palace.   There are nice little restaurants in the village for lunch or dinner.

From the Historic Center to the countryside of Janas: Casa do Valle to Quinta San Michel, 7.5 kms.  Lunch options in the nearby village.

The classic Colares roundtrip wine route:  15 kms in the Colares region in the villages, on the coast and in the in the pine forest starting and finishing at the Adega Regional of Colares. You can take the historic tram or a bus from Casa do Valle to the starting point.

These walks are great for you alone or for a group activity!

Take a look at short 1 minute videos on our YouTube Channel of what the walks and places look like.

And while you are at it, there are other little videos on walking in Sintra, our beaches and Casa do Valle!  Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel to receive notifications on new suggestions for your Sintra adventures.

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1. They are some of the oldest wines in Portugal, dating back to year 1255
2. A large part of the vines grow deep in sand dunes – a detail that protected them from the 1865 phylloxera plague
3. They get their special taste from the harsh coastal climate (westernmost vineyards of continental Europe)
4. And now most recently: the world famous chef Gordon Ramsay just featured the Colares Wines in the National Geographic program Uncharted, calling the wine ‘one of the best kept secrets of Portugal’!  (watch the trailer of his visit here)

The Colares wines in Sintra are some of the oldest in Portugal

The Colares wine region is the smallest demarcated wine region of Portugal (DOC Colares). The wine culture goes back to 1255 when king D Afonso lll ordered wine to be planted. Supposedly the Ramisco vines came from northern France, Boulogne region, where the king had previously lived.

A large part of the Colares vines are grown in the sand dunes

Dug deep like in trenches covered with sand, the vines lay on top of the ground almost looking abandoned. There is no trellising systems so the vines grow low due to the sea winds and are protected by hand-made palisades of dried canes sewn together with wicker. They survived the 1865 plague of phylloxera, as the bug could not reach the roots through the thick of sand. Because of this, the Colares Ramisco vines are some of the oldest vines in Portugal.

The uniqueness of the taste of these wines is due to the closeness of the sea

The coastal climate is very harsh, with moderate temperatures, strong sea winds and a high percentage of air moisture.

The Ramisco wines take a long time to mature, a minimum of 18 months, but often up to 6-8 years, in wooden barrels and the bottle. Its aroma is complex, with hints of nuts and red fruits. The production is quite small, with no more than 20 000 bottles per year. The typical white Colares wine is Malvasia (of Greek origin); a fresh and citrine wine with fruity and floral aroma, that has even a smaller annual production of about 15 000 bottles a year. The small production of these high quality wines have made this region a special treat for the connoisseurs!

There are several vineyards and cellars in Sintra that produce a vast variety of wines of excellent quality

Some of our favourite Sintra vineyards include

• Cooperativa de Colares, the country’s oldest wine co-op
• Casal Santa Maria and Adega Viúva Gomes in Almoçageme
• Quinta San Michel in Janas

All of them organize tours and wine tastings – enquire and set up yours through our office so that you can taste these wonderful wines. We will be happy to suggest hikes to visit the cellars and the vineyards!

For more information on walks that take you to these vineyards, check out the WalkSintra page.

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How they came to be

The dinosaurs did not of course walk like lizards, up the walls. They walked on muddy and horizontal ground, imprinting their footsteps on the ground that was then covered by layers of sediments.  When the Sintra Mountain was formed, the grounds were deformed and raised – and consequently the top layers crumbled away, leaving once again the layer with the footprints uncovered for everyone to see.

And I mean everyone.   Roughly a 370-step staircase leads from the South end of the beach up to the top of the cliffs, all along which these footprints are clear and easy to see.Millions of years ago (125 million to be a bit more exact), large dinosaurs roamed in Sintra. Plant eating Saurôpodes and Ornitôpodes as well as meat eating Terôpodes,  walked on these lands way before the Sintra Mountain was a mountain. They were all about 2.5meters tall only until the hip.  We can now observe their footprints, some of which are a humongous 67cm tall and 60cm wide. Observing the path of the prints, we know that the vegetarian Saurôpodes with its elephant-like large body, long neck and small head walked between 6 to 7 km/hour. The Terôpodes who walked on two strong legs, of which only three of the four toes touch ground, walked about 2 kms/hour.  It is fascinating to see the three distinct types of footprints, all different sizes, and all well conserved, on the vertical cliffs of Praia Grande do Rodízio. There are a total of 66 foot prints, 51 of them are in 11 tracks and the rest are isolated.

How they came to be

The dinosaurs did not of course walk like lizards, up the walls. They walked on muddy and horizontal ground, imprinting their footsteps on the ground that was then covered by layers of sediments.  When the Sintra Mountain was formed, the grounds were deformed and raised – and consequently the top layers crumbled away, leaving once again the layer with the footprints uncovered for everyone to see.

And I mean everyone.   Roughly a 370-step staircase leads from the South end of the beach up to the top of the cliffs, all along which these footprints are clear and easy to see.

How to get there

Those keen on seeing the footprints and not able to walk steps can see a part of them from the platform up top. This is accessible by car. The staircase is a part of Sintra’s E9/GR11 and PR7 footpaths, on the stretch between Praia da Adraga and Praia Grande.  Praia Grande is served by the local Scotturb busses 439 and 441.  The best time of the day to see the prints clearly is in the afternoon, when the sun hits the wall before setting down.

Also in Sintra

The Natural History Museum boasts of the only complete flying dinosaur, (Brasileodactylus Barbosensis), skeleton in the world. In addition to it, there are dinosaurs’ nests complete with eggs and a great collection of fossils in remarkable state – and even fragments of the Nantan meteorite that fell in China in the 16^th century.

Add another dimension to your stay in Sintra and get a real Jurassic experience!

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Ernesto Biester, a Portuguese journalist and playwright of German origin, famous in his time,  ordered this mansion to be built in around 1880 from the architect José Luis Monteiro.  Its interior was conceived by the famous Italian that worked on Quinta da Regaleira, also in Sintra, and the sceneries of La Scala Opera in Milano, and theater São Carlos in Lisbon: Luigi Manini – and the sculpture Leandro Braga.  Biester asked Monteiro to use the English style  called ‘Queen Ann’ style, a mixture of Neo-Gothic and Neo-Romantic. The result is one of the most important buildings of his career  and of Portuguese revivalist architecture, the Biester Chalet.  Interestingly, all the four façades are completely different from each other, using a harmonious composition of various elements and of various architectural and decorative styles.

The chalet sits on the way to Pena Palace, perfectly fitting its surroundings. Its gardens are simple and perfect, adding to the artistic effect of the chalet.  The house became an attraction and a landmark for Sintra, and is one of the first buildings and finest examples of chalets of its kind.  I was lucky enough to visit it in about 1994 when it was rented by an American family.  Impressive.  The inside has a centralized plan with a large staircase.  The house is well organized by use, practical, has a couple of kitchens, a second ‘service staircase’ more in hiding and an interior chapel.  Even if every tenant changes some of the furniture, they cannot change the impressive woodwork and stain glass windows, yet the house was still ‘homey’.  If you want to see its inside, watch the movie, the Ninth Gate!

But no,  I don’t think it’s for sale, if that was your next thought!

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A BRIEF HISTORY A monastery was built around the chapel and for centuries  it was a quiet place of worship.  The 1775 earthquake reduced the monastery to ruins – and it stayed that way until King Consort Ferdinand the 2nd bought it and the surrounding lands, including the Moorish Castle, and had it built in a romantic style by Baron von Eschwege.

The construction took 12 years, the palace was decorated by Queen Mary and the Palace became the Royal family’s summer residence.  After the queen died, King Ferdinand remarried, and after his death, the palace fell out of royal hands.  Later King Louis bought it back from his father’s widow so that the royal family could continue residing in it.  In 1889 Portugal’s last queen, Queen Amélia, sold the palace to the State as the royal family was short on money.  In 1910 the Pena National Palace was declared a National Monument.  The 200 hectares of forest land was turned into Pena Park at the same time with much care and attention.  Exotic trees were ordered from all around the world, including Redwoods from America and Camélias from Japan.

THE PENA PALACE features everything a fairytale castle needs: drawbridge, turrets, ramparts, battlements, domes, gargoyles, all in a array of pastel colours.

At night the Palace is lit.  As the highest point reaches 529 meters, the low clouds often cover the palace which looks like it is in flames as the lights fold from the clouds.  The colourful palace is often featured in book covers and films, and is one of the favourite monuments of our guests.

What makes it so nice to visit, is that it looks like someone still lives there: the beds are made, the tables are set, there are clothes hanging and small items on site.  You see the bathrooms and even go through the kitchen.   It is also interesting to see the restoration work: as the palace has not been closed during restoration works, the visitors can admire the men and women diligently working on the walls and furniture.

THE PARK is fabulous.  Monte da Lua, Parques de Sintra organization takes care of the palace and its grounds, and does so well.  The park is truly a fairytale: a magic forest with lakes, white swans, black swans, winding paths, small water falls, bridges, rare species of flowers and trees… Near the queen’s fern garden, there is a place where someone I know swears having seen fairies.  I have not, but it is true, that if I were a fairy, that is where I would like to live!

HOW TO GET THERE

There are two entrances to the Palace, the main gate and the gates of the park.  If walking a bit of uphill is not your thing, you should go in the main gates as there is a small bus (paid) to take you up.  But if you can do a bit of walking, going in through the park entrance is certainly worth the walk.  Straight to the palace from the park entrance takes about 15 minutes, but most people love to wonder in the park a bit longer.

The way up the mountain can be done in various ways:  you can  walk, ride a bike,  take bus 434, a taxi or an Uber.  From the city center by road it is about 3-3,5 kms.

Using the footpaths, from Casa do Valle, it takes approximately 45-60 minutes to the gates of the park (though many take longer as they stop and take pictures and just enjoy the sights on the way).  If this is your option, make sure you ask us for instructions to find the best footpaths. We have paper maps with written instructions as well as a Walking APP in digital form available.

The bus (#434) is for those with a strong stomach and great nerves – those who easily get nauseated or don’t like to wait should skip this option due to the winding roads and an easily full bus.  In the summer, even if there are 3 or 4 buses an hour, you may have to wait a long while for the bus – traffic slows the buses down and they are often too full to fit everyone in.

If you come to Sintra in your own car, be aware that private cars are not allowed up the mountain.  You should leave your car in one of the peripheral parking areas and take a free shuttle to the station or to town, and then choose your preferred way to go up: walking, or by some form of public transportation.

A few last notes:

• Summer or winter, it is always cool up the mountain, it is worth taking a long-sleeve something along.
• Plan ahead: if you want to go to the Moorish Castle as well, buy a combined ticket to save money. Even if you cannot see them both on the same day, the ticket is valid for a month.
• There is a coffee shop and a restaurant at the Palace.
• No inside photography is allowed, but it is easy to ‘get lost’ with photography in the park.

This is a blog entry in the series ‘in our view’ – short stories of the things you do see in our view, from the garden, by the pool, from the rooms. 

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A BRIEF HISTORY

The Castle was constructed during the 8th and 9th century, during the period of Arab occupation of the Iberian Peninsula.  After Afonso Henriques’ forces conquered Lisbon in 1147, the castle voluntarily surrendered to Christian forces.  A small group of people inhabited the Castle and constructed a chapel of São Pedro de Canaferrim near the castle walls.

The Lisbon earthquake of 1755 did considerable damage to the chapel and  the stability of the castle, already damaged by a huge fire started by a lightning. In 1840 Ferdinand ll of Portugal  took the task to recuperating it.  True to his romantic style, he consolidated the walls, reforested the spaces, created nooks and manicured spaces, and conserved the chapel. Many restoration projects have since taken place, the most recent by Monte da Lua, the organization that takes care of Parks and Palaces of Sintra.  These works included more fortification works, recuperation and  lighting of paths and walkways and recuperation of the outer walls of the Castle.  The chapel was restored and there were archaeological excavations on site. New paths through the mountain were finished for greater access to the Castle.  The surroundings of the Castle are now almost as nice as the Castle itself.

How to Get to the Castle of the Moors

The access to the mountain top monuments is either made by public transportation or on foot.

Since 2020, no private cars are allowed up the mountain.  If you drive to Sintra, you should leave your car in one of the peripheral parking lots and take a free shuttle to the station. There you can catch the bus 434 to the monuments.  From the ticket booth, it is a walk of about 400 meters through a beautifully cared for forest-garden park to the Castle.

You can also go up with a bicycle, Uber or Taxi.

Walking is definitely the best way to take in Sintra mountain.

There are a few ways to walk up, in addition to the obvious road.  A foot path starts up by the Santa

Maria church, along the PR2/3.  It is quite steep in the beginning, leveling off after a while.  Gorgeous views on the way, tall trees and huge boulders aline the path.  From the Historic Center it is about a 30 minute climb to the Castle.  Another way would be to start opposite of the Seteais Palace through the beautiful forest on the PR4 footpath through Azinhaga dos Anjos. I would suggest to take this option up and the first mentioned option down.
It takes about 10-15 minutes from the Historic Center to Seteais and another 30 minutes to the Moorish Castle.  It is a bit longer, but definitely smoother and easier way. You can also access the Castle through Vila Sassetti.

At Casa do Valle we have maps and instructions for these hikes, as well as a Walking APP with this and other walks in Sintra, if you prefer the digital format.

Tickets – You can buy your ticket on line or from any ticket office prior to hiking up so you don’t have to worry about finding the ticket booth. If you plan to visit other palaces during your Sintra visit, ask for a combined ticket, it does make it  more economical.  Also family, student, senior citizen and group discounts are available.  Tickets can also be purchased at the reception of Casa do Valle.

Regarding timing, plan at least an hour and a half for your visit of the Castle of the Moors and the surroundings. There are normally less visitors the first thing in the morning.

A point of interest, or a word of caution: the walls have been reconstructed, so they are safe to walk.  However, they are high and do not have safety-netting or acrylic walls around them – they are in there natural state, which to me is great!  Just be careful with small children – and with yourself, if you are weary of heights.  Stay close to the walls and touch them to avoid vertigos!

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