Sintra Mountains
Sintra Mountains
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
27 reviews
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14
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10
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3
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BradJill
Hong Kong, China159,141 contributions
Mar. 2023
This is a small range that covers roughly 16 kms between the town of Sintra and the Atlantic Ocean. The mountains have long been sought after for their lush environs and climate and are the location of various historic palaces and gardens recognised as World Heritage attractions by UNESCO. The highest peak in this range is Cruz Alta viewpoint (529m) which you can access within the Pena Park grounds.
A handful of these palaces have become major sightseeing attractions that draw many visitors to the town of Sintra for overnight stays and daytrips from Lisbon. These include National Palace of Pena, Monserrate and the Quinta da Regaleira as well as the ancient Moors Castle ruins which dates back to the 8th to 12th century.
There are numerous hiking trails around the Sintra Mountains that link up various palaces to the town of Sintra. These including point-to-point and loop trails that can be learned about and reviewed on apps such as AllTrails. WalkSintra.com is another source which further includes treks further into the mountain range as well as scenic Atlantic coastline. Check in with Biking sites online and you can learn about popular cycling routes around the Sintra mountain range as well.
A handful of these palaces have become major sightseeing attractions that draw many visitors to the town of Sintra for overnight stays and daytrips from Lisbon. These include National Palace of Pena, Monserrate and the Quinta da Regaleira as well as the ancient Moors Castle ruins which dates back to the 8th to 12th century.
There are numerous hiking trails around the Sintra Mountains that link up various palaces to the town of Sintra. These including point-to-point and loop trails that can be learned about and reviewed on apps such as AllTrails. WalkSintra.com is another source which further includes treks further into the mountain range as well as scenic Atlantic coastline. Check in with Biking sites online and you can learn about popular cycling routes around the Sintra mountain range as well.
Written April 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mairwen1
United Kingdom9,317 contributions
Mar. 2020
The star attraction at Sintra is the colourful Pena Palace but Sintra is also surrounded by beautiful mountains and extensive forests. The Serra de Sintra mountains start in the centre of the old town and extend to the ocean at Cabo da Roca, the western-most point of mainland Europe.
Even if, like us, you only have a day-trip to Sintra, there are still hiking trails between the palaces and castle that allow you to see something of the mountains.
After visiting Pena Palace, we followed the bushland trail to the Moors Castle and then continued the mountain trail around the outer castle walls, following the path right down through the forest to the old town centre. It was almost entirely downhill so was very easy.
We joined the track from the carpark opposite the lower Pena Park gate (the Lakes entrance).
The path here was just a simple bushland track and there was a little bit of scrambling involved. We weren’t always 100% certain that we were still on the right path but we followed the general direction of the castle and emerged at the right spot (the outer walls of the castle beside the road, a kiosk and a toilet block). From here the route became much clearer, there were occasional signs and the path was mostly paved or cobbled. There are some great panoramic views as you descend and you will also pass the 12th century Gothic church of Santa Maria.
The walk took us under an hour but we walked at a leisurely pace, stopping to look at the views.
TIPS
* The Tourist Information Centre map was somewhat helpful as a general guide. If you don't already have a better map, then I’d recommend picking this up before you go because neither the Palace Gift shop nor the ticket office had any maps.
* Look out for wooden signs and trail markers that are red and yellow lines painted on a walls, rocks or tree.
* there was plenty of shade and you didn't need special hiking shoes, just comfortable walking shoes or trainers but do take a bottle of water with you.
Even if, like us, you only have a day-trip to Sintra, there are still hiking trails between the palaces and castle that allow you to see something of the mountains.
After visiting Pena Palace, we followed the bushland trail to the Moors Castle and then continued the mountain trail around the outer castle walls, following the path right down through the forest to the old town centre. It was almost entirely downhill so was very easy.
We joined the track from the carpark opposite the lower Pena Park gate (the Lakes entrance).
The path here was just a simple bushland track and there was a little bit of scrambling involved. We weren’t always 100% certain that we were still on the right path but we followed the general direction of the castle and emerged at the right spot (the outer walls of the castle beside the road, a kiosk and a toilet block). From here the route became much clearer, there were occasional signs and the path was mostly paved or cobbled. There are some great panoramic views as you descend and you will also pass the 12th century Gothic church of Santa Maria.
The walk took us under an hour but we walked at a leisurely pace, stopping to look at the views.
TIPS
* The Tourist Information Centre map was somewhat helpful as a general guide. If you don't already have a better map, then I’d recommend picking this up before you go because neither the Palace Gift shop nor the ticket office had any maps.
* Look out for wooden signs and trail markers that are red and yellow lines painted on a walls, rocks or tree.
* there was plenty of shade and you didn't need special hiking shoes, just comfortable walking shoes or trainers but do take a bottle of water with you.
Written February 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Global Traveler
117 contributions
Jul. 2019
If you want to enjoy the Sintra Hills/Mountains you should spend at least 2 days. To my big surprise the weather was cool and fresh up there, completely different from „beach weather“. I enjoyed a lot and recommend to visit this amazing forest.
Written August 27, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hjörtur Á
Kopavogur, Iceland17 contributions
Apr. 2019 • Couples
Great scenary and nature in the mountains. We visited the Castle and walked the narrow streets of the town. Had some coffee and a cake. We had a really nice day. Our guide (Margarita from Portugal) took us down the history lane with Kings and queens, very interesting history and connecting everything together.
Written May 1, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Catherine T
Les Pavillons Sous Bois, France217 contributions
Feb. 2019 • Couples
A very pleasant drive to visit the area. It wasn’t too easy (not impossible) to find somewhere to park the car to better appreciate the view.
Written February 5, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
traveladdictions
Belgium247 contributions
Dec. 2018 • Couples
this must have been such a rich region. so many beautiful palaces, castles, gardens, villa’s, too many to see them all in a week. so take your time, or come back a couple of times.
Written December 24, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jazsacher
Bangkok, Thailand1,448 contributions
Oct. 2018 • Couples
During our trek in Sintra, we spent some time in the mountains taking photos and enjoying the scenery. We were introduced to the cork tree which I had no idea that cork came from. We also saw some amazing sites of the Pena palace and Castle of Moors from afar in the mountains which was amazing. We didn't spend too much time int he mountains so I cannot comment in detail on the experience. I wish we could have spent more time here so I could have enjoyed the mountains more.
Written October 30, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Quinten Jiskoot
Amsterdam, The Netherlands530 contributions
Sep. 2018 • Couples
Sintra is a very busy tourist destination, and deservedly so. But in the mountains there are much less people wandering around, here you get the real feel of the área.
Written September 27, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Likornios
Athens, Greece884 contributions
Aug. 2018 • Friends
We had a nice drive in scenic mountains of Sintra. Parking in the nearby attractions during summer is a problem, also the fact that roads are mostly one way around the castle and so on, can put you in to a lot of extra miles, if you are not cautious.
Written September 5, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TheShis
Tel Aviv, Israel39,605 contributions
May 2018 • Couples
The mountains surrounding Sintra are absolutely beautiful.
The roads themselves, however, are a different story.
If you don't use public transport (as we did), make sure to drive extra carefully in the narrow crooked roads, and be ready for "surprises" just around the corner (our bus almost drove a sedan off the road - twice).
The roads themselves, however, are a different story.
If you don't use public transport (as we did), make sure to drive extra carefully in the narrow crooked roads, and be ready for "surprises" just around the corner (our bus almost drove a sedan off the road - twice).
Written June 30, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Claim your listingSINTRA MOUNTAINS - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Sintra Mountains
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Sintra Mountains:
- Full-Day Best of Sintra and Cascais (From C$120.62)
- Sintra & Pena Palace - HALF DAY TOUR! (From C$135.70)
- Sintra Stories by Portugal Stories (From C$105.55)
- Private Night Walk: "Sintra, Dreams in the Woods" (From C$120.62)
- Sintra, Apparitions and Stories From the Mountains - Private Night Walk (From C$120.62)
- Hotels near Sintra Mountains:
- (0.03 km) Door 12, Sintra Guest House
- (0.04 km) Picturesque Apartments
- (0.07 km) Sintra 1012 Boutique Guest House
- (0.14 km) Sintra Boutique Hotel
- (0.08 km) Casa da Pendoa
- Restaurants near Sintra Mountains:
- (0.01 km) Xentra Restaurant and Bar
- (0.03 km) Romaria de Baco
- (0.03 km) Tulhas Bar & Restaurante
- (0.04 km) Becco De Sintra
- (0.05 km) Vila Velha da Sintra