A simple guide to walk from Sintra station

For current hours, prices, and announcements, start with Lonely Planet Sintra Guide.

For the most up-to-date details, check Cultural Landscape of Sintra before you go.

Most people feel confused by the many drivers offering rides outside the main station doors immediately. You can ignore the crowds and keep to the left-hand side of the road for the best route. This road is called Volta do Duche and it serves as the main artery for walking visitors. It offers a wide sidewalk that keeps you safe from the passing cars and local tour buses.

The walk takes about fifteen minutes if you move at a steady and relaxed holiday pace. You will pass several viewpoints that offer a distant look at the high castle walls above you. This is one of the most easy walks in Sintra for those who do not like steep mountain trekking. The grade is mostly flat or downhill as you approach the village square and the main palace.

Look for the large white palace with two giant chimneys to know you have reached your destination. This landmark sits in the center of the historic area and is visible from many different angles. Once you arrive, you will find many cafes and small artisan shops selling traditional local sweets. It is the perfect spot to rest before deciding which hilltop palace you want to visit next.

1. Step 1: Exit via the main station doors
   • Time: 2 minutes
   • Cost: Free
   • Where: Train station lobby
   • Mistake: Using the rear exit
   • Tip: Follow the exit signs
2. Step 2: Turn left onto the main road
   • Time: 1 minute
   • Cost: No cost
   • Where: Outside the station
   • Mistake: Turning right uphill
   • Tip: Stay on the sidewalk
3. Step 3: Follow the Volta do Duche sidewalk
   • Time: 10 minutes
   • Cost: Zero euros
   • Where: Main town road
   • Mistake: Walking on the road
   • Tip: Look at the views
4. Step 4: Pass the public park and fountain
   • Time: 3 minutes
   • Cost: Free access
   • Where: Halfway to center
   • Mistake: Skipping the photo op
   • Tip: Use the water fountain
5. Step 5: Reach the Sintra National Palace
   • Time: 2 minutes
   • Cost: Free to view
   • Where: Historic center square
   • Mistake: Missing the main square
   • Tip: Check the palace chimneys

Essential checklist for your Sintra walking trip

Walking through this town requires a bit of physical preparation to ensure you stay comfortable all day. The weather can change quickly because the mountain creates its own unique and misty microclimate often. Choosing the best time for Sintra morning walks helps you avoid the intense afternoon heat. You should always check the local weather forecast before you leave your hotel in Lisbon for Sintra.

Comfortable shoes are the most important item you can bring for a day of exploring these streets. Many of the roads are made of traditional Portuguese pavement which can be quite slippery when wet. Sandals or heels are often a bad choice for the uneven surfaces found in the old town. Sneakers or light hiking boots will provide the grip you need for the sloping stone paths here.

Sun protection is also vital because the sun can be quite strong even on cooler spring days. Bring a hat and some sunscreen to protect your skin while you wander through the open squares. You will find many shops selling hats if you forget to pack one in your suitcase at home. Drinking plenty of water is essential to keep your energy levels high during the short walking trip.

Carry a small backpack to keep your hands free for taking photos of the beautiful palace architecture. A portable battery for your phone is useful if you plan to use digital maps for navigation. Digital maps are helpful but a physical map can be a great backup in areas with poor signal. You can find free maps at the tourism office located right next to the train station exit.

• Walking gear for your Sintra expedition
  • Sturdy walking or hiking shoes
  • Refillable water bottle for hydration
  • Portable phone charging power bank
  • Light waterproof rain jacket
  • High SPF sunscreen for skin
  • Offline digital maps on phone
  • Small amount of local cash

Choosing the best route for your Sintra goals

If you want to explore the town center, walking is definitely the best and most scenic choice. If you plan to visit the Moorish Castle, you should prepare for a very intense uphill hike. Walking is great for finding those free walking trails in Sintra that lead into the deep forest. Buses are better for visitors who have mobility issues or who are feeling tired after the train.

If you are going to Quinta da Regaleira, you should continue walking past the National Palace center. This adds another ten minutes to your journey but the route remains mostly flat and very easy. You will pass the Seteais Palace gardens which are worth a quick look for their grand arches. Taxis are a good alternative if you are traveling in a small group of three or four.

If you want to see Pena Palace, the walk from the station takes nearly one hour uphill. Most people prefer the 434 tourist bus which loops from the station to the palace gates daily. Choosing the bus saves your legs for walking around the massive and hilly Pena Park forest later. You can find easy Pena Park forest trails once you reach the top of the mountain.

The decision guide below helps you choose the right transport for your specific needs in Sintra today. It compares walking with other options to help you save time and money during your short visit. Many travelers mix walking with buses to get the best experience of the town and its palaces. Always prioritize your comfort so you can enjoy the magical atmosphere of this historic Portuguese world.

• Sintra transport decision guide for travelers
  • Town Center: Always walk here
  • Regaleira: Walk from the center
  • Pena Palace: Take the bus
  • Moorish Castle: Take the bus
  • Limited Time: Use a taxi
  • Tight Budget: Walk everywhere
  • Rainy Weather: Use the bus
  • Photography: Walk the main road

Troubleshooting your walk from the train station

Sometimes travelers take a wrong turn and end up in a residential area far from the sights. If the road starts climbing very steeply immediately after the station, you have likely turned right. Simply turn back to the station and look for the road that stays level along the hill. Checking your direction every few minutes on a map helps you stay on the correct path.

Crowds can often make the narrow sidewalks feel very cramped during the busy summer peak season. If the main road is too busy, try to walk earlier in the morning for more space. Be careful with your belongings when walking in crowded areas near the train station or palaces. Keep your bag in front of you and stay aware of the people around you at all times.

Finding a public restroom can be difficult if you are not planning to enter a local cafe. There are facilities inside the train station that you should use before starting your long walk. Most restaurants will allow you to use their bathroom if you buy a small coffee or water. Sintra is a clean town so please help keep it beautiful by using the provided public bins.

• Common walking problems and quick solutions
  • Lost: Return to the station
  • Crowds: Walk in early morning
  • Rain: Buy a cheap umbrella
  • Slippery: Walk on flat stones
  • No Battery: Use a paper map
  • Tired: Sit at the park
  • Wrong Path: Follow palace signs

What to see while walking to the center

The walk is not just a way to get around but a tour of beautiful sights itself. You will first notice the Sintra Town Hall which looks like a small and ornate castle building. It features beautiful tile work and spire towers that are very typical of the local romantic style. Many people stop here for a photo before continuing their journey toward the historic center area.

The Volta do Duche road is famous for its collection of modern bronze sculptures along the way. These art pieces represent different characters and themes from the history of the Portuguese people today. They provide a great contrast to the ancient stone walls that line the other side of the road. Each statue tells a small part of the story of this enchanted and mysterious mountain town.

As you walk, you will get glimpses of the Moorish Castle high above the green forest canopy. The views are perfect for seeing how the various palaces relate to each other in the landscape. This perspective is much better than what you get from inside the windows of a bus. Take your time to enjoy the flowers and trees that spill over the old garden walls.