Overview
Centered on the Sintra National Palace, the old town is a maze of narrow cobblestone streets and yellow- and pink-washed buildings that feel like a fairy tale. Pick up travesseiros at Piriquita, queijadas at Sapa, and browse small shops selling handmade ceramics, cork products, and Sintra wine. Street musicians and artists often perform in the square in front of the palace, and tiny cafes and gardens along the winding lanes add to the charm. Bus 434 to Pena Palace and the Moorish Castle starts from here. Free to explore. 5-minute walk from Sintra station.
Opening Hours
Open 24 hours (shops typically 10:00-19:00)
Travel Tips
Tourist restaurants charge premium prices - smaller spots on the village edges are tastier and cheaper. Expect a queue at Piriquita.
Hotels near Sintra Vila (Old Town)
Hotels and guesthouses in Sintra, Centro, Sintra
Other attractions in Sintra
Pena Palace
A fairy-tale palace in red, yellow, and purple — one of Portugal's Seven Wonders.
Quinta da Regaleira
A Gothic mansion with mysterious underground tunnels and the famous Initiation Well.
Castle of the Moors
An 8th-century Moorish hilltop fortress with Great Wall-like ramparts to walk along.
Sintra National Palace
The medieval summer residence of Portuguese royalty, marked by two huge white conical chimneys.
Cabo da Roca
Continental Europe's westernmost point - endless Atlantic seen from dramatic cliffs.
Monserrate Palace
A 19th-century palace blending Moorish, Gothic, and Indian styles, set in a lush botanical garden.
Praia das Maçãs
An Atlantic beach near Sintra, beloved for its natural pools and beach cafes.