Things to Do in Sintra
• Free time in Sintra lets you wander cobbled streets, sample local pastries, or soak up the village’s unique atmosphere.
• Stroll through the picturesque coastal town of Cascais, known for its scenic harbor and inviting local shops.
• Choose your preferred language and upgrade for Pena Palace, Pena Park, and Quinta da Regaleira tickets with guided visits for deeper discovery.
• Small group sizes ensure a relaxed pace and more personal attention from your guide.
This walk is destined for small groups (max. 8-10 people) !
Welcome to the always-green capital of ancient mysticism and incredible landscapes (that enchanted many withstanding people throughout centuries)!
The tour is perfect for travellers who want to get a view of local history, with emphasis on mystery and secret societies - how Sintra was born, starting with pre-Portugal times and following into discoveries, freemasonry (and what stories about Holy Grail have to do with it?!). We will also revisit some of local myths and legends.
Sintra is not a big place, we will start not far from the train station and end near Quinta da Regaleira.
List of topics will go through varies widely, from local pastry to 'how started the kingdom?' and 'Why the secrecy of the societies?' , 'Who were templars?' and what's the role of Sintra in portuguese overseas discoveries.
In this tour learning new while enjoying Sintra's atmosphere - is guaranteed, be welcomed curios traveller!
• Travel in comfort with round-trip transport, guided visits, and scenic photo stops across the tour.
• Discover Sintra’s UNESCO-listed palaces, dramatic cliffs at Cabo da Roca, and the vibrant seaside charm of Cascais.
• Enjoy free time to explore local shops, sample regional cuisine, or simply soak up the atmosphere in Guincho Beach.
• Upgrade for entry tickets to Pena Park or full access to Pena Palace & Park, plus multilingual guided tours and travel insurance.
Embark on an enchanting journey through Sintra, a town where the veil between reality and fairy tale thins, with our captivating Essential Free Tour of Sintra. This experience, a tapestry woven from two rich narratives, invites you into a world where history, romance, and myth breathe life into every cobblestone, whispering the legacy of knights, mystics, and artisans.
A Fairytale Beginning: Our odyssey commences at the heart of Sintra, against the breathtaking backdrop of the Sintra Mountains. Here, amidst the verdant embrace of Liberdade Park, the saga of Sintra's enchantment unfolds, tracing its name to tales as old as time. Marvel at the town hall, a picturesque prelude to the mysteries that await.
Tales of Templars and Romance: Journey through the village, where the stories of Gualdim Pais and the enigmatic Templars echo against the ancient walls. Discover the Moorish Fountains, a testament to Sintra's Roman and Arabic heritage, and the Palace of Valenças, haunted by a tragic love story that whispers through its romantic halls.
Culinary Delights and Architectural Splendors: Indulge in Sintra’s famous Queijada and Travesseiro, sweet embodiments of the town's rich culinary heritage. Wander past the National Palace of Sintra, with its intriguing Magpie Room and iconic twin chimneys, and hear tales of secret tunnels and the mystical Mountain of the Moon.
The Quintessence of Romanticism: Explore São Martinho's Church, where the secrets of freemasonry intertwine with the fabric of Sintra. Delight in the esoteric beauty of Quinta da Regaleira, with its Initiation Well and symbols of ancient wisdom. Behold the Seteais Palace, a monument to love and revenge, offering unparalleled views of the Pena Palace and Sintra Mountains.
A Dreamlike Setting: Though the Pena Palace and Moorish Castle beckon from afar, their allure adds to the magic of our tour. Each step through Sintra reveals a page from a storybook, from the Biester Palace's mystic allure to the Pisões Waterfall's natural splendor.
An Invitation to Wonder: Led by our expert guide, passionate about unveiling Sintra's hidden gems, this tour is an immersive journey into the heart of Sintra’s romantic soul. Discover the Lawrence Hotel, a sanctuary for poets and dreamers, and learn of Sintra’s grand love stories that inspired its most iconic buildings.
Sintra is not just a destination; it's an experience, a dream woven from the threads of history, mystery, and enchantment. With tales of knights and mystics, tragic loves, and architectural marvels, our Essential Sintra Free Tour is an invitation to step into a living fairytale. Join us and let Sintra’s magic enchant you, leaving you with memories as vibrant and enduring as the town itself. Sintra awaits, ready to reveal its secrets and fill your heart with wonder.
Useful information:
Please note that the Castle of the Moors and the Pena Palace are too far away from the center of the villa to be visited. Many guests do visit these sites after the tour.
• Travel in air-conditioned comfort from Lisbon and back, with a guide who speaks English, Spanish, Portuguese, or French.
• Discover Sintra’s winding streets, vibrant craft shops, and sample beloved pastries like travesseiros and queijadas.
• Stop to admire icons like Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira. Whether you’re here for photos or stories, your guide’s got you covered!
• Upgrade your experience to enter Pena Palace and Regaleira. See the lavish interiors and surreal gardens that make these sites world-famous.
With its exotic landscape and climate, Sintra became the place where the nobles and aristocrats from the XIX century started to build their summer palaces and since then, it's attracted visitors from all over the world, such as the British poet Lord Byron and the German compositor Richard Strauss.
Classified as World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1995, Sintra is considered by many the most beautiful city in Portugal and a place that shouldn't be missed.
From Jardim Correnteza, we'll make our way through the narrow streets of Sintra Village, to discover its history, traditions, and culture and have the chance to try the famous local pastries, Queijada and Travesseiro.
We'll have the chance to see the Sintra National Palace, one of the oldest palaces in Portugal, and learn a bit more about the Portuguese Royal family, the Moorish Castle built to protect the city from invaders, discover the secrets of the majestic Quinta da Regaleira, to wonder at the incredible Palácio da Pena, built on the top of the hill, next to a former monastery by King D. Fernando II in the XIX century and much more.
We are sure after this tour, you'll fall in love with this magical place and feel that one day is not enough.
• Wander the enchanting gardens of Pena Palace and admire its colorful exterior set atop Sintra’s lush hills.
• Take in sweeping Atlantic views from Sítio da Nazaré, a fishing village famed for its record-breaking waves.
• Experience the spiritual calm of Fátima Sanctuary and the Chapel of Apparitions, with time to explore at your own pace.
• Travel in comfort with a small group, enjoying a relaxed journey in an air-conditioned minivan between each destination.
Discover Sintra’s rich history on a free walking tour that includes all the must-see landmarks—plus an exclusive guided visit inside Quinta da Regaleira and the mysterious Initiation Well. The best of both worlds in one unforgettable experience!
This isn’t your average Sintra free walking tour—it’s a complete cultural deep dive that combines the best of the town’s historic center with an in-depth guided visit to the iconic Quinta da Regaleira, including its magical gardens and the famous Initiation Well.
We begin by exploring the charming streets of Sintra’s Old Town, stopping at must-see sites like the National Palace, hidden alleys, scenic viewpoints, and local legends that bring this UNESCO town to life. But we go further: after the classic walking tour, we enter Quinta da Regaleira together for a guided journey through its symbolic architecture, secret tunnels, and lush landscapes.
Whether you're a first-time visitor or returning to discover more, this hybrid tour gives you more than any standard free tour—and it's still tip-based! No need to choose between tours. Join us and experience Sintra's full magic in one epic walk.
• The 18th-century Chapel of the Passion of Christ, the Cave of Friar Honorio, and the ornate porch paintings will stun you.
• Pay your respects at the Courtyard of the Crosses and admire the rustic beauty of the Corridor of the Cells and the Choir.
• Explore the infirmary atriums, the kitchen, the library, the quaint Garden House, the official Chapter House, and more.
• Visit the Hermitages in the Cloister and discover the Donkey Reserve that raises awareness about this friendly beast.
• Discover this site in depth with the benefit of an audio guide in Portuguese, English, Spanish, and French.
Join me, a local guide born and raised in Sintra, for an unforgettable walking tour that begins in the historic center, right in front of the National Palace. We'll pass by the famous Piriquita pastry shop, where you can taste a delicious travesseiro or sip a Ginjinha. I’ll even share local tips on where to enjoy a great lunch.
Then, the real adventure begins.
We'll hike up the Sintra mountain through the stunning and secret trails of Villa Sassetti — a hidden green path known only by locals. Along the way, you’ll discover breathtaking viewpoints, the Gardener’s House of the Royal Court, and pass by iconic monuments like the Pena Palace and Moorish Castle.
As we walk, I’ll share stories about Portugal’s history, legends of Sintra, and curiosities about famous sites like the Quinta da Regaleira and Monserrate Palace.
This tour ends at the very top of the Sintra mountain, where nature, mystery, and history come together in one epic view.
Book now and let’s explore Sintra through the eyes of someone who calls it home!
• Explore the enchanting exterior of Pena Palace and wander through the lush landscapes of Pena Park in Sintra.
• Enjoy guided visits to Sintra’s historic center and the coastal charm of Cascais, with free time to discover local favorites.
• Take in a panoramic tour of Lisbon and Belém, featuring iconic sights like Belém Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries.
• Savor a tasting of the legendary Pastel de Belém, a beloved local treat that’s a must-try in Lisbon.
Local Live History is a 100% Portuguese registered trademark and a licensed local guide by the tourism bureau of Portugal.
Learn the history and legends of the old town most representative neighbourhoods, told by real local holders and historians, getting a truly personal and insightful view of Sintra, walking through the medieval village, narrow alleys up and many palaces from different centuries of this world heritage site.
Lost in time on a genuine "back to the past" entertaining and informal guided tour where history, stories, and fun facts combine together.
Olá! Join us on this walk and see the magical village and lush green gardens of Sintra. The entire town was declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
We will walk through Sintra's medieval streets and discover the place where the Portuguese royalty decided to place the summer court. All this at the foot of the security of the Castelo dos mouros. Palaces and castles seem to spring from the mountain, and this years later will dazzle poets of the stature of the famous Lord Byron or composers like Richard Strauss.
We will follow their footsteps and we will visit on this walk: Vila de Sintra, with its famous sweets, the Queijadas and the travesseiros.
In front of Palacio da Vila I will tell you about the kings and queens that inhabited it and how the history of Portugal and the world changed from those rooms.
Once outside the village we will go in search of the palaces that populate the mountains and we will talk about perhaps the most famous, Palacio da Pena. Passing through one that is closer to us in time and the Quinta da Regaleira is equally interesting. After the tour you will be ready to visit the interior of any of these palaces and discover their secrets more closely. Or stop and regain strength with a little Sintrense gastronomy.
Até logo!
