The Best Hikes in Sintra

Sintra isn’t just palaces. The Sintra-Cascais Natural Park has forest trails linking the sights, misty hilltops, mossy boulders and paths down to the wild Atlantic coast. Walking is also a great way to avoid the traffic. Here are the best hikes in Sintra.

Quick answer: the classic walk is the Santa Maria trail from the old town up to the Moorish Castle and Pena Palace (about 45 minutes to an hour, uphill). Inside Pena Park, climb to the Cruz Alta, the highest point. For views, walk to the Peninha sanctuary. For the coast, hike from Cabo da Roca along the cliffs.

The best walks

• Santa Maria trail: a forest path from the historic centre up to the Moorish Castle and Pena. See the Moorish Castle.
• Pena Park and Cruz Alta: trails through the park to the highest point of the Sintra hills. See Pena Palace.
• Peninha: a hilltop sanctuary with sweeping views over the coast.
• Monserrate and the Seteais path: a gentler walk west of town. See Monserrate.
• Cabo da Roca to Praia da Ursa: clifftop paths and a steep descent to a wild beach. See Cabo da Roca.
• The Capuchos Convent: a cork-lined friary in the forest, reached by trails.

Tips

• Shoes: paths are steep, rocky and slippery in the mist.
• Weather: Sintra is cooler and damper than Lisbon, so bring a layer.
• Tickets: walking up doesn’t include entry to the palaces, so book those separately.
• Guided hikes: local guides know the quieter routes. See Sintra tours.

More: visiting Sintra, hiking in Portugal and where to stay in Sintra.

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