Sintra with Kids: The Best Palaces and Tips for Families

Sintra feels like it was made for children: a candy-coloured palace on a mountain, a castle with walls to climb, a spiral well that plunges underground and secret tunnels through the gardens. But it’s also hilly, busy and easy to overdo. Here’s how to visit Sintra with kids, from parents who live nearby.

Quick answer: pick two sights at most. Quinta da Regaleira (tunnels and the Initiation Well) is the kids’ favourite, followed by the Moorish Castle walls and Pena Park. Go early on a weekday, use the 434 bus or a tuk-tuk for the hills, and bring a baby carrier rather than a buggy. Reward everyone with a travesseiro pastry.

The best sights for kids

Quinta da Regaleira

The top pick: a mysterious garden full of grottos, towers, stepping stones across a lake and dark tunnels connecting it all, plus the famous spiral Initiation Well descending into the ground. It’s right by the old town, so no bus is needed. Book a timed ticket.

The Moorish Castle

Real castle walls zigzagging along the ridge, with towers to climb and huge views (€12). Lots of steps, so it suits older kids. Hold little hands near the walls.

Pena Park and Palace

The colourful palace looks like a fairy tale, and the park has forest paths, lakes and the chalet of the Countess. With small children, the park ticket (€12) and the gardens may be enough; the palace interior can be crowded. A small shuttle runs from the entrance up to the palace.

The old town

Wander the lanes and try the famous travesseiros and queijadas at Piriquita.

Practical tips

• Getting there: the train from Lisbon’s Rossio station takes about 40 minutes. See Lisbon to Sintra.
• Getting around: the 434 bus loops to the castle and Pena (the 24-hour pass is €7.50 for children), or take a tuk-tuk or taxi to save little legs.
• Buggies: hard work on the hills and cobbles; a baby carrier is much easier.
• Go early and on a weekday to avoid queues and crowds.
• Bring layers: Sintra is often cooler and mistier than Lisbon.
• Snacks and water: palace cafés are pricey and busy.
• Don’t drive: parking is scarce and traffic is restricted.

Combine with the beach

Finish with sandcastles on a Cascais town beach, 30 minutes away. See Sintra vs Cascais and Cascais.

Prefer a tour?

A private half-day tour with hotel pickup makes Sintra easy with kids. See the best Sintra tours.

More: Lisbon with kids, Sintra in one day and Portugal with kids.

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