Sintra is like a page torn from a fairy tale, with lush hills, misty forests, and the jewel in its crown: the colorful Pena Palace. This town near Lisbon showcases a quintessential Portuguese charm with its cobbled streets and traditional bakeries, where the scent of freshly baked queijadas lingers in the air. Likewise, besides its picturesque landscape, this town also stands out for being a retreat for the royals. If you’re looking for the best areas to stay in Sintra, Portugal, you came to the right place.
The Sintra municipality, nestled within the hills of the Lisbon district, is an open-air museum exhibiting majestic gardens and castles. The must-see attractions in Sintra include Quinta da Regaleira, with hidden tunnels, and the Moorish Castle, with stunning panoramic views. This UNESCO World Heritage site also offers a wide variety of accommodations, from quintessentially Portuguese B&Bs to luxury hotels in breathtaking palaces.
Sintra has a unique atmosphere that’s both serene and mystical. By day, it’s a haven for history enthusiasts who wander its paths and explore centuries-old manors. As dusk falls, Sintra transforms into an ethereal location. Soft golden lights illuminate ancient facades against a fog backdrop in a picture-ready way almost all year! Likewise, the town is an architectural marvel with an eclectic mix of Gothic, Egyptian, Moorish, and Renaissance influences.
Whether you’re visiting Sintra for sightseeing, to escape Lisbon’s hustle and bustle, or on a romantic getaway, please keep reading to discover our selection of the best areas to stay in Sintra for tourists.
Accommodation Options in Sintra
If you don’t have time to read the full article, this summarizes our recommended districts in Sintra. Keep on reading to find out more information about each of these areas.
- Best area for sightseeing: Sintra City Center
- Best area for luxury hotels: Sintra City Center
- Best area for nature lovers: Sintra-Cascais Natural Park
- Cheap area to stay in Sintra: Around the Olga Cadaval Cultural Center
- Best area for beach lovers: Cascais
What’s the Best Area to Stay in Sintra?
The Centro district is the best area to stay in Sintra because you’ll be within walking distance from the attractions. And, if it’s your first time in this Portuguese town, you’ll appreciate not having to walk that much up its steep hills. Some must-see sites in Sintra City Center include the National Palace, which has a stunning collection of Portuguese tiles, and Quinta da Regaleira, which has an impressive well and a beautiful garden. This district also hosts the best-rated hotels in Sintra and is not far from the Pena Palace.
Find available accommodation in Sintra City Center.
Best Hotels in Sintra City Center
- Best 5-star hotel: Lawrences Hotel
- Best 4-star hotel: Sintra Boutique Hotel
- Best 3-star hotel: Sintra Bliss Hotel
- Best budget hotel: Hotel Nova Sintra
- Best B&B: Villa Bela Vista
- Best tourist apartments: Casa Didi
Where to Stay in Sintra for Sightseeing, to Visit the Beach or for a Romantic Getaway
As mentioned above, the Centro district is the best location for tourists in Sintra. However, other places in this enchanting Portuguese town may suit your taste and preferences. Likewise, some sites, like the beaches, are outside the city center. So, here are some of the best districts to stay in Sintra outside the Centro:
- Staying in the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park is the best choice to escape the chaotic, big-city life. The park, located west of the city center, covers mountains and beaches, offering stunning views and landscapes. Thus, it is among the best areas to stay in Sintra for outdoor activities like hiking. The best accommodations here include the Vila Gale Sintra and Arribas Sintra Hotel.
- Cascais is a different town, but it is nearby and also the best location to stay in Sintra for beach lovers. Over the years, this lovely Portuguese town has gone from a humble fishing village to a sophisticated seaside resort. Likewise, many celebrities vacation in Cascais, so it’s safe to say you can find several top-notch luxury hotels here. Some of the best hotels in Cascais are The Albatroz Hotel and Artsy Cascais.
- Although this storybook-like town is typically associated with Portuguese royalty, you can also find affordable accommodation in Sintra. The surroundings of the Olga Cadaval Cultural Center are among the cheapest areas to stay in Sintra. Some hostels and budget-friendly hotels are located around the cultural center, which is north of the city center. Our favorite hotel in the area is the Hotel Nova Sintra, but the best hostel is the Casa Azul.
The Best Areas for Tourists in Sintra: District by District
1. Sintra City Center
Best Location in Sintra for First-Time Travelers
Sintra’s Centro district is the heart of the city and hosts attractions like the National Palace and the Quinta da Regaleira. This area houses some of the best restaurants and hotels in Sintra.
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Why is this the best area to stay in Sintra:
- Heart of the city
- Beautiful architecture
- luxury hotels
- Pedestrian-friendly
- Convenient location near major attractions
- Excellent Portuguese restaurants
- Charming streets
- Near the train station
Sintra City Center is famous for its 19th-century architecture and landscapes. These distinctive features led to its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Likewise, this is also the heart of the city.
A must-see landmark in this area is the National Palace of Sintra, which dates back to the medieval period. This impressive palace served as a residence for Portuguese royalty. Its two conical chimneys are icons that contribute to Sintra’s skyline. Furthermore, the beautiful Portuguese tiles (azulejos) in its exterior cement its status as a mandatory stop in Sintra.
Another significant site is Quinta da Regaleira, a decorative 20th-century residence displaying Gothic architecture with elaborate gardens.
Sintra’s Centro district is the town’s central tourist district. It also hosts some of the city’s best restaurants, bakeries, cafés, and bars. In particular, you should try local wine paired with delicious seafood dishes like calamari, octopus, and bacalhau (cod). If you have a sweet tooth, I highly recommend having queijadas, a typical pastry from Sintra that combines queijo (cheese), eggs, milk, flour, and sugar. You can get these at any (and every) bakery in the center, and they will taste amazing.
The city center is among the best areas to stay in Sintra because of its large selection of accommodations. You will find everything here, from budget-friendly B&Bs to tourist apartments, charming boutique hotels and luxury hotels.
Finally, this area is close to Sintra’s train station, so you can quickly get from and to Lisbon. These trains connect with both Rossio and Oriente stations in the Portuguese capital. The romantic Palacio da Pena, the most visited attraction in Sintra, is only a 20-minute drive from the city center. You can use several taxi companies to get to this colorful place.
Best Hotels in Sintra City Center
Lawrences Hotel
Lawrence’s Hotel has country-style rooms and suites, a library, and an elegant restaurant with French windows. It is located in a renovated countryside manor and offers rooms with antique furniture.
Sintra Boutique Hotel
Located in the center of the historic UNESCO town of Sintra, this boutique hotel offers rooms and suites with views of the old town and Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. It has a landscaped garden where guests can relax at the courtyard bar.
Sintra Bliss Hotel
Located in the center of Sintra, the Bliss Hotel is a designer hotel full of character and fitted with contemporary interiors. Sintra Train Station is just 459 feet away, while the renowned Pena Palace is 2.5 mi away.
Hotel Nova Sintra
Hotel Nova Sintra has a large terrace overlooking the Sintra Mountain Range and a romantic patio shaded by large trees. It features decorated rooms and free Wi-Fi.
Casa Didi
Casa Didi, in Sintra, features accommodations with free Wi-Fi. It is a 9-minute walk from Sintra National Palace, 1.2 miles from Pena National Palace, and a 14-minute walk from Moors Castle.
Villa Bela Vista
A 9-minute walk from Quinta da Regaleira in the center of Sintra, Villa Bela Vista provides accommodations with access to a garden: the bed and breakfast features garden views, an outdoor fireplace, and free Wi-Fi throughout the property.
2. Sintra-Cascais Natural Park
Best area to stay in Sintra for nature lovers
The Sintra-Cascais Natural Park is a beautiful protected area that extends from the mountains to the coast. The striking Pena Palace, Sintra’s most iconic landmark, is within the park.
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Why is this the best area to stay in Sintra:
- Excellent for outdoor activities
- Eco-friendly hotels
- Palacio da Pena
- Castle of the moors
- Peaceful area
- Cabo da Roca
- Connected by public transportation
The Sintra-Cascais Natural Park was established as a Protected Area in 1994. The park covers an area that stretches from the Sintra mountain range to the western coastline, known as the Portuguese Riviera. This region is remarkable for its geological features, flora, and fauna. It was defined to help protect the environment while hosting educational and recreational activities.
The park is about 25 kilometers from Lisbon and includes historical sites like the Castle of the Moors. This castle dates back to the 8th and 9th centuries when Muslim populations occupied the Iberian Peninsula. Another highlight within the park is the Pena Palace, a 19th-century Romanticist castle on a hilltop. King Ferdinand II started the construction project for this colorful palace, the most visited site in Sintra.
Likewise, you will also find Cabo da Roca within the park borders, the westernmost point of continental Europe. The rock formations and cliffs here provide gorgeous views of the dynamic Atlantic waters.
Public transport to Sintra-Cascais National Park is available from Lisbon. Trains and buses run regularly to Sintra from the nearby Portuguese capital. Moreover, you can reach different park parts via bus from other neighborhoods in town.
This is the best area to stay in Sintra for outdoor activities like hiking. In addition, hotels in the area include several sustainable and eco-friendly accommodation options.
Best Hotels in Sintra-Cascais Natural Park
Arribas Sintra Hotel
The westernmost hotel in Europe is located on the magnificent coast of Sintra, right on Praia Grande. It is 15 minutes from the historic center and 40 minutes from Lisbon Airport, and seven golf courses are within an 11-mile radius.
Sintra Sol
Sintra Sol is located between Praia das Maçãs and the Sintra Mountain Range. It boasts two saltwater pools. Its modern apartments feature private balconies and DVD players on request. Free private parking is available.
Casalinho De Santo António
Casalinho De Santo António is located in Colares, a 10-minute from the beach. This traditional-style property features a large garden and rooms with colorful furniture. Guests have access to a shared lounge with a TV.
Meraki Hostel
Casalinho De Santo António is located in Colares, a 10-minute from the beach. This traditional-style property features a large garden and rooms with colorful furniture. Guests have access to a shared lounge with a TV.
3. Around the Olga Cadaval Cultural Center
Cheap area to stay in Sintra
The Olga Cadaval Cultural Center is north of Sintra’s city center, and it is notable for its cheap hotels and hostels.
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Why is this the best area to stay in Sintra:
- Cheap hotels and hostels
- Close to Sintra’s train station
- Music and art performances
- Pedestrian-friendly
- Nearby the city center
The Olga Cadaval Cultural Center is a performing arts and cultural events institution located near the center of Sintra, within walking distance. Likewise, its setting is near the Sintra train station, located approximately 500 meters to the northwest.
The cultural center is named after Olga Cadaval, a music philanthropist whose dedication to the arts was pivotal in the local community. It features two auditoriums; the larger one seats around 800 people, while the smaller space accommodates roughly 200. Beyond its function as a venue for music, dance, and theatrical performances, the Olga Cadaval Cultural Center also serves as an exhibition space for visual arts.
The center’s surrounding area is one of the cheapest locations to stay in Sintra. Here, you will find budget hotels and several hostels. It also helps that, even though it is more affordable, you’ll still be near the city’s main attractions while staying in this area. Plus, even though the district is very pedestrian-friendly, you can still get to other parts of Sintra via bus from this part of town.
Other attractions in this area include the MU.SA. Museum, which has an impressive collection of modern Portuguese art, and the stunning Correnteza garden.
Best Hotels Near the Olga Cadaval Cultural Center
Tram Apartments
Located 5 minutes walking from Portela de Sintra Train Station, the restored Tram Apartments are set in an early 20th-century building. They include free WiFi access and air conditioning.
Sintra Green Chalet Bed & Breakfast
Sintra Green Chalet Bed & Breakfast offers air-conditioned rooms in Sintra. This property also offers luggage storage space, a concierge service, and free Wi-Fi throughout.
Casa Azul Hostel
Located in Sintra, Sintra National Palace is a 17-minute walk away. Casa Azul Hostel has a shared lounge, non-smoking rooms, free WiFi throughout the property, and a terrace.
4. Cascais
To stay near the beach
Although Cascais is a different town, it is only 10 miles (17 km) south of Sintra and is home to beautiful beaches and exclusive hotels.
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Why is this the best area to stay in Sintra:
- Beach area
- Exclusive, luxury hotels
- Excellent restaurants
- Great area for shopping
- Boca do Inferno
Cascais is a coastal town about 18 miles (30 kilometers) west of Lisbon and 10 miles (17 km) south of Sintra. This former fishing village gained fame in the late 19th to early 20th centuries when King Luís I chose the bay as his summer residence. The royal presence helped transform it into a popular resort destination for Portuguese high society. Today, it remains a celebrity holiday hotspot.
Located at the mouth of the Tagus River as it meets the Atlantic Ocean, Cascais is enveloped by sandy beaches such as Praia da Ribeira and Praia de Santa Marta. Boca do Inferno is a striking cliff to the south with crashing waves and incredible views.
As for must-see landmarks in Cascais, there is the 15th-century Santa Marta Lighthouse and Museum and the Museu Condes de Castro Guimarães, exhibiting artifacts from the region’s past. The latter, housed in a former aristocratic residence from the early 20th century, features collections of regional furniture, paintings, and decorative arts.
Besides being a different town, I’ve included Cascais on this list of the best areas to stay in Sintra because it is nearby. Likewise, besides its beaches, Cascais hosts exclusive luxury hotels, spas, and boutique shops. Hence, this city offers a more refined experience than Sintra and even some of the best areas to stay in Lisbon.
Best Hotels in Cascais
The Albatroz Hotel
Located on the cliffs of the Estoril Coast, The Albatroz Hotel enjoys superb views of the Cascais Bay. This welcoming, charming 5-star unit has a sea-view swimming pool and sunny terrace.
Vila Bicuda Resort
Located in Sintra/Cascais Natural Park and less than 3.1 mi from Atlantic beaches, Vila Bicuda Villas Resort offers self-catering studios and villas with free WiFi and two outdoor swimming pools.
