9 ways to enjoy Sintra away from the crowds

Situated around 30km (19 miles) from Lisbon, Sintra ranks among the most popular destinations in Portugal. Its close proximity to the capital, combined with the village's stunning beauty and natural park, draws millions of visitors each year. Indeed, that’s millions. Considering that the entire municipality has an estimated population of roughly 380,000, the influx of annual visitors far exceeds that of its residents.

While attractions like Palácio da Pena, Castelo dos Mouros, and Quinta da Regaleira draw large crowds, there are numerous other spots and activities within Sintra and the Parque Natural Sintra-Cascais that offer a more serene experience with less hustle.

1. Discover the intricacies of the Palácio and Parque Biester

Having opened its doors to the public only in 2022, the Palácio Biester remains a hidden gem for many Sintra visitors. Nestled alongside its more famous neighbor, Quinta da Regaleira, this 19th-century estate is a stunning example of the romantic architecture that characterizes the enchanting buildings concealed within the lush Sintra forest.

Spanning 6 hectares (15 acres), the botanical park features trees from around the globe, providing breathtaking views of Castelo dos Mouros and the town of Sintra from its viewpoints. The palace itself is a treasure trove of unique details, showcasing decorative murals by artists Luigi Manini and French master Paul Baudry that embellish the walls and ceilings of each room. Like many locations in Sintra, it weaves together mysticism and tales of the Knights Templar, complete with initiation chambers that spark the imagination. You’ll need several hours to truly appreciate the beauty of the Biester estate.

Tip for your visit: Begin at the entrance on Avenida Almeida Garrett and stroll through the gardens until you reach the palace. To delve into the property's history, reserve a 90-minute guided tour by emailing [email protected], or avoid the lines by purchasing tickets online.

2. Trek the path from Villa Sassetti to the Chalet da Condessa D'Edla

This adventure is not for the faint of heart or spirit. Prepare for nearly a full day of hiking along winding, uneven trails leading uphill from Villa Sassetti to the Chalet da Condessa D'Edla, with scenic lakes of the Parque da Pena along the way. The natural splendor of the route, along with its hidden corners, historic structures, and viewpoints, makes the effort worthwhile. To plan your hike, stop by the tourist office in Praça da República for maps of Villa Sassetti and Parque da Pena before you set off.

Alternative route: If you prefer not to tackle the entire path or are short on time, begin at the entrance to the Vale dos Lagos. Don’t forget to wear comfortable hiking shoes and bring water to stay hydrated.

3. Journey by tram from Sintra to Praia das Maçãs

Departing from Sintra, board a traditional Portuguese tram that leads to the coast. This line, established in the early 20th century, was dormant for many years before its restoration in 2004. Today, it offers locals and tourists an 11km (7-mile) scenic ride through the Sintra landscape, winding past homes and roads, with stops at sites like Adega Regional de Colares, providing a delightful 45-minute trip to the sea.

Tip for your journey: To reach Praia das Maçãs, catch the tram at Rua General Alves Roçadas in Estefânia. Tickets can be purchased at Vila Alda – Casa do Elétrico, right next to the tram stop (except on weekends and public holidays, when tickets are available directly on the tram). When returning to Sintra, don’t forget to obtain your ticket from the driver.

4. Take a leisurely walk through the gardens of Quinta da Ribafria

Quinta da Ribafria, a property dating back to 1541 and a prime example of Manueline civil architecture, is located on the outskirts of Parque Natural Sintra-Cascais, approximately 35km (22 miles) from Lisbon.

After years of neglect, this manor reopened in 2015, welcoming visitors to explore its once-overgrown woods and gardens.

Meander along a delightful path embellished with sculptures from both Portuguese and international artists, including Stefano Beccari from Italy and Amparo Luis from Spain. Take a moment on one of the benches to soak in the tranquility and listen to the gentle rustle of the wind through the treetops. Arriving when the estate opens at 10am might allow you to be among the first to enjoy this serene setting.

5. Enjoy a picnic by the Lagoa Azul

While it's not a hidden gem, given its closeness to the town of Cascais, it remains an excellent choice for those seeking a green space for a picnic or a leisurely stroll amid the stunning Serra de Sintra landscape.

This lagoon, which shifts between beautiful shades of green and blue throughout the day, resembles an oasis, occasionally animated by the splashes of ducks or the sound of dogs trotting alongside their owners. It's also a popular launch point for mountain biking adventures. To experience the Lagoa Azul more peacefully, plan your visit for early mornings and avoid weekends or the month of August.

Tip for planning: The parking lot is limited, so finding a spot during peak hours can be challenging. As an alternative, consider taking a train from Lisbon to Cascais and then catching a taxi or Uber to the lagoon.

6. Marvel at the stunning views from Santuário da Peninha

Perched nearly 500m (1640ft) above sea level, the Santuário da Peninha offers some of the finest vistas in the Parque Natural Sintra-Cascais, located at one of the highest points in Serra de Sintra.

Stroll along dirt paths until you reach the Capela de Nossa Senhora da Peninha, where you can take in expansive views of the surrounding scenery.

On clear days, the sights stretch from Cabo Espichel in the south to Cabo Carvoeiro in the north. Closer in, you can spot Praia do Guincho, Cascais, and the Cabo da Roca lighthouse, which marks the westernmost point of mainland Europe.

Adjacent to the chapel stands a mansion built in 1918 by the same owner of Quinta da Regaleira (which is not open to the public), and further down the path lies an ancient 12th-century hermitage.

Visit tip: This area is quite exposed to the winds, making foggy days a common occurrence. Be sure to check the weather before you head out.

7. Walk the paths once trodden by the monks at the Convento dos Capuchos

The Convento dos Capuchos, commonly referred to as the 'Cork Convent' for its use of cork in both construction and decor, is a haven for contemplation and reflection. This 16th-century convent adhered to the religious principles of the Order of St. Francis of Assisi.

For 250 years, Franciscan monks navigated these paths winding between large granite stones and thick vegetation, welcoming the few devout souls who visited. As you stroll these trails today, you'll discover chapels and hermitages marked by time, where a lingering spirituality gently slows your journey.

Planning tip: To ease your entry, consider purchasing your ticket online. For an extra euro, you can gain access to the audio guide app, which will enhance your exploration of this historic site.

8. Indulge in fresh fish with a stunning sea view at Azenhas do Mar

Once a quaint fishing village, Azenhas do Mar continues to captivate visitors with its charm, beauty, and harmony with the surrounding landscape.

Located about 10km (6 miles) from Sintra and 40km (25 miles) from Lisbon, this picturesque cluster of white houses perched on the cliffs looks like something from a painting. Many Portuguese artists, including Júlio Pomar, have sought inspiration here. If you approach from Praia das Maçãs, stop at the viewpoint overlooking the town to see why.

The area is small with limited parking, particularly in the summer. However, this is when you can enjoy the natural pool at the beach beneath the cliff—this tiny beach loses its sand during high tide. Don’t miss the chance to savor the freshest fish and seafood while taking in the stunning views and sunsets at the Azenhas do Mar restaurant right by the shore.

9. Unroll your towel at Praia do Magoito

Located about 10km (6 miles) from Azenhas do Mar, Praia do Magoito is a fantastic choice for escaping the more crowded beaches of Sintra, like Praia Grande or Praia das Maçãs. This long sandy beach offers plenty of room to spread out your towel along the dramatic cliffs leading to Praia da Aguda.

Another way to experience this landscape is by walking the cliff-top path that connects the two beaches.

More tips for avoiding the crowds in Sintra

Visiting Sintra during low season and on weekdays is the best way to dodge the largest crowds. If that’s not possible, aim for the opening hours or the last visits of the day to explore the monuments more peacefully. Staying overnight in the town can also enhance your experience, allowing you to enjoy a relaxed evening once the day trippers have departed.

Whenever possible, buy your tickets online to skip the queues and manage your time more effectively.