Is the walk to Pena Palace difficult?

Yes, it is considered challenging. The route involves a significant uphill climb from the village to the peaks, often on steep or uneven terrain, so a moderate level of fitness is required.

What is the best time for a self-guided walk in Sintra?

Start as early as possible, ideally by 9:00 AM. This allows you to reach the National Palace of Pena before the largest crowds arrive and avoids the peak afternoon heat.

Can I see the Pena Palace and Moorish Castle on the same day?

Absolutely. They are located within the same park complex and are only a 10-15 minute walk apart, making them easy to combine in a single afternoon.

Is the High Cross worth the extra hike?

Yes, it is highly recommended for photography enthusiasts. It provides the most iconic wide-angle view of the Pena Palace with the surrounding forest and ocean in the background.

Are there restrooms along the Sintra walking route?

Yes, public toilets are available at the entrance to the Moorish Castle, inside the Pena Palace complex, and near the Chalet of the Countess of Edla.

What should I wear for a walking route in Sintra?

Wear sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes with good grip, as the stone paths can be slippery. Even in summer, bring a light jacket because the mountain peaks are often significantly cooler and mistier than the town below.

Can I do this walk with a stroller?

No, this specific route is not stroller-friendly. The Moorish Castle ramparts and the forest paths to the High Cross involve many stairs and narrow, rocky trails.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Rising from the mist of the Serra de Sintra, this self-guided walk invites you to explore a landscape where nature and human imagination collide. Sintra has long been a sanctuary for royalty and romantics, a place where crumbling medieval fortifications stand in the shadow of whimsical 19th-century palaces. This walking route takes you on a journey through the heart of Portuguese Romanticism, beginning in the quiet, traditional neighborhood of São Pedro and ascending into the clouds to witness the crowning jewels of the region. Along the way, you will encounter ancient history at the Moorish Castle and the architectural eccentricity of the National Palace of Pena. What makes this neighborhood stroll unique is the dramatic shift in atmosphere. You start with the local charm of São Pedro de Sintra, known for its artisan markets and historic church, before entering the dense, exotic forests of the Pena Park. As you climb, the air cools and the views expand, offering panoramic vistas that reach all the way to the Atlantic Ocean. This is a route designed for those who appreciate architecture, history, and photography, as every turn reveals a new perspective of colorful turrets, moss-covered stone walls, and hidden garden grottos. Unlike a standard walking tour Sintra visitors might take in the crowded town center, this path focuses on the higher elevations and the royal retreats that defined the 1800s. Expect a challenging but rewarding trek. You will traverse steep forest paths and walk along the ramparts of a castle that has guarded these hills for over a millennium. You will also discover the more intimate side of royal life at the Chalet of the Countess of Edla, a hidden gem often missed by those rushing through the main palace. By choosing this self-guided adventure, you can linger at the High Cross for the perfect photo or take a detour through the winding garden paths at your own pace. This walking tour Sintra experience is a deep dive into the soul of a mountain that has inspired poets like Lord Byron and kings like Ferdinand II.

Highlights

The panoramic ramparts of the 8th-century Moorish Castle

The vibrant, eclectic architecture of the National Palace of Pena

Hidden forest paths and exotic flora within Parque da Pena

The breathtaking view from the High Cross (Cruz Alta)

The unique cork-lined interior of the Chalet of the Countess of Edla

The historic charm of the Church of São Pedro de Sintra

Tour Stops (6)

Church of São Pedro de Sintra

Begin your self-guided adventure at the Church of São Pedro de Sintra. While the current structure dates largely from the 18th century following the Great Earthquake of 1755, this site has been a religious focal point since the 12th century. The facade is a beautiful example of Portuguese Baroque, but it is the interior’s blue-and-white azulejo tiles depicting the life of Saint Peter that truly capture the local spirit. This neighborhood, São Pedro, is quieter than the main Sintra center and serves as the traditional gateway to the mountains. Take a moment to appreciate the local craftsmanship before you begin the steep ascent toward the royal peaks.

The Moorish Castle

Perched on a rocky outcrop, the Castelo dos Mouros offers a stark contrast to the colorful palaces nearby. Built by the Moors in the 8th and 9th centuries, these fortifications were designed to guard the region's agricultural lands. As you explore independently along the winding ramparts, you can see the strategic advantage of this location. King Ferdinand II restored these ruins in the 19th century, integrating them into the romantic landscape of his estate. The granite walls seem to grow directly out of the boulders, and the views from the towers provide a stunning vantage point over the Palace of Sintra and the Atlantic coast.

Parque da Pena

Step into the lush greenery of Parque da Pena, a 200-hectare park that reflects the 19th-century Romantic ideal of 'wild' nature. King Ferdinand II personally oversaw the planting of species from all over the world, including North American sequoias, Chinese gingko trees, and Australian ferns. The park is a maze of hidden paths, secret lakes, and ornate pavilions. As you walk through this forest, notice how the mist often clings to the trees, creating an ethereal atmosphere. This isn't just a garden; it's a carefully choreographed landscape designed to evoke emotion and wonder at every turn of the trail.

National Palace of Pena

Behold the crown of Sintra: the National Palace of Pena. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a masterpiece of 19th-century Romanticism, blending Neo-Gothic, Neo-Manueline, Islamic, and Renaissance styles. Once a quiet monastery, it was transformed by the 'Artist King' Ferdinand II into a summer residence for the Portuguese royal family. The vibrant yellows and reds of the exterior represent different phases of the building's history. Look for the terrifying statue of the Triton over the gateway, symbolizing the allegory of the creation of the world. The interior remains much as it was when the royal family fled in 1910, offering a frozen-in-time look at royal life.

High Cross (Cruz Alta)

A short but steep hike from the palace leads you to the Cruz Alta, the highest point in the Sintra Mountains at 528 meters above sea level. The original 16th-century cross was destroyed by a lightning strike, and the current stone cross was commissioned by King Ferdinand II. This spot is widely considered the best photographic vantage point in Sintra. From here, the Pena Palace appears to rise like a fairy-tale castle out of the canopy of the forest. On a clear day, the view extends past Lisbon to the Arrábida Mountains, offering a true sense of the scale and beauty of the Portuguese landscape.

Chalet of the Countess of Edla

Conclude your walking route at the Chalet of the Countess of Edla. This Alpine-style retreat was built by King Ferdinand II and his second wife, Elise Hensler, the Countess of Edla. It is a more intimate, private structure compared to the grand palace. The exterior is famous for its use of cork as a decorative and insulating element, mimicking the bark of trees to help the building blend into the surrounding forest. After a devastating fire in 1999, the chalet was meticulously restored. It stands as a testament to the couple's shared love of botany and their desire for a secluded sanctuary away from the formalities of court life.

Frequently Asked Questions

The full walk takes approximately 4 hours (240 minutes). This includes time to explore the ramparts of the Moorish Castle and the interior rooms of the Pena Palace.