Sintra: Pena Palace & Moorish Castle Hike from Lisbon

Three Palaces & Two Mountain Trails in One Day from Lisbon

You hike between three major palaces in Sintra (Moorish Castle, Pena Palace, and Quinta da Regaleira) with a local guide who explains the history and symbolism of each site. The day includes forest trails, guided entries to all three properties, and hotel pickup and drop-off from Lisbon. Bring water and comfortable hiking boots. The pace is steady and the elevation gain is real.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Sintra1h
2. Quinta da Regaleira1h 20m
3. Sintra National Palace20m

Explore Sintra's history and landmarks

• Introduction to Sintra's history
• Walk through Sintra's historical center
• Hike to Moorish Castle
• Guided visit to Moorish Castle
• Walk to Pena Palace
• Guided visit to Pena Palace
• Walk down Vila Sasseti trail
• Guided visit to Quinta da Regaleira
• Walk back to meeting point

The experience

You start in Sintra's historical center, where your guide walks you through the town's layout and points out the landmarks you're about to climb toward. Then the real hike begins: a steady climb through forest up to Moorish Castle, the oldest of the three sites you'll visit today. The stone walls sit high enough that you can see across the valley, and your guide explains the Portuguese-Arabic history that shaped this place during the medieval occupation. It's not a casual stroll. You're moving uphill on a proper trail, but the pace gives you time to notice the vegetation changing as you climb.

After the castle, you walk down and across to Pena Palace, the romantic 19th-century structure that sits on the ridge like something from a storybook. Your guide covers the architecture and why this palace mattered so much to Sintra's development as a destination. Then comes the Vila Sasseti trail: a quieter, wilder descent through exotic trees and undergrowth that feels less manicured than the palace grounds. By the time you reach Quinta da Regaleira, you've already hiked for hours, but the property's gardens and underground chambers are worth the detour. Your guide explains the Masonic symbolism woven into the design, which is the kind of detail that sticks with you after you leave.

The walk back to the meeting point in Sintra's center is downhill, and then you're picked up and driven back to Lisbon. Pickup and drop-off from your Lisbon hotel are included, so you don't have to figure out the train or navigate the town on your own. The whole day runs 7 to 8 hours, and you'll need a moderate level of fitness. This is a hiking tour, not a palace tour with a bus between stops.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from Lisbon.
• guided visits to Moorish Castle, Pena Palace, and Quinta da Regaleira.
• access to Moorish Castle hiking trail and Vila Sasseti forest trail.
• local guide throughout the day.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:30 and 09:00

AgesAdult (15 to 65 years) · Under 15: can't be booked

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on site€ 85

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Xana Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you're comfortable hiking for several hours and want to see Sintra's three major palaces in one day without arranging transport, tickets, or timing yourself. The guide handles the route and the history, and pickup from Lisbon means you don't navigate the town alone.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long is the hike and how much elevation gain is there?

The full tour runs 7–8 hours including all three guided visits and the walks between sites. The Moorish Castle climb is the steepest section. Overall fitness should be moderate to handle the day comfortably.

Are entry fees to the palaces included?

Yes. Guided entries to Moorish Castle, Pena Palace, and Quinta da Regaleira are all included, along with access to the forest trails (Moorish Castle trail and Vila Sasseti trail).

Is lunch included?

Lunch is not mentioned in the tour inclusions. You'll want to bring snacks or plan to eat in Sintra's town center during a break.

Is this tour suitable if I'm not a regular hiker?

The tour requires at least moderate physical fitness and regular walking or hiking experience. It's not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health or limited mobility.

What should I bring?

Comfortable hiking boots, water, and weather-appropriate clothing. The trails are exposed in places, so sun protection is a good idea.

Is public transportation available if I don't want to use the hotel pickup?

Yes, public transportation options are available to reach Sintra from Lisbon, though the guided tour pickup is included in the price.

Can I do this tour if I'm pregnant?

The tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers due to the hiking distance and elevation gain.