Do you want to visit Sintra in Portugal and spend as little as possible?
Then follow this Top 15 of free visits, museums and activities to do in Sintra that we have created for you to enjoy without breaking the bank.
Table des matières
Visit the Centro Histórico de Sintra
It would be a shame to make the whole trip to Sintra without seeing the historic center. We know you’ll love its majestic monuments, its souvenir stores and its absolutely delicious restaurants.
We suggest you try some of the local specialties, such as the ginginha or the travesseiro, a puff pastry filled with almond cream and young eggs.
It is a very nice village where it is good to live; to see without further delay!
Liberdade Park
One of the places that really captivated us in Sintra was the Liberdade Park. We didn’t have any trouble recognizing it thanks to its multitude of huge trees that we could see from far away and that gave us a foretaste of what was waiting for us once inside.
We only spent an hour there but it was 60 minutes of pure happiness. We had a lovely shady walk and enjoyed the extremely cool air. We highly recommend it!
Vila Sassetti
Before telling you about the villa, let’s have a look at the park with its thousand colors! The flowery gardens will lead you with great subtlety to this wonderful castle.
Walking in these green spaces will give you incredible sensations and the arrival will be no less amazing! On the spot, you’ll be happy to enjoy a breathtaking view of Sintra.
Azenhas do Mar
We loved this charming little village located on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. During our visit to Sintra, we went to Azenhas do Mar and we didn’t regret it!
To fully enjoy your walk, we invite you to access it by foot. This will allow you to discover it as you go up the path.
Once at the top, you will be overwhelmed by its narrow streets and well decorated houses that will transport you in a mixture of sweetness and nostalgia
Farol do cabo da Roca
Nothing will enchant you more than this very old lighthouse located in such a beautiful area.
This square-shaped tower of Cabo da Roca is built of brick and paved with white tiles. It is distinguished by its balcony and its red lantern whose light can illuminate up to 48 kilometers in the round, but also by its altitude of 156 meters that promises a spectacular view of the ocean.
Having a very enviable place on the list of the western tip of Europe, we can only recommend it!
Quinta Da Ribafria
We would like to introduce you to this beautiful 16th century Manueline manor house. Not only does it have a unique style, but it is also located in a peaceful and relaxing environment.
Visitors flock to this property throughout the year to see the mansion, of course, but also for its sensational gardens and parks where walks are always a treat for the eyes and the heart.
Let’s not forget its 30-meter tower that offers a splendid view of the ocean.
Top beaches to see in Sintra
Here are some of our favorite beaches in Sintra. I hope you will like them because we had a great time there.
Praia da ursa
It’s true that the beach is a bit difficult to get to with a long and arduous road, but the harder you work to get there, the more you’ll enjoy it.
Praia da ursa is a real paradise on earth near Cabo da Roca. You’ll know it right away when you get there: Kilometers of fine sand surrounded by huge rocks as if for protection, the sea blue as if to burst and the beautiful waves that gently crash on the shore.
You can surf, swim or simply bask in the sun.
Praia Grande
What is completely amazing about this beach is that the water remains very cool, even cold in the middle of summer. This will surprise you a bit at first but you will get used to it very quickly, especially since a swim in icy water under a blazing sun, it wakes you up!
It is also a place where surfers always find their happiness. If you go there with children, don’t worry there are many guarded areas at Praia Grande!
Praia da Samarra
We couldn’t forget to tell you about Praia Samarra because it really made an impression on us during our trip to Sintra.
We advise you to go there at least once to have the chance to see its picturesque landscapes and its wild coasts. Don’t forget to go to its steep and rugged cliffs overlooking the Atlantic.
You will also find some absolutely amazing caves, which are worth a visit!
Câmara Municipal de Sintra
You will be completely charmed by the Sintra City Hall, with its very original architecture combining different artistic styles.
You should not pass by this splendid building without stopping for a moment to admire its presence and nobility.
The Sintra Town Hall can also be a very attractive spot to take pictures to show your relatives when you return. We recommend it without hesitation!
Santuario da Peninha
Your wonderment will already be felt on the mountain road located in the heart of the forest.
As you walk up these trails, you will discover a breathtaking landscape and an unbeatable view of Guincho and Cabo da Roca.
This walk on the mountains of Sintra will help you get back in shape and relax away from the bustle of the city. It’s a nice getaway in the woods that you should do urgently!
Moorish Fountain
You’ll see a lot of fountains in Sintra and the Moorish Fountain is probably one of the prettiest.
Its proud appearance and gracefulness are so impressive that it will certainly make you want to take some pictures as a souvenir of your visit to Sintra. No tourist can resist her because she has everything to please.
You won’t be able to remain indifferent in front of its incomparable decorative mosaics, but its particularity lies in its three men’s silhouettes that serve as a facade and that make it even more mysterious.
Fonte dos Pisoes
Among the many fountains that adorn the city of Sintra, the Fonte dis Pisoes is one of the most beautiful.
Its simplicity and authenticity are very visible through its refined style.
You will appreciate its bright yellow color and its semicircular shape as well as its colorful floral decorations and geometric figures engraved on the tiles. The fountain sits right in the middle.
If you’re making your way from the historic center to Quinta the Regaleira, don’t forget to stop and admire this 90-year-old monument; you won’t regret it!
Sao Martinho Church
This church is worth a visit if only for its belvedere that offers a view of the entire city center. You will also be able to rest a little before resuming your trip on the tourist circuit of Sintra.
Inside, it is another surprise that awaits you with a barrel vault and rounded arches.
Its museum offers you to discover statues and other very old objects in addition to a small course of history on Sao Martinho.
We enjoyed our visit to this unusual place of worship and meditation and we plan to return as soon as we get the chance.
You will certainly do the same!
You now know the best free addresses in Sintra. All you have to do is pack your bags and go on an adventure!