Looking for the best area to stay in Sintra?
Follow the guide, we’ve listed and detailed the best districts in Sintra for you, as well as our favouriteaccommodation.
You’ve decided to take a few days’ well-deserved holiday and you’re still hesitating about where to go? Then you should consider a trip to Sintra. It’s the perfect place to recharge your batteries and get away from it all.
To help you make the most of your stay in this privileged corner of Portugal, we’ve put together a selection of the best areas to stay in Sintra and everything you can do and see by area.
Don’t have time to read everything?
Here are our 3 favourite accommodations sorted by price category:
Note: Don’t delay in booking as these hotels are among the most booked in Sintra.
(€) Hospedaria Cafe Pielas. Cheap hotel located in the heart of Sintra, 5 minutes from the Regaleira Palace, Moorish Castle and Sintra National Palace. Book here.
(€€) Chalet Saudade. Superb charming hotel built in the 19th century with authentic decoration, located away from the tourist sites, 15 min walk from the Moorish Castle. Book here.
(€€) ❤️ Hotel Nova Sintra. Very well located hotel overlooking the mountain range with a view of the castle. Breakfast on the terrace in front of the Castle of the Moors. Book here.
🌃 F ind other accommodation at the best price 👈
Table des matières
Where to stay on your first visit to Sintra
Azenhas do mar: Sintra’s tourist district
We highly recommend landing in this fishing village perched high above Sintra, whose name is a tribute to the old water mills once used to make flour.
- The climb up to the cliff is truly enchanting, and as you gain altitude, Azenhas do mar will gradually reveal itself before your eyes, offering you the most beautiful of panoramas.
- You’re sure to love wandering through the endless narrow streets and admiring the white houses built in staircases.
- Discover some of the village’s specialities, including wine production and seafood harvesting, which you can enjoy in its restaurants.
- Contemplate a marvellous sunset and enjoy a splendid view from the top of the hill overlooking the ocean.
- Go to the beach at Azenhas do Mar or the natural ocean pool for a magical experience.
Here are our favourite hotels for a first stay in Sintra
Note: Don’t delay in booking as these hotels are among the most booked in Sintra.
(€) Hospedaria Cafe Pielas. Cheap hotel located in the heart of Sintra, 5 minutes from the Regaleira Palace, Moorish Castle and Sintra National Palace. Book here.
(€€) Chalet Saudade. Superb charming hotel built in the 19th century with authentic decoration, located away from the tourist sites, 15 min walk from the Moorish Castle. Book here.
(€€) ❤️ Hotel Nova Sintra. Very well located hotel overlooking the mountain range with a view of the castle. Breakfast on the terrace in front of the Castle of the Moors. Book here.
🌃 F ind other accommodation at the best price 👈
The place to stay in Sintra for lovers and couples
São Pedro de Sintra
São Pedro is by far the most romantic area of Sintra. So if you’re planning a romantic getaway during your visit to the region, there’s no better place to stay.
- Among other things, you can attend its famous medieval fair, which will transport you to another era with its costumes, music shows, juggling and craft sales.
- Rio da Bica will captivate you with its idyllic setting and extraordinary tranquillity.
- Stop for a moment at the Rio da Bica spring, which was once a meeting point for villagers who came here to wash their clothes.
- Let yourself be carried away by the unrivalled beauty of the Quinta das Camélias manor house and take a few souvenir photos to show your loved ones back home.
- Plan a romantic dinner for two at the Cantinho de Sao Pedro and enjoy a great evening in a really pleasant atmosphere.
Here are our favourite hotels for a romantic getaway in Sintra
Note: Don’t delay in booking as these hotels are among the most booked in Sintra.
(€) Hospedaria Cafe Pielas. Cheap hotel located in the heart of Sintra, 5 minutes from the Regaleira Palace, Moorish Castle and Sintra National Palace. Book here.
(€€) Chalet Saudade. Superb charming hotel built in the 19th century with authentic decoration, located away from the tourist sites, 15 min walk from the Moorish Castle. Book here.
(€€) ❤️ Hotel Nova Sintra. Very well located hotel overlooking the mountain range with a view of the castle. Breakfast on the terrace in front of the Castle of the Moors. Book here.
🌃 F ind other accommodation at the best price 👈
The area to stay in Sintra as a family with children
Serra de Sintra
It’s not so much a neighbourhood as a natural park that reveals all its secrets to you. You won’t be able to resist this fantastic mountain climate and impressive vegetation, which will constantly remind you that you’re in one of Europe’s most beautiful cities.
The Serra de Sintra is not to be missed:
- The 200-hectare Pena Park, which you’ll love exploring with your children.
- the 529-metre-high Cruz Alta, with its breathtaking ocean views.
- The Pena National Palace, considered to be one of the most beautiful monuments in the region.
- The Moorish castle, with its unique style and imposing appearance.
- The strange Regaleira Palace, with its building steeped in history and its mysterious labyrinths.
Here are our favourite hotels for a family holiday with children in Sintra
Note: Don’t delay in booking as these hotels are among the most booked in Sintra.
(€) Hospedaria Cafe Pielas. Cheap hotel located in the heart of Sintra, 5 minutes from the Regaleira Palace, Moorish Castle and Sintra National Palace. Book here.
(€€) Chalet Saudade. Superb charming hotel built in the 19th century with authentic decoration, located away from the tourist sites, 15 min walk from the Moorish Castle. Book here.
(€€) ❤️ Hotel Nova Sintra. Very well located hotel overlooking the mountain range with a view of the castle. Breakfast on the terrace in front of the Castle of the Moors. Book here.
🌃 F ind other accommodation at the best price 👈
Best area to go out in Sintra
Sintra city centre
Sintra’s city centre is indeed the place to stay if you want to enjoy the nightlife. It’s also full of breathtakingly picturesque scenery that you really shouldn’t miss.
- Admire superb views of the mountains and the National Palace from Sintra town centre.
- Visit the many souvenir shops in the area and find personalised gifts to take back to your friends and family.
- Eat vegetarian at Parça-Sintra and spend an unforgettable evening in this rather original restaurant.
- Indulge in a little wine-tasting at the Binhoteca wine bar and enjoy a memorable experience in a warm and intimate atmosphere.
- Indulge yourself at Café da Piriquita, where you can sample some absolutely divine pastries, including travesseiros and queijadas.
Here are our favourite hotels to stay in Sintra
Note: Don’t delay booking as these hotels are among the most booked in Sintra.
(€) Hospedaria Cafe Pielas. Cheap hotel located in the heart of Sintra, 5 minutes from the Regaleira Palace, Moorish Castle and Sintra National Palace. Book here.
(€€) Chalet Saudade. Superb charming hotel built in the 19th century with authentic decoration, located away from the tourist sites, 15 min walk from the Moorish Castle. Book here.
(€€) ❤️ Hotel Nova Sintra. Very well located hotel overlooking the mountain range with a view of the castle. Breakfast on the terrace in front of the Castle of the Moors. Book here.
Sintra’s green district
Quinta da Beloura
Here, nature is everywhere, and it’s not exactly discreet: green spaces, calm and serenity. In short, everything has been done to provide you with an attractive setting in which to spend some truly enjoyable moments.
- Play a round of golf on the property’s courses and develop your sporting skills in the great outdoors.
- Train like a tennis pro on the many courts set aside just for you!
- Enjoy a unique moment of relaxation in an absolutely magnificent SPA, at your complete disposal.
- Enrol your children in a play club and let them enjoy all kinds of entertainment.
- Or take an interest in the horse-riding centre at Quinta da Beloura and discover the joys of this exciting activity.
Here are our favourite hotels in the Green Quarter to stay at in Sintra
Note: Don’t delay as these are some of the most booked hotels in Sintra.
(€) Hospedaria Cafe Pielas. Cheap hotel located in the heart of Sintra, 5 minutes from the Regaleira Palace, Moorish Castle and Sintra National Palace. Book here.
(€€) Chalet Saudade. Superb charming hotel built in the 19th century with authentic decoration, located away from the tourist sites, 15 min walk from the Moorish Castle. Book here.
(€€) ❤️ Hotel Nova Sintra. Very well located hotel overlooking the mountain range with a view of the castle. Breakfast on the terrace in front of the Castle of the Moors. Book here.
The district to avoid in Sintra?
Terrugem
Located a 16-minute drive from the centre of Sintra, Terrugem is one of the quietest areas in which to stay in Sintra. We do not recommend this area of Sintra, as it is too far from the centre of the city, which makes it difficult to get to most points of interest. Nevertheless, here’s what you’ll find
- the Capela de Santa Eufemia church, with its incredible presence and indescribable ancient architecture.
- Don’t miss a visit to the Museu do Ar for a short lesson in the evolution of aeronautics since its inception.
- For its part, the Quinta Da Ribafria manor house offers a soothing escape to the heart of nature, with the added bonus of a trip back to the 16th century.
- Take a guided tour of Sintra with Terra Azul Emotion Tours, which will show you the most beautiful spots.
- Taste excellent Portuguese dishes at Don Pedro Guedes and enjoy a warm welcome and highly personalised service.
Where to stay near Sintra
Lisbon’s Baixia district
It’s safe to say that Baixa is Lisbon’s most dynamic district. You’ll find great accommodation options here, and you’ll be blown away by its beautifully decorated facades and lively streets.
What’s more, you’ll have the chance to visit some sublime sights such as :
- Avenue de la Liberté, with all its grandeur and 19th-century mansions, terraces and gardens.
- Restaurateurs Square, where an impressive obelisk pays tribute to all those who rebelled against the Spanish occupation.
- Rossio Square, which dates back to the 13th century and is now a symbol of the Portuguese capital.
- Place du Figuier, with its equestrian statue of JohnI and traditional buildings typical of Lisbon.
- Rue du Commerce, which replaced the former royal palace and is now a particularly lively part of Lisbon.
All these treasures and many more await you in Sintra; don’t keep us waiting any longer and go and discover them for yourself!
And let us know in the comments if you have any other hotels to recommend. In the meantime, enjoy your trip!