travelaw

How much time should you allot for a short visit to Sintra? Can it possibly be done in a morning or am I dreaming? My travel partners don't like to spend a lot of time in one place (i.e. two days at one site).

Amy

Weeeelllllll, I spent two weeks in Sintra as my base and didn't get tired of it...

In one morning I'd think you could see a bit of the old town and maybe one palace; if you're driving, allow a fair amount of time to find a parking space. There really is a lot in the area, though, and I'd think an overnight visit would enhance your enjoyment...but that's just me!

PalQ

Sintra, to be fully experienced, demands a full day. If you take the commuter train there from Lisbon, less than an hour, it drops you in the town center where there is one fantastic castle, but the other one, more weird, eclectic and occupying a smashing hilltop location a bit out of town takes time to get to. Plus the vast park this hilltop creation sits on is very interesting to walk thru and see a ruined fortress with smashing views for miles around. Plus town on Sintra is equally charming. Thus Sintra, the royal town where Portugeuse royals retreated from Lisbon, should occupy a full day.

MonicaRichards

I agree, at least one day in Sintra. We went for one day on our two week trip and actually went back at the end too because we liked it so much and hadn't seen everything we wanted the first time.

hopscotch

I took a train to Sintra from Lisbon and a taxi up to the castle, passing what I was told was the Moorish castle that was in ruins. The king's castle is one of the best sights I've seen in Europe. It is everything that you would imagine a castle should be. Take the tour. After an hour there I had my taxi (which I had paid to wait) take me to the bus station. I took the bus to the casino at Estoril, gambled away a few dollars, and then took a local train back to Lisbon.

All of these places are worthy of more time than I gave them.