Family-Friendly Adventures in Sintra!

Pena National Palace (Palacio Nacional da Pena)

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary to Pena National Palace

Morning: Arrival and Exploration

Start your day early by catching a train from Lisbon"s Rossio Station to Sintra, which takes about 40 minutes. Once in Sintra, opt for the 434 tourist bus that will take you directly to Pena National Palace, nestled atop the Sintra Mountains. This vibrant palace is a marvel of Romanticist architecture, a true fairy-tale setting that will dazzle both kids and adults.

Interesting Fact: Pena National Palace is one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal and appears like a castle from a Disney movie.

Mid-morning: Pena National Palace Tour

Spend your morning exploring the palace interiors where each room is uniquely decorated, reflecting 19th-century Romanticism, with heavy Moorish influences. Don"t miss the majestic Arab Room and the Queen"s Terrace, where you can catch panoramic views of Sintra.

Lunch: Picnic in the Park

Pack a picnic to enjoy in the vast Pena Park that surrounds the palace. With over 200 hectares of lush greenery, hidden pathways, and exotic plants, it’s the perfect spot for a family lunch. Look out for the Queen"s Fern Valley and the camellia gardens, blooming beautifully.

Afternoon: Chalet of the Countess of Edla

Post lunch, stroll to the Chalet of the Countess of Edla, located within the park. This charming chalet was constructed for King Ferdinand II and his second wife and is notable for its alpine-inspired design and stucco decoration that mimics wooden logs.

Interesting Fact: The interior of the chalet is restored to reflect the personal taste of the Countess, showcasing a more intimate side of royal life.

Late Afternoon: Return to Sintra

Wrap up your visit by heading back to Sintra’s historic town for some local treats or souvenirs. The 434 bus provides a convenient return trip to the town center, rounding off a memorable family day at Pena National Palace.

This itinerary combines history, nature, and architecture, promising a magical and educational day out for any family!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Sintra

Why Visit?

One-Day Family Itinerary in Sintra

Morning

Start your magical day in Sintra by catching the early morning train from Lisbon’s Rossio Station, a 40-minute ride. Upon arrival, head straight to Quinta da Regaleira (10-minute walk from the train station). Explore its enchanting gardens, mystical initiation wells, and captivating towers. Don"t miss the "Portal of the Guardians," a subterranean tower plunging into the earth; it"s perfect for adventurous kids who love fairy tales!

Lunch

Enjoy a family lunch in the historic center of Sintra. Try Casa Piriquita, renowned for its traditional pastries "Travesseiros de Sintra." These almond and egg cream delights will be a treat for everyone!

Afternoon

After lunch, take the 434 tourist bus to the majestic Pena Palace, a 19th-century masterpiece standing atop a hill in the Sintra Mountains. Its bright colors and eclectic style, blending Moorish and Manueline motifs, make it seem like a castle from a fantasy world. Explore the terraces for breathtaking views over Sinithra and the surrounding countryside.

Evening

As you wind down, visit Sintra National Palace in the town center, easily reachable by foot. Learn about its thousand-year history, and see the iconic twin chimneys, a symbol of Sintra. Inside, the blend of Moorish and Manueline decor will fascinate the kids with its ornate details.

End your day with some local shopping or a sweet treat from the town’s quaint shops before heading back to Lisbon from Sintra Station.

Tip: Purchase a combined ticket or the Sintra Pass for easy access to multiple sites and public transport discounts. Comfortable walking shoes are a must, and bringing a stroller can help manage little ones on this enchanted adventure!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Castle of the Moors (Castelo dos Mouros)

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary to Castle of the Moors (Castelo dos Mouros)

Morning: Arrival and Exploration

Start your day early by heading to the enchanting town of Sintra. From Lisbon, you can take a 40-minute train ride from Rossio Station directly to Sintra. Upon arriving, grab some local pastries like Travesseiros from Piriquita bakery for a quick breakfast. Then, catch the 434 tourist bus which offers a loop service from the train station to the castle.

Mid-Morning: Castle of the Moors

As you arrive at the Castle of the Moors, perched on the Sintra mountains, prepare to step back into the 8th century when the Moors built this fortification to guard the town of Sintra. Pay for the family ticket which offers a discounted rate. Start your tour at the main gate and enjoy a leisurely walk along the castle walls. The walkways provide spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and the Atlantic Ocean, so make sure your camera is ready!

Interesting Fact: The Castle of the Moors features in the popular video game series, Assassin’s Creed.

Lunch Break

Around noon, enjoy a picnic lunch in the designated areas where you can relax and soak in the serene natural beauty. You can pack a lunch or purchase some snacks at the castle"s café.

Afternoon: Educational Fun

Post-lunch, engage with the interactive kiosk near the entrance that details the castle’s rich history through a family-friendly, interactive format. Kids will love dressing up in medieval costumes available for photos. Don’t miss the small archaeological museum that showcases artifacts found on the site, giving a glimpse into the lives of its ancient inhabitants.

Late Afternoon: Return to Sintra

Take the 434 bus back to Sintra village. If time and energy permit, conclude your day with a gelato from Casa do Preto before catching the train back to Lisbon.

Enjoy your family day out at the Castle of the Moors, blending education with excitement!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Monserrate Palace (Palacio de Monserrate)

Why Visit?

Embark on a magical family day out at the enchanting Monserrate Palace, nestled in the lush hills of Sintra, Portugal. Start your adventure by catching the 435 Sintra bus from the Sintra train station, which takes you directly to the palace—this scenic route offers a glimpse of Sintra"s stunning natural beauty and architectural gems.

Upon arrival at Monserrate Palace, you’ll be captivated by its unique blend of Gothic, Indian, and Moorish architectural styles. Begin with a guided tour of the palace, where you can explore the ornate interiors and learn about the rich history of this 19th-century marvel, once a summer resort for the Portuguese court. Kids will be fascinated by the exotic decorations and the storybook feel of the palace.

Next, venture into the palace"s gardens, which are a paradise of botanical diversity, featuring exotic plants from several continents, meticulously arranged by landscape architects. The family can enjoy a leisurely walk along the trails, discovering hidden waterfalls, secret paths, and the stunning ruins of an old chapel. Don’t miss the Mexican and Japanese gardens for a captivating botanical journey around the world.

For a lunch break, picnic at one of the designated areas in the gardens. Enjoy the peaceful surroundings and maybe spot some local wildlife. Alternatively, the palace café offers refreshments and light meals in a picturesque setting.

End your visit with a creative workshop often held in the palace grounds, where children can engage in arts and crafts, learning more about Portuguese culture and the history of Monserrate.

Before heading back, stop by the palace shop for unique souvenirs like local crafts and books that capture the magic of Monserrate, ensuring your family takes a piece of Sintra’s history home.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Sintra National Palace (Palácio Nacional de Sintra)

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Day Trip to Sintra National Palace

Morning: Arrival and Exploration

Start your magical day early by catching a train from Lisbon’s Rossio Station to Sintra. The journey takes about 40 minutes, offering scenic views that will excite the whole family. Upon arriving in Sintra, a short 10-minute walk will lead you to the striking Sintra National Palace, visible with its iconic white chimneys from afar.

Sintra National Palace Tour

Enter the palace as soon as it opens to avoid crowds. This historic palace is a blend of Moorish and Manueline architecture, making it a visual treat. As you wander through, tell the kids to look out for the Swan Room with its unique ceiling, and the Magpie Room which has a story of a king, a kiss, and a scandal! The mix of history and whimsy will capture their imaginations.

Interactive Learning

Participate in a family-friendly guided tour available in multiple languages. These tours often include engaging stories and legends about the palace’s past inhabitants that are sure to enchant both young and old.

Lunch Break

Around midday, enjoy a picnic in the lush gardens of Sintra. Pack some sandwiches, snacks, and drinks. There"s plenty of space for kids to play and explore in the fresh, open air.

Afternoon: Stroll Through Sintra’s Historical Center

Post lunch, take a leisurely walk back to the historical center of Sintra. Visit the local shops for unique souvenirs and treat the family to traditional Portuguese sweets like Travesseiros de Sintra at Piriquita, an old and famous bakery.

Return to Lisbon

Wrap up your visit by heading back to the train station for an evening ride back to Lisbon. After a day of royal tales and sweet treats, the comfortable train ride will be a perfect end to an enchanting outing.

This itinerary offers a balanced glimpse of history, culture, and fun, tailored to keep both kids and adults entertained throughout the day.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.