How to Visit the Moorish Castle of Sintra & What to Expect

The Moorish Castle (Castelo dos Mouros) is a must-see hilltop fortification in Portugal’s UNESCO-designated city of Sintra. And if you’re already planning on a visit to Sintra’s bright and whimsical Pena Palace, you’ll already be in the neighborhood!

I’ll be honest, I didn’t know much about the Moorish Castle before visiting. I was aware that Lori had purchased a joint ticket to both Pena Palace and the Castle ahead of time (more on that later, with line-skipping and money-saving tips), but knew nothing of the geography or the history of the millenium-old site.

Having toured both now, I’ll say they are equally worth your time and the effort involved in reaching them (also more on that, below).

Here’s pretty much everything you need to know for a great visit, including why you should visit the Moorish Castle, the best way(s) to get there from Lisbon, important tips for buying your tickets, highlights of the tour and what to expect, and best time to visit.

We’ve also tossed in some locals’ recommendations for where to eat in town and best places to stay.

Now, let’s dive in!

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Why Visit the Moorish Castle

You don’t have to be a history buff to love the Moorish Castle. Having just toured the impressive São Jorge Castle in Lisbon, I had my doubts. “Seriously, Lori? Another hilltop fort? Didn’t we just do that?”

As I soon discovered, the Moorish Castle isn’t just another hilltop fort. It’s one of the oldest and most evocative structures I’ve climbed and clambored over in years—and one of the most fun!

There are few corners that are off-limits to visits. And the views, alone, are well worth the effort.

But if you are a history buff, there’s plenty to drool over up here.

Built by the Moors in the 8th and 9th centuries to guard the region against invadors, the castle later became part of Portugal’s Christian Reconquista story in 1147.

Today, it stands as a symbol of resilience and the enduring beauty of the “Sintra Cultural Landscape,” which earned its UNESCO World Heritage Site designation in 1995.

Here are more reasons to tack it on to your itinerary:

• Historical Significance: The castle is one of Portugal’s oldest fortifications and a tangible example of Moorish occupation and medieval defense systems.
• Scenic Beauty: From the top of the ramparts, you’ll see the rolling hills surrounding Sintra, Pena Palace on the next hill over, and the Atlantic Ocean beyond.
• Adventure & Exploration: The entire mountain and park is a great spot for hiking, offering dozens of miles of trails, making it easy to lose the crowds and make new discoveries.
• Photographer’s Paradise: Everywhere you turn, there’s a shot waiting to be taken—the stone turrets and moss-covered walls almost seem made for capturing dramatic shots.
• Peaceful Escape: Compared to Pena Palace, the Moorish Castle is less crowded, particularly if you go on the earlier or later side (more details below).

Getting There from Lisbon

Sintra is located just 40 minutes west of Lisbon, making it one of Portugal’s most convenient—and rewarding—day trips. The downside? You won’t be the only one with that idea, so plan ahead and be ready for crowds!

Here are our recommendations for getting there:

By Train

The easiest way to get from Lisbon to Sintra (and back) is by train. Even if you’ve got a car, we think the train is still the smarter choice—no stress, no parking hassles, and not as much planning required. It’s cheaper, simpler, and kinder to the planet!

You can catch the train from a few different stations, but if you’re staying in central Lisbon—think Baixa, Chiado, Bairro Alto, or Alfama—Rossio Station is probably your best starting point.

• Depart from Rossio Station (Lisbon) → Sintra Station.
• Duration: ~40 minutes.
• Cost: Around €2.30 each way.

Tickets are available at the station, or you can top up your yellow Navegante card with €5 if you’ve already got one. There’s no need to book ahead—trains run about every 30 minutes, so you likely won’t have to wait long.

✪ Important It’s important to take the train all the way to the final stop: “Sintra” station. Don’t get itchy feet and jump ship at the second-to-last stop: “Portela de Sintra.”

Via a Day Tour from Lisbon

If you’re pressed for time, want to save your energy, would like to take in more sites than just the Moorish Castle, or simply want to leave the planning and logistics to someone else who knows what they’re doing, then this is the way to go!

Here our tour recommendations:

✪ Our Top Tour Pick Check out this top-rated private tour of Pena Palace and the Moorish Castle with pickup near the cruise terminal/ Alfama or airport.

✪ More To See Make the best use of your time and money with this top-rated private day trip tour of Sintra (Pena Palace, Moorish Castle, and Regaleira) AND Cascais. Pickup from hotel, residence, airport, or cruise terminal in Lisbon.

By Uber/Bolt

If you’re traveling with a small group of two to four people, grabbing an Uber or Bolt to or from Lisbon might be your best bet—especially if you’re already thinking about using one to get up the mountain once you’re in Sintra.

Right now, an Uber from Lisbon to the Moorish Castle or Pena Palace gate runs about €30–40 each way, while Bolt usually comes in a bit cheaper at around €20–30.

From Sintra Rail Station to Moorish Castle

The second part of the journey—from Sintra Station up to the Moorish Castle—takes a bit more effort and isn’t quite as straightforward.

Luckily, there are several ways to get there, depending on your fitness level, budget, and how leisurely (or speedy) you’d like your visit to be.

Walking/Hiking

If you’re up for a workout, we highly recommend walking. Just keep in mind it’s about a three-mile (5 km) roundtrip (more if you add-on Pena Palace) with a 900-foot (275m) climb.

Most of the path winds through a beautiful, tree-covered trail that’s well maintained and partly paved—well worth the sweat, in our book.

Faster Options

If you’d rather ride, most vehicles drop passengers near the main ticket gate to the Moorish Castle.

• Bus 434: Hop-on-hop-off bus connecting Sintra’s key attractions (€7.60).
• Tuk-Tuk: Fast, fun, and scenic (€10–€15).
• Taxi/Bolt/Uber: Convenient for groups (€8–€12).

Driving Tips

We don’t recommend driving to Sintra. But if you do, we strongly discourage driving up the hill and parking at the palace parking lot. Not worth the headache. Instead, park in town and take the 434 bus, tuk-tuk, or Uber/Bolt.

How to Buy Tickets to the Moorish Castle

Unlike its much more popular neighbor, Pena Palace, you don’t usually have to worry about buying tickets for the Moorish Castle in advance. There are no time slots and numbers aren’t capped at a particular amount.

With that said, getting your tickets online in advance snags you a good discount (see below), and if you’re planning to visit Pena Palace at the same time, you might as well purchase all your tickets together.

Buy Tickets Online (Recommended)

The cheapest and easiest way to buy tickets for any site in Sintra is through the official Parques de Sintra website (https://www.parquesdesintra.pt). Buying online allows you to:

• Skip the ticket line and head straight to the entrance.
• Get discounts when combining attractions like Pena Palace and the Moorish Castle.

Buy at the Door

Tickets are available at the entrance, but queues usually start forming mid-morning. If you go this route, we advise arriving early and staying flexible.

Ticket Prices (as of Nov 2025)

• Adults (18–64): €12
• Youth (6–17) & Seniors (65+): €10
• Family Pass: €33 (2 adults + 2 youths)
• Children under 6: Free

Must-Visit Areas and Highlights

The Ramparts & Towers

Climbing the ramparts was the highlight of our visit. The views stretch from the Atlantic Ocean with the magnificent palaces of Sintra in the foreground. On clear days, you can even spot Lisbon in the distance. The castle’s zigzagging walls make for some great photo ops as well.

Archaeological Site & Cistern

Within the grounds, you’ll find remnants of ancient Moorish dwellings and a large underground cistern once used for water storage.

Chapel of São Pedro de Canaferrim

Located to the left of the main entrance, this small chapel dates back to the early Christian period and is one of the oldest chapels in Sintra.

The Keep (Main Tower)

Don’t miss a climb to the tallest tower for the best view in Sintra. From here, you’ll see the otherworldly silhouette of Pena Palace perched on the next hill.

Forest Trails & Scenic Walks

Surrounding the castle are trails that connect to Sintra’s vast network of hiking routes. The walk between the Moorish Castle and Pena Palace takes about 15–20 minutes and offers breathtaking views along the way.

Where to Stay Nearby

Sintra offers a range of accommodation. Here are our top picks:

Luxury Escapes

• Valverde Sintra Palácio de Seteais — A neoclassical palace turned 5-star hotel. Expect luxurious rooms, manicured gardens, and wonderful views of the Moorish Castle and Pena Palace.
• Sintra Marmóris Palace — Boutique comfort meet Old World elegance.

Mid-Range Favorites

• Chalet Saudade — A beautifully resorted guesthouse combining charm and comfort (and a hearty breakfast).
• Monte da Lua — Located near the train station, it’s clean, affordable, and within walking distance of most of Sintra’s main attractions.

Budget Stays

• Moon Hill Hostel — A modern and social place, ideal for backpackers.

Local Eats: A Taste of Sintra

After exploring the castle, you’ll probably be pretty hungry! Here are our recommendations for eating and drinking in Sintra’s Old Town.

Travesseiros & Queijadas

Sintra is famous for these pastries. Try Casa Piriquita, a historic bakery near the town center, for quite possibly the best in Sintra.

Seafood Lovers

Head to Tascantiga for tapas-style dishes like codfish cakes and octopus salad — cozy, tasty, and budget-friendly.

For Wine Enthusiasts

Try Adega das Caves for a local glass of Vinho Verde or Colares wine, a unique regional variety grown near the Atlantic.

Hearty Portuguese Cuisine

Cantinho Gourmet offers Portuguese classics and modern favorites in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Our favorite place in town!

Best Time to Visit

Sintra’s weather is famously unpredictable—one moment you’ll be basking in brilliant sun, the next enveloped in misty fog. That ever-changing atmosphere only adds to the palace’s charm and sense of mystery.

There’s really no “bad” time to visit, as long as you bring the right attitude and an open mind. That said, it helps to know what kind of weather and crowds to expect throughout the year:

Spring (March to May)

Mild temperatures, blooming gardens, and misty mornings make spring a favorite time of year to visit. The palace’s colors pop in the soft light, and crowds are generally moderate. Expect temps around 55–70°F (13–21°C).

Summer (June to August)

Warm weather and long days make for ideal sightseeing—but it’s also peak tourist season. Arrive early (before 10am) or later in the afternoon (after 4pm) to enjoy cooler temps and fewer people. Pair your visit with a beach day in nearby Cascais to beat the heat.

Autumn (September to November)

Golden forests, clear skies, and cooler air make autumn perfect for photographers and hikers alike. Crowds thin out, making it an excellent time for long walks through Parque da Pena.

Winter (December to February)

Quiet, foggy, and atmospheric—winter casts Sintra’s palaces in a dramatic light. Temperatures range from 45–60°F (7–15°C) with occasional drizzle, but the low season means smaller crowds and better deals on accommodations.

Safety Tips + Cultural Etiquette

Portugal is one of the safest countries in Europe, but it’s worth keeping in mind a few things:

• Mind Your Belongings: Sintra is generally safe, but crowded areas can attract pickpockets.
• Stay on Marked Paths: The cliffs can be steep, and some areas lack railings.
• Respect the Site: The castle is a protected monument—avoid climbing on fragile walls.
• A little Portuguese goes a long way: “Obrigado/a” (thank you), “Por favor” (please), and “Bom dia” (good morning) for starters.
• Weather Check: Fog and drizzle can roll in unexpectedly, so pack accordingly.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, everything you need to know to kickstart an awesome and memorable day trip to Sintra and the Moorish Castle!

Be sure to plan 1-2 hours to explore the castle and surrounding hill. And if possible, be sure to visit Pena Palace on the same day for the full Sintra experience!

Lori and I really enjoyed our Sintra experience. It far exceeded my expectations and surpassed Lori’s memories of this amazing place. Photographs can’t do it justice, you really have to visit.

Happy travels!

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• 5 Things to Avoid When Visiting São Jorge Castle in Lisbon
• Pena Palace in Sintra (Portugal): The Complete Guide

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