Couples looking for the ultimate romantic getaway often travel to Portugal. With its stunning coastline and rich history, there are plenty of places to choose from. However, if you only have two days, you won’t regret spending 48 hours in Sintra. Promise! Here’s how to plan your time.
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Want to spend 48 hours in Sintra?
No honeymoon is one-size-fits-all, but time spent in Sintra, Portugal, comes close. After all, it’s just a short 45-minute train ride northwest of Lisbon. This fairytale-like town is full of heritage, lies close to the ocean, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It’s also ideal for a stop after a couple’s getaway in Lisbon or heading south from Porto. Sintra is a seemingly small town that packs a punch per acre and makes an ideal weekend side trip to escape the city.
If you only have 48 hours in Sintra, prioritize heading to Pena Palace.
How to Spend 48 Hours in Sintra
What to Do in Sintra at Night
4:00 pm – 10:00 pm
For train arrivals, prioritize the Fountain of Armés for a quick photo op on the way to Sintra’s historic center. Covered in quintessential Portuguese tile, the stately fountain offers visitors their first glimpse of the city’s Moorish influence. The walk from the station to Sintra’s center affords lovely views and has art installations along the way.
Once arriving in the center, peruse the whitewashed exterior of the National Palace of Sintra. Experience the intricacies of the interior if you arrive before closing time, but forgo the inside if you are anxious to grab a bite to eat.
For dinner and drinks, wander the quaint streets of the historic center to Romario de Baco, which offers authentic Portuguese cuisine. Stay until closing and savor the fruit of Portugal’s vines at its wine bar. If post-dinner cocktails are more in line, head back towards the National Palace to ZID Lounge Bar, to catch a bit of traditional music as you enjoy a nightcap.
Things to Do in Sintra in One Day
8:00 am – 12:00 pm
To savor a hearty breakfast, walk or take a taxi to Cafe Saudade, known for its coffee and baked goods. If something on the go is in order, stroll through the historic center. There are lots of cafes where you can sample pastel de nata, the nation’s favorite custard tart.
If you are both feeling extra ambitious, Saturday morning is the ideal time to hike the Santa Maria Trail. Start from the historical area to the Castle of the Moors. Or, to have a more relaxing morning, hop on the 434 Sintra tourist bus or hire a taxi to the 8th-century structure. Walking the castle’s worn walls affords lovely views of the valley below.
Next door to the Moorish Castle is Pena Palace, which is often considered the capstone of a visit to Sintra. The colorful palace is known for its yellow and orange walls. You will also see facades adorned with quintessential blue Portuguese tile, and the surrounding gardens are worth a visit.
The views from Sintra’s Moorish Castle are breathtaking.
12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
If you choose to ride up to the Castle of the Moors, traverse the Santa Maria Trail down to the historic center. Why? Well, it’s far less grueling than going up. Another option is to hire a taxi or take the 434 bus down. Either way, the pathway is interesting, with a few archaeological sites and overlooks.
For a late lunch, stop at Tascantiga. Then, take advantage of the outdoor seating to rest a bit and soak in people watching after a busy morning. Enjoy the tapas-style menu and signature wines as you scroll through your images of the castles.
After lunch, spend a relaxing afternoon perusing the plentiful shops within the old center. Skip the kitschy souvenirs and look for local artist paintings or vintage Portuguese tiles to take home. During your walk, note the buildings’ facades, and duck into the side streets in the pedestrian area. Of course, you never know what you’ll find!
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
No trip to Portugal is complete without listening to Fado, Portugal’s musical tradition, which is what a visit to the country is about. Check the city’s events calendar to see if you can catch a live performance. For dinner, drinks, and music, walk near the train station to Incomum. It is a luxe yet reasonably priced restaurant, so it remains accessible to all.
Another option, although it isn’t in Sintra proper, is to hop in a taxi and head to the coast to watch the sunset during dinner. Restaurante Nortada offers freshly caught seafood, served while you look out over the beautiful blue waters at this Michelin-rated restaurant. After dinner, burn a few calories during a post-dinner stroll on the sand.
The Quinta da Regaleira is a highlight when spending two days in Sintra.
Things to Do Before Leaving Sintra
8:00 am – 12:00 pm
If the beach wasn’t in order Saturday night, then hire a taxi and head to one of the many coastal coffee shops and cafes open for breakfast. Overlook the Atlantic while you savor coffee and grab a bite to eat on a terrace, and then stroll along the coastline to put your feet in the sand before returning inland.
After breakfast, take a taxi to Quinta da Regaleira, a remarkable palace just outside the historic center. Although Pena Palace gets most of the accolades, allow more time for Quinta da Regaleira. The interior is gorgeous, but the outside is what truly shines. From striking stone walkways and turrets to underground pathways, the site truly is a wonderland. Do not miss the two initiation wells that lead to tunnels on the property.
12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Return to the historical area to take your pick among the quaint cafes, or pop into Tulhas for lunch. It’s a cozy place to dine on traditional Portuguese fare within a converted grain warehouse.
After lunch, take some time to explore together based on your interests. Several museums are near Sintra’s center, including the Anjo Teixeira Museum, which features sculptures. Additionally, the News Museum offers interactive displays focused on journalism. A bit outside of the center is the Sintra Museum of Modern Art, which houses one of the largest private art collections in the world.
As you prepare to leave Sintra, make the reverse walk from the historic center to the train station. A stroll down the art-filled, tree-lined pathway offers a chance to reflect on the time spent in this mythical, culturally rich town.
