Private car transfer
from Porto to Sintra

You can't just pass by Coimbra, the medieval capital of Portugal. The blend of the former Moorish medina, the Sé Velha, and the Convento de Santa Cruz is a must-see display of Coimbra’s history leading further back than the 8th century. Another great place to stretch your legs is Nazare, a fascinating fishing town set on a cliff with views right out of a fantasy book. Alongside its popular beach, the small town center, the lighthouse, and the high waves will linger in your mind long after your visit.

The microclimate of Sintra means that it can often be cooler and more misty than neighboring areas. It gives the town and its surrounding forests an ethereal, almost mystical quality. This climate has nurtured such a green landscape that, combined with the architectural wonders, creates a fairytale ambiance that is unique to Sintra.

Speaking of architectural wonders, the Pena Palace which stands atop a hill in the Sintra Mountains, is a masterpiece of Romanticism. You’ll see such bright colors that are not typical for palaces at all, perfectly combined with ornate stonework. Your coming up here will be rewarded with astonishing views of the surrounding countryside and the Atlantic Ocean.

Just exploring the town of Sintra will be a delight alone to explore. You’ll walk through cobblestone streets, traditional shops, and cafes serving Portuguese delicacies like travesseiros _and _queijadas. Visiting the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, which encloses the town and houses the Pena Palace, means hiking trails, picnic spots, and a feast for the eyes.

Start your trip early

To make the most of your visit to Sintra, start your journey from Porto early in the morning. It’ll help you avoid the peak traffic around Lisbon and you’ll arrive in Sintra with enough time to explore before the afternoon crowds. An early start gives you a head start on both the road and the tourist influx.

Pack wisely

Portugal experiences more or less warm temperatures all year round. And especially if you are visiting during the hot summer months, pack enough water bottles with you. Have your preferred snacks ready to keep your energy level high. Dress in lightweight and airy clothes to be comfortable during the whole drive.

Porto to Sintra by train

From Porto, take a train to Lisbon, namely Oriente, Santa Apolónia, or Entrecampos stations, and then switch to a Sintra-bound train. The train ride from Porto to Lisbon takes around 2.5-3 hours. From Lisbon to Sintra, it's about 40 minutes. The combined train ticket cost varies but expect to pay around €25 to €40 one-way per person. Keep in mind that although trains are frequent, switching trains in Lisbon can be complicated.

Porto to Sintra by bus

There are direct bus services from Porto to Sintra. Flixbus and Rede Expressos operate between Porto and Sintra around three or four times a day. The bus ride can take 3.5-4.5 hours. Remember that bus trips are less comfortable than trains and car rides for long distances, but it's a viable budget option.

Porto to Sintra by plane

You can take a 45-minute flight from Porto to Lisbon. From there, you can either take a taxi or car service to Sintra or take the 783 or 744 public buses to the Estação Entrecampos train station. From here, there are trains to Sintra departing every 20 minutes.

If that sounds complicated, it is. And it doesn't even save you any time since you need to get to the airport 2 hours before your flight, whatever time it takes to get off the plane and get your luggage. It's also more expensive than just taking a private car the whole way.

Porto to Sintra by car

Driving from Porto to Sintra is one of the more flexible options you have. You can go through the A1 motorway, transitioning to the A8, and then the IC19 towards Sintra, which would be the most direct route. The drive itself would take approximately three to three and a half hours, without possible traffic jams and stops along the way. There will be tolls on the A1 and A8 motorways, so having Via Verde installed would save you time.

Explore the Moorish Castle

Step back into the 8th century as you walk through the ruins of the Castelo dos Mouros. One of Sintra's UNESCO-listed monuments, this historic fortress offers stupendous views that stretch from the green hills of Sintra to the Atlantic coast from its hilltop perch. Wander around its ancient ramparts and battlements, and immerse yourself in the rich Moorish history that shaped the region.

Don’t skip the Sintra National Palace

The heart of Portuguese history, and another piece of Sintra's UNESCO-listed landscape, lies at the Sintra National Palace, an architectural treasure distinguished by its iconic twin conical chimneys. It is nestled in the old town of Sintra and boasts an extensive collection of Moorish tiles and a rich history as a residence for Portuguese royalty. Explore its blend of Gothic, Manueline, Moorish, and Mudéjar styles, which reflect the diverse cultural influences that have swept through Sintra over the centuries.

Be mesmerized at Quinta da Regaleira

Just a short walk from Sintra’s historic center rests the Quinta da Regaleira, yet another of Sintra's UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is an estate under a Gothic spell, nothing like anything you’ve seen before. It will captivate you with its Gothic façades, magical gardens, and mystical grottoes.

Venture into the Initiation Well, a symbol of rebirth, leading you through an underground labyrinth to come out transformed. The green gardens, hidden tunnels, and antique architecture make it a fascinating blend of history, mysticism, and nature.