We arrived in Lisbon and everyone said Sintra was a must and how very glad we listened to them. It cost 4.80 euro for a return ticket from Rossio station (in Lisbon) and takes about 40 minutes to get there (it is the last station on the line and leave Rossio every half hour). Once you get there, people will ask you if you would like to go on a tour for 15 or so Euro where they drive you to all the places you like. However, you can buy a ticket for 5 euro to get you on a bus (i think the 434 or something) which basically takes you in a circle around the main attractions (it might miss others but there are other buses you can buy tickets for). You can get off and on as many times as you like (as in get off one, look around then catch the next bus after it). We went to the city centre, which was super overpriced, in my opinion, then we found a walking trail and walked up to the castle. You can get on the bus and it drops you off outside the castle, however a lot of the views you see whilst walking are gorgeous! It is slightly physical, but worth it! Now, I would recommend spending a decent amount of time at the castle to walk around the entire area and look at all the different views. Simply breathtaking. Be warned, once you get to the top it cost 6.50 euro to get into the castle, but seriously worth it. Views are amazing - but hey, find out for yourself!
GuteReise88
It needs a bit of hike if you want to visit the castle. It's also within walking distance from Pena Palace to here. The castle is located on top of a mountain and the view from here is stunning. Make sure you drop by here when visiting Pena Palace.
wwbusch
this old castle is a very interesting place as it is on good conditions and you have a fantactic view from the top of the castle.it takes a bit time (20 minutes from parking place) until you reach it, and you must be fit as it is always up the hills.in my eyes it is nothing for little children as there are too many places they can fall down from the walls...We stayed there this year the second time and liked it very much again.
DebbieMel
It's a bit of hike even if you catch the local tour bus to the entrance gate but well worth the effort. Stop off here before visiting the Pena Palace and enjoy the breath taking views from the parapets encircling the castle. The excavations are well displayed, including cisterns, storage facilities and stabling. Don't bother to wait for the tour bus - it's only a short walk to the Pena Palace which is equally stunning.
wanderlustger
WOW such a gorgeous castle and in amazing condition. Allow yourself at least 1/2 day here on the way up to Pena Palace. I would take the bus up to this castle get off and visit in the morning. The views are great and the castle itself is in amazing condition. Tons of great photo opportunities here. Save the afternoon for the bus ride up to the palace.
Jorge_Malveiro
Sintra is a very romantic place. The walk through the woods to the castle walls is wonderful. Even more spectacular is to climb the walls of this ancient castle and watch the magnificent scenery around this fortress built on top of the mountain: it is breathtaking.
TFBN
We took the bus from Sintra to this location and it lets you off outside the ticket office. Then you begin a nice walk through the rocks and landscape. The pathway is very nice. The chapel is one of the first places you come to. It is a work in progress but you could tell it will be a special place. When you go through the castle entrance you must show your tickets so don't lose them on the trip up. The care they have taken to incorporate traveller friendly accomodations into the grounds are impressive. Everything goes well together. There is a small area to buy light snacks from machines or the worker behind the window. You can sit outside and enjoy the scenery. The bathrooms were very clean and convenient. Then the climbing begins. Be prepared for it to be windy and cooler than below in Sintra. It is 2 separate sides which helps keep either one from getting too busy. Of course we were there in February so it wasn't too busy anyway. So many great picture opportunities but be sure to take a picture of the Pena Palace from the very top. There is an alternate trip back down the hill that is just as beautiful as the scenery going up. Great advice from previous reviews, wear comfortable shoes!