Castles In Sintra

Sintra’s castles are among the most captivating attractions in Portugal, set against a backdrop of lush hills and dense forests that give the town its fairy-tale atmosphere. The most iconic is the Moorish Castle (Castelo dos Mouros), a 10th-century fortress built during the Moorish occupation of the Iberian Peninsula. Perched high on a granite ridge, the castle’s serpentine walls and stone towers offer panoramic views over Sintra, the colorful Pena Palace, and the distant Atlantic Ocean. Visitors can walk along the ancient parapets, explore the remains of medieval silos, cisterns, and the Church of São Pedro de Canaferrim, and imagine the castle’s strategic importance in centuries past.

The Moorish Castle is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with last ticket sales at 5:30 p.m. Admission is €12 for adults, €10 for youths (6–17) and seniors (65+), and €33 for a family ticket, with a 15% discount available for online purchases. The castle is easily reached from Sintra’s train station by bus 434.

While the Moorish Castle is the most prominent, Sintra’s hills are dotted with other historic sites, including the romantic Pena Palace and the ruins of smaller fortifications. Together, these castles offer a journey through Portugal’s layered history and provide some of the region’s most breathtaking vistas. A visit to Sintra’s castles is essential for anyone seeking to experience the magic and heritage of this UNESCO World Heritage town.