If you plan on hiking Sintra, most of the best hiking trails in Sintra are short and easy routes passing by the ancient monuments with scenic mountainscape in the background.
However, read to the end as we’ve included a unique and special trek that we highly recommend you do if you’re visiting for longer than one day in Sintra.
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The charming town sits in Portugal’s ‘Serra de Sintra’ mountains, scattered with medieval palaces and castles.
As a result, the best way to explore Sintra is on foot, and luckily, hiking Sintra is easy, thanks to the well-marked trails.
Santa Maria Trail
- Distance: 0.5 miles (1 kilometer)
- Duration: 1 hour
If you’re looking for short and sweet Sintra hiking trails, the Santa Maria Trail is top of the list. As it’s just half a mile long (1 kilometer), this walk won’t take you longer than one hour.
Even so, you will see many incredible monuments like the Moorish Castle and Pena Palace, plus expansive views of the surrounding landscapes.
The trail starts at Sintra Palace in the historical center. It passes many notable monuments, including Santa Maria Church and Fonte da Sabuga.
It’s a very accessible trail as most of the route consists of paved paths with a gentle incline. There are a few steeper sections, but nothing too strenuous, suiting most fitness abilities.
Sintra Palace – Castle Of The Moors – Pena Palace
- Distance: 6.8 miles (11 kilometers)
- Duration: 3.5 – 4.5 hours
This 6.8-mile (11 kilometers) loop is undoubtedly one of the best hikes in Sintra as it takes you to the town’s top three attractions.
It takes an average of 4 hours to complete, but if you extend your time at each site, you can turn it into a day hike.
The trail starts and ends at Sintra Palace. From this thousand-year-old landmark, you’ll hike to the Castle of the Moors, the magical ruins of a Moorish fort.
The castle was strategically built on an exposed rocky outcrop to give unobstructed views of the coast and land so take some time here to admire the panoramic vistas.
The last stop is the majestic Pena National Palace, which locals call one of Portugal’s “Seven Wonders.”
Note that to access all parts of the trail, you’ll need to pay for entry to the attractions, so be sure to plan this hike as part of your sightseeing.
Pena Palace To Cruz Alta
- Distance: 3.8 miles (6.1 kilometers)
- Duration: 1.5 – 2 hours
The 3.8-mile (6.1 kilometers) Cruz Alta loop is a beautiful short hike in the 210-acre Pena Park (Parque da Pena). Cruz Alta is a stone cross marking the highest point of 1,732 ft (528m) in the Serra de Sintra.
This easy trail will take you through the beautiful palace gardens to Cruz Alta, where you’ll enjoy stunning vistas of Pena Palace and the surrounding mountains.
Being so high up, you might be able to see as far out as Lisbon on a clear day.
The paved trail is easy to find and follow, and the route is suitable for most fitness abilities. It starts from Pena Palace and passes other sights such as the Temple of Columns and the Warrior Statue.
Seteais Trail
- Distance: 2.2 miles (3.5 kilometers)
- Duration: 90 minutes
The Seteais Trail is a circular walking route starting from the 18th century neoclassical Palace of Seteais.
From here, the path ascends to Pena Palace & Gardens and the Moorish Castle, traveling through tranquil forested paved trails.
Although it’s a short route, there are some rough terrains and steep gradients, so it is rated as moderately challenging. However, it’s well worth the effort.
Once you start climbing up the hill towards the palace, you’ll be blessed with many beautiful vistas of the historic center below and the mountain backdrop.
Rota Das Quintas
- Distance: 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) for the shorter loop or 2.7 miles (4.3 kilometers) for the longer route
- Duration: 1 – 2 hours
The Rota das Quintas hiking trail takes you to several estates or manor homes, called Quintas in Portuguese. However, the highlight of the walk is the famous Quinta da Regaleira.
This eccentric gothic palace is unique as it has an Initiation Well, an inverted tower with a circular staircase leading to an underground tunnel.
You can take two trails, both starting at Caminho dos Castanhais. Both follow the first section of the route to Quinta da Regaleira then the longer one continues further.
In contrast, the shorter trail leads back to the starting point.
If you decide to take the extended route, you’ll follow the Caminho dos Frades path to see some other manor homes.
Whichever trail you decide to take, schedule some time to explore Quinta da Regaleira’s bewildering constructions and the lovely lakes and waterfalls in the park gardens.
Cabo Da Roca To Azenhas Do Mar
- Distance: 6.7 miles one-way (11 kilometers)
- Duration: 4 – 5 hours
If you’re looking for unique Sintra walking trails, the Cabo da Roca to Azenhas do Mar coastal hike is one.
This 6.7-mile (11 kilometers) day hike is a refreshing change from the castles, palaces, and crowds following Portugal’s Sintra coast, a truly tranquil location.
The coastal trail starts at the Cabo da Roca lighthouse and viewpoint. You’ll then head north, passing four gorgeous untouched beaches, Praia da Aroeira, Praia da Ursa, Praia da Adraga, and Praia Grande.
You’ll also pass by many other stunning viewpoints and sights, such as the intriguing Fojo da Adraga cave by Praia da Aroeira.
The hike finishes in the picturesque village of Azenhas do Mar. Treat yourself to a well-deserved victory meal in Azenhas do Mar before catching a taxi back to Sintra town.
Staying In Sintra?
Make sure to book a stay in one of the best hotels in Sintra.
Best hostel: Casa Azul Hostel
Best mid-range hotel: Sintra Boutique Hotel
Best luxury hotel: Tivoli Palacio de Seteais
Glamping: Glamping Sintra
Final Thoughts On Hiking Sintra
From majestic palaces to medieval castles to a rugged coastline, you’ll experience many moments of serenity on these Sintra walking trails.
So whether you were already planning a weekend in this charming town or are looking for inspiration for an extended Portugal trip, you won’t regret going hiking in Sintra.
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