Moorish Castle Tickets

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Why visit Moorish Castle

A UNESCO World Heritage Site: Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, the Moorish Castle is one of the highlights of Sintra. It’s also been designated a National Monument.

Rugged military architecture: Designed to keep watch over the Sintra hills and the maritime access routes to the city of Lisbon, the Moorish Castle features rugged walls and watch towers that point to its past military role.

Panoramic views: The Royal Tower at the Moorish Castle offers panoramic views of the lush forests that surround the castle. You can also spot the stunning Pena Palace from here.

Seamless blend of architectural styles: The castle’s architecture has been inspired by the age of the Vikings, and also features Islamic and Romantic era elements. This seamless blend of styles makes this castle a must-visit.

Things to know before booking Moorish Castle tickets

  • The Moorish Castle Entry Tickets grant you entry to the castle, allowing you to enter anytime between the castle’s opening hours (9:30am to 6pm). You can also choose your entry tickets with an audio guide for a richer and more insightful experience as you explore the various points of interest within the castle. 
  • The Guided Tour to Moorish Castle gives you the benefit of experiencing this stunning landmark with the expertise of an English-speaking guide. Lasting one hour, you’ll get lesser-known insights into its history, architecture, and more. 
  • You can also choose to combine your tickets to the Moorish Castle with other landmarks in Sintra. For example, the Moorish Castle and Pena Palace & Park Tickets combine two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in a single ticket, allowing you to visit them on the same or separate days. Additionally, with both landmarks just 5km apart, visiting both becomes convenient. 
  • If you're looking to go on a day trip that covers the Moorish Castle along with other attractions, and gets you the convenience of round-trip transfers, you can book the Day Trip to Sintra, Pena Palace, Moorish Castle & Quinta da Regaleira.
  • Similarly, the Moorish Castle & Quinta da Regaleira Tickets is another convenient combo with both landmarks set roughly 18km apart.

Which Moorish castle ticket should you choose?

Entry tickets

Duration: Flexible duration

Why go for it?

  • Ideal if you want to explore the castle at your own pace. 
  • Choose the optional audio guide for an immersive experience. 

Recommended tours:

  • Moorish Castle Entry Tickets

Guided tours

Duration: 1 hour

Why go for it?

  • Gain an in-depth understanding of the castle’s Moorish heritage.
  • An English-speaking guide brings the history and legends of the castle to life.

Recommended tours:

  • Guided Tour to Moorish Castle

Combo tickets

Duration: Flexible duration

Why go for it? 

  • Get entry to two attractions in a single ticket. 
  • Choose to explore them on the same day or on different days. 
  • The Moorish Castle and Pena Palace are located just 5km apart, and the distance between the castle and the Quinta da Regaleira is 18km. 

Recommended tours:

Day trips

Duration: 9 hours

Why go for it?

  • Day trips to the Moorish Castle let you combine multiple attractions you can visit in a single, convenient day trip. 
  • We’d recommend you purchase a ticket that includes entry to the castle as availability on the day may be limited.
  • You get round-trip transfers from a common point in Lisbon and can choose a guided tour in four languages.

Recommended tours: 

  • Day Trip to Sintra, Pena Palace, Moorish Castle & Quinta da Regaleira
Book Lisbon to Moorish Castle day trips

Plan your visit to Moorish Castle

  • Opening Hours: Open daily from 9:30am to 6pm (last entry at 5:30pm)
  • The ticket office remains closed from 12pm to 1pm, but automatic ticket vending machines are available. 
  • The castle remains closed on December 24 and 25, and on December 31 and January 1.
Moorish Castle Timings

Address: 2710-405 Sintra, Portugal

Find on Google Maps

You can reach the Moorish Castle via bus or car, or even rely on hiking trails.

  • By bus: You can take bus number 434 from Sintra station to reach the castle.
  • By car: You can take the IC19 from Lisbon, the IC30 from Mafra, or the EN9 from Cascais via the A5. 
  • Hiking: There are a total of three hiking trails you can use: the Santa Maria Trail, the Seteais Trail, or the Villa Sassetti Trail.
Directions to Moorish Castle
  • Cloakrooms & lockers: Available near the main entrance for storing bags, cameras, and personal items securely.
  • Restrooms & refreshments: Clean restroom facilities are spread across the castle complex, and an on-site café offers light refreshments and beverages.
  • Accessibility: Some areas are wheelchair accessible, while others may be trickier to navigate. You can also rent wheelchairs upon prior reservation.

Tips for visiting Moorish Castle

  • The Moorish Castle is located roughly 16km away from the town of Sintra. However, the site doesn’t allow for private parking, making public transportation your best bet to reach the castle. However, there are parking spots reserved for those with disabilities.
  • Make sure to walk up to the Royal Tower. It offers stunning views of Sintra, the Atlantic Ocean on the horizon, and even the iconic Pena Palace. The ideal time to visit the castle to witness these spectacular views is during Spring (April-June) and Autumn (September-October). 
  • Arrive early, as the castle can get fairly busy during the middle of the day, and especially during the peak season. 
  • The castle is open to pet dogs, but there are certain rules you’ll have to follow. You can find them here
  • Don’t miss out on the Second Ring of Walls, a second wall, as the name suggests, that was built to protect the residents and harvest around the castle. 
  • If you plan to hike up to the castle, remember that it will take at least one hour to get there. Only choose this hike if you are physically fit enough.
  • Wear sturdy trekking or walking shoes as you’ll need to navigate various rocky stretches while exploring the castle. 
  • The castle doesn’t allow private parking, with the only exception being certain spots that are reserved for those with disabilities. We’d recommend you park your car in Sintra and take a bus or hike up to the castle. 
  • Don’t miss out on the Historical Interpretation Centre of the Moorish Castle, located in the Church of São Pedro de Canaferrim. It tells the stories of the many people who lived in and around the castle through a number of archaeological finds.

Beyond the Moorish Castle

Pena Palace & Park

Completed in the 19th century, this palace sits on the crown of the Sintra hills and is surrounded by 200 acres of lush forests that are part of the palace’s park.

Distance: 5km

By car: 17 minutes

Explore Pena Palace & Park

Quinta da Regaleira

Known for its Romantic architecture, intricate gardens, and the mystical Initiation Well, the Quinta da Regaleira was designed by well-known architect Luigi Manini in the late 1800s.

Distance: 18.4km

By car: 40 minutes

Explore Quinta da Regaleira

National Palace of Sintra

Easily identified by the two conical chimneys that tower over the royal kitchen, the National Palace of Sintra’s history dates back to the 10th or 11th centuries when Sintra was under Moorish rule.

Distance: 3.7km

By car: 15 minutes

Explore National Palace of Sintra

Frequently Asked Questions about Moorish Castle

What are the opening hours of the Moorish Castle?

The Moorish Castle is open daily from 9:30am to 6:30pm, with the last admission at 5:30pm. Please note that the ticket office is closed from 12pm to 1pm. The castle is closed on December 25, December 26, December 31, and January 1.

When is the best time to visit the Moorish Castle?

To enjoy a serene experience, we’d recommend you visit early in the morning. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends. Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather, making them ideal seasons for a visit.

Is parking available near the Moorish Castle?

There is no private parking available at the Moorish Castle, but there are certain slots available for those with disabilities.

Is the Moorish Castle accessible for visitors with mobility challenges?

While some areas are accessible, you’ll come across several parts of the castle, like the stairs that lead up to the castle walls, that present rough or rocky terrain. These can be challenging to navigate for those with limited mobility.

Are guided tours available at the Moorish Castle?

Yes, you can book a guided tour to the Moorish Castle. An expert English-speaking guide will offer fascinating insights into the lesser-known aspects of the castle, ensuring a more immersive experience.

What is the best time to visit the Moorish Castle?

Autumn and winter are typically the best times of the year to visit the Moorish Castle. We’d recommend layering up as it can get cold on top of the towers. On the other hand, June, July, August, and early September are typically the peak months.

Are pets allowed at the Moorish Castle?

Yes, you can bring your pet dogs to the Moorish Castle. However, you will have to follow certain guidelines, such as properly disposing off their waste, and only bringing one dog per person.

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Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.