Lisbon to Moorish Castle Day Trip | Transfers & Pena Palace

From happy customers

Loved by 35 million+

Richard

May 2025

4/5

The tour came as advertised. It was well organized, people assembled at the location and were divided into groups by language. The tour guide gave out information at both sites ( could have added more while we were driving to the site). We had 90 minutes on our own at lunch time, which was good.

Markus

Luxembourg

Jul 2025

4/5

Unfortunately, we couldn't visit the palaces as planned. There was a fire hazard on the mountain due to the drought. We visited other palaces. It was also beautiful but also a bit disappointing.

Jana

Czech Republic

Jun 2025

5/5

Nelson was awesome guide. He managed to get us through all the places, gave us free time and recommendations of local specialities. Thanks a lot!

Monica

United States

Jul 2025

5/5

We had an excellent day trip! Everything was very well organized, and the experience exceeded our expectations. Our tour guide was truly outstanding—knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate. Unfortunately, I don’t remember his name, but he had blue eyes and short, darkish hair. He made the day not only informative but also really enjoyable. The places we visited were absolutely incredible, and thanks to his recommendations, we were able to discover some hidden gems we wouldn’t have found on our own. I highly recommend this tour to anyone looking for a memorable and enriching experience.

United Kingdom

Jun 2025

5/5

Our guided tour with Headout to Sintra, Cascais, and other stunning spots was fantastic. Mario, our guide, was incredibly informative, had a great sense of humor, and drove expertly. His knowledge and personality made the experience memorable. Highly recommend this tour for a fun and insightful day trip from Lisbon!

Lisbon is lively, but sometimes you just need a dose of medieval magic. Enter the Moorish Castle in Sintra, a fortress wrapped around a mountaintop, where weathered stone walls zigzag through the forest and the Atlantic glimmers in the distance. It might sound like a trek, but the best part is how easily it fits into a Lisbon day trip. Best of all? You can be back in the city by dinner.

Overview:
- Distance from Lisbon: 30 km (about 19 miles)
- Travel time: 1 to 1.5 hours by bus
- On-site visit duration: 1.5–2.5 hours
- Tour duration: 8 to 9.5 hours
- Best season to visit: Spring and early autumn; mornings are quieter
- Meeting/drop-off point: Restauradores Square, Lisbon

Things to know before booking your Moorish Castle day tour

Don’t miss the UNESCO highlights. This upgraded ticket covers some of Sintra’s most iconic sites, like Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira along with Moorish Castle, all part of the Sintra Cultural Landscape UNESCO World Heritage Site. Seeing them together in one day is rare and highly recommended.
Private bus transfer is a time-saver. The journey from Lisbon is just under an hour. You avoid figuring out trains or taxis in Sintra and arrive ready to explore without the stress of logistics.
Lunch is flexible. You’ll have free time in Sintra’s town center to check out plenty of cafés if you prefer a light meal or coffee break.
Pena Palace and Moorish Castle combo tickets are limited. Book 2–4 weeks ahead in peak season; shoulder season requires less notice, but last-minute bookings risk missing optional attractions.

Your Lisbon to Moorish Castle itinerary

Choose your style:

Classic trip: Explore the exteriors of Pena Palace, Moorish Castle, and Quinta da Regaleira. See all three UNESCO sites in a single day.
Upgrade: Enter Pena Palace, climb Moorish Castle walls, and explore Quinta da Regaleira’s tunnels with entry tickets.

Morning:

Depart Restauradores Square and ride to Sintra on a comfy bus.
Stroll Pena Palace terraces and gardens, capturing sweeping hilltop views of Sintra and the Atlantic.

Midday/afternoon:

Pause in Sintra town for lunch or pastries, wander the cobbled streets and local shops at your own pace.
Moorish Castle: Walk along ancient walls, marvel at panoramic views over Sintra’s palaces and the sparkling coastline.
Quinta da Regaleira: Wander gardens, uncover hidden grottoes, and spiral down the mystical Initiation Well.

Evening:

Return to Lisbon, relaxing on the bus with a day full of castles, gardens, and hilltop vistas.

Sit back and enjoy a seamless day of sightseeing. Guided tours include transfers and entry tickets, so all you need to do is soak in the magic of Sintra.

Explore more along the way

Pena Palace

Walk the terraces where the views seem endless, then get lost in gardens full of lakes, secret grottoes, and trees from every corner of the globe. Bring your camera, as you’ll use it a lot.

Time required: 1.5–2 hours

Quinta da Regaleira

Ever wanted to feel like you’ve stepped into a secret society? Descend the spiraling Initiation Well, sneak through underground tunnels, and wander gardens packed with symbols and mysteries your guide will decode.

Time required: 1.5 hours

Sintra Historic Center

This is where you slow down. Cobblestone lanes, tiled houses, and little shops that beg you to peek inside. Hungry? Order a travesseiro (a warm almond-cream pastry pillow) and thank us later.

Time required: 1–1.5 hours

All entry tickets and guided visits to these UNESCO-listed highlights are included in the Sintra day trips.

Getting to Moorish Castle from Lisbon

📍 Moorish Castle (Castelo dos Mouros) is located at 2710-405 Sintra, Portugal, perched on a forested hilltop above Sintra.

The easiest and most rewarding way to reach the Moorish Castle is on a guided day trip from Lisbon. You’ll get round-trip transfers in an air-conditioned coach, skip the hassle of public transport, and enjoy expert commentary that ties together Sintra’s UNESCO sites. Many tours also bundle entry to Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira, making it a complete experience in one day.

Time: 8–9 hours round trip
Best for: First-time visitors, stress-free planning
Pros: Direct transfers, all tickets included, expert guide
Cons: Fixed itinerary, less flexibility

Best tours with transfers:

From Lisbon: Sintra, Moorish Castle, Pena Palace & Quinta da Regaleira Full-Day Trip

Take the train from Lisbon’s Rossio Station to Sintra (40 mins). From there, either walk uphill (45 min, steep) or take the local 434 tourist bus to the castle.

Time: 40 minutes**** –1.5 hours each way
Cost: €6–10 return train + €7 bus + entry
Best for: Independent travelers on a budget
Pros: Cheapest way, frequent trains
Cons: Crowded trains, uphill walk or packed bus, no guide

Scotturb buses connect Lisbon to Sintra, but departures are limited and slower than the train. You’ll still need to connect to the 434 bus or walk uphill to the castle.

Time: 1.5–2 hours each way
Cost: €4–6 one way + entry
Best for: Budget-conscious travelers outside train stations
Pros: Cheap, no train changes
Cons: Fewer departures, longer journey, indirect to castle

Rent a car in Lisbon and drive 40 minutes to Sintra. Parking near the Moorish Castle is very limited, so most visitors leave their car in Sintra and walk or take the 434 bus.

Time: 40–50 min each way (traffic dependent)
Cost: €40+ rental + fuel + tolls + entry
Best for: Families or groups wanting flexibility
Pros: Freedom to set your pace, easy for side trips (Cabo da Roca, Cascais)
Cons: Stressful parking, narrow mountain roads, heavy traffic in peak season

Helpful tips for your visit

Best time to visit: Beat the crowds by showing up early (9:30am–11am) or glide in late afternoon (3pm–5pm) for golden-hour views.
Best season to visit: Spring and autumn are the castle’s sweet spots with cool breezes, clear skies, and fewer selfie sticks. Summer afternoons? A sweaty uphill battle.
Essentials to pack: A light jacket as the hilltop winds love surprises, water, sunscreen, and that camera, because yes, the views are brag-worthy.
Accessibility: Steep climbs and bumpy paths mean strollers and wheelchairs will struggle here.
Rules: Resist the urge to play knight, no climbing the outer ramparts. Stick to marked paths.
Insider hack: Fuel up in Sintra with a travesseiro (flaky almond pastry) before the climb. We heard from locals that it makes the hike sweeter.

Frequently Asked Questions about day trips to Moorish from Lisbon

How long is the day trip from Lisbon to Moorish Castle?

Most guided tours run 7–9 hours, covering transfers, Sintra’s highlights, and free time. You’ll be back in Lisbon by evening.

What is included in the Lisbon to Moorish Castle day trip package?

Your ticket covers round-trip transfers, entry tickets, a guide, and visits to other Sintra sites like Pena Palace or Quinta da Regaleira.

Do I need to book my Lisbon to Moorish Castle day trip in advance?

Yes. Tours and entry tickets sell out quickly, especially on summer weekends. Booking 2–3 weeks in advance ensures your preferred date and guide.

Can I visit other attractions near Moorish Castle on this day trip?

Absolutely, the tour combines Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, and Sintra’s historic center.

Can I do a Lisbon to Moorish Castle day trip on my own?

Yes, but it requires train/bus connections, uphill walking, and separate tickets. Guided tours save time and include stories you’d miss otherwise.

Are meals included in the tour?

No, but the tour leaves free time for local cafés in Sintra. Ask your guide for some recommendations.

Are there any restrictions or rules at Moorish Castle?

Yes. Climbing ramparts beyond marked areas is prohibited, and drones aren’t allowed. Pets are only permitted on a leash.

Are guided tours available in different languages?

The tours are offered in English and Spanish. Check tour details to confirm language availability on your preferred date.

What’s the best time of year to visit Moorish Castle?

Spring and autumn offer cooler weather and lighter crowds. Summers are busy, while winters can be rainy but atmospheric.

Is it safe to travel from Lisbon to Moorish Castle for a day trip?

Yes, Sintra is safe for travelers. Just keep an eye on personal belongings in crowded spots and wear sturdy shoes for uneven paths.

Lisbon to Moorish Castle Tours