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 Day Trip | Transfers & Pena Palace

From happy customers

Loved by 47 million+

Trustpilot rating: 4.5 out of 5

Margaret

New Zealand

Jan 2026

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Sintra, Pena Palace, Cabo deRoca's glorious settings and architecture are why we all go to experience the beauty. That beauty was immeasurably enhanced by tour guide Bruno. He was flawless in his knowledge, could answer every question.... And like Ginger Rogers he did much of the steep hill climb walking backwards the better to be able to address the tour . Good communication, own time to explore at leisure and recommendations for eating . The complete package

Jacy

United States

Jan 2026

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+1 more

Sintra was definitely the highlight and I would have liked to spend more time there. The tour says 8 hours, but plan for 9-10. If you buy yours complete with entry tickets, note that the ticket goes to your guide and not to you, limiting free time for exploration. Was happy to see so much of Portugal!

Inna

Finland

Oct 2025

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+2 more

We got a good overview of the history of Portugal, Lisbon, Sintra. Despite the rainy weather we saw a lot. Nuno Gomes was a very professional and friendly tour guide. Go and enjoy Portugal.

Gary

Canada

Oct 2025

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Our guide Carlos was great. He managed to deal with a few major issues really well. The first of which the tour bus was more than 90 minutes late stuck in rush our traffic. 10 people left but 18 of us stayed. The late departure disrupted the entire day's schedule for entering the two palaces but Carlos worked with company staff to maintain our preferred entry. He even treated us to free pastry. Most importantly his knowledge of the sites and local history was really thorough and his English is very good and easy to understand.

Vedran

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Oct 2025

Nice and comfortable transportation. Excellent guide, gave us a great introduction to the places we visited and more. Open and friendly for additional explanations and any help during the tour.

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

What to expect on a Lisbon to Moorish Castle day-trip?

1/7

Kick-off in Lisbon

You meet your group at Restauradores Square, grab a seat on the bus, and breathe easy. No navigating train schedules, no transfers to figure out, just air-conditioning, a seat that reclines, and Lisbon slowly slipping away behind you.

The ride into Sintra

It’s not long, about 50 minutes, but you notice the shift. Apartment blocks fade into pine forests, villas start peeking through the trees, and your guide fills the silence with stories that make the hills feel older and stranger than they look at first glance.

Pena Palace & Gardens (if included)

Up close, it’s less “Disney castle” and more “wild architect with too many paint cans.” The inside is crammed with velvet and porcelain, but the real win is outside. Wandering shaded trails, stumbling on grottoes, and catching unexpected views of the Atlantic when the trees open up.

Lunch & free time

Sintra’s center is busy but charming. You can sit down for grilled sardines or just duck into a bakery. Don’t miss the pastries. Travesseiros are crisp, sugar-dusted rolls with warm almond cream inside, while Queijadas are tiny cheesecakes with cinnamon. They come wrapped in paper, still warm, and you’ll end up with sugar on your shirt. All worth it!

Moorish Castle (if included)

The climb isn’t gentle, but it’s steady. At the top, the walls snake along the ridge, and you can actually walk them. No glass barriers, no polished railings, just rough stone and wind in your face. Look one way, Pena Palace glowing across the hill. Look at the other, the Atlantic shimmering in the distance.

Quinta da Regaleira (if included)

You wander the gardens and suddenly notice a hole in the ground. That’s the Initiation Well, basically a spiral staircase straight down into tunnels. You climb down, peek around corners, and pop out somewhere completely unexpected. There are hidden stairways, little towers, and quiet nooks everywhere. That’s Quinta for you!

Back to Lisbon

By late afternoon, your legs are tired and your phone’s full of photos. The bus drops you back where you started, right in the city center, so you’re free to slide straight into Lisbon’s evening—whether that means dinner, wine, or just a nap.

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

Moorish Castle walls with view of colorful Pena Palace in Sintra, Portugal.

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.

Must-see things in Moorish Castle

Moorish Castle stone walls and tower overlooking Sintra landscape.

Castle walls & ramparts

Walk along the fortress walls for jaw-dropping views of Sintra, Pena Palace, and even the Atlantic on clear days.

Ancient Moorish Castle walls overlooking Sintra city, Portugal, with lush greenery and flags.

Visitor climbing steps at Moorish Castle, Sintra, Portugal.

Moorish Castle walls with tourists, Pena Palace visible in the background, Sintra, Portugal.

Moorish Castle on a hilltop with Sintra landscape in the background.

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

More about Pena Palace day trips

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

More about Quinta da Regaleira day trips

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

More about Sintra day trips

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.

Tourists with guide at Quinta da Regaleira fountain, Sintra, Portugal.

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

Man boarding a train at a sunny platform with a backpack.

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

Bus interior with passengers traveling from Madrid to Puy du Fou España.

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

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

The ultimate Sintra day trip with fairytale palaces, ocean cliffs, and comfy AC transfers.

Day out to: Sintra, Cascais, and Cabo da Roca with optional visits to top Sintra landmarks.
You’ll get: Round-trip AC transfers, expert guides who speak the language of your comfort, and tickets to attractions of your choosing.
Sintra: Meander through winding cobblestone lanes and colorful tiled facades in this enchanting old town and soak in views of forest-covered hillsides.
Cabo da Roca: Stand at Europe’s edge and on your way back, enjoy a scenic drive through the picturesque fishing village of Cascais.
Upgrades: Choose add-ons like tickets to Pena Palace, Pena Park, Quinta da Regaleira, or get the all-in-one bundle.

Inclusions #

Full-day trip to Sintra, Cascais, and Cabo da Roca
Round-trip AC transfers from Lisbon
Free time in Sintra and Cascais
Live commentary from local expert
Guided tour of Pena Palace, Pena Park, and Quinta da Regaleira with entry (as per option selected)
Expert Portuguese, Spanish, French, German, Italian, and English-speaking guide (as per option selected)

Exclusions #

Hotel pickup and drop-off
Food and drinks

What to bring

Wear comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing, as the tour involves walking and outdoor activities.
A child safety seat must be brought if travelling with a child, as bus providers do not supply baby seats.
Pack your sunhat, sunglasses, SPF, and water bottle to beat the heat, especially during summer.

What’s not allowed

Large bags, suitcases, and oversized luggage are not allowed inside the palaces or on the tour bus.
Pets are not permitted, except for registered service animals.

Accessibility

This experience is not wheelchair accessible.
The tour is stroller and pram accessible.
The tour involves a moderate amount of walking and uneven surfaces, which may not be suitable for guests with limited mobility.

Additional information

It is recommended to book with tickets included when possible, as entry cannot be guaranteed for walk-up purchases, particularly for Pena Palace (Interiors) and Quinta da Regaleira.
Food and drinks are not included; you will have free time in Cascais for lunch and personal exploration.
Tour guides speak only in your selected language and are not bilingual.
Unexpected closures of palaces may occur due to adverse weather conditions or local festivals; an alternative route will be offered in such cases.
The meeting point details will be emailed to you; make sure to arrive at least 20 minutes before the tour begins. Late arrivals will be considered a no-show and won't be eligible for a refund.

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

The ultimate Sintra day trip with fairytale palaces, ocean cliffs, and comfy AC transfers.

Day out to: Sintra, Cascais, and Cabo da Roca with optional visits to top Sintra landmarks.
You’ll get: Round-trip AC transfers, expert guides who speak the language of your comfort, and tickets to attractions of your choosing.
Sintra: Meander through winding cobblestone lanes and colorful tiled facades in this enchanting old town and soak in views of forest-covered hillsides.
Cabo da Roca: Stand at Europe’s edge and on your way back, enjoy a scenic drive through the picturesque fishing village of Cascais.
Upgrades: Choose add-ons like tickets to Pena Palace, Pena Park, Quinta da Regaleira, or get the all-in-one bundle.

Inclusions #

Full-day trip to Sintra, Cascais, and Cabo da Roca
Round-trip AC transfers from Lisbon
Free time in Sintra and Cascais
Live commentary from local expert
Guided tour of Pena Palace, Pena Park, and Quinta da Regaleira with entry (as per option selected)
Expert Portuguese, Spanish, French, German, Italian, and English-speaking guide (as per option selected)

Exclusions #

Hotel pickup and drop-off
Food and drinks

What to bring

Wear comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing, as the tour involves walking and outdoor activities.
A child safety seat must be brought if travelling with a child, as bus providers do not supply baby seats.
Pack your sunhat, sunglasses, SPF, and water bottle to beat the heat, especially during summer.

What’s not allowed

Large bags, suitcases, and oversized luggage are not allowed inside the palaces or on the tour bus.
Pets are not permitted, except for registered service animals.

Accessibility

This experience is not wheelchair accessible.
The tour is stroller and pram accessible.
The tour involves a moderate amount of walking and uneven surfaces, which may not be suitable for guests with limited mobility.

Additional information

It is recommended to book with tickets included when possible, as entry cannot be guaranteed for walk-up purchases, particularly for Pena Palace (Interiors) and Quinta da Regaleira.
Food and drinks are not included; you will have free time in Cascais for lunch and personal exploration.
Tour guides speak only in your selected language and are not bilingual.
Unexpected closures of palaces may occur due to adverse weather conditions or local festivals; an alternative route will be offered in such cases.
The meeting point details will be emailed to you; make sure to arrive at least 20 minutes before the tour begins. Late arrivals will be considered a no-show and won't be eligible for a refund.

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Day Trips

From Lisbon: Sintra, Pena Palace, Cabo da Roca, Cascais & Quinta de Regaleira Full-Day Trip

The ultimate Sintra day trip with fairytale palaces, ocean cliffs, and comfy AC transfers.

Day out to: Sintra, Cascais, and Cabo da Roca with optional visits to top Sintra landmarks.
You’ll get: Round-trip AC transfers, expert guides who speak the language of your comfort, and tickets to attractions of your choosing.
Sintra: Meander through winding cobblestone lanes and colorful tiled facades in this enchanting old town and soak in views of forest-covered hillsides.
Cabo da Roca: Stand at Europe’s edge and on your way back, enjoy a scenic drive through the picturesque fishing village of Cascais.
Upgrades: Choose add-ons like tickets to Pena Palace, Pena Park, Quinta da Regaleira, or get the all-in-one bundle.

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8 hr. - 9 hr. 30 min.

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Lisbon to Moorish Castle Tours

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