[2025 Sintra Attraction] Travel Guide for Moorish Castle (Updated Feb)
6.9
4.6/5
48 review
No.5 of Best Things to Do in Sintra
Historic buildings
The Moorish Castle is located on a hilltop in the parish of Santa Maria and San Michael in Sintra. It is a Moorish-style castle in Europe. It is across the bank from Pena Palace. It was listed as a Portuguese national monument in 1910 , has become a must-see tourist attraction in Sintra. The Moorish castle was built by the Moors in the 17th century. The middle part of the steps collapsed very early, despite this, people also say that the towering building is breathless, climbing the 300-meter-long city wall, you can have an unobstructed view of the surrounding scenery, and within the city wall, natural The view hides the collapsed house. The first impression of the Chinese who came to the castle for the first time was that the Moorish castle was like the Great Wall of China, with many twists and turns and many bunkers. The castle is located on the top of the Sintra Mountains, surrounded by walls hundreds of meters long, which have lost their use for military defense as early as the 15th and 16th centuries. After a difficult climb, visitors can reach the top of the castle, where the Portuguese flag stands tall. From the top of the castle, you can see the vast Atlantic Ocean and the small town of Sintra in the distance, and on a clear day, visitors can also see Ericeira and Mafra.
Address:
2710-405 Sintra, Portugal
Recommended sightseeing time:
3-5 hours
Phone:
+351-21-9237300
Ticket Price
From PHP16.74
Castelo dos Mouros in Sintra
For breathtaking views head for Castelo dos Mouros in Sintra.
Located on the way to Palácio da Pena, it can be reached on a tuk-tuk or on foot if you don't mind the walk (roughly 45 minutes from the bottom of the hill.) There are some trails that lacks signs, but on the day of my visit, I saw plenty of people heading to the same place and I just confirmed I was on the right track with them.
Entry is 8 euros and cards are accepted. The ticket vending machine doesn't work, so go through the stone passageway opposite the vending machine and walk along the path to find the entrance and ticket office.
You need at least 45 minutes to visit the place. Walk along the the wall and enjoy the stunning views.
Flavio
3
[Sintra] The most spectacular view! Castle in the sky "Castle of the Moors"
◆Access
└ About 30 minutes by bus from Sintra Station (20 minutes on foot from Pena Palace)
A spectacular spot where you can see the cityscape of Sintra in 360°. It is a historical site of the Moorish invasion of the Iberian Peninsula.
The contrast between the cityscape and the blue sky over the decadent castle walls is breathtaking! You can also see the Royal Palace of Sintra.
Even if you have limited time to visit Sintra, we recommend that you visit the Moorish Castle ruins.
※ You will need to climb quite a few steps to reach the top of the castle ruins.
#historicalresort #spectacularview
CKRN
3
Moorish Castle in Sintra, Portugal
The ruins of the Moorish castle in Sintra, a city registered as a World Heritage Site in Portugal.
Sintra flourished as a summer resort for the royal family,
and these are the ruins of a castle built on a mountain by the Moors, and you can walk along the castle walls.
The view was great and it was a lot of fun.
I've never been to the Great Wall of China,
but I strolled along the walls, wondering if this is what the Great Wall of China was like.
#WorldHeritage
yu-ka
19
1-Day Sintra, Portugal Itinerary 🇵🇹 Mystical Garden at Quinta da Regaleira is a must!
Fairytale castles, mystical gardens, and breathtaking views!
🚆 Getting There
• Take a train from Lisbon Rossio Station to Sintra (40 min, €2.30 one way).
• Once in Sintra, use bus 434 (€11.50 hop-on-hop-off).
Top Tip: Don’t use Uber/Bolt if you could, they don’t follow the normal fare and will keep cancelling even though the drivers accepted your booking, waiting you to raise the fares!
📍 Itinerary
Morning ☀️
🔹 Pena Palace (Palácio da Pena) – The most famous and colourful palace in Sintra! Arrive early (opens 9:00 AM) to beat the crowds. Enjoy the stunning views and explore the romantic gardens. (€14 entry)
🔹 Moorish Castle (Castelo dos Mouros) – A short walk from Pena Palace, these medieval ruins offer incredible panoramic views over Sintra and the coast. (€8 entry)
Afternoon 🌿
🔹 Quinta da Regaleira – A mystical estate filled with underground tunnels, enchanting gardens, and the famous Initiation Well. A must-visit! (€11 entry)
🔹 Sintra Historic Centre – Stroll around the charming old town, grab a Travesseiro pastry from Piriquita Bakery, and explore the little shops.
💡 Extra Time? Visit Palácio de Monserrate, a hidden gem with gorgeous gardens and Moorish-Gothic architecture.
🚆 Heading Back
• Take the train back to Lisbon Rossio Station (last train ~11 PM).
💡 Tips
✅ Wear comfortable shoes – Lots of walking and hills!
✅ Book tickets online to avoid long queues.
✅ Bring a light jacket – Sintra can be cooler than Lisbon.
A magical day trip that feels like stepping into a storybook! ✨
#Favouriteitinerary #sintra #sintramagic
Geniegene
2
Fairytale of Europe 💕
With it's rippling mountains, dewy forests thick with ferns and lichen, exotic gardens and glittering palaces, Sintra is like a page torn from a fairy tale. Its UNESCO World Heritage–listed centre, Sintra-Vila, is dotted with pastel-hued manors folded into luxuriant hills that roll down to the blue Atlantic.
✨Must visit ✨
📍National Palace of Pena
The renowned jewel in the crown of the Sintra Hills. It’s one of the world’s most spectacular palaces resembling a fairytale castle.
📍The Moorish Castle
Soaring 412m above sea level, this mist-enshrouded ruined medieval castle looms high above the surrounding forest. When the clouds peel away, the vistas over Sintra’s palace-dotted hill and dale, across to the glittering Atlantic are – like the climb – breathtaking. The 10th-century Moorish castle’s dizzying ramparts stretch across the mountain ridges and past moss-clad boulders the size of small buses.
#myhiddengems #mytravelhacks #historicallandmarks #portugal #100waysoftravel
littledaizy
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Moorish Marvel: Sintra's Timeless Citadel
Certainly! Moorish Castle in Sintra offers a captivating blend of history, architecture, and panoramic views. Here are some travel notes for exploring the Moorish Castle in Sintra:
**1. Location and Overview:**
- The Moorish Castle is situated on a hilltop in Sintra, Portugal, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
- It dates back to the 8th or 9th century and played a strategic role in the region's history.
**2. Access and Transportation:**
- Sintra is easily accessible from Lisbon by train or bus.
- Once in Sintra, consider taking a local bus or taxi to reach the Moorish Castle, or it's a scenic walk for the more adventurous.
**3. Entrance and Tickets:**
- Purchase tickets at the entrance or consider buying them online to avoid queues.
- A combined ticket might be available if you plan to visit other attractions in Sintra, such as Pena Palace.
**4. Architecture and Features:**
- Admire the Moorish architectural elements, including crenellated walls, towers, and the iconic Gateway of the Moorish Castle.
- Explore the well-preserved remains of the castle, including the cistern and walls.
**5. Scenic Walks:**
- Enjoy the picturesque walks along the castle walls.
- Don't miss the stunning views of the Sintra hills, Pena Palace, and the Atlantic Ocean.
**6. Historical Significance:**
- Learn about the castle's history, including its Moorish origin and subsequent reconstructions by the Christians.
- Discover the strategic importance of the castle during the Moorish and medieval periods.
**7. Timing and Duration:**
- Plan to spend a few hours exploring the castle and its surroundings.
- The morning or late afternoon is ideal for pleasant weather and beautiful lighting.
**8. Photography Opportunities:**
- Capture the panoramic views of Sintra and the surrounding countryside.
- Look for unique angles to photograph the castle's architecture.
**9. Nearby Attractions:**
- Combine your visit with other attractions in Sintra, such as Pena Palace and the town center.
- Check the schedule for any cultural events or festivals in Sintra.
**10. Comfort and Practical Tips:**
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking on uneven terrain.
- Bring water, especially on warm days.
- Check for any restoration or maintenance schedules that might affect your visit.
**11. Local Refreshments:**
- Explore local cafes or bring a picnic to enjoy within the castle grounds.
- Sample traditional Portuguese treats and refreshments.
**12. Respectful Exploration:**
- Be respectful of the historical site, follow designated paths, and adhere to any guidelines provided.
Visiting the Moorish Castle in Sintra offers a unique journey through time and provides a deep appreciation for the rich history of the region. Enjoy your exploration!
Jackiemjiu
1
On the road to Moorish Castle!
World traveler 1
Moorish Castle in Sintra! 🌹🌄
#wecreate
The castle is only 400-500 metres downhill from Pena Palace, so a good option to visit and there is no need to catch a bus as you can just walk downhill.
Be prepared to climb up and down the castle – you will be rewarded with great views but may also end up with muscle fatigue.
Wander through history, uncovering tales of knights and kings, and marvel at the architectural splendor that transports you to another era. 🛡️🌿 Don't forget your camera to capture those picture-perfect moments!
#MoorishCastle #Sintra #Portugal #HistoryUnveiled #BreathtakingViews #ExplorationGoals #EnchantedLandscapes #MedievalMagic
Checkinaway (@checkinawayblog)
🏰✨ Discover the Enchanting Moorish Castle in Sintra! 🌹🌄
#wecreate
📍 Location: Sintra, Portugal 🇵🇹 💡 Useful Tip: Get there early to beat the crowds and enjoy breathtaking views! 📸
Immerse yourself in the captivating charm of the Moorish Castle, a magnificent fortress nestled amidst Sintra's lush landscapes. 🏰✨ Unleash your inner adventurer as you explore its ancient walls and towers, offering panoramic vistas of Sintra's magical surroundings.
#MoorishCastle #Sintra #Portugal #HistoryUnveiled #BreathtakingViews #ExplorationGoals #EnchantedLandscapes #MedievalMagic #CastleAdventures #HiddenGems #TravelTips
Checkinaway (@checkinawayblog)
A day trip
A day trip around Lisbon: from early to late Sintra
Sintra was originally a small town in the northern suburbs of Lisbon. At the end of the 13th century, it became a summer resort for the Portuguese royal family. Like Cascais, since the 18th century, the local rich have also built villas here, leaving a variety of gorgeous buildings. Such as the Moorish Castle, Pena Palace, etc., are listed in the World Cultural Heritage List. Because of the convenient transportation between Sintra and Lisbon, it takes only one hour by car, the train can reach two places directly, and with the rich historical sites, Sintra has become a must-see for every trip to Lisbon. Ground.
Suitable day trip:
1 Morning train arrives in Sintra, must be early!
2 Take the 434 road to the Pena Palace in the morning (small to early)
3 Take the 434 or walk back to visit the Moorish castle
4 at noon: return to the train station for lunch
5 Afternoon: Take the 435 to visit Regaleira Manor, walk for 20 minutes, arrange your own time
6 Evening: Take 403 to Cabo da Roca, first watch the bus time during the day, don't miss the return bus because of watching the sunset / Hh/ There are many monuments in Sintra, and the four mentioned are the most worthy places I have been to, including:
Figure 1-2