Up in the lush hills of Sintra, a short drive from Cascais, is a treasure trove of royal grandeur and Moorish mystery. During my recent press tour of Portugal’s Cascais region, I had the incredible opportunity to tour two of Sintra’s most iconic landmarks: the National Palace of Sintra and the enchanting Palácio de Monserrate.

These palaces aren’t just relics of history—they’re immersive experiences that transport you to another time and place. History lovers, architecture buffs, and lovers of fairytales will be excited to see these palaces!

National Palace of Sintra: A Walk Of Portugal’s Royal Past

Known for its twin white chimneys that stick out along Sintra’s skyline, the Palácio Nacional de Sintra is one of the best-preserved medieval royal residences in Portugal. Stepping into the palace feels like stepping onto the pages of a royal chronicle. This UNESCO World Heritage site has been a home to Portuguese monarchs from the early Middle Ages through the 19th century.

The interiors are rich with historical detail— tile panels tell visual stories of old Portugal. Each room it’s own character, from Moorish influences to Manueline flair. Manueline window styles are an identifying trait of many palaces and monastaries in Portugal.

Don’t miss the Palace Kitchen, where the towering conical chimneys connect to the ceiling, making it one of the most photographed features of the palace. The kitchen was my favorite room…the walls seemed to echo stories of days gone by….

This palace is less flashy than Pena Palace but far more intimate—it lets you imagine daily life within its walls: royal banquets, political intrigue; and moments of reflection looking out over the hills of Sintra.

Pro Tip: Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and get unobstructed shots of the ornate rooms and courtyard arches.

Palácio de Monserrate: Sintra’s Romantic Hidden Gem

Palácio de Monserrate is surrounded by exotic gardens and influences of Gothic, Moorish and Indian architecture. Visiting here feels like a dream—or a movie set. This palace is a great choice for all niche of travelers- but defintiely one couples would love to visit!

Originally a neo-Gothic mansion rebuilt in the 19th century by Englishman Sir Francis Cook, Monserrate showcases how Portuguese nobility and foreign artists collaborated to create a leisure retreat unlike any other. It was the summer home for the Cook Family.

The palace’s central rotunda with its lace-like stone arches and Arabesque motifs are absolutely stunning!. Every corridor is an architectural “wow”, making it a paradise for photographers and design lovers.

Gardens of Wonder

The palace is small compared to others in Sintra, but its detail is amazing—and its botanical gardens are among the finest in Europe. You’ll find over 3,000 plant species from around the world: Mexican agaves, Himalayan rhododendrons, and Japanese maples are some of the plant species living here.

If you’re looking for a tranquil escape after touring the palace, defintiely take some times to stroll the gardens. This garden was designed to feel wildl romantic, and it succeeds spectacularly.

Travel Tip: Monserrate is more off the beaten path than Pena or the Moorish Castle, making it a peaceful stop even during peak season. Wear good walking shoes if you want to explore all corners of the garden.

Getting There from Cascais

Sintra is an easy day trip from Cascais, with multiple transport options. You can rent a car, take a short train ride to Sintra via Lisbon, or book a guided tour that includes transport and skip-the-line tickets.

My tour was hosted by Visit Cascais, and included a driver and guide—this is ideal for making the most of your time without the hassle of parking or waiting in queues. My tour guide for both palaces was from Seagull Tours. I highly recommend using this tour company to guide your visits; what a amazing and fun experience!

Sintra is a UNESCO site, and cars are restricted in the historic center, so most tours drop you off near the palace entrances. Be prepared to walk quite a bit on cobble stone streets, and wear comfy shoes.

Why These Palaces Belong on Your Portugal Itinerary

While Cascais draws visitors with its seaside charm, adding a day in Sintra—especially to tour the National Palace and Monserrate Palace—will round out your Portugal adventures! These aren’t just Instagram-worthy stops; they are windows into Portugal’s complex history of royalty, colonial influence and artistic ambition.