The Moorish Castle is the oldest and wildest of Sintra's monuments, a fortress whose walls snake along a rocky ridge between the village and Pena Palace. Parques de Sintra dates its founding to the tenth century, during the period of Moorish rule on the Iberian Peninsula, and the walls incorporate granite boulders and natural cliffs as part of the defences. After the Christian conquest of Sintra in the twelfth century the castle fell out of use, and it later became romantic ruins, which Ferdinand II restored as part of his vision for the landscape around Pena. A visit involves climbing stairways and ramparts, with a series of towers, a keep, a cistern and remains of the Islamic neighbourhood and a Christian necropolis along the way. The reward is the panorama: from the top you look across to Pena Palace, down on the terracotta roofs of Sintra and out to the sea. It is not a polished palace interior but an outdoor, windswept ramble, so it suits those who like to be active. Allow about an hour and a half, and take care on the uneven steps.
Practical details are simple. The castle is open daily, generally from 9:30 to 18:00, with the last ticket and last admission at 17:30, and the ticket office closes from noon to 1 pm, when automatic vending machines are available. An adult ticket is modest compared with Pena, and there are reductions for youths, seniors and families. Because the capacity is limited by the narrow walls, queues can form at the entrance in high season, so booking online or arriving at opening time pays off.
Getting there is part of the visit. Private vehicles are not allowed up the hill, so take the train from Lisbon to Sintra and then Scotturb bus 434, which links the station, the historic centre, the castle and Pena. You can also walk: there are marked trails, including the Santa Maria trail of about 1.8 km that starts in Sao Pedro de Sintra and the Seteais trail, which starts at the Palace of Seteais. Both are uphill and take a good hour, so wear proper shoes. Dogs are welcome here.
The castle makes a natural pairing with Pena Palace, since the two sit on neighbouring ridges and share the same bus route. A good plan is to do the castle first while you are fresh, then walk or bus to Pena for your timed slot. Take water, because there is little shade on the ramparts, and keep a close eye on small children at the unfenced drops. In wet or windy weather the stone steps become slippery, and mist can hide the views, so check the forecast before you commit to the climb.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided climb along stone steps and ramparts, with towers, a keep, a cistern and views across the Sintra hills and the coast.
Best time
Early in the day for cooler air and fewer people, or on a clear afternoon for the best views of Pena Palace.
How long
One and a half to two hours, depending on how far you walk along the walls.
Tips
Wear shoes with grip, carry water, check the weather before you climb and avoid the walls in strong wind.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Active visitors and history lovers who prefer ruins and views to furnished rooms.
- Families
- Fun for children who like to climb, but supervise closely on the steep steps and the exposed edges.
- Couples
- Walk the walls in the late-afternoon light for the best views of Pena and the village.
- Pair with
- Pena Palace next door by the same bus, and the village for lunch afterwards.
- Time needed
- About two hours, including the bus ride up and the walk back down.
Good questions
How old is the Moorish Castle?+
Parques de Sintra says it was founded in the tenth century during the Moorish occupation of the Iberian Peninsula. It was later abandoned and partly restored in the nineteenth century.
How do I get to the Moorish Castle?+
Take the train from Lisbon to Sintra, then Scotturb bus 434, or walk one of the marked uphill trails. Private vehicles are not allowed up the hill.
What are the opening hours?+
It opens daily from 9:30 to 18:00 with the last admission at 17:30, and the ticket office closes from noon to 1 pm. Check the official site before you go.
Is the castle good for children?+
Yes for energetic children who enjoy climbing, but the steps are steep and uneven and some edges are unfenced, so keep them close.
Can I combine it with Pena Palace?+
Yes, and it is the obvious pairing. The two share a bus route, and combination tickets are sold by Tiqets, though your Pena slot must still be booked for a specific time.
