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Sintra

Solo Female Travel in Sintra

Nestled in the foothills of Portugal's Sintra Mountains, just a half hour drive from the capital, Lisbon, the picturesque town of Sintra is an alluring blend of natural beauty and rich history. Known for its romantic 19th-century architectures, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a veritable treasure trove of captivating palaces, mysterious gardens, and ancient castles. Highlights include the pastel-colored Pena Palace, the mysterious Quinta da Regaleira, and the ancient Moorish Castle, which offers breathtaking views from its hilltop vantage point. The charming old town streets are equally inviting, filled with traditional pastries shops and authentic Portuguese restaurants. With its regal hilltop features and surrounding natural beauty, Sintra provides a fairytale backdrop that's perfect for a day trip or an extended stay.

Sintra is currently ranked #78 best place for solo female travellers. Check full ranking.

Travel rating

4.2 /5

Based on 6 experiences

4.2 /5

Based on our research

4.7 /5

Based on safety reports

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Is Sintra good for solo travel?

Safety:Very safe

Sintra is generally very safe for solo female travelers. The local residents are typically helpful and welcoming, the streets are well-lit and busier parts of town are frequently patrolled by police. Nevertheless, like anywhere else, it's always essential to maintain vigilance to avoid any potential problems. Avoid walking alone at night in less crowded areas and always be aware of your surroundings. It is also advisable to stay in accommodations with good reviews from fellow female solo travelers.

Transport:Easy

Sintra is quite accessible, even for solo female travelers. The town is small, allowing for most places to be reached on foot, and many of the popular sightseeing spots such as the Pena Palace and the Moorish Castle are within close proximity. The culture is generally safe and friendly, with locals often willing to help advise you on directions if needed. However, given the hilly geography and the cobblestone streets, it can be physically demanding to get around, especially if you are not used to a lot of walking or climbing.

Things to do:Fascinating

Sintra, is an absolute must-visit. This enchanted town showcases the very best of Portugal's history and culture, ranging from charming cobblestone streets to magnificent palaces and remarkable gardens. It offers a wealth of diverse activities such as touring captivating historical landmarks like Pena Palace or Quinta da Regaleira, hiking in the lush Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, or simply enjoying the local cuisine. The rich portuguese art and artisan shops also provide a unique, immersive experience. Each turn in Sintra seems to reveal another stunning view or unexpected treasure. Its picturesque and safe setting makes it especially appealing for solo female travelers.

Food:Excellent

Sintra offers a wide variety of food vastly influenced by its historical ties and geographical location. Seafood is a dominant part of their menu, with an array of fresh catches cooked in traditional Portuguese style. Also not to be missed are their pastries and local desserts, particularly the famous Travesseiros de Sintra. The wines are also excellent. However, for vegetarians or people with specific dietary restrictions, options might be slightly limited, hence not a full 5.

Budget:Moderate

Sintra offers a mix of budget-friendly and high-end options. While entrance fees to monuments and historic sites can add up, you can offset the costs by enjoying inexpensive local cuisine and finding accommodations ranging from budget hostels to reasonably-priced bed and breakfasts. Public transportation, like the local train from Lisbon, is efficient and economical. However, overall affordability largely depends on personal spending habits.

Is Sintra worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.2 /5

based on 6 experiences

Things to do

4.6/5

Safety

4.7/5

Food

4.3/5

Budget-friendly

4.2/5

Solo travel experience

I loved Sintra. I spent there 2 nights. I started from Quinta, then went to Pena, and then to Moorish. I spent the most time in Quinta - it was beautiful and it wasn't crowded when I was there.

Posted: August 7, 2023

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5

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Solo travel experience

I went in August last year and thought that Pena is absolutely beautiful. I took the first train from Lisbon, got a ride from one of the cart drivers who wait outside the station, and reached the top before the tourists. I was tenth in line and it was great. I spent at least an hour walking around the palace, and then another hour in the palace grounds, exploring the gardens. Then I went down to stop at one of the other palaces.

Posted: July 25, 2023

Things to do: 5/5Food: 4/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5

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Solo travel experience

I really fell in love with Sintra. First, I visited Quinta da Regaleira, as it was the most important for me, from there I went to the Pena National Palace (I had an entrance for three), the Valley of the Lakes and ended my day at the Moors Castle. It was a tiring day, but I wouldn't change a thing.

Posted: July 16, 2023

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5

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Adriana (23)

Portugal

Family travel experience

I really enjoyed the weekend trip. My mum and I visited 3 palaces but we want to come to visit the others. If I'm not wrong, there's 7 palaces to visit in Sintra

Posted: April 16, 2023Experienced: January, 2023

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5

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Solo travel experience

I returned there two days in a row. I loved the local monuments, but for me it was the Convento dos Capuchos just outside Sintra that stole my heart with its mysterious atmosphere. I was there completely alone on a gloomy, foggy day, in an area full of trees and stones - this place was spiritual for me. I am very glad that another traveler from the hostel told me about this place.

Posted: April 2, 2023

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5

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Solo travel experience

I spent the weekend there in a really cool hostel. The Quinta da Regaleira gardens were magical, and both castles were definitely worth visiting. The whole town was so charming. Great coffee, queijada (small cheesecake) and cherry liqueur.

Posted: December 3, 2022

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 5/5

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Meet locals in Sintra

Meet local women in Sintra who are open to meet up for a coffee or a drink, show you around, give local advice or practice a language with.

Andreia

About Me

Hey!, I'm Andreia and I'm interested in animals, books, photography and hiking

Speaking

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Maria

About Me

My name is Maria, I'm 23 and I'm from Lisbon, Portugal! I'm a biologist and I'm currently working with birds of prey. It's my first time solo traveling, which is a dream I've always had. This experience is a challenge for me, because I don't find it easy to trust people. I'm really looking forward to meeting new people and different cultures. I'm passionate about nature and history. I love reading (especially while drinking a cup of tea). Hope to meet you soon!

Speaking

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Local tips

Maria

Portugal

Sintra is a magical place in Lisbon, Portugal. When you visit Sintra, you’ll feel like you entered the fantasy world, where fairy and dragons live! You may find a lot of public transports and different places to eat local food. Please, don’t leave without tasting “Travesseiros” from “Periquita” and “Queijadas” from “Casa do Preto”’

Posted: October 25, 2023

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