Moorish Castle

The Moorish Castle in Sintra is a dramatic hilltop fortress offering breathtaking views over the region, including the colorful Pena Palace and the Atlantic coastline. Built between the 8th and 9th centuries, the castle features winding stone walls, watchtowers and scenic pathways that lead visitors through centuries of history. Its location within the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park makes it both a cultural and scenic highlight for travelers visiting Portugal.
This venue is also included in select MegaPass city passes, making it easy to combine with other top attractions during your trip.

Constructed by the Moors during the early medieval period, the castle served as a defensive outpost overlooking Sintra and the surrounding valleys. After the Christian reconquest, the fortress was further reinforced and used as a strategic point of control. In the 19th century, King Ferdinand II restored portions of the walls and towers as part of his Romantic-era revitalization of Sintra’s historic landscape. Today, the castle is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Landscape.

The Moorish Castle offers visitors a unique combination of natural beauty, ancient history and spectacular panoramic views. Walking along its fortified walls provides an immersive journey through medieval heritage, while the high vantage points deliver unforgettable vistas of Pena Palace, Sintra’s old town and the lush forests below. The castle’s open-air structure makes it one of Sintra’s most atmospheric attractions.

Entry tickets provide access to the castle walls, towers, scenic viewpoints and interpretive panels. Many tickets include a multilingual audio guide for deeper insight into the fortress’s history and architecture. Visitors should expect uphill walking from the bus stop or parking area, as the castle is located atop a steep ridge. Shuttle services from Sintra town may also be available during peak seasons.

Ticket prices vary seasonally, with potential discounts available for children, students or seniors. Combination tickets that include multiple Sintra attractions may offer cost-effective options. Prices can occasionally change due to seasonal adjustments or restoration activity, so checking current information is recommended.

The Moorish Castle generally opens daily with extended hours in summer and reduced hours during winter. Weather conditions, especially fog or high winds, may affect access to certain areas of the walls. Seasonal holidays or maintenance may also impact opening times, so reviewing the latest schedule before visiting is advisable.

The castle is located high in the hills of Sintra and can be reached by bus, tuk-tuk, rideshare or a scenic uphill hike. Bus 434 from Sintra railway station is the most common route for visitors. Limited parking is available near the castle, but due to Sintra’s narrow mountain roads, public transport is often recommended.

• Ancient 9th-century fortress walls
• Watchtowers overlooking Sintra and the Atlantic
• Views of Pena Palace from the ramparts
• Forested pathways along the mountain ridge
• Archaeological remains and interpretive displays
• UNESCO World Heritage setting
• Romantic-era enhancements by Ferdinand II
• Stunning panoramic photography spots

• Wear comfortable shoes—paths are steep and uneven
• Bring water, especially during warmer months
• Visit early for the clearest views before fog rolls in
• Allow extra time for climbing the walls and towers
• Check weather conditions; fog is common in Sintra
• Avoid carrying heavy bags due to uphill paths
• Combine your visit with Pena Palace, located nearby
• Dress in layers; the castle can be windy at the top

Most visitors spend 1 to 1.5 hours exploring the castle. Walking the full length of the ramparts and climbing the towers may extend the visit to about 2 hours. Travelers combining this stop with Pena Palace or Sintra town often spend half a day in the area.

Winter enhances the castle’s mystique, with misty mountain air often wrapping the walls in dramatic fog. Dress warmly, as the hilltop can be chilly and windy. Paths may be slippery after rain, so good footwear is essential. Clear winter afternoons offer beautiful light and excellent visibility across Sintra. Visiting in winter also means fewer crowds, making the castle’s viewpoints more peaceful and atmospheric.