Why go

The Castle of the Moors runs along a rocky ridge high above Sintra, its walls and towers rising and falling with the granite boulders like a small Great Wall. It was built by the Moors in the 10th century to guard the land and sea routes to Lisbon, and it passed to the Christian kings after the conquest of Lisbon in 1147. Over the following centuries it fell into ruin.

In the 19th century King Ferdinand II, who was building Pena Palace on the neighbouring peak, restored the walls as part of his romantic vision of the Sintra hills, planting trees and opening paths around them. What you walk today is largely that romantic restoration on medieval foundations, and archaeologists have also uncovered traces of the medieval village and Christian church inside the walls.

The castle is part of the Cultural Landscape of Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has fewer visitors than Pena, and walking the battlements with mist blowing across the ridge is one of the most memorable things to do on a day trip from Lisbon.

What to see

  • The Royal Tower. The highest point of the walls, with views over Pena Palace, the town and the plain towards the sea.
  • The wall-walks. Steep steps follow the ramparts between towers along the ridge.
  • The keep and the main gate. The inner citadel at the heart of the castle.
  • The archaeological area. Remains of medieval houses, silos and the Church of São Pedro de Canaferrim near the entrance.
  • The forest paths. The approach winds through moss-covered rocks and trees planted in the 19th century.

Plan your visit

The castle opens daily from 9.30am to 6pm, with last entry at 5.30pm. The ticket office closes between noon and 1pm, but a ticket machine is available. In 2026 an adult ticket costs €12, ages 6 to 17 and over-65s pay €10, and a family ticket for two adults and two young people costs €33.

The walls are steep and uneven, with drops on either side, so wear sturdy shoes and take care in wind and rain. Like all the Parques de Sintra monuments, the castle can close in severe weather; it was shut on 11 November 2026 under a government weather alert. Allow an hour to an hour and a half.

From Lisbon, take the train from Rossio to Sintra, about 40 minutes, then bus 434, which stops at the castle and at Pena. Fit walkers can climb from the town on the Santa Maria trail.

There is little shelter on the walls, so bring water in summer and a waterproof in winter. If you plan to see several Parques de Sintra monuments, check the official ticket site for any combined tickets before buying separate ones. Many guided day trips from Lisbon include Pena but not the castle, so check the itinerary if the walls matter to you.

Nearby

Pena Palace is on the next peak, reached on foot in about 15 minutes. Below, in the historic centre, are the Sintra National Palace and Quinta da Regaleira, with cafés selling the town’s travesseiro pastries.