Sintra is small, but because it is very touristy, you can find a few vegan options in the area. From fully vegan restaurants to some options in non-vegan restaurants. We even found an ice cream shop offering vegan flavours.
Sintra is nestled in lush green hills and stands as a true testament to the beauty and rich history of Portugal. It is located just a short drive away from Lisbon.
In Sintra, you can find fairy-tale castles and pristine forests. The city offers a unique and unforgettable experience that will take you to a world of wonder and magic.
In the 19th century, Sintra became the first centre of European Romantic architecture. It is no wonder that it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995. The city is an exceptional mixture of nature and architecture.
Sintra’s historic center is a maze of cobbled streets, lined with charming shops, cafes, and traditional Portuguese houses.
WHERE TO STAY IN SINTRA
We made the best decision and did not take Sintra as a day trip, but spent the night there. The city is full of charm, and we loved spending one night there.
We stayed at the cutest place called Hotel Nova Sintra. It is in a great location within walking distance of everything, and they offer a free parking space, which was a bonus for us. You can check the availability here.
VEGAN RESTAURANTS IN SINTRA
While Sintra may not have as many vegan restaurants as larger cities like Lisbon or Porto, you can still find several options that cater to plant-based eaters.
INCOMUM
They serve creative and flavourful dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The menu changes regularly to incorporate seasonal produce.
It is a very nice restaurant that offers two vegan dishes. You can have a sweet potato with vegetables and spinach or penne pasta with avocado and coconut.
It was our favourite meal in Sintra because the taste of the food was amazing.
A PRAÇA VEGAN AND VEGETARIAN RESTAURANT
It is a vegetarian restaurant in the city centre of Sintra offering vegan options. Their food is fresh and simple and very delicious.
They have a daily menu that you can have in a vegan version. You can have a whole lunch that includes soup, the main dish, and dessert.
PURO SABOR SINTRA
We found an ice cream shop in Sintra called Puro Sabor that sells vegan ice cream. It was not the best ice cream that we ever had but it is great to have an option!
MELA CANELA VEGAN RESTAURANT
It is a vegan restaurant located just outside the city centre of Sintra. They offer a variety of daily specials and very tasty desserts.
TASCA – BOUTIQUE DAS TAPAS IN SINTRA
It is a small tapas restaurant with the friendliest owner. They have one vegan dish which is a vegan wrap. Our favourite part about the restaurant was the Sangria.
CAFÉ SAUDADE SINTRA
It is a cute café in the centre of Sintra. It is a great place to have breakfast. They have two vegan options which are vegan toast or salad with chickpea mash.
Additionally, keep in mind that many non-vegan restaurants may also offer vegan options on their menus. It is always a good idea to inquire about these options when dining out.
Whether you are a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply seeking a fairytale escape, Sintra offers something for everyone. Its magical landscapes, architectural wonders, and mystical ambiance make it a destination unlike any other.
HOW TO GET AROUND SINTRA
Most visitors visit Sintra from Lisbon by train. You can also go there by car, but parking might be a problem. When you get to the train station or park your car, you can visit all the sights on foot. Just wear your best sneakers, and you’re good to go.
->For renting a car, we recommend Discover Cars for the best deals.
Some places are up the hill, like Pena Palace, so it would be quite a hike to go up there. There are tuk-tuk taxis available everywhere in Sintra.
If you are visiting from Lisbon, you can also check out the best organised tour by Tugatrips.
NATIONAL PALACE OF PENA
One of the most iconic landmarks in Sintra is the Pena Palace. Perched atop a hill, this colourful palace is a masterpiece of Romantic architecture. Its vibrant colours and details make it look like straight out of a fairy tale.
From the moment you set foot on the palace grounds, you are transported to a world of fantasy and imagination. The panoramic views from the Pena Palace are simply breathtaking, offering a sweeping view of the surrounding countryside.
The best way to see the Pena Palace is to go up from the city centre by tuk-tuk and walk all the way down through Pena Park.
THE PENA PARK
It is a vast forested area that surrounds the Pena Palace. We loved the park even more than the palace. The park is like walking in a fairytale, full of secret paths, pavilions, ponds, and beautiful trees.
QUINTA DA REGALEIRA
Another architectural gem in Sintra is Quinta da Regaleira. This villa is a fusion of eccentric, neo-Gothic architecture. But the main attractions are its gardens and the Initiation Well. It spirals deep into the ground.
It is one of the most popular sights for the majority of tourists, so the waiting line to see the Initiation Well can be quite long, but, in our opinion, it is worth the wait.
Designed with esoteric symbolism, the Quinta da Regaleira invites visitors to explore its enchanting grounds and uncover its hidden secrets.
MOORISH CASTLE IN SINTRA
For history buffs, the Moorish Castle is a fascinating site to explore because it was built in the 8th and 9th centuries.
The castle’s ruins offer glimpses into its storied past, and the climb to the top rewards visitors with panoramic views of the city and the Atlantic Ocean.
MONSERRATE PALACE
It is a Palace that most tourists skip when visiting Sintra. It is a 19th-century villa that is a fusion of Arabic styles, surrounded by beautiful gardens.
