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If Pena Palace in Sintra, Portugal, feels busy and overwhelming, the Moorish Castle Sintra, or Castle of the Moors, is the complete opposite. It’s quieter, more spread out, and focused almost entirely on views and history rather than interiors. If you’re already planning to visit Pena Palace, this is an easy add-on that feels calmer and much less rushed. I visited both last year and enjoyed them equally!
I was surprised to see how many people overlooked the Moorish Castle in Sintra.  In my opinion, it’s an easy add-on to your Sintra day trip that you won’t want to miss. This guide covers what to expect when visiting the Moorish Castle in Sintra, how tickets work, how long to plan, and whether it’s worth adding to your Sintra itinerary.
The Moorish Castle Sintra, Portugal
So, let’s jump in, and I will share my tips for visiting this iconic yet overlooked landmark in Portugal. Plus, this post is full of photos that I took during my January visit to the Castle of the Moors in Sintra.  It was a brisk yet sunny day, so quite enjoyable.  However, I can imagine it being very hot to explore this area during peak summer heat and crowds.
We will find out this June, as we choose Portugal and the Iberian Peninsula for our annual family summer trip to Europe! Â So, Â I will be bringing my husband and our two teenagers back here. We are all brushing up on our Portuguese, and this trip, I am going to make sure to plan another Flytographer photo shoot. The kids have grown so much since our last one!
Where Is the Moorish Castle in Sintra, Portugal?
The Moorish Castle sits high on the ridge above the town of Sintra, just a short distance from Pena Palace, which I wrote about a few days ago. While the two sites are close geographically, they feel very different once you’re actually there. The castle stretches along the hillside, with walking paths and stone walls that offer sweeping views of Sintra and, on clear days, the Atlantic Ocean.
Because of its location, many visitors combine the Moorish Castle with Pena Palace on the same day. This is exactly what I did!  In fact, I didn’t even know about the Moorish Castle when I went on my day trip to Pena Palace.  I happened to walk by, grabbed a quick entry ticket on my GetYourGuide app so that I didn’t have to wait in line, and walked right in.  And, I am so glad I did!
RELATED POST: How To Visit Pena Palace in Sintra
A Brief History of the Moorish Castle
The Moorish Castle in Sintra dates back to the 8th and 9th centuries and was built by the Moors as a defensive fortress overlooking the region. Contrary its future neighbor, Pena Palace, this castle’s purpose was strategic rather than decorative, which explains its rugged layout and exposed hilltop position above the Serra De Sintra. Â
After changing hands multiple times over the centuries, the castle was eventually abandoned and fell into ruin before being restored in the 19th century. Today, what remains are the stone walls, towers, and pathways that give visitors a sense of how important this site once was for controlling access to the area.
Moorish Castle Sintra Tickets & Entry Info
Unlike Pena Palace, visiting the Moorish Castle is very straightforward. There is a single entrance ticket option with no timed entry. Tickets are generally easy to purchase, and sellouts are less common. You can opt for a guided tour if you choose.
Because there’s no entry window to worry about, you can visit at your own pace and adjust your timing based on the weather or crowds elsewhere in Sintra.
Click here for Moorish Castle tickets!
What To Expect When Visiting the Moorish Castle Sintra
This visit is almost entirely outdoors. Expect stone staircases, walking paths, and stretches where you can walk along the castle walls themselves. There are very few interior spaces, and the experience is more about movement, scenery, and perspective than detailed exhibits.
The views are the highlight here. From the walls, you can look down over Sintra’s forests and rooftops, and on clear days, you can see all the way to the coast.
To fully explore the Moorish Castle in Sintra, you can expect a good amount of walking and quite a few stairs if you want to go all the way to the top. I did, and it was well worth it. That said, it will be difficult to navigate if you have mobility issues.
Is the Moorish Castle Busy?
Compared to Pena Palace, the Moorish Castle feels noticeably quieter. Visitors spread out along the walls, which makes it easier to explore without feeling crowded. It’s easy to linger at viewpoints or move at your own pace while visiting the Moorish Castle in Sintra, Portugal.
How Long Do You Need at the Moorish Castle?
Most visitors spend about 45 minutes to an hour at the Moorish Castle. If you enjoy photography, slow walks, or taking in the views, you could easily stay longer. It’s a flexible stop that works well whether you’re moving quickly or building in extra time.  However, I would do it after your visit to Pena Palace, so you don’t wear yourself out and can get your timed entry there out of the way first.
Getting to the Moorish Castle
The Moorish Castle uses the same general access routes as Pena Palace. You can reach it by shuttle bus from Sintra town, by tuk-tuk, walking, or by taxi/rideshare. If you’re already at Pena Palace, it’s easy to walk between the two, making them a natural pairing.
For more detailed information on getting to Sintra from Lisbon and specifically getting up the hill to the Moorish Castle and Pena Palace, read all of the first-hand tips I share in my Visiting Pena Palace blog post. Â In that post, I also share how I walked down the hill from the Moorish Castle to Sintra, which I highly recommend if you are up for it!
Is the Moorish Castle Worth Visiting?
The Moorish Castle is worth visiting if you enjoy views, history, and being outdoors. It’s especially appealing if you want a quieter experience or a break from busy attractions. If you’re looking for elaborate interiors or museum-style exhibits, this may feel limited, but as a contrast to Pena Palace, it works extremely well.
Plus, tickets to the Moorish Castle Sintra are reasonably priced!
More First-Hand Europe Travel Inspiration
If you’re planning a bigger European trip, Sintra is just one of many unforgettable stops I have explored. Here at Our Little Lifestyle. I share detailed travel guides, tips, and firsthand experiences from destinations all across Europe — from coastal towns and historic cities to easy day trips and family-friendly itineraries.
You can browse all of my Europe travel blog posts for more inspiration, practical planning tips, and ideas to help you build a trip that feels well-paced, memorable, and realistic. I also share my top European cities for first-time visitors and exactly how I plan our family trips to Europe.
Want to travel for cheaper? Learning to maximize credit card points and miles has opened up so many doors for us! We use points to travel to Europe numerous times a year and keep our out-of-pocket expenses minimal. Read my Miles & Points Guide to learn how you can do this too!
And, you can follow along on all of our trips via social media! Use the story highlights to see my last visit to the Moorish Castle Sintra, Pena Palace, Lisbon and more!
PIN: Moorish Castle Sintra Portugal for Later
