Home Portugal Sintra Moorish Castle (Castelo dos Mouros)

ATTRACTION GUIDE · SINTRA

Moorish Castle (Castelo dos Mouros)

Medieval Moorish walls snaking along a granite ridge, with sweeping views to the Atlantic.

Tickets & tours Open in Google Maps

Time needed: 1–2 hours
Entry: Paid
Best time: Morning
Area: Serra de Sintra

Ancient walls along the mountain ridge.

Where it is & how to get there

Address: Estrada da Pena, 2710-609 Sintra

From Sintra: Bus 434 or a steep 45-minute hike from the old town.
Walls: Wear good shoes; the steps along the walls are uneven.
Combo: Combined tickets with Pena Palace are available.

Open in Google Maps Get directions

The story of the Moorish Castle

The Moorish Castle was built by the Muslim rulers of the region in the 8th and 9th centuries to guard Sintra and the routes to Lisbon. It was taken by Christian forces in 1147.

Restored in the 19th century under King Ferdinand II, its battlements wind along the rocky ridge, with views of Pena Palace, the town and the Atlantic coast.

Best time to visit

Best season

All year.

Best time of day

Morning, for clear views.

Fog

Sintra is often foggy; check the weather.

Tips before you go

Walk the walls for wide views.
Climb to the Royal Tower for views of Pena Palace.
Combine with Pena Palace on the same morning.

Best hotels near the Moorish Castle

Well-known hotels within easy reach. Check prices and availability for your dates.

Tivoli Palácio de Seteais

18th-century palace hotel in Sintra.

See prices

Penha Longa Resort

Resort in the Sintra hills.

See prices

All hotels near the Moorish Castle

What's around the Moorish Castle

Pena PalaceNext hilltop.
Sintra National PalaceIn the old town.
Sintra old townBelow the castle.
Quinta da RegaleiraNearby estate.

Questions travellers ask

Who built the Moorish Castle?

The Muslim rulers of the region in the 8th–9th centuries.

How long does a visit take?

About 1–1.5 hours.

Is there a combined ticket?

Yes, with Pena Palace.