Sintra’s Moorish Castle is a military fort believed to date back to the 9th century and the period of Arab occupation in Portugal. The castle ruins sit above Sintra’s historic town center and can be seen from many vantage points around town.
Hiking from the shops near the National Palace takes you on a windy and picturesque climb through historic residential buildings and steep passageways.
Once you enter the national park that houses the castle you are surrounded by green trees and plants. It’s a beautiful walk in dappled sunlight. The castle ruins await you at the top with a sprawling wall and towering turrets.
The views surrounding the ruins are stunning from every vantage point. The National Palace, Palace of Pena, and other historic buildings and towns are nestled in a sea of green trees that stretch from the castle walls to the Atlantic ocean.
