Sintra with kids: a family holiday between the hills and the sea

Top things to do in Sintra with children

• Find the dinosaur footprints at Praia Grande. Climb the staircase at the south end of the beach to see dozens of tracks on the cliff. More here.
• Explore Quinta da Regaleira. Tunnels, grottoes, stepping stones and the spiral well feel like a treasure hunt.
• Ride the vintage tram from Sintra to Praia das Maçãs, in service since 1904, running in spring and summer.
• Run around the Pena Park. Lakes, ducks, towers and forest trails, even if you skip the palace interior.
• Spend lazy beach days at Praia das Maçãs or Praia Grande, which have lifeguards in summer.
• Take a first surf lesson. Schools at Praia Grande teach children in the smaller summer waves.

Tips for families

• Visit the palaces at opening time. Queues and heat build quickly.
• Bring a carrier rather than a pushchair for the palaces. There are many steps.
• The Atlantic is cold and can be rough. Choose beaches with lifeguards and stay in the supervised area.
• Fog is common on summer mornings on the coast. It often clears by lunch, so plan palaces for the morning and the beach for the afternoon.

Where to stay in Sintra with a family

For families, especially with grandparents or friends, a house works better than hotel rooms: everyone eats together, children play outside, and nap times are easy. Villa Rio Seco in Almoçageme has five bedrooms with twelve single beds, four bathrooms, a fenced private pool, a large garden and a barbecue. Praia Grande is a 15-minute walk away and the palaces about 20 minutes by car. Read more about our family holiday villa near the beach in Sintra and about staying in Sintra with a large group.