Sintra’s Castle of the Moors has long captivated visitors with its Moorish-inspired ruins and sweeping views. Now, travelers can skip the lines and explore the site at their own pace using an engaging audio guide. For just $21.15, this convenient ticket grants access to the historic fortress, allowing you to learn about its rich history while admiring the picturesque Serra De Sintra hills. With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, it’s the perfect way to tailor your Sintra adventure. But what secrets and surprises await within the castle walls?
This experience made our list of the 25 Best Guided Tours In Sintra.
Key Points
- Tickets for the Castle of the Moors in Sintra range from $21.15 per person and include a self-guided audio tour in English.
- The audio guide provides insights into the Moorish Castle’s history and showcases key features like the Royal Tower and panoramic views.
- The castle offers breathtaking panoramic views over the Serra De Sintra hills and features ancient Moorish ruins in a serene, forested setting.
- Visitors can access the audio guide via a smartphone app and should bring comfortable shoes, a valid ID, and headphones for the experience.
- The castle is located approximately 30 km from Lisbon and can be reached by train, with a 15-20 minute uphill walk from Sintra station to the castle entrance.
Ticket Details and Pricing
Priced from $21.15 per person, the Castle of the Moors tickets offer free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
The ticket is valid for 1 day and includes an adult entry ticket and a self-guided audio tour. The audio guide is available in English and can be downloaded to a smartphone app, providing insightful commentary on the castle’s history and significance.
Visitors can explore the Moorish Castle at their own pace, taking in panoramic views of the Serra De Sintra hills and the ancient ruins surrounding the site.
Accessibility is limited, as the castle isn’t suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.
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Audio Guide Experience
The audio guide included with the Castle of the Moors tickets provides visitors with a comprehensive and captivating way to explore the historic site.
The downloadable self-guided audio tour can be accessed via an app, enabling visitors to use it repeatedly before or after their visit. The audio guide is available in English and offers valuable insights into the Moorish Castle’s history and significance.
With the audio tour, guests can enjoy the castle’s story as they wander through the ruins at their own pace, discovering the Royal Tower, the Second Circle of Walls, and the stunning panoramic views over the Serra De Sintra hills.
Castle Exploration
Exploring the Moorish Castle at one’s own pace, visitors can discover the site’s key features, including the iconic Royal Tower and the impressive Second Circle of Walls.
The castle offers breathtaking panoramic views over the Serra De Sintra hills, surrounded by ancient ruins and dense forest.
Visitors can enjoy the castle’s rich history and architectural wonders:
- Climb the Royal Tower for a bird’s eye view of the surrounding landscape.
- Wander through the Second Circle of Walls, marveling at the impressive defensive structures.
- Encounter the castle’s ancient ruins, providing a glimpse into the Moorish era.
- Enjoy the serene ambiance of the lush, forested setting surrounding the castle.
Visitor Information
Visitors to the Moorish Castle in Sintra can reach the site by taking a train from Lisbon, located approximately 30 km away.
Visitors should bring their passport or ID, wear comfortable shoes, and bring headphones and a charged smartphone with the app downloaded.
The castle isn’t suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.
The standard operating hours are from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with the last admission at 5:00 PM.
The castle is closed on December 24-25 and January 1, and has limited hours on December 31 and January 2-3.
Visitors must adhere to the site’s guidelines and restrictions during their exploration of the ancient ruins and dense forest surrounding the Moorish Castle.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyOperational Guidelines
Standard operating hours for the Moorish Castle in Sintra run from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with the last admission at 5:00 PM.
The castle is closed on December 24-25 and January 1, with limited hours on December 31 and January 2-3.
Visitors should be aware of the following guidelines:
- The ticket is valid for one device, not per participant.
- Smartphones running Android 5.0+ or iOS are required, with 100-150 MB of available storage.
- Visitors must adhere to all site guidelines and restrictions during their exploration.
- The castle may not be suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.
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- Lisbon: Sintra Day Trip & Quinta Da Regaleira Ticket/Guide
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- From Lisbon: Sintra & Cascais Small Group Tour With Tickets
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Getting to the Castle
How does one get to the Moorish Castle in Sintra?
The Castle of the Moors is located 30 km from Lisbon, in the town of Sintra. It can be easily accessed by train from Lisbon.
Visitors should take a train from Lisbon’s Rossio station to Sintra station, which takes around 40 minutes. From there, it’s a 15-20 minute uphill walk to the castle.
Alternatively, there are local buses and taxis available to transport visitors directly to the castle’s entrance.
Whichever mode of transport is chosen, the castle’s picturesque hilltop setting amidst the Serra de Sintra hills makes the journey well worth it.
What to Bring
Certain essentials are recommended when visiting the Castle of the Moors.
To ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience, visitors should bring:
- Comfortable walking shoes, as the castle grounds require extensive exploration.
- Headphones or earbuds to fully immerse in the self-guided audio tour.
- A charged smartphone with the necessary app downloaded to access the audio guide.
- A valid form of identification, such as a passport or national ID card, as required for entry.
Important Notes
While the Castle of the Moors is open year-round, visitors should be mindful of seasonal closures and limited hours on certain dates. The castle is closed on December 24-25 and January 1, with reduced hours on December 31 and January 2-3.
Visitors must adhere to site guidelines and restrictions, including using a smartphone with 100-150 MB of storage to access the downloadable audio tour. The ticket is valid for one device, not per participant, so groups should plan accordingly.
Plus, the site may not be suitable for those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users. Proper planning and preparation will ensure a seamless experience at this historic Moorish Castle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There a Discounted Ticket Price for Children?
The ticket pricing information does not mention any discounted rates for children. The price listed is $21.15 per person, without any indication of a special child or family ticket.
Can I Upgrade My Ticket to Include a Guided Tour?
Yes, visitors can upgrade their ticket to include a guided tour. This provides a more in-depth historical experience led by a knowledgeable guide, in addition to the self-guided audio tour.
Do I Need to Pre-Book Tickets or Can I Buy on Arrival?
Tickets can be purchased on arrival, but pre-booking is recommended to guarantee entry, especially during peak seasons. Pre-booked tickets include skip-the-line access and an optional self-guided audio tour.
How Long Does It Typically Take to Explore the Castle?
The time needed to explore the castle typically ranges from 1-2 hours, depending on one’s pace and interest in the site. Visitors can take their time and enjoy the castle’s history and panoramic views.
Are There Any Food or Dining Options Available On-Site?
There are no on-site dining options at the Castle of the Moors. Visitors can bring their own food and snacks to enjoy while exploring the castle grounds, which offer panoramic views of the surrounding Serra de Sintra hills.
Recap
The Castle of the Moors in Sintra offers a unique opportunity to explore the historic site with a convenient skip-the-line ticket and an engaging audio guide. Visitors can enjoy the rich Moorish history, admire the stunning ruins and panoramic views, and enjoy the flexibility of free cancellation. This experience is a must-visit for anyone seeking to discover the enchanting charm of Sintra.
You can check if your dates are available here:More Guided Tours in Sintra
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