Castelo dos Mouros
Castelo dos Mouros
4.5
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
The Moorish Castle is a military fortification that bears witness to the Islamic presence in the region, and was probably constructed between the eighth and ninth centuries and later expanded after the Reconquista. Overlooking the town of Sintra, it served as a watchtower, guaranteeing the protection of Lisbon and its surroundings.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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from £15.68
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  • MissHK2009
    Hong Kong, China3,914 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    GORGEOUS & GREAT !
    I had limited time in Sintra and had to weigh which attractions I had to give up which I had to visit. This castle ranks the top on my list and I visited in the morning before it became too crowded. There's a bus from centre of Sintra going round the various scenic spots including this one. Everyone buys a one-day pass so to be able to hop on and off. There are only one or two staff. People mainly purchased tickets for entrance at the ticket machine which doesn't work well at all. Wow! The views are stunning from this castle and I enjoy so much the climbing! Simply a GORGEOUS and GREAT place not to be missed in Sintra!
    Visited March 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written 19 March 2023
  • NoakesRyan
    Bury, United Kingdom595 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Breathtaking views.
    Unbelievable views. You can even see Pena Palace in the distance. It's 400 km from the entrance to the Castle itself which provides lovely green walks. The Castle Walls themselves have a lot of steps but it's worth it for the views. We went when the weather was gorgeous and so sunny and warm which made it even better.
    Visited March 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 30 March 2023
  • Ellen L
    Chicago, Illinois35 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Must see!
    This is a must see in Sintra! It’s very easy to get to. We took the train out of Lisbon to Sintra and purchased the day pass public tourist bus tickets that are valid on the 434 and 435 lines. The line that takes you here runs frequently and is a large bus. They will fill the busses to maximum capacity so you may end up standing but it is the best way to get around as there is a lot of traffic. You can either purchase your tickets online or at the kiosk. There’s a kiosk at the main entrance and a kiosk where the bus stops. The queues are very long so I would recommend purchasing your tickets online! It is a beautiful castle but it is a lot of steps and walking so wear study shoes and bring some water! The views are incredible after your short hike!
    Visited April 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 14 April 2023
  • Mms1225
    Mars, Pennsylvania174 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Worth the visit
    Worth the visit. It was really fun to climb all the different areas of the castle and the views from the top were amazing. Luckily the weather was nice when we went, but if it would have been the middle of summer it would have been quite hot as there was no shade. Buy tickets online in advance to avoid the ticket queue. 15 min walk from Pena palace.
    Visited March 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 4 May 2023
  • ABBB
    Ottawa, Canada51 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Not to be missed
    So there is a lot to see in Sintra and I read somewhere that if you have limited time, skip this. WRONG! This was the highlight of the Sintra day trip for everyone. Imagine hearing the sound of the breeze rustling the trees and a myriad of birds as you climb climb climb up cobbled pathways. You can literally smell the history. So much to see and love the signage along the way that tells the story - look at artifacts from 2000 BC found at the site. And the views - spectacular. Walk along the walls (though careful - it is windy and not for those with a fear of heights. Just wonderful.
    Visited May 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 15 May 2023
  • B T
    London, United Kingdom1,216 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A must do in Sintra
    This was wonderful, you can walk around the walls. There is not really a main castle building, just a big round defensive wall. They give wonderful views over Sintra, the countryside, the sea and Pena Palace. They are no where near as busy as Pena Palace.
    Visited May 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written 20 May 2023
  • Guro Elisabeth
    Trondheim, Norway6 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful sight
    A supercool sight on top of the parks of Sintra. Great views and interesting details. The castle itself is a 5/5, but options regarding food were limited. Had some snacks with us and ate a fuller meal back in the city centre of Sintra later on so it worked out though.
    Visited May 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 26 May 2023
  • ChippyBiddy
    London, United Kingdom156 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fantastic views
    Went here as soon as we got to Sintra (morning train arriving at 9.30) and luckily it wasn’t busy. Spent a couple of hours exploring and walking around. Some really great views from the high points so if you are physically able to, I’d say really try to make your way up there. Although it’s no longer a castle as such, it was still a really great experience. One less star because the cafe was closed at a time when quite a few people wanted something to eat or drink. There were some vending machine available but it’s probably worth bringing your own snacks just in case.
    Visited May 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 4 June 2023
  • Karen Savage
    Amsterdam, The Netherlands997 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Walk through history (and nice breezes)
    The castle is a shortish walk up (and I stress up) from historic Sintra or a 10 min walk down from Peña Palace. It’s definitely worth visiting. Not as crowded and Peña you you get to walk through it. Some great views from the two parts of the castle. It is a lot of stairs/steps and some rough stone to walk on in areas. But so nice and cool with a breeze and the ability to walk through such history.
    Visited June 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 18 June 2023
  • Michael K
    995 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Marvellous structure hugging the hilltop
    The highlight here is the castle ramparts snaking up the hilltop reminiscent of the Great Walls of China on a smaller scale. Unless you are in good physical shape, hiking up to the tallest battlement takes some effort but it is well worth it. Besides the view of the town of Sintra, you can also get a good view of the Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira.
    Visited May 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 20 June 2023
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4.5
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Ed C
Birmingham, UK142 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2024 • Couples
Beautiful walk up from Sintra , fabulous views. Go early in the day and it’s quiet as most people go to Sintra or Peña palace first. Worth the walk!
Written 18 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

lovehols4
Essex, UK542 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Couples
A short walk from Pena Palace where you can buy tickets at the door via a machine. Beautiful views, lots of steps so if you are unsteady on foot think wisely before taking the steps up.
Be aware of taxi touts outside overcharging for trips down the hill, they became quite aggressive with some people who declined their offer of trips. There is a bus stop close by
Written 15 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

GuyE
25 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2024 • Couples
The great views are well worth the climbs and it's easy to get an appreciation of the history of the place. You really need to make sure you visit on a clear day.

It's worth noting that there's lots of parts where there are high steep drops guarded only by original low walls with no additional safety fencing, so take care if with small children or anyone a little unsteady on their feet.

I recommend touring the castle in a clockwise sense as this makes walking the uphill parts easier than the other way around.
Written 8 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Amber M
Sydney, Australia500 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2024 • Couples
We started our day trip late from Lisbon and so arrived to have a late breakfast and so decided to limit what we could see for our day trip. The Moorish castle was my pick and it was just fabulous. Well worth the money. The castle itself was beautiful but the views from the walls are stunning. You can see just about all the sites of Sintra from this one spot.
From there we took the Centro Historico walk back to tan and it was a great walk down with lovely views
Written 1 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Nancy F
San Diego, CA147 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Couples
This Moorish Castle complex was much better than expected! It is a series of ramparts, guard towers, and castle ruins. There isn't an actual castle to walk through. However, the grounds are spectacular. The walls are covered in beautiful green moss amongst a fairly dense forest. You get free reign to walk everywhere and explore at your own pace. It is a large complex, so be prepared to hike. If you have any medical condition that limits your mobility, I do not recommend this stop. However, if you like adventure and are in nominal shape, I highly recommend it. Be prepared, because you will climb lots of steps. Don't be intimidated by it, though. You can take your time and rest as needed.

This complex is about a five minute walk downhill from the Sintra park entrance. When you leave the park exit, turn left and walk downhil on the road. There is no need to take an Uber or taxi because it is so close.

For detailed information on the Sintra experience, please look at my review of Sintra Pena Palace. This will give you step by step instructions on getting to this location.

Additionally, I highly recommend you visit Pena Palace first, Moor Castle second, and Quinta da Regaleira third (this is a private estate with incredible grounds and history). These three can easily be done in one day. We left our hotel at 0715 and were back at the hotel by 1545. Additionally, we even had time to eat at a small Cafe across from the Palace of Sintra. On a side note, we visited the Palace of Sintra too, but don't waste your time. It isn't very impressive.

The three events (Pena Palce, Moor Castle, and Quinta da Regaleira) together were spectacular!!! This has been our highlight of Portugal.
Written 27 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Tommo
Melbourne, Australia50,436 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2023 • Couples
Castelo dos Mouros known as Moorish Castle is located in an elevated position in the Sintra Hills and has fantastic views around Sintra. One can see the Palace of Pena, Sintra town centre and the ocean.

Its probably one of the top attractions to visit in Sintra.

This castle is a fortification founded in the 10th century when the Moors occupied the Iberian Peninsula.

The walls meander all around the property.
Written 6 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Pamela W
London, UK106 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2023 • Family
I have never visited a Moorish castle before and this one is a stunner. There's a lot to see and a lot of uphill walking! Great views at the top - there is also a cafe. It costs around 8 euros and at that it is a bargain. Of course, cheaper for senior citizens 6.5.
I don't like posting photos as it is best you to do your own.
Written 4 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

PS00011
Sedona, AZ260 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2023 • Couples
We walked up directly from the train. It was straightforward...just walk up to Villa Sassetti (easily found on your phone's GPS) then there are signs for the Moorish castle from there. The whole way is marked very well with multiple signs. This is a spectacular walk, actually, since the whole way you are walking all through these beautiful gardens. Disneyland cardio! : ) Took about 30 minutes or so, but a good workout. Once we reached the castle, then it was more steps, but it is an amazing site so well worth it. The ability to walk the walls of the castle is very cool. Great views!

Then we walked back down to the town on another cobblestone path that was easy and a nice route too through trees (no cars). It was easier than the way up. Just look for a small sign pointing to the historical city center as you are leaving the castle, on the left side (also marked with yellow and red).

If you love historical sites, this castle is a must-do. The only thing they need is a great audio guide to go with this.
Written 2 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

MarcusHurley
Calne, UK9,564 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2023 • Couples
This was a place that I'd seen in the distance on our last visit to Sintra but never visited. Built in the 8th and 9th centuries by Moorish colonisers, it is more of a fortified village than a castle. The fortifications were surrendered to the Christians after the conquest of Lisbon, expanded in the 14th century, abandoned by the 16th and then romantically remodelled and restored in the 19th.
It is quite a hike to get there from Sintra so we opted for the Tuktuk, great value at €10 and a lot less sweaty than walking! From the parking area there is a short walk through the woods with a guardhouse below you and then the chapel and necropolis. You then enter the castle proper and the ticket office if you haven't already bought tickets in the car park.
The walls of the castle obviously follow the ridgeline and they are ridiculously steep in places although they are well restored and have proper steps. The views are just awesome over both Sintra village and the Pena Palace and luckily on our visit there was no wind. My vertigo was bad enough without having to contend with a gale as well! I'd say this was my highlight of this visit to Portugal and we spent about 90 minutes inside although we didn't get to see the archeological area or the museum so probably 2 hours is more sensible.
Written 1 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Annie L
Lisbon, Portugal5 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2023 • Family
We went in November, so it wasn’t too crowded, which was really nice.

The scenery was beautiful; the flora was colorful and lush this time of year.

The walkways were quite nice as well.
Written 25 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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CASTELO DOS MOUROS: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Frequently Asked Questions about Castelo dos Mouros

Castelo dos Mouros admission prices can vary. Entrance tickets currently cost £15.56, while a popular guided tour starts around £2.58 per person.

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