The Moorish Castle Directions: Transport Options

From Lisbon, the most common route involves taking the Sintra Line train operated by CP (Comboios de Portugal) from stations such as Oriente, Rossio, or Entrecampos directly to Sintra.

Upon arrival at the Sintra train station, travelers can transfer to the local Scotturb Bus No. 434, which follows a route up to The Moorish Castle. This bus service provides a practical and environmentally friendly option for visitors without private vehicles.

Motorists can drive to the town of Sintra via major routes including the IC19 from Lisbon, IC30 from Mafra, or EN9 via Cascais and A5. Although private vehicles are not permitted to access the castle itself due to its hillside location and preservation efforts, multiple parking options exist in the Sintra historic centre or in peripheral car parks nearby.

Visitors can park their cars within these designated areas and proceed to the castle by foot or public transport. Visitors should anticipate regulated parking charges in the town centre and around Sintra’s popular attractions.

The castle is accessible through marked hiking trails within the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. Notable trails include:

- Santa Maria Trail: Approximately 1,770 meters, it starts near Info Parques de Sintra in São Pedro de Sintra, taking about one hour.
- Seteais Trail: A longer path of approximately 2,410 meters, beginning at the Palace of Seteais; it takes about 1.5-2 hours to complete.
- Villa Sassetti Trail: The starting point for this hike is Largo Ferreira de Castro, and goes on for about 1,850 meters, and could take about an hour to complete.

Due to the steep terrain (up to 40% gradients), walking access requires appropriate footwear and moderate fitness.