Castle of the Moors, Sintra

Castelo dos Mouros is, in fact, a ruin. There are no preserved inner chambers, antique furniture, or luxury here. Visiting the Moorish Castle means walking outdoors among the remains of what was once a majestic fortress. But such a walk gives free rein to the imagination. You can picture yourself as a warrior, a Templar, a king, or a princess.

At the entrance to the castle grounds, pay attention to the signs placed throughout the area. They contain information about some historical facts and highlights of the park zone. You can scan the QR codes, which will take you to an audio guide with all the details. If you are not confident in English or Portuguese, use your phone's translator (all the information is also written on the signs). This way, your walk will be more interesting and informative. Or you can download the audio guide in advance from the website if you're not sure you'll have internet access.

Facts and Legends 

Let’s explore what’s fascinating about these ancient ruins — what secrets the remains of the walls preserve, and what to pay attention to during a self-guided walk so that the entrance fee becomes not just a stroll, but a chance to touch history and legend.

The Moorish Castle (Castelo dos Mouros) was built in the 8th–9th centuries by Muslim rulers of the Iberian Peninsula, most likely during the Umayyad dynasty. Its main function was military defense. That’s probably why only ruins remain today.

Reconquista

In 1147, during the Reconquista, the first King of Portugal, Afonso Henriques, captured Lisbon with the help of Christian allies, including crusaders on their way to the Holy Land.

At the same time, the fortress in Sintra surrendered — likely without serious battle, as it was believed the Christians wouldn’t stay long. Once they gained control of the castle, the Christians used it to strengthen their presence in the region.

After Christian forces secured the area, the Moorish Castle lost its strategic importance.

Templars

There are references that the lands of Sintra (though not the castle itself) were granted to the Knights Templar in 1154. However, this does not necessarily include the Moorish Castle.
The name that appears in the sources is Gualdim Pais, Grand Master of the Portuguese Templars. He was indeed active during that time and founded castles (such as the famous fortress in Tomar). There is no direct evidence that the castle had any sacred or “mystical” importance for the Templars.

The idea of “Templar gold” and “secret tunnels” is more a fantasy popularized by films and novels than verified historical fact. But who can stop us from imagining?

Inner Walls and Battlements

The castle has two rings of walls, between which were residential and service areas. The outer line of walls stretches along rocky outcrops made of roughly hewn granite blocks. The crenellated merlons include narrow arrow slits for archers, and along the top of the walls runs the adarve (a patrol walkway), where you can walk and observe the walls from both inside and outside. The inner wall is thicker, higher, with larger patrol platforms — it formed the main line of defense. The wall is crowned with crenellated merlons — projections with gaps for shooting. It was from here that defenders would throw stones, shoot arrows, or pour boiling tar onto attackers.

Five Defensive Towers

Along the walls rise five towers — both square and circular — each of which once served as a watchpoint and reinforced the overall defense system. They may have acted as intermediate command posts — for guards, signaling squads, or weapon storage. Today, at the base or inside each tower, there are viewing platforms that offer stunning panoramic views.

The Tower’s “Ghost” — A Floating Castle

In the evening, the Moorish Castle offers a unique sight shaped by both nature and architecture: the effect of a "floating medieval castle," as if suspended above the Sintra Valley. As sunset approaches, the final rays of light from the west cause the castle to cast its shadow onto a light mist or cloud over the valley. This shadow takes on the sharp outlines of the crenellated walls and towers, creating the illusion of a ghostly fortress in the sky. To see this "ghost" — stand on the eastern side of the valley or on the eastern terraces, where the shadow is clearly visible against the sky or haze. To become part of the spectacle — climb to the western bastions of the castle shortly before sunset. This is where the shadow is cast, and the castle looks especially majestic in the last rays of sunlight.

This moment lasts only a few minutes but gives you the feeling of entering not just a historical site, but a living legend. About 20–30 minutes before the sun touches the horizon, the shadow becomes longest and sharpest. Note: in summer, the sunset occurs after closing time, so this view is best seen in spring or autumn. In winter, the hours may be shortened due to safety concerns after dark.
Unfortunately, we were too tired and didn’t wait for the sunset — but if you go at the right time, be sure to try and see this rare phenomenon.

Echo in the Embrasures — the Voice of Stone

The Moorish Castle in Sintra preserves not only the shape of ancient walls, but also the sound of the past. Try a simple experiment: take a small stone or metal object (a key, a coin), approach a long embrasure (merlon) in the inner walkway of the wall, and gently tap the inner stone side — no stronger than a light knock on a door. You will hear a distinct, deep echo — a muffled “hoo-hoo” spreading through the stone gallery. In silence, it can be heard even in nearby towers or corridors — especially early in the morning or late in the evening, when there are fewer visitors.

In the Middle Ages, this echo served as a way to transmit signals between guards. Tapping or rhythmic sounds could indicate a change of watch, danger, or movement near the wall. Thanks to the shape of the embrasures and the thickness of the walls, the sound was amplified — the stone worked as a resonator.

Tower where you can hear the echo of the past

Binoculars on the Wall: See Beyond the Eyes

On one of the main observation platforms, located on the inner ring of the walls (closer to the central passage between the towers), a stationary binocular is installed for viewing the surroundings. This optical device is available to all visitors and does not require additional payment (some versions have a coin mechanism).

Binoculars for visitors

Through it you can see: Quinta da Regaleira, the National Palace of Sintra, and several other estates and historic villas scattered throughout the Sintra valley.
This binocular is a great opportunity to observe the architectural details of other landmarks without leaving the fortress. We recommend using it in clear weather or during the golden evening light — then the outlines are especially vivid.

Quinta da Regaleira (gray building in the center)

Biester Palace and Park

Royal Tower (Torre Real)

To reach the top, you must climb about 220 steep stone steps. Along the way, there are intermediate viewpoints, but the real “reward” awaits at the very top — a panoramic view of the Pena Palace, the town of Sintra, and the Atlantic Ocean. On clear days, you can even see Cabo da Roca — the westernmost point of Europe. The name “Royal” (Real) does not refer to a function, but to the view — one worthy of a king. Historical role: it is likely that the tower served as a watchpost and signal point. In the Middle Ages, signals were transmitted from here using fire or mirrors to other garrisons in the mountains or along the coast. It was also the final line of defense, where resistance could continue even after the main castle fell.

View from the highest point of the castle — A view worthy of a king

Astronomical Mark on the Royal Tower

Near the steps on the uppermost platform, you can notice a small crescent-shaped carving. According to one theory, on a clear night, a narrow beam of moonlight shines through this opening and lands on the central slab of the platform. This arc symbolizes a portal to the sky carved in solid rock.

This may have been used for: astronomical observations, determining the Moon’s phases or solstice moments, or for religious and ritual time marking in the Islamic calendar, which was largely based on the lunar cycle.

Even military fortresses could include elements for observing celestial bodies — especially in such strategically elevated places. Thus, Torre Real is not just a tower for watching over the land, but also a place of dialogue with the heavens.

View of Pena Palace from the walls of the Moorish Castle

Impregnable Walls with Hidden Treasures 

The castle has a two-tier ring of walls with a total length of about 450 meters. They wrap around rocky outcrops, combining natural granite boulders with carved limestone blocks — a technique that allowed the natural terrain to serve as part of the defense. This design made the fortress nearly impregnable.

During the Reconquista, Muslim garrisons often retreated in haste, leaving behind or hiding valuables. In local folklore, this became legends of the “infidels’ treasures” supposedly left behind within the walls.

Locals say that during the retreat, when Christians approached, the Moors, unable to take everything, walled up part of the gold, coins, and jewelry directly into the masonry. It is said that an old stonemason, forced to assist in reinforcing the walls, saw garrison officers hide two chests — one with silver, the other with rings and gemstones. Archaeologists have studied several sections of the walls and inner courtyards but found no signs of chests or hiding places. In the 18th–19th centuries, “treasure hunters” indeed dismantled parts of the wall hoping to find gold.

Walls and boulders

Chapel of Saint Peter (Igreja de São Pedro de Canaferrim)

The chapel is located beyond the second ring of defensive walls of the castle, closer to the outer residential area and the medieval necropolis. 

The Romanesque style corresponds to the period following the Christian conquest of the region in the 12th century.

The ruins have preserved fragments of arches, remains of interior frescoes, and the form of the entrance façade with capitals. These capitals (the upper architectural parts of columns with carvings) were dismantled and moved to the Carmo Museum in Lisbon, where they can still be seen today.

The chapel served as the center of a new sacred space established by Christians after the conquest. Nearby is a cemetery where the local population was buried. The chapel itself could have been a place for communion, prayer, or even a temporary shelter for relics during times of war.

During our visit, the chapel was under renovation

It was previously assumed that this building might have been a converted mosque, since: it is located in a strategic spot and might have been oriented toward the qibla. However: no archaeological evidence (such as a mihrab, minbar, or Islamic inscriptions) has been found. Thus, modern historians believe it was a purpose-built Christian chapel rather than a reconstructed mosque.

Restoration works

Christian Medieval Necropolis & Tomb

On the slope beneath the main walls of the castle, near the remains of the old chapel (Church of São Pedro de Canaferrim), archaeologists discovered a necropolis dating from the 12th to 14th centuries.

Before the Reconquista, this area was inhabited by a Muslim community living within the inner part of the fortress. After the castle was captured by Christian forces led by Afonso Henriques in 1147, the community disappeared, the area was destroyed, and it was turned into a Christian burial site for the Church of São Pedro de Canaferrim. Already by the 12th century, Christian inhabitants began to be buried here. Excavations revealed that the cemetery was used for around 300 years. Remains of adults, children, and adolescents were found in the graves, indicating that they were family burials — multiple individuals in one grave, likely due to epidemics or wartime events.

Archaeological digs at the same site also revealed much older findings — Neolithic artifacts: An intact vase dated approximately to the 5th century BCE; Fragments of pottery, flint tools — all of it indicating that people lived here for millennia before the Moors or Christians.
This is perhaps the clearest example of how history layers itself, how cultural continuity is reflected in the soil: Islamic silos → ruined Christian graves → chapel above them → and deeper still — Neolithic life. It’s a kind of chronicle spiral, where life becomes history, and history becomes myth.

At the excavation site (necropolis area), protective glass roofs have been installed, and plastic skeletons are placed inside. But it still looks rather epic

Porta dos Traidores — “Traitors’ Gate”

This small gate, embedded in the northern wall of the castle, does indeed exist. It had a purely practical purpose:

• Served as a secret exit in case of siege.
• It allowed for sorties, message delivery, or escape.
• The name “Traitors’ Gate” suggests that conspirators or spies might have used such narrow passages to enter.

Although there’s no evidence of a specific act of betrayal in this castle, the name stuck — and fuels tourists’ imagination.

A small, low gate — inconspicuous yet essential for discreet movement

Caves and Tunnels 

There are many stories about a network of caves and narrow tunnels supposedly running beneath the entire Serra de Sintra, even reaching the Atlantic Ocean or the Pena Palace itself. However, no official map of these passages exists.

Some tourists and bloggers claim that there once was a hidden corridor that allowed one to go from the walls of the Moorish Castle directly to the terraces of the romantic Pena Palace. Underground passages do exist, though most of them are small natural cavities or remnants of old mines. A narrow passage shows an almost invisible gap in the wall leading toward the royal palace. This is the origin of the legend of the “fairy path” that leads to the neighboring palace. According to the legend, nobles or monastic orders used this route for secret meetings, spiritual practices, or escape. Historians and speleologists have not found any official tunnel networks connecting the castle to Pena Palace or the Atlantic coast.

View of the old town of Sintra at the foot of the mountain

Castle Keep (Alcáçova)

The Alcáçova is the heart of any medieval castle — its final stronghold, a true symbol of authority, resilience, and command. In the Moorish Castle of Sintra, this structure is not merely architectural — it reflects the military organization of the Muslim garrison and the transformation of the fortress after the Reconquista.

The Alcáçova is located at the highest point of the fortress, offering a panoramic view of all approaches. Its structure features narrow slit windows for observation and shooting; several floors — with lower levels possibly used for storage, and upper levels housing command posts, rooms for senior warriors, and thick walls designed to withstand sieges and projectiles. Some legends say the last Moorish ruler of the castle spent his final hours here, watching Afonso Henriques’s army advance. Others claim a secret document or relic was once hidden beneath the keep but was never found. After the Christian conquest, the Alcáçova was partially rebuilt. It may have been used as a military headquarters or even as an observatory, given the outstanding views from the summit.

View of the walls

Armory Square (Praça de Armas)

The Armory Square was the heart of the garrison — in medieval times, it served as the main parade ground for assembling troops, preparing for marches, announcing orders, and performing pre-battle rituals.
In the Moorish Castle, it is located on a relatively flat terrace between the lines of walls, from which both the hilltop and the valley can be seen. 

In the 19th century, King Ferdinand II, enchanted by the romance of ruins, restored the Armory Square. He did not return it to military use — on the contrary, he turned it into a place for rest, contemplation, reading, and reflection.

The “Royal Throne” in the rock — on the inner northwestern flank of the walls, a spacious hollow was carved into the rock, known locally as Trono do Rei — it is said that monarchs once sat there to look over their domain. 

Today, it is a scenic lookout offering stunning views of: the Atlantic coastline, the countryside surrounding Sintra, and the green waves of the Serra mountains. People gather here not for battle, but for photos, memories, and silence. A place where the clash of swords has given way to the whisper of wind and the weight of stone-carved history.

The inner courtyard and square. It has several benches for resting and snacking — and even a “dog parking” area

Islamic Settlement (10th–12th c.)

Within the Moorish Castle grounds, fragments of foundations, low walls, and building bases have been preserved — mostly located on the southern or southeastern slope of the inner fortress area, which was best protected from wind and attacks. Remains of residential houses, utility buildings (storerooms, ovens, silos), water drains, or primitive sewage systems. The area was likely inhabited by garrison officers, commanders, their families, and attendants. The buildings were densely placed, forming inner courtyards (a common feature of Islamic architecture), and possibly included shared access to water points, an oven, or even a small prayer room. 

 In 1509, King Manuel I commissioned Duarte das Armas at court to document all Portuguese castles in the “Book of Fortresses” (Livro das Fortalezas). It contains two illustrations of Castelo dos Mouros (a panorama and a plan), offering a unique view of its original layout and surroundings.

Underground Cistern

The underground water reservoir measures approximately 18×6×6 meters and was filled with rainwater through openings in the ceiling. A narrow three-meter corridor leads to it. Throughout history, people have understood that water is the foundation of life — and found ways to collect and preserve it. In times of war and siege, this was critical — having a water supply meant having a chance at survival. The authentic openings in the vaulted ceiling still ventilate and collect rainwater.

According to an old legend, directly beneath the massive underground cistern lies another hidden level — buried or sealed — where a sarcophagus made of bronze and silver holds the body of the last *michidálniy* (Moorish) ruler (that is, the local emir who ruled the castle before the Reconquista or a legendary warrior who never surrendered and was secretly buried according to Moorish rites). The tomb is said to be unguarded physically, but protected by jinn — spirits from Arab mythology. They do not allow anyone to approach. Those who tried to dig beneath the cistern heard whispers, felt sudden chills, or fainted. In the 18th century, a monk from the nearby Peninha Monastery attempted to explore the basement and afterward silently withdrew into hermitage, never speaking of what he saw.

The cistern is located near the chapel, but access was blocked (photo from the internet for illustration)

Small Grotto Near the Cistern

This is a hidden corner of the Moorish Castle, where history falls silent and nature speaks in the whisper of water. It has no monumental architecture or military significance, but offers something else — the feeling of ancient stillness.

How to find it: As you descend toward the underground cistern (a medieval rainwater reservoir), look to the right of the stone steps. A small hole is visible in the rock — unremarkable, seemingly accidental, but it is the entrance to a natural cave. The cave is small, but damp and alive. Water slowly drips from the ceiling, and limestone formations — stalactites and “mini-waterfalls” — have formed on the walls, glowing under the right light.

If you stop and listen, you can hear a steady rhythm: drip-drip-drip… It’s said that if you make a wish at the moment a drop falls — it will come true, if the grotto “responds with silence.”

According to local legend, a Moorish girl hid in this cave during the fall of the fortress. She had the gift of foresight and heard the voice of the water — it whispered to her the future of Sintra. They say her silhouette sometimes appears in the reflection of the drop just before it touches the ground.

Grain Silos

Beyond the outer wall line, on the lower slopes of the fortress and closer to the former residential zone, are deep round pits carved directly into the rock — up to 1 meter in diameter and 2–2.5 meters deep. From above, they look like stone funnels, giving the impression of mysterious holes in the earth. Their clean geometric shapes contrast with the rugged natural forms of the rocks — making them visually striking for photos.

This technique was typical of Muslim fortresses across the Iberian Peninsula and was adapted to Sintra’s rocky, windy terrain. The silos in Sintra indicate that the garrison had a developed agricultural system and planned its reserves in advance. They were part of the garrison’s strategic survival — ensuring food supplies during a siege. 

Local guides call them “windows into the fortress’s belly.”

Former Stables: 

This is a quiet reminder of the fortress’s daily life — often overlooked but essential. No commands were given here, no battles fought, but every patrol, sortie, or alarm ride began from this spot. Located near the Armory Square, it was a logical placement for the stables — convenient for bringing out horses before campaigns, patrols, or alerts.

Today, the stables are represented only by: fragments of stone walls, showing the outlines of stalls or pens; arches — perhaps parts of awnings or doorways; and remains of drainage systems or channels for water and feed.

Remains of the stables near the Armory Square

Rainwater Drainage System

Across the castle grounds, especially along the inner walls, you can spot thin stone channels carved directly into the rock. These were laid at a slope, allowing rainwater to flow directly into the cistern — a large underground reservoir. Often unnoticed at first glance, these grooves are the fortress’s true capillaries, sustaining its life during sieges or droughts.

This is true 10th-century engineering, collecting water directly into the cistern. The system was created during the time of the Muslim garrison. Look for the highest groove with a curve — it is known as the “Corredor Real.” It is not only a hydraulic channel but also an architectural line that symbolically “guides” water from the summit to the heart of the castle.
Legend says that kings or emirs would watch from this spot as water — a symbol of blessing — flowed into the cistern.

Operative Mason’s Marks on Stone

Look closely at the granite ledges and crenellated merlons in the walls — you may see carved or chipped symbols on the stones, known as “mason’s marks.” These markings were used by carpenters, stonemasons, and architects working on the fortress in the 10th–12th centuries (during the Moorish period) and in later Christian reconstructions. They appear at specific heights or in structurally challenging spots. Some researchers believe these are traces of ancient Masonic practices — where workers secretly exchanged messages through symbols on stone blocks, or marked the quality of their craftsmanship (a kind of quality seal). Some symbols indicated construction order or were part of a building code. Some scholars suggest that certain marks carry symbolism akin to Masonic or esoteric practices. This is not confirmed by documents, but the ambiguity of the symbols leaves room for interpretation. Some marks may have been reused from older structures if the stone was repurposed.

UNESCO World Heritage

Together with other landmarks of Sintra, the Moorish Castle is part of the “Cultural Landscape of Sintra,” which was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1995.

Inner walls

The Fortress Meets the Forest and Sky

Located in the heart of Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, the Moorish Castle is not just a historic fortress but an organic part of a living landscape, blending medieval architecture with wild and exotic nature.

This botanical layer was first introduced in the 16th century under João de Castro and expanded in the 19th century by King Ferdinand II, who added exotic trees — cedars, eucalyptus, and camphor species. As a result, the castle grounds are home to rare birds, including the blackbird, grey heron, and occasionally the griffon vulture.

The fortress has literally grown into the subtropical forest, where: walls are covered in ivy and moss, ferns and lichens grow between the stones, and even wild orchids (Orchis simia) bloom in spring, forming vibrant floral carpets that bring color to the ruins.

The castle is organically woven into the living landscape

One of the castle’s unique traits is the “June Gloom” — a morning mist that slowly descends over the walls due to proximity to the Atlantic. On such days, the fortress appears ghostly, almost fairy-tale-like — as if suspended between sky and earth.

In the quiet of morning or evening, baby owls can be spotted in the niches of the outer walls. They fly out to hunt in the park and return to cozy “nests” in the walls. Watching them is a true reward for patient visitors with binoculars or a keen eye.

The thick castle walls offer some of the most breathtaking views in Portugal:

• of the colorful Pena Palace, looking like a fairy-tale above the greenery,
• of the town of Sintra spread out in the valley below,
• of the Atlantic coast — from Ericeira to Mafra,
• and on clear days, even the slopes of Serra da Arrábida or Cabo da Roca

The Moorish Castle is not just a monument of history. It’s a place where stone speaks the language of nature, and the views and silence reveal more than any guidebook ever could.

All of these locations are accessible for self-guided visits, and most are outdoors, uncovered — so even in rain or wind, you’ll find yourself among authentic medieval ruins.

I hope these details give you the feeling of a true medieval — and slightly mystical — adventure in the heart of Sintra!

Access and Routes

Private cars are not allowed to access the fortress directly. You can get there by bus No. 434 from Sintra train station or via hiking trails (Santa Maria Trail, Seteais Trail). There are several public parking lots not far from the entrance (in April they were free). The castle is open to visitors from 09:30 to 18:00. Pets are allowed on the premises, but please be considerate of other visitors (no one wants to step in your pet’s mess, and some people are genuinely afraid of dogs — even if they are “friendly” and small). Inside the castle grounds, there is a small square with a designated “dog parking” area. You can tie your pet there while you explore the narrow passages and stairs of the walls, sit on a bench, enjoy a snack, bask in the sun, or rest in the shade.

Moss-covered inner walls preserving the secrets of those who walked them for centuries

How to Buy Tickets?

You can buy tickets to the Moorish Castle in three main ways:

1. Online via the official Parques de Sintra website
   Go to the ticket sales page:

• Address: bilheteira.parquesdesintra.pt (at the time of writing, the site is only available in Portuguese. It’s easy to navigate — you can use your browser’s built-in translator, but keep in mind that auto-translated pages sometimes cause payment errors. It’s best to browse first and then purchase in Portuguese).
  
  
• Prices:
• Adult (18–64 yrs): €12
• Youth (6–17 yrs) and seniors (65+): €10
• Family (2 adults + 2 youth): €33
• How to buy: select a date (reservation is required), ticket type and quantity, then pay by card.
• Discount: 15% off if purchased at least 3 days in advance

You can check opening hours and ticket prices for all major Sintra attractions here

2. On site — at the ticket office or via self-service machines

• The ticket office is open daily from 09:30 to 12:00 and from 13:00 to 18:00 (last tickets issued at 17:30).
• Self-service machines are available outside of lunch hours. These are located near the entrance to Pena Palace, along the road from Pena to the Moorish Castle (at the castle turn), and directly at the entrance checkpoint to the ruins. There is only one machine near the ruins — if it’s out of service, you’ll have to walk back down to get your ticket.

3. Private or group tours with an official guide. You can book directly through Parques de Sintra: email reservas@parquesdesintra.pt — admission tickets are included in the price. (Available languages: Portuguese, English, French). More expensive, but more engaging.

View from the central tower of Sintra’s main palaces and massive villas

By Public Transport. Route.

If you’ve read the previous article about Pena Palace, there’s a section on how to get there. Alternatively, use Google Maps — it does a decent job mapping public transport routes. Don’t rely on it 100%, as delays often occur and are not reflected in real time. Below is a brief summary if you’d prefer not to follow the link.

1. In Lisbon, get to the train station
2. Take the Linhas de Sintra (CP) train

• At the station, board a train toward Sintra (via Campolide, Amadora, Queluz).
• Travel time: ≈40–45 minutes.
• Get off at the final stop — Sintra (CP station).
• To check schedules and buy tickets, we recommend using the CP (Comboios de Portugal) and Scotturb apps.

3. Upon arrival at Sintra train station

3.1. By Scotturb city bus No. 434 (Circulação de Sintra)

• Just outside the station, you’ll find the stop for bus No. 434 (route: Sintra Station → Pena Palace → Castelo dos Mouros). It operates in a loop.
• Frequency: every 20–30 minutes. The ride to Castelo dos Mouros takes ≈15 minutes. Tickets cost about €5 (payable in cash or by card directly to the driver).

3.2. On foot (an alternative for active visitors)

• You can hike via the Santa Maria Trail: from the Sintra train station through narrow central streets to Torre Velha, then along the outer walls of Castelo dos Mouros. It’s best to use Google Maps to avoid getting lost.
• Time required: about one hour, with a steep uphill climb.

Stairs in the inner courtyard (near the entrance)

Traveling by Private Car

I also wrote about this here. To avoid repeating myself, here’s a quick summary.

Route from Lisbon to Sintra. Use Google Maps or other navigation apps. It’s a good idea to download the map in advance in case you have no internet access.

Total travel time: ≈30–40 minutes
Distance: ≈25 km
Toll roads: Note that IC19 has a toll section (rates depend on vehicle type: ≈€1.25–1.50). Rates may vary over time.

If you're driving a rental car, it almost certainly has an electronic toll chip, allowing you to pass through contactless toll gates. Charges will be deducted automatically from the card you linked when renting. The use of the chip is usually included in the rental price, so you can use it freely. Alternatively, you can pay manually by card or cash — for instance, if you need a receipt. Pay attention to the signs above each toll gate: a cashier symbol (all payment types), card symbol (card only), coin symbol (cash only — gives change, but does not accept large bills), contactless symbol (for cars with chips only). Passing through a contactless gate without a chip may result in a hefty fine. By law, all rental cars must have this chip installed to help tourists avoid penalties and reduce congestion during high season.

Where to Park

I also discussed parking here

Note: The direct access road to the castle walls is often closed to private vehicles. The best option is to park in one of the official parking lots (search for “Parque” on the map) and either walk or take a local bus to the entrance.

Recommendations

• Arrive as early as possible (before 10:00 or after 14:00–15:00, when early visitors start leaving), as parking spots fill up fast.
• Avoid driving through ZTL zones (restricted traffic areas) — fines can be high.
• In public parking areas, you may encounter “fake attendants” — often homeless people pretending to help you park and then demanding a small tip (usually €1–2). They have no right to do so, and you may choose to argue, call the police, or ask for a receipt they can’t provide — or simply pay to avoid the risk of your car being scratched while you're exploring the ruins and palaces.

Steps of the inner courtyards

Best Time to Visit

Best season to visit

• Shoulder seasons: April–June and September–October. Mild, sunny weather (≈15–25 °C) and fewer crowds than in July–August.

Best time of day

• Morning: right after opening (09:30) — coolest and least crowded.
• Late afternoon/early evening: after 15:00 until closing (18:30) — most tourists have moved on.

Best days of the week

• Weekdays (Tuesday–Thursday). Weekends — especially Saturdays — bring long lines and crowds around Pena Palace and Moorish Castle.

End of the route

When Not to Go

Peak season — July and August (especially on weekends)
High heat, large crowds, long lines at ticket booths, and packed buses.

Winter — November to February
Unpredictable weather: rain, fog, and wind may spoil the view and make paths slippery and dangerous.

Rainy, foggy, or very windy days
Visibility is low and stone walkways and battlements can be unsafe. Check the forecast and avoid these conditions if possible.

After storms or hurricanes. Due to proximity to the ocean, strong winds often bring not only bad weather but also destruction. After a storm, roads to the park may remain closed for days while cleanup crews clear fallen trees, bushes, and debris.

Flowers blooming among the castle walls

Castle Quest Website

In fact, there is no official quest dedicated solely to Castelo dos Mouros on the Parques de Sintra website — their digital section only includes: Pena Quest and the Sintra Palace Treasure Hunt (for the National Palace of Sintra).

However, there are a few third-party services that include Castelo dos Mouros in their routes. I wouldn’t recommend these if it’s your first visit — the fast pace might cause you to miss details and spoil the calm walk. But if you're already familiar with the key landmarks and have extra time in Sintra, these websites may be useful:

• Questo App

• A mobile app with various quests around Sintra, including adventure routes through the Moorish Castle.
• Download and choose a mission: questoapp.com/sintra (Note — quests may be paid)
• Features quests in many cities worldwide
• App language — English

• Pelago – Sintra Highlights: Quest Experience

• Outdoor escape game with puzzles and historical tasks; includes Castelo dos Mouros
• Paid game, covering major Sintra landmarks
• Details: Pelago
• Languages — English and Asian languages

• Viator – Sintra Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour
• Self-guided treasure hunt with clues covering both the Moorish Castle and Pena Palace
• Paid. Booking here
• Languages — English, Portuguese
• GetYourGuide – Sintra Historical Treasure Hunt
• Virtual treasure hunt using QR codes and AR, starting in Sintra’s center and ending at the castle
• Info and booking: here
• Languages — French, English, Spanish, Portuguese
• By the way, this platform lets you book guides worldwide. Always read reviews to ensure quality experiences.

Tip: Check for internet access or local Wi-Fi and QR-code availability on-site, as some services require connectivity or a local Boxtolife network (as in Pena Quest) to function properly.

View from the castle walls

Conclusion

The Moorish Castle (Castelo dos Mouros) is one of Sintra’s most fascinating historical landmarks and part of the UNESCO World Heritage List. It’s more than just ruins — it’s a journey through time surrounded by forests, mist, and legend. Here, you'll find sweeping views of Pena Palace, Sintra, and the Atlantic coast, well-preserved fortifications, battlements, towers, cisterns, and traces of medieval life.

If you plan a trip to Sintra, make sure to include the Moorish Castle in your route. This guide will help you find your way, choose the best visiting time, and learn about legends, highlights, and infrastructure. It’s perfect for solo exploration, family trips, or a romantic walk in nature.

View of Sintra and the Atlantic