Moorish Castle in Sintra : What to Know Before You Hike

When I was planning our three days in Sintra with my wife and our one-year-old son, I quickly realised there were more palaces and castles than we could realistically visit.

My wife, who is an architect, had already added Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira and Monserrate Palace to our list.

Then I came across the Moorish Castle hike.

What caught my attention was the word hike.

I love hiking, and walking through the Sintra forest to a ruined castle sounded more interesting to me than visiting another palace.

But most travel blogs called Moorish Castle a must-visit, even on a day trip.

I had my doubts.

How difficult was the hike? How long would it take? And was it sensible with a baby?

So I decided to find out for myself.

Moorish Castle is worth visiting if you have enough time in Sintra, enjoy hiking and want great views.

The hike and views impressed me far more than the castle itself.

But it isn’t for everyone.

In this guide, I’ll tell you who should visit the Castle of Mooors, how difficult the hike really is, and what to expect before you add it to your Sintra itinerary.

Is hiking to Moorish Castle in Sintra worth it?

Moorish Castle hike in Sintra with visitors walking along the ancient stone walls and Pena Palace visible across the forested hills. — Medieval walls, steep stairs and one very good excuse to stop for photos.

Yes,the Moorish Castle hike is worth doing if you have at least three days in Sintra, enjoy hiking and want panoramic views.

I wouldn’t have gotten this view of Sintra’s forests, the Atlantic Ocean and grand palaces and mansions appearing through the trees if I hadn’t taken the hike.

The hike is not easy. I would rate it 3.5 out of 5 for difficulty, with 5 being the toughest.

And I’m saying that as an experienced hiker.

VacayWork author Ashrith Shetty at the summit of the Moorish Castle with Pena Palace in the background. — Earned that view, step by step.

Do it if:

You enjoy hiking rather than simply sightseeing.
You have three or more days in Sintra and can spare the time.
You enjoy ruins, forests and panoramic views.
You are travelling without a very young child. I did the hike alone while my wife and one-year-old son continued with easier walks.

View from the Moorish Castle walls overlooking Sintra's historic centre, the National Palace of Sintra and the surrounding countryside. — One climb, one unforgettable view at Moorish castle

Skip it if:

You only have one day in Sintra.
You want to see as many palaces as possible.
You don’t enjoy steep or uneven trails.
You are travelling with a baby or very young toddler.
You are expecting an elaborate castle with impressive interiors.

Think of Moorish Castle as a hike with a ruined castle at the end, rather than another palace to tick off your Sintra list.

How difficult is the Moorish Castle hike?

The Castle of Moors hike is moderately difficult, even though the distance from the entrance to the top looks short on the map.

Moorish Castle hike in Sintra with tall stone steps, castle walls, low height parapet and wide views over the landscape — The low height parapet is the most concerning one

From the Moorish Castle entrance, where Scotturb loop bus 434 stops, the climb to the top is only about a kilometre.

When I bought my ticket and looked at the map, I thought I would reach the top in 10–15 minutes.

It took me about 40 minutes.

I say this as an avid hiker.

I have done steep 15-kilometre hill walks, but I was still fairly tired by the time I reached the top.

series of winding tall stone steps of moorish castle leading to mountaintop with castle flags waving — Some castles have courtyards. This one has boulders and mountains.

I had to sit down, catch my breath, drink some water and rest before continuing.

The problem is the steep climb and the height of the steps.

You gain a lot of height in a short distance, so the kilometre on the map doesn’t tell you how demanding it feels.

I also met a Portuguese couple who were around 70 years old while I was coming down.

an old couple holding hands walking on the cobbled paths of moorish castle — Age is just a number!

They told me it had taken them about three hours to reach the top.

So you don’t have to be extremely fit to do it. If you are less fit, you simply need to allow more time and take regular breaks.

Is Moorish Castle safe for children?

No. I don’t recommend Moorish Castle for babies, toddlers or younger children. I say this having hiked there myself as a dad of a one-year-old boy.

I was glad I did the hike without my son.

Moss covered stone ruins and narrow steps wind through the forest near Moorish Castle in Sintra. — Moss, ruins and steps. Sintra really knows how to set a scene.

It was tiring even without carrying a child, and with a baby or running toddler, I would have spent more time worrying about them than enjoying the views.

The first part of the trail is easier, but it becomes much more challenging once the steps begin.

A misty cobbled path winds through mossy rocks and dense forest on the Moorish Castle route in Sintra. — The easy trail route in the beginning. PC: Depositphotos

Steep steps: Some are unusually tall and uneven.
Slippery surfaces: Moss grows on some of the stone steps, and rain or drizzle can make them slippery.
Low or missing parapet walls: In some sections, the parapet is only around two feet high. In others, there is no parapet at all.
Strong winds: When I visited, it was so windy at the top that I sometimes felt as though I was being pushed. I had to stop and wait for the wind to ease.

Personally, I wouldn’t take my child until around 15 or 16, when they are confident walking on steep and uneven terrain.

What do you see from the top of Moorish Castle?

The view from the top is the real reason to hike to Moorish Castle. The castle itself is mostly a ruin, but seeing the forest dotted with palaces and mansions, with the Atlantic Ocean beyond, made the hike worth it for me.

Views from Moorish Castle overlook the colourful rooftops, green hills and surrounding landscape of Sintra including atlantic ocean — Proof that the climb was worth every step.

The white buildings and red roofs of Sintra Historic Centre are visible from the slopes of Moorish Castle. — Sintra town hall seen from above

From above, I could see the National Palace of Sintra, with its unusually tall chimneys rising from the town.

Seeing that from above and visiting it the next day in real, felt weirdly interesting.

national palace of sintra seen from moorish castle with it's tall white chimneys — Hello National Place of Sintra

I could also see Pena Palace rising above the forest.

What surprised me was how different Pena Palace looked from here.

We had seen it from wider angles during our visit, but from Moorish Castle, only part of the palace appeared through the trees.

Pena Palace rises above the forested hills of Sintra, framed by the ancient stone walls of Moorish Castle. — The different side of Pena Palace seen from Moorish Castle

I loved seeing it from a completely different angle.

I could also spot the tall spires of Quinta da Regaleira hiding among the forest.

Aerial view of a historic mansion Biester palce surrounded by dense forest from Pena Palace in Sintra, Portugal. — Biester Palace seen from Moorish castle

Then I noticed Biester Palace, which looked almost spooky even from a distance. It was featured in Johnny Depp’s The Ninth Gate.

And beyond all that green was the Atlantic Ocean.

Earlier, my wife had pointed towards the horizon from our hotel and told me that it was the Atlantic.

I had actually argued with her because I couldn’t believe it was so close to Sintra.

From Moorish Castle, I finally understood how the Sintra forest and Atlantic coast come together.

Stone steps run along the Moorish Castle walls, overlooking the forests and rooftops of Sintra below. — The views get better just when your legs start complaining.

What will you see along the trail?

The trail to Moorish Castle is not just a climb to the viewpoint; you pass several ruins and historical remains along the way.

Moss covered medieval ruins stand among trees and ferns along the historic paths near Moorish Castle in Sintra. — Nature has been slowly reclaiming these ruins, and I am here for it.

I was surprised to see the remains of an Islamic settlement dating from the 10th to 12th centuries, including the foundations of old houses.

I also came across the old stables and wondered how horses were brought up so high into the castle.

You can also have a quick look inside the Church of São Pedro de Canaferrim, a 12th-century church in the lower part of the castle complex.

Visitors explore a stone chamber inside a chapel Moorish Castle, with an arched doorway and wooden floor. — The Chapel ruins in Moorish Castle. PC : Depositphotos

You don’t need to spend a lot of time stopping at each one.

I mostly glanced at these ruins as I climbed, but these little discoveries made the hike more interesting for me.

Moorish Castle vs Pena Palace: which is better?

Pena Palace and Moorish Castle are very different in how they look and feel. Both involve a fair amount of walking and can be reached by public transport.

Having visited both, here is my tip for choosing between them.

Choose Pena Palace if

You want colourful architecture and impressive interiors.
You are more interested in a palace than a hike.
You have limited time in Sintra.

Colorful Pena Palace in Sintra Portugal with vibrant yellow and gray walls under a blue sky. — The most colourful of all – Palace of Pena

Choose Moorish Castle if

You enjoy hiking.
You prefer ruins and history over polished interiors.
You want one of the best panoramic views of Sintra.

If I had only one day, I would choose Pena Palace. With three or more days, I would add Moorish Castle if I wanted a proper hike.

Getting there

How to reach the Moorish Castle hiking trail starting point

The easiest way to reach Moorish Castle from Sintra is to take bus 434, which stops at the castle entrance.

Bus 434 to Pena Palace waiting near Sintra historic centre. — The easiest ride up the hill – Loop bus

Get off at the Moorish Castle stop, buy your ticket and start the hike from there. You can also take a taxi or ride-hailing service if that suits you better.

Can you walk from Sintra town to Moorish Castle?

Yes, you can walk from Sintra town to Moorish Castle, but I recommend taking bus 434 instead.

A sign points towards Castelo dos Mouros and the historic centre of Sintra from a cobbled path.

The forest walk is pleasant, but you are already walking uphill for about 3–4 km from Sintra town before you even start the Moorish Castle hike.

That means you are effectively doing two hikes in one day. I would take the 434, get off at the Moorish Castle stop and save your energy for the castle itself.

Can you walk from Pena Palace to Moorish Castle?

Yes, and if you are visiting Moorish Castle after Pena Palace, I recommend walking to the Moorish Castle entrance.

A trail sign points towards Moorish Castle, the church, Pena Palace and Sintra Historic Centre through the forest. — When in doubt, follow the signs and keep climbing.

This is what we did. After visiting Pena Palace, we came down into Pena Park and walked towards the Moorish Castle entrance.

My wife and son continued towards Sintra while I did the hike.

Don’t take bus 434 from Pena Palace if Moorish Castle is your next stop.

The bus goes back towards Sintra, so you would have to go down to town and then come back up towards Moorish Castle.

Walking through Pena Park is the more sensible option.

Practical tips to visit Moorish Castle in Sintra

Moorish Castle tickets

At the time of writing, an adult Moorish Castle ticket costs €12, with discounts available for youths and senior citizens.

A welcome sign hangs above an entrance gate at Moorish Castle, surrounded by old stone walls.

If you are travelling as a family, check the family ticket before buying separate tickets.

We noticed family tickets at several attractions and monasteries across Portugal, and they often saved us money.

I also wouldn’t worry about booking months in advance. I bought my Moorish Castle ticket on the spot and waited only a few minutes.

As there is no timed entry, buying it there worked perfectly for me.

Castle of the Mooors opening hours

Moorish Castle is currently open from 9:30 am to 6 pm, with the last admission at 5:30 pm.

Sintra at night with the illuminated Moorish Castle on the hilltop — Moorish Castle at night is lit, but you can’t climb post 6PM

I reached the castle at around 4 pm and still had enough time to hike up and explore.

But I wouldn’t arrive that late if you are a slower hiker or want plenty of time at the top.

What to wear

Wear comfortable clothes and shoes with a good grip, but you don’t need heavy hiking boots.

I wore my running shoes, which had a very good grip, and I was extremely happy with that choice.

And this is my tip for women: forget the fancy skirts and dresses for this hike. You may see people dressed beautifully around Pena Palace, but Moorish Castle is different.

Dress for the hike, not the castle.

Moorish Castle stone path and Pena Palace views with text on it that says Is it easy to hike Sintras famous Moorish Castle — Save it fir Later!

What to carry for the Moorish Castle hike

Carry water, your phone with a good internet connection, a power bank and a light rain jacket, but keep your bag light.

I kept things simple. I carried water, my camera and a few travesseiros, the famous Sintra pastries.

You don’t need to pack for a full-day mountain trek.

Where to stay near Moorish Castle

Stay in Sintra’s historic centre rather than trying to find accommodation beside Moorish Castle.

Moorish Castle is within the Sintra Hills, so you won’t find normal hotels or commercial establishments right beside it.

We stayed in Sintra’s historic centre, and I would choose it again.

You can easily reach Moorish Castle by public transport while still being close to Sintra’s restaurants and other attractions.

Should you go on guided hiking tour?

You don’t need a guided hiking tour to visit Moorish Castle. I did the hike alone and found the route easy to follow, with maps and small historical notes about the ruins along the way.

A visitor map shows the layout, trails, entrances and main points of interest inside Moorish Castle in Sintra. — Because getting lost in a castle is easier with a map.

I also had a good internet connection on my e SIM, so I could check the map on my phone whenever I needed it.

The map at the entrance shows the different trails and points of interest inside the castle.

I simply followed the route towards the castle walls and viewpoints.

Other things to know before visiting Moorish Castle

There are basic facilities near the entrance, including toilets and a café, so use them before starting the uphill trail.
The beginning of the hike is fairly easy. You walk through the forest and the path doesn’t feel particularly demanding.
But once the steep steps begin, the climb becomes much harder.
There are two different paths around the castle. I simply traced the same route back down.
Finally, check the weather before you go. If heavy rain is forecast, I would postpone the hike. Wet stone and strong winds can make the exposed sections uncomfortable.

Things to do near Moorish Castle

If you have time after Moorish Castle, I would explore Pena Park and its nearby attractions before travelling elsewhere in Sintra.

Pena Palace: The easiest major attraction to combine with Moorish Castle. We visited Pena Palace first and walked to Moorish Castle afterwards.
Biester Palace: One of the mansions you can spot among the forest from Moorish Castle.
Chalet of the Countess of Edla: A smaller chalet to consider if you have more time around Pena Park.
Pena Park: Spend some time around its forest trails, lakes and quieter corners.

Villa Sassetti: I would skip this one. My wife visited it and found it least interesting of all the historic buildings we have seen in Portugal.

Can you visit Monserrate Palace from Moorish Castle?

Yes, you can visit Monserrate Palace after Moorish Castle, but I would only combine them if you have enough time and energy.

From Moorish Castle, return to Sintra on bus 434 and then take bus 435 towards Monserrate.

We visited Monserrate Palace and I loved it, but with only two days in Sintra, I would prioritise the attractions around Pena Park rather than travelling across Sintra after the Moorish Castle hike.