What to do in Santa Maria e São Miguel

Activities, attractions and tours

A castle with yellow and red buildings, surrounded by forest and overlooking a coastal town.
A castle surrounded by lush greenery and hills.
A colorful castle with yellow and purple walls, a red tower, and a blue bridge.
A colorful castle with yellow and red walls, a large dome, and a tower with a clock.
A yellow castle with a tower and dome, surrounded by clouds.

Santa Maria e São Miguel Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that Santa Maria e São Miguel has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to Santa Maria e São Miguel, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling to Santa Maria e São Miguel with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Places of interest in Santa Maria e São Miguel

Santa Maria e São Miguel is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in Santa Maria e São Miguel, and make it a breeze to explore Santa Maria e São Miguel and the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Santa Maria e São Miguel to make sure that you enjoy your holiday to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit to Santa Maria e São Miguel, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights in Santa Maria e São Miguel.

Santa Maria e São Miguel attractions

Santa Maria e São Miguel has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions in Santa Maria e São Miguel to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Santa Maria e São Miguel.

Looking for things to do in Santa Maria e São Miguel can be time-consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine of Santa Maria e São Miguel or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Santa Maria e São Miguel attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!

Things to do

Castle in Lisbon

Day Trip to Sintra & Cascais with Admission to Pena Palace and Garden Walk

£69
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Day Trip to Sintra & Cascais with Admission to Pena Palace and Garden Walk
Small Group Tour to Sintra, Pena Palace, Cabo Roca and Cascais

Small Group Tour to Sintra, Pena Palace, Cabo Roca and Cascais

£60
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Small Group Tour to Sintra, Pena Palace, Cabo Roca and Cascais
City Sightseeing Lisbon Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

City Sightseeing Lisbon Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour & Optional Extras

£33
per adult
City Sightseeing Lisbon Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour & Optional Extras
Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tour with Optional Bus Tour Combos

Lisbon Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Combos

£24
per adult
Lisbon Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Combos
The remarkable Pena Palace

Sintra-Cascais-Pena Palace 8-People Small Group Tour from Lisbon

£60
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Sintra-Cascais-Pena Palace 8-People Small Group Tour from Lisbon
Sintra, Pena Palace and Cascais Full Day Tour from Lisbon

Sintra, Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira & Cascais Group Tour

£58
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Sintra, Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira & Cascais Group Tour
Belem Tower

Tour Lisbon: Belém Tower, the Cathedral & Parque das Nações

£66
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Tour Lisbon: Belém Tower, the Cathedral & Parque das Nações
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Top places to visit

1. Pena Palace

An icon of the region, the striking orange-and-yellow Pena Palace stands out amid the lush forest-covered Sintra Mountains. Inspect the eclectic architecture and ostentatious interior of this former royal summer retreat and stroll through the pretty surrounding park, where you’ll find temples and other follies hidden among the trees and flowers.
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Pena Palace with its distinctive yellow and white facade, domed towers, and ornate balconies.

2. Sintra National Palace

From the Moors to the nation’s first imperial dynasties, Sintra has always been one of the preferred places for Portugal’s rulers to build their royal palaces. And this one has to be one of the most impressive examples.
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A town with white buildings, red roofs, and a view of the countryside.

3. Quinta da Regaleira

The property has changed ownership a number of times over the years. The Barons of Regaleira from Portom who owned it since its constructions, sold it to the millionaire, Carvalho Monteiro, in 1892. With the help of the Italian architect Luigi Manini (architect of La Scala Milan), he then remodelled the palace by adding buildings with enigmatic symbols, related to alchemy, Masonry and the Knights Templar. Later the Palace was sold to Waldemar d'Orey, who confined its usage to that of a private residence.
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A historic castle with ornate architecture, including turrets and arched windows.

4. Moorish Castle

Though the Moorish Castle of Sintra has been reduced to ruins, it is still a powerful presence on the forested slopes of the Sintra Mountains. Wander up to the hilltop ruins, trekking past fortified stone walls and precariously placed ramparts. Enjoy views that extend over the surrounding hills of Serra de Sintra and the Atlantic Ocean.
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A historic stone castle on a rocky hill with flags.

5. Monserrate Palace

Monserrate Palace is often said to be the most striking palace in Sintra. Admire the unusual, almost fantastical, design of the palace building and the gorgeous, wild gardens that sprawl on the hillside surrounding the structure.
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A historic building with ornate stonework, a dome, and a red-tiled roof.

Recommended things to do in Santa Maria e São Miguel

Number of things to do
588
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Lisbon Walking Tour - Discover Belém and the Discoveries Age: £2
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Santa Maria e São Miguel

Stay near popular Santa Maria e São Miguel, São Martinho e São Pedro de Penaferrim attractions

Pena Palace with its distinctive yellow and white facade, domed towers, and ornate balconies.

Pena Palace

9.0/10 (4,911 reviews)
This exuberant construction, a former royal retreat set high in the hills of Sintra, features a colorful assortment of turreted towers and domes.
See properties

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Santa Maria e São Miguel

A coastal rock formation with waves crashing against it.

Sintra

A coastal landscape with a sandy beach, rocky cliffs, and a clear blue sky.

Alcabideche

A bustling street with shops and cafes, including 'Justtea' and 'Amorguera'.

Cascais

A coastal cityscape with terracotta-roofed buildings, a prominent white church, and a view of the sea and distant city lights.

Lisbon District

A coastal promenade with a stone wall, palm trees, and a view of boats in the water.

Sao Domingos de Rana

A green statue of a man in uniform, a harbor with boats, and a cityscape with buildings in the background.

Colares

Frequently asked questions

Is Santa Maria e São Miguel worth visiting?
From shopping to history and outdoor activities, there are loads of fun things to do in Santa Maria e São Miguel. Remember to enjoy the area's blend of awesome attractions, local charm and culture.
How do I spend a day in Santa Maria e São Miguel?
Kick your day off with a visit to Sintra National Palace. Then, tour other areas of Santa Maria e São Miguel for local restaurants and some shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Santa Maria e São Miguel?
Sintra National Palace is rated the top tourist attraction near Santa Maria e São Miguel, so don't leave without checking it out.
Is three days enough to stay in Santa Maria e São Miguel?
Three days in Santa Maria e São Miguel is plenty of time to enjoy the nearby attractions. Popular among travellers is Sintra National Palace and Moorish Castle, so why not put them on the to-do list while you're visiting?
Is Santa Maria e São Miguel a walkable neighbourhood?
You'll find Santa Maria e São Miguel easy to navigate on foot, with must-visit attractions like Sintra National Palace and Moorish Castle both within walking distance. Popular neighbourhoods like Santa Maria e São Miguel and Colares are also located only 0.64 kms (0.40 miles) and 5 kms (3 miles) from the centre of Santa Maria e São Miguel, so you can add a few more adventures to your day — no wheels required.
What are some activities to do in Santa Maria e São Miguel with kids?
Whether you're travelling with young explorers or playful teenagers, an itinerary filled with fun activities is the key to a stress-free getaway. Check out our recommendations for what to do in Santa Maria e São Miguel with kids.

What to do in Santa Maria e São Miguel for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, avid foodie or adventure seeker, there's a range of things to do in Santa Maria e São Miguel for adults.
Are there free things to do in Santa Maria e São Miguel?
One of the top free things to do in Santa Maria e São Miguel is visit Castle of the Moors. You can also walk around nearby neighbourhoods and enjoy public parks and other green spaces in the area. If you're looking for more ideas, just talk with a local tour guide.