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Castle of the Moors – tickets, prices, timings, best time to visit, FAQs

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Breathe deeply and climb to Castelo dos Mouros, a UNESCO World Heritage Site! 

The summit of the Sintra hills is home to one of the most memorable locations in Portuguese history.

The second most famous castle in Lisbon is well worth your time and attention for various reasons.

Prepare to be taken aback by the panoramic view from Sintra’s walls as you trek there.

In the 8th or 9th century, the Moors built the stronghold on the crest of the Sintra hills on extremely difficult terrain.

When the kingdom was established in 1147, King Afonso Henriques took possession of it.

This article explains everything you should know before buying tickets for the Castle of the Moors in Portugal.

Castle of the Moors

What to expect at Castle of the Moors

A trip to Portugal is incomplete without a visit to the Moorish Castle. 

Prepare to walk up the Castle of the Moors for a panoramic view of the Lisbon area and the Romanesque church that has existed there since the Christian Reconquista.

After climbing the castle, you will discover how it served as an outpost for Lisbon.

Tour this spectacular castle that bore witness to Portugal’s colorful past! 

The military fortification also provides evidence of Islamic presence in the area.

You’ll also appreciate the rich vegetation, animals, and spectacular views of Sintra and the Palace of Pena.

You’ll discover why this UNESCO World Heritage Site is compared to the Great Wall of China.

Where to buy Castle of the Moors tickets

Tickets for the Castle of the Moors are available online or at the site.

However, we suggest you book your tickets online as it offers many benefits.

– You can save money by purchasing tickets online since you receive a discount.

– There is no need to travel to the attraction to purchase tickets and endure long lines.

– You can schedule your tour and purchase your tickets in advance.

– The tickets occasionally sell out quickly. But you can prevent last-minute letdowns if you buy tickets online.

– For the tour, select a date that works best for you.

How online ticket works

Choose your preferred date and the number of tickets on the booking page, then purchase them straight away.

There is no need to print tickets because they will be sent to your registered email address immediately after payment.

At the entrance, you must present your smartphone ticket.

Cost of Castle of the Moors tickets

Sintra Castle of the Moors ticket is priced at €8 for all visitors aged 6 years and above. 

Children up to 5 years can get inside the castle for free. 

Castle of the Moors entry tickets

Castle of the Moors entry tickets
Image: Daydreamingtravels.com

Buy Castle of the Moors skip-the-line tickets and enjoy some of the greatest views of Sintra and beyond.

View Neolithic, Bronze, and Iron Ages artifacts and Moorish building ruins.

Discover the fortress’s history and the Moorish invasion of the Iberian Peninsula.

Ticket price

Adult Ticket (6+ years): €8
Child Ticket (up to 5 years): Free

Combo Tickets

Combo tickets are a great way to visit two attractions that are usually near each other. 

You can purchase Castle of the Moors tickets in combination with Pena Palace and National in Sintra or Monsterrate Palace. 

Park and Pena Palace in Sintra + National Palace of Sintra + Castle of the Moors

Park and Pena Palace in Sintra + National Palace of Sintra + Castle of the Moors
Image: Wikipedia.org

Park and Pena Palace in Sintra, National Palace of Sintra, and Castle of the Moors are located within 9 kilometers (5.5 miles). 

So, why wait for another trip to Portugal and visit these attractions?

Book a combo ticket for Park and Pena Palace in Sintra, National Palace of Sintra, and Castle of the Moors and explore these attractions on the same day. 

You can save up to 6% on online combo ticket purchases.

This combo ticket will help you discover where the monarchs of Portuguese society lived during the middle ages. 

You will also view the world’s largest collection of Mudéjar Azulejos. 

You will also visit the gorgeous royal hideaway right out of a fairy-tale fantasy world.

Ticket Cost: €30

Park and Pena Palace in Sintra + Castle of the Moors

Park and Pena Palace in Sintra + Castle of the Moors
Image: TripAdvisor.in

After exploring the Moorish Castle, try to visit Park and Pena Palace in Sintra, a lovingly restored fairy-tale castle.

Park and Pena Palace in Sintra and Castle of the Moors are just 2.2 kilometers (1.3 miles) away.

Immerse yourself in the 500-acre gardens, home to rich plant life, meandering streams, and hidden delights.

See the UNESCO World Heritage site’s history and magnificence.

Ticket Cost: €22

Castle of the Moors + Monserrate Palace

Castle of the Moors + Monserrate Palace
Image: Tiqets.com

The Castle of the Moors and Monserrate Palace is 10 kilometers (6 miles) away and can be reached in 20 minutes. 

Get up to a 5% discount on the purchase of combo tickets online. 

You will explore a stunning private house and former chapel at Monserrate Palace.

Dig into Gothic, Moorish, and Indian influences, as well as 19th-century eclecticism, and keep an eye out for unusual plant motifs.

See one of Portugal’s most lovely botanical gardens, complete with a lake, springs and fountains, caves, and plant types worldwide.

Ticket Cost: €15

Save time & money! Buy Lisbon 24, 48, or 72-Hour Pass and explore museums, palaces, monasteries, historic buildings, and many more attractions. Get unlimited free access to the public transport system.

How to reach Castle of the Moors

How to reach Castle of the Moors
Image: Gslp.gi

Castelo dos Mouros is located in Gibraltar.

Address: 2710-405 Sintra, Portugal. Get Directions

You can take a bus or rent a cab or even drive to reach the castle. 

By Bus

The nearest bus stop is Calçada de São Pedro (Junta Freguesia).

It takes roughly 6 minutes to drive to the castle.

Board bus number 1252 or 1253 and get off at R Bernardim Ribeiro 4 or Lgo Sousa Brandão (Casa Cantoneiros), which are within 2 km (1 mile approx) from the castle. 

By Car

If you’re traveling in a car, turn on your google maps and get started. 

You can find several parking spaces near Moorish Castle. 

Castle of the Moors timings

The Castle of the Moors is open daily from 9.30 am until 6.30 pm.

The last admission to the castle is 6 pm. 

The attraction is closed on 25 December and 1 January.

Box item: You can buy tickets till 6 pm at the castle ticket booth. Also, there are automatic ticket vending machines available on site. The ticket office is closed from 12 pm to 1 pm. So it’s better if you book in advance and make your trip hassle-free. 

How long does Castle of the Moors take

A typical visit to the Castle of the Moors takes 60 to 90 minutes. 

If you’re a history geek who enjoys visiting heritage buildings, you’ll want to spend more time inside the castle and learn about its dramatic history.

You can explore the attraction as long as you like.

Best time to visit Castle of the Moors

The best time to see Sintra Castle of the Moors is when it opens at 9.30 am.

When you start early, the crowds are still out, and you get the best views in the morning light.

The busiest hours are in the early afternoon (12 am to 2 pm); shortly after everyone has finished lunch in Sintra town, they head up the hills to see the Pena Palace and Moors Castle.

You can also go early in the evening (4 pm to 5 pm) to appreciate the Castle’s beauty as the sun sets.

The Castle of the Moors becomes crowded and stressful on weekends, so plan your visit during the week or arrive early on the weekend.

FAQs about the Castle of the Moors

Here is a list of frequently asked questions by the visitors before visiting the Castle of the Moors.

How much does the Castle of the Moors tickets cost?

The tickets cost €8 for all visitors aged 6 years and above. Children under 5 years do not need to pay, as their entry is free. Book here!

Is a ticket needed to get into Sintra’s Moorish Castle?

The Moorish Castle is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Sintra. Thus, getting tickets without preparation could be challenging. If you buy your tickets online in advance, you can tour the ancient castle ruins.

How many steps are there in Moorish Castle Sintra?

This castle contains 450 meters (1478 feet) of strategically positioned fortification and five turrets, one of which is so tall that reaching the pinnacle requires climbing 500 stairs. Visiting the Moorish Castle on your Sintra holiday is a must to soak in the region’s stunning vistas.

Are there any cafes or restaurants inside the Castle of the Moors?

There are three cafes inside the Castle of the Moors. Cafeteria Castle is a cafeteria with a nice patio. The Moorish Castle Guard House has been converted into a café. You can also find a cafeteria at the Visitor Support Center at the castle’s entrance. 

Is a trip to the Moorish Castle worthwhile?

The Moorish Castle offers the greatest views of Pena Palace and the entire town of Sintra and a fascinating tour. This is a worthwhile destination despite being Sintra’s most “ruinous” castle. The breathtaking views from the walls transport you back in time.

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