Sintra is magical seriously, it feels like walking into a fairy tale. But if you’ve been there before or seen photos online, you know the main attractions can get insanely crowded, especially Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira. I went there last month and wanted to enjoy the beauty without the crush of tourists, so I tried a few things that worked really well. First, go early or late in the day. Most people hit the big sites between 10 AM and 3 PM, so if you can manage a sunrise stroll around the parks or a late afternoon walk, it’s much calmer. I ended up exploring the little paths around Monserrate Palace around 8:30 AM and it felt like I had the gardens to myself. Second, don’t stick to the “main” attractions only. Sintra has tons of hidden corners that most guidebooks barely mention. The historic town center is charming, but instead of rushing to the famous castles, I wandered down some side streets, discovered tiny viewpoints, and even found a quiet café overlooking the valley. Bonus: these spots often have like Airbnbs or other places like Booking.com locations nearby if you want to stay local. Third, walk or bike between places instead of taking the tourist buses. Not only do you avoid the packed shuttles, but you get to see so much more. I rented a bike for a few hours, zipped down small lanes, and stumbled upon gardens and viewpoints that were completely empty. It felt like discovering a secret Sintra. Finally, check weekdays if you can. Weekends are madness. A Tuesday or Wednesday morning? Bliss. Shops are open, the streets are alive but not overwhelming, and you’ll actually feel like a local rather than just another tourist. In short, Sintra doesn’t have to feel crowded. A little planning, some curiosity, and willingness to explore beyond the main attractions is all it takes. Trust me wandering the quiet gardens and empty streets at your own pace is how Sintra really feels magical.