Visiting Sintra in August, September & October 2025: Guide to Events

Pedro Ferreira
Jun 3
4 min read

Sintra’s event calendar is rich, reflecting its historical and cultural significance, with festivals often tied to music, art, and local traditions. August, September and October 2025 are part of the high season, with temperatures ranging from 75°F to 85°F, making it ideal for outdoor events. The town’s accessibility, with a 40-minute train ride from Lisboa’s Rossio Station (€5 round trip), and local buses like 434 and 435 (€15.20 day pass), ensures easy navigation to event venues.

MOST POPLUAR SINTRA TOUR BY BUS

Getting There and Around

To attend these events, getting to Sintra is straightforward. The train from Lisboa’s Rossio Station takes about 40 minutes, with fares around €2-€5 one way. Check schedules at CP Comboios de Portugal. Once there, buses 434 and 435 are essential, covering key sites and likely event venues, with a day pass at ~€15.20. Buy tickets online for discounts. Walking is possible, but Sintra’s hills suggest buses for efficiency, especially during festival crowds.

SINTRA BUSES

Overview of the Eevnts

Event/Festival	Date Range	Location	Description	Ticket Cost (approx.)
LEFFEST Film Festival	August 15-22, 2025	Lisboa and Sintra	Independent films from around the world, screenings in both cities	€10-€30 per film/day pass
Assumption Day	August 15, 2025	Likely churches, e.g., Igreja de Santa Maria	Religious processions or masses, public holiday	Free
Republic Day	October 5, 2025	Town center	Cultural activities or exhibitions possible, public holiday near September

Pick up from Lisbon

Events and Festivals in July 2025

While July doesn't host any major festivals, there are still several events and activities to enjoy:

Open-Air Cinema: Sintra often hosts open-air cinema events in its parks and squares during the summer months, providing a unique way to enjoy films under the stars. Check local listings for schedules and locations.

Art Exhibitions: Ongoing exhibitions at museums like Casa-Museu Leal da Câmara may continue through July, offering art enthusiasts a chance to explore Portuguese art and culture.

SKIP THE LINE SINTRA TICKETS

Note that the Sintra Festival, previously mentioned as a music festival in July, is actually held from June 12th to 21st, 2025, and is not relevant to this period. For those planning a visit in June, it features classical music, opera, and chamber performances in venues like Palácio Nacional de Sintra and Palácio da Pena, with ticket prices ranging from €20 to €50 per concert. Check updates at Festival de Sintra.

SKIP THE LINE: QIUNTA DA REGALEIRA

Events and Festivals in August 2025

August 2025 is expected to be lively, with a significant film festival and a public holiday potentially enhancing the cultural vibe:

LEFFEST Film Festival: Running from August 15 to 22, 2025, this festival showcases independent films from around the world, with screenings in both Lisboa and Sintra, including at Palácio Nacional de Sintra. For those interested in cinema, this is a must-attend event, offering a unique blend of international films in a historic setting. Ticket prices vary per film, with day passes available from €10 to €30. Check LEFFEST for more information, as per the updated details from this website.

COMBINED SINTRA TICKETS

Assumption Day (August 15, 2025): A public holiday with religious significance, it may include processions or special masses in Sintra, reflecting Portugal’s Catholic heritage. While not detailed, local churches like Igreja de Santa Maria might host events, worth exploring on arrival.

Ongoing Exhibitions: Art shows at Casa-Museu Leal da Câmara, such as potential summer exhibitions, may run through August, with entry at €5-€10, details at Casa-Museu Leal da Câmara.

The LEFFEST Film Festival is likely a highlight, attracting film enthusiasts and adding a modern twist to Sintra’s cultural offerings, with an unexpected detail of cinematic events in this historically palace-focused town.

LISBON SUNSET TOUR IN BOAT

Events and Festivals in September 2025

September 2025 is expected to feature a harvest festival, with public holidays near the month potentially influencing event schedules:

Republic Day (October 5, 2025, near September): While on October 5, its proximity might influence September events, with possible cultural activities in Sintra, though specifics are not detailed yet.

Cultural Events: Potential art fairs or craft markets may occur, given September’s transition to fall, but no major festivals start beyond the Harvest Festival.

Where to Stay and Eat

For event attendees, staying centrally is ideal. Options include:

Luxury: Tivoli Palácio de Seteais (~€200/night), near Palácio de Seteais, perfect for festival-goers.

Mid-Range: Sintra National Palace Hotel (~€100/night), close to the train station for easy access.

Budget: Casa Miradouro (~€50/night), offering panoramic views, suitable for film festival participants.

Dining options include:

Café Saudade: Near the station, serving travesseiros (~€5), ideal for a quick bite before events.

Tascantiga: Traditional Portuguese cuisine (~€15-€20), open from 12:15 PM, closed Sundays, great for lunch.

Piriquita: Pastries like queijadas (~€2-€5), perfect for a festival snack near the National Palace.

Carry snacks for long event days, as options near venues can be pricier.

PASTEIS DE NATA: FRESH CUSTARD TARTS

Practical Tips

Booking: For the LEFFEST Film Festival, book tickets early, as it attracts international audiences. Check GetYourGuide for related attraction tickets.