Cozy hostel in Sintra town center, perfect for palace visits. Small and friendly, communal kitchen, garden space, and walking distance to train station.
Almaa Sintra Hostel is located on Rua Dr. Alfredo Costa 30 in Sintra's village centre, a quiet residential street within easy walking distance of the historic centre's cafés, restaurants, and palace ticket offices. As one of very few overnight accommodation options within the Sintra village itself — rather than in the outlying resort zones — the hostel offers a distinct advantage for visitors who want to experience the palaces and parks before and after the main tourist rush. The property is a converted townhouse with a small rear garden, a sociable communal kitchen, and a compact common room. Accommodation consists of mixed dormitories with 4–8 beds and a limited number of private rooms; all share well-maintained bathrooms. The garden is a tranquil spot for early morning coffee before the day-trippers from Lisbon arrive on the suburban trains. Sintra train station is a 10-minute walk from the hostel, with trains running regularly to Lisbon's Rossio station (journey: 40 minutes). The National Palace of Sintra is visible from parts of the surrounding streets and is 7 minutes on foot; the Pena Palace hilltop requires a 30-minute uphill walk or a local bus. Breakfast is included in most rates, often featuring local bread, fresh fruit, and regional jams.
Amenities
- garden
- kitchen
- WiFi
- central location
- breakfast included
Location
Rua Dr. Alfredo Costa 30, 2710-524 Sintra
38.7989, -9.3894 View on map
Highlights
- Located inside Sintra village for early morning palace access before day-trip crowds
- Quiet townhouse garden for pre-palace breakfast in the fresh mountain air
- 10-minute walk to Sintra train station with regular Lisbon services
- National Palace of Sintra visible and reachable on foot in 7 minutes
- Breakfast included featuring local bread and regional products
Tips for visiting
- Aim to reach Pena Palace by 9 am — the bus and ticket lines grow significantly after 10:30 am.
- The 434 circular bus ticket from Sintra station covers Pena Palace and Moorish Castle and is better value than individual tickets.
- Sintra's mountain weather can be cool and misty even in summer — bring a layer and a light waterproof.
- Pack lunch from the hostel kitchen to eat in Pena Palace's grounds and avoid the expensive on-site café.
- Midweek visits are noticeably quieter than weekends — if flexible, arrive Monday–Thursday.
Accessibility
The hostel is in a converted townhouse on a hilly Sintra street. Stairs are present throughout the building and there is no lift. The surrounding neighbourhood streets are cobbled and uneven. Guests with mobility impairments should consider more accessible accommodation in the area.
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Frequently asked questions
How far is Almaa from Pena Palace?
Pena Palace is on the hilltop above the village, around 30–40 minutes on foot uphill. The 434 bus from Sintra station stops near the palace entrance and is the most practical option.
Is breakfast included?
Yes, breakfast is included in most rate plans, served in the common area featuring local breads, fruit, and regional preserves.
Is Sintra worth staying overnight?
Yes. Staying overnight allows visits before the day-tripper crowds arrive from Lisbon and enables access to the atmospheric Sintra mountain paths and forest at dusk, when most visitors have left.
Is there luggage storage?
The hostel provides basic luggage storage for guests arriving before check-in or needing to leave bags after checkout.