Sintra’s illustrious history, gorgeous scenery, and a milder climate are primary factors for its selection as a leisure destination for Portuguese royalty. Sintra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is located about 30 km from Lisbon, with a cooler climate.
It has remained one of the magical places in Portugal, adored during the cool summer months, for the Portuguese royalty.
1 – Visit the Pena Palace.
This is the most notable representative site in Sintra. A colorful construction built in the 19th century, it sits on a hill which provides magnificent panoramic views of Sintra. The site displays a peculiar mixture of styles from the 19th century construction on Sintra which includes Gothic, Renaissance, and Romantic. The Romantic whimsical design colors defined the construction as a piece and a construction a slice of Sintra.
Highlights :
A visitor to the site is able to roam around the splendid reception rooms of the palace and the palace.
The visitor may walk 19th Sintra construction and Atlantic ocean view on the Sintra palace construction.
2 – Discover the Moorish Castle.
The castle is one of the most desired places to visit. The Moorish Castle is an 8th century castle built on top of the rock on which it lays. The castle was built by the Moors. It is a peculiarity of the construction as it provides view for its visitor of the 19th century Sintra, and the other side of the Sintra range.
Highlights:
The visitor of the castle is able to walk the Sintra 19th century and the castle’s defense works.
The visitor of the castle is able to use the court and view the palace.
The visitor of the castle is able to see 19th century Sintra construction and the Pena palace from a look around the Sintra 19th century castle.
3. National Palace of Sintra
The National Palace of Sintra is a prominent example of a medieval royal residence that is still preserved. The Sintra National Palace is Middle-Ages styled and castle remains preserved. The large halls and ornate furnished rooms testify to its greatness. The building was on the Portuguese monarchy’s summer residence and has undergone multiple extensive restorations to keep it functional.
Highlights:
Explore the richly ornate furnished rooms.
Examine the palace tiles and the rest of the fine art collection of the era.
Do not miss the town’s famed folklore and the twin chimneys.
4. Quinta da Regaleira
Just a little while away from the town center is Quinta da Regaleira. The ‘fantasy estate’ is a great palace surrounded by romantic gardens and ‘mysterious’ tunnels.
Highlights:
Go to the gardens, and enjoy secret passageways, fountains and grottoes.
Visit the Initiation Well, a fascinating structure that spirals down into the earth and, at its base, encloses a ‘mysterious’ tunnel.
5. Visit the Monserrate Palace
Monserrate Palace experiences less traffic compared to the Pena Palace. Another of Sintra’s overlooked sites, Monserrate, is a 19th century Sintra region building, designed by English architect James Knowles. With a blend of Gothic, Moorish, and Indian architecture, it is surrounded by stunning gardens. This building was a preferred accommodation for the British aristocracy.
Highlights:
Stroll around the exotic garden featuring plants collected from different regions of the world.
Relish the solitude, away from the rest of the people.
Admire the fine art and antique furniture, along with a few other treasures, richly furnished and decorated in the palace.
6 – Hike the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park
Sintra-Cascais Natural Park is a perfect location for nature walks. The Sintra region varies to a beautiful collection of forests, hills and a piece of the coastline. During walks in the park, numerous beautiful landscapes and lookouts, with a variety of shrubs and old trees, can be encountered.
Highlights:
Ascend the Sintra Mountains and behold the remarkable scenery.
Experience the calmness in the woodland and tranquil lakes.
7 – Sintra Toy Museum
Children and families can enjoy this quick and easy stop found in the center of town. It has an important collection of toys from different time periods and includes old wooden toys as well as a variety of 20th century dolls, cars, and figurines.
Highlights:
More than 20,000 toys from different places and cultures.
The varied histories and cultures associated with toys.
Children can enjoy interactive, hands on activities.
8 – Cabo da Roca
Cabo da Roca, a short drive from Sintra, has beautiful coastal cliffs overlooking the Atlantic ocean. It has an important historical lighthouse. From this point, Vasco da Gama’s expeditions towards India began.
Highlights :
Take in the stop and see the ocean view.
Snap a picture at the sign that reads “Here the Land Ends and the Sea Begins.”
Crash the rugged cliffs on the ocean.
9. Sample Sintra’s Travesseiros
You have not sabored everything Sintra has to offer without sampling their Travesseiros. This sweet, pastry–almond cream Travesseiros, can be eaten at various locations in town, particularly at Piriquita. This bakery has been serving Travesseiros for over 150 years, and is the most highly rated bakery in the area.
Highlights:
Having a Travesseiros Piriquita bakery.
Having coffee with a Travesseiros with the sweet filling.
10. Visit Local Shops and the Sintra Market
Sintra is well known for its beautiful stores with locally sourced handmade crafts such as jewelry and cheese. Therefore, Sintra is vibrant with a shopping scene, so you are guaranteed to find something.
Highlights:
Get unique gifts and souvenirs.
Enjoy some locally sourced cheese and crafts.
Enjoy the history in the antique shops.
