A really stunning village and nature park, Sintra is without doubt one of the hottest locations in Portugal. Solely 30km (19 miles) from Lisbon, this must-see vacation spot attracts tens of millions – sure, tens of millions – of tourists annually.
It’s exhausting to withstand the attract of Sintra’s well-known palaces – the Palácio da Pena, the Castelo dos Mouros and Quinta da Regaleira – but there are a number of different areas and actions within the city and surrounding Parque Pure Sintra-Cascais that provide equally showstopping experiences however with fewer crowds.
These are our favourite mixture of big-ticket and low-key points of interest in Sintra.
1. Transfer like royalty by way of the Palácio da Pena
Palácio da Pena is Sintra’s most immediately recognizable landmark. Inbuilt 1854 by Fernando II on the bones of an previous monastery, it is probably the greatest examples of Romanticism structure in Europe. The palace’s golden onion domes rise above dense woodland within the Sintra Mountain and contained in the preserved rooms supply a glimpse into late-1800s royal life, full with some sudden trendy touches. There’s certainly one of Europe’s earliest phone exchanges, and Portugal’s first scorching water bathe within the king’s lavatory. It is open day by day to guests for excursions (€17 for adults).
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Professional tip: Go to on the finish of the day to keep away from the crowds. You’ll be able to keep away from queues on the palace by buying your ticket by way of the web site and obtain a 15% low cost for those who e book three days prematurely.
2. Stroll by way of the restored gardens of Quinta da Ribafria
A property from 1541 and an instance of Manueline civil structure, Quinta da Ribafria sits on the outskirts of the Parque Pure Sintra-Cascais, about 35km (22 miles) from Lisbon. After years of abandonment, the manor opened its gates in 2015, inviting guests to wander by way of its once-neglected woods and gardens.
Comply with alongside an enthralling path adorned with sculptures by each Portuguese and worldwide artists – together with Stefano Beccari from Italy and Amparo Luis from Spain – or cease on one of many benches to benefit from the peace and quiet, the one sound the wind within the treetops. In case you go when the property opens at 10am, you’ll probably be one of many first there.
3. Discover the small print of the Palácio and Parque Biester
Maybe as a result of it solely opened to the general public in 2022, the Palácio Biester nonetheless slips beneath the radar for a lot of Sintra guests. Along with its better-known (and busier) neighbor Quinta da Regaleira, this property, courting from the nineteenth century, is a textbook instance of the romantic structure that characterizes the buildings hidden throughout the dense Sintra forest.
The botanical park covers 6 hectares (15 acres) and boasts bushes from everywhere in the world, with beautiful views of the Castelo dos Mouros and the city of Sintra from its viewpoints. The palace itself is filled with unique and strikking particulars, like the ornamental work by the artist Luigi Manini and the French grasp Paul Baudry that adorn the partitions and ceilings of every room. And as at different Sintra websites, mysticism and the occult are very current right here, with tales of the Knights Templar and initiation chambers that feed the creativeness. Funds a number of hours to totally admire the great thing about the Biester property.
Planning tip: Begin your go to on the entrance on Avenida Almeida Garrett and stroll by way of the gardens till you attain the palace. Ebook a 90-minute guided tour by emailing reservations@biester.pt to study in regards to the property’s historical past, or skip the queues by shopping for tickets on-line earlier than your go to.
4. Hit the path that leads from Villa Sassetti to the Chalet da Condessa D’Edla
This journey just isn’t for the faint of physique or spirit: virtually a full day of strolling alongside winding, uneven paths uphill from Villa Sassetti to the Chalet da Condessa d’Edla, passing the lakes of the Parque da Pena. But the pure great thing about the route and its numerous nooks, crannies, previous buildings and viewpoints will make it properly well worth the effort. To navigate the paths, go to the vacationer workplace in Praça da República and ask for the maps of Villa Sassetti and Parque da Pena earlier than embarking in your journey.
Detour: Don’t care to do the entire route or brief on time? Begin on the entrance to the Vale dos Lagos. Bear in mind to convey snug path footwear and water to maintain you hydrated.
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4. Trip the historic tram between Sintra and Praia das Maçãs
One surefire solution to skip Sintra’s crowds? By hopping aboard a standard Portuguese tram towards the coast. Constructed within the early twentieth century, this line, resulting in Praia da Maçãs, was deserted for years earlier than resuming service in 2004. Right now, it takes native residents and guests on an 11km (7-mile) journey throughout the Sintra panorama, passing homes and roads and stopping at locations just like the Adega Regional de Colares, in a singular 45-minute experience to the ocean.
Planning tip: To get to Praia das Maçãs, take the streetcar at Rua Basic Alves Roçadas in Estefânia. You should buy the ticket for the experience at Vila Alda – Casa do Elétrico, positioned subsequent to the streetcar cease (excluding weekends and public holidays, when you should purchase it straight on the transport). When returning to Sintra, keep in mind to get your ticket from the driving force.
5. Style recent fish with a sea view at Azenhas do Mar
The previous fishing village of Azenhas do Mar presents a simplicity, magnificence and communion with the panorama that by no means ceases to amaze. About 10km (6 miles) from the village of Sintra and 40km (25 miles) from Lisbon, this small group of white homes perched alongside the cliffs appears a part of a portray. Certainly, many Portuguese painters have come right here for inspiration, together with Júlio Pomar; arriving from Praia das Maçãs, cease on the viewpoint going through the city and also you’ll perceive why.
The place is small and has little parking, particularly in summer season. However in these hotter months, you possibly can benefit from the pure pool on the seaside on the foot of the cliff – the identical seaside that, being so small, loses its sand when the tide will get excessive. After your dip, feast on just-caught fish and seafood whereas having fun with the breathtaking views and exquisite sunsets at Azenhas do Mar restaurant, proper by the seaside.
6. Unfold out your towel at Praia do Magoito
About 10km (6 miles) from Azenhas do Mar, Praia do Magoito is a wonderful choice to flee Sintra’s busiest seashores (reminiscent of Praia Grande or Praia das Maçãs). Alongside this lengthy sandy seaside that stretches alongside the imposing cliffs resulting in Praia da Aguda, there’s loads of area to put out your towel. One other solution to discover this panorama is to stroll alongside the cliff-top path that hyperlinks the 2 seashores.
7. Have a picnic on the serene Lagoa Azul
This lake is much from an unknown place – not least due to its proximity to the city of Cascais. Nonetheless, it is an important choice for those who’re on the lookout for a inexperienced space to have a picnic or simply take a stroll by way of the landscapes of the Serra de Sintra.
This serene lagoon takes on stunning hues of inexperienced and blue because the day passes, disturbed solely by the splashing of geese within the water the sound of canines strolling by with their house owners. The place can be fashionable as a place to begin for mountain-bike rides. To benefit from the Lagoa Azul in larger peace, keep away from the weekend or the month of August, and arrive early within the morning.
Planning tip: The car parking zone is small and chances are you’ll not discover a area for those who go throughout a busy hour. Alternatively, take the prepare from Lisbon to Cascais, then a taxi or Uber onward from there.
8. Take within the dazzling views from the Santuário da Peninha
At one of many highest factors in Serra de Sintra – virtually 500m (1640ft) above sea degree – the Santuário da Peninha has one of the best views within the Parque Pure Sintra-Cascais.
Stroll alongside grime tracks till you come to the Capela de Nossa Senhora da Peninha, the place you possibly can get pleasure from a large panorama of the encircling panorama: on clear days, you possibly can see from Cabo Espichel within the south to Cabo Carvoeiro within the north. Nearer by, you possibly can glimpse Praia do Guincho, Cascais and the Cabo da Roca lighthouse, the westernmost level of mainland Europe.
Subsequent to the chapel is a mansion inbuilt 1918 by the identical proprietor of Quinta da Regaleira (closed to guests) and, additional down, an previous Twelfth-century hermitage.
Planning tip: This space could be very uncovered to winds, so foggy days are frequent. Verify the climate earlier than you set off.
9. Comply with the paths taken by monks on the Convento dos Capuchos
The Convento dos Capuchos (also referred to as the “Cork Convent” resulting from cork utilized in its building and ornament) is a spot for contemplation and introspection – acceptable for a Sixteenth-century convent that adopted the non secular philosophy of the Order of St Francis of Assisi. For 250 years, Franciscan monks walked the paths that prolonged between massive granite blocks and dense vegetation, welcoming the few males of religion who lived there and guests alike.
As you stroll these trails at this time, you’ll encounter chapels and hermitages which have weathered with time, but nonetheless retain a non secular energy that may time sluggish your tempo.
Planning tip: To make entry simpler, buy your ticket on-line. For a further euro, you may get the audio-guide app, which can help you in navigating the landmark.
10. Discover opera-worthy landscapes at Quinta da Regaleira
Designed by Italian opera set designer, Luigi Manini for a Brazilian espresso tycoon within the late nineteenth century, Quinta da Regaleira is an property and palace open to guests in Sintra’s Outdated City. The gardens are pure Gothic fantasia with a panorama that takes its cues from Dante’s Divine Comedy, full with secret tunnels, mysterious grottos and hidden passages. Contained in the palace, the rooms are much less dramatic and ornate than these of Palácio da Pena however nonetheless stunning and attention-grabbing with their frescos and Venetian-glass mosaics. Tickets for the palace and gardens price €15 and might be bought on-line.
