This small Portuguese village just half an hour from Lisbon has a lot to offer to those who decide to spend a couple of days there. It is undoubtedly known for its ancient palaces, but there is much more to it, from convents to old houses and great gastronomy.
We will tell you what to see and do in the Portuguese town of Sintra, a place that is easily reached from Lisbon and that offers fairytale palaces that are unlike any other, and above all a lot of Portuguese history and culture. We must not miss visiting this place if we are in Lisbon.
How to get to Sintra
The most used option to get to Sintra, unless you come from the north, is to go to Lisbon by plane and take a day trip to this town, since it is about 30 kilometers away. You may go by car from the capital by the IC19 and the N6. Another possibility is to catch a train in the city to easily reach Sintra in half an hour. The train can be taken at various stations, such as Rossio or Sete Ríos.
Palace of Pena
This is undoubtedly the most characteristic monument in the city of Sintra. This Palacio da Pena looks like a fairytale, with its amazing colorful, being different from all the palaces we are used to. It was built in the XNUMXth century, hence its original architecture, since it is not very old, and it is located in the Sintra mountains, so it is also surrounded by a beautiful natural environment. If we can say something about this palace, it is that its style is essentially eclecticism. Mix of many styles and ideas to create something unique and different. On our walk we will find motifs that remind us of the Mudejar, Baroque or Gothic style. This place was originally a monastery, but when the monks moved to Lisbon, King Ferdinand II bought the ruins to create this castle as a gift for his wife.
Castle of the Moors
If we have already visited the Palacio da Pena, it is the turn of the Castelo dos Mouros, which is reached by the so-called Rampa da Pena on foot. This was a Arab defensive enclave from the XNUMXth century, which can be deduced from its elevated position and its walls. In its time it must have been an impregnable place. In this castle part of the walls, battlements and towers are preserved. Inside we can also find a chapel dedicated to Saint Peter.
Quinta da Regaleira Palace
There is another place that exudes romance in Sintra. Surely you have heard of the Quinta da Regaleira and the Initiation Well. This palace is from the beginning of the XNUMXth century and in its surroundings you can enjoy a palace, turrets, gardens, a mysterious well and a greenhouse. Today this palace is a museum and was built inspired by different styles and trends. In the enclosure you can see references to the Templars and the Freemasons, since the owner was part of this order in Portugal. You have to visit the beautiful well, but also enjoy the interesting garden, where there are secret tunnels or waterfalls.
Sintra National Palace
This palace is part of the UNESCO World Heritage. Today it has a marked Manueline style and stands out for those two conical chimneys that make it so recognizable. It must be said that in its beginnings it had an Arabic style but it was renovated. We can visit it inside and enjoy incredible old tiles, those tiles that are so typical of Portugal. We will enter the Capela Palatina with mosaics of Arab influence, the Sala das Pegas or the Sala dos Cisnes, where banquets were held.
Sintra-Cascais natural park
Within this huge natural park you can enjoy some beaches and Cape of Roca, the westernmost point of the European continent. One of its most popular beaches is Playa Grande, but there are others on its coast, such as Adraga. There is also a large network of trails that can be traveled for those who enjoy this type of sports.
Monserrate Palace
If we have time we can also visit this palace, which was a summer residence of the aristocracy. Inside we will see some Arab influences, which can already be seen in the arches of the windows. It is not very big, so it can be visited quickly. Do not miss the area of the exterior gardens, very well cared for and spacious.
Convent dos Capuchos
This convent is within the natural park, so we will have to take the car to get to it, since it is a few kilometers from the center. It is a beautiful place, although simple in appearance, given the vow of poverty of the Franciscan monks who lived there. But its beauty is given by that touch of mystery and by the natural environment that surrounds it and that seems to be integrated into it.