Sintra is a resort town that can be found in the foothills of the famed Sintra Mountain Range. The delightful Portuguese town is about half an hour away from the capital city of Lisbon but will seem like an entirely different world. It’s filled with so much character and charm in every aspect - from the unique architecture of its buildings to the friendly people who reside there. Be sure to visit all of their amazing attractions such as the Park and Palace of Monserrate, The Castle of the Moors, and Quinta da Regaleira. If you’re looking to just sit back and relax, then head on over to one of Sintra’s beaches or have a picnic in the park. No matter what kind of traveler you are, a trip to Sintra is sure to be one of your most memorable vacations.
Quinta da Regaleira
Having been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, Quinta da Regaleira has a history that dates back to the 1800s. The quinta, or estate, is one of Sintra’s most popular tourist attractions and allows people to step back in time and better understand the rich history.
Park and National Palace of Pena
The Park and National Palace of Pena can be found standing tall on top of a hill in the Sintra Mountains. On a clear day, you can see the palace from Lisbon and a majority of the metropolitan area, but it’s beauty can only truly be appreciated up close.
Moorish Castle
The Moorish Castle can be found in the heart of Sintra’s central Portuguese civil parish of Santa Maria e Sao Miguel. The medieval castle was built by the Moors in the 8th and 9th century to be used as an important strategic point during Reconquista.
Park and Palace of Monserrate
Situated on the banks of the Portuguese Riviera, Park and Palace of Monserrate is a palatial villa used as the traditional summer resort of the Portuguese court.
Casa Piriquita
Casa Piriquita was originally opened in 1862 as a bakery owned and operated by husband and wife team Amaro dos Santos and Constancia Gomes. Today, over five generations of the family have maintained the secrets of their products, ingredients, and techniques which make their concoctions so renowned.
Beaches in Sintra
Sintra is home to so many wonderful beaches where you can spend the day basking in the sun, take a dip in the water to cool off, or test your limits with some exhilarating water activities.
Cabo da Roca
Cabo da Roca is a gorgeous cape which overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. It can be found on the westernmost point of the Sintra Mountain Range and within the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park.
Curral dos Caprinos
No vacation is complete without indulging in the local cuisine, and there’s no better or more authentic restaurant to try the best of Portuguese food than at Curral dos Caprinos.
Midori
If you find yourself craving authentic Japanese cuisine in the middle of Sintra, Portugal, then head on over to Midori. The restaurant has been around since the early 1990s and is an intimate and cozy dining establishment with views that look out to the Penha Longa gardens.
Lawrence's Hotel Restaurant
Lawrence's Hotel Restaurant is a wonderful family-friendly dining establishment that has a relaxing and inviting atmosphere where you can enjoy a delicious meal.
