There are such a lot of issues to do in Sintra, Portugal. The historical past of the world dates again to the 1400s when a single monastery was positioned on a hilltop in Sintra throughout medieval instances. When the Lisbon Earthquake of 1755 destroyed a lot of the metropolis, the world sat untouched and empty for a few years. It wasn’t till the mid-1800s when one of many King’s sons was so fascinated by the forested space, that his father determined to amass all the encompassing land, and produce it again to life.
Prime Issues To Do In Sintra, Portugal
Sintra is situated simply 45 minutes north of the capital metropolis of Portugal, Lisbon. The city has a wealthy historical past and cultural significance, which is mirrored in its many historical castles and palaces, such because the Pena Palace and the Moorish Citadel. These buildings are identified for his or her ornate ornament, historical past, and delightful places, which provide panoramic views of the encompassing space.
Along with its castles and palaces, Sintra can also be identified for its charming streets and neighborhoods, that are full of colourful homes, quaint retailers, and funky eating places. This picturesque city has a relaxed, laid-back ambiance, and it’s a standard vacation spot for individuals who need to expertise a extra genuine and conventional facet of Portugal.
1. Go to Pena Palace
One of the vital standard points of interest in Sintra, the Pena Palace is a shocking Nineteenth-century Romantic palace that sits atop a hill overlooking the city. The lavish palace was commissioned by King Ferdinand II and stands proudly over the panorama. We cherished the colourful colours and mixture of architectural kinds, together with Gothic, Manueline, and Moorish.
Guests to the Pena Palace can discover the palace’s superbly adorned rooms, together with the throne room, eating room, and bedrooms. Its setting excessive on a hill will remind you of Ludwig II’s Neuschwanstein Citadel in Bavaria. However Pena Citadel was really constructed first!
Pena Park
Pena Palace is surrounded by Pena Park, a superbly landscaped backyard full of unique crops and flowers. The Park is a good place to take a leisurely stroll and benefit from the beautiful views of the encompassing countryside.
Tickets for Pena Palace value €7.50 for adults. For guests aged 65 and over and kids between the ages of 6 and 17, the price is €6.50. A household ticket can also be accessible for €26. Sintra affords a bus to take you from the doorway by way of the gardens and can drop you off in entrance of the Pena Palace. Or you possibly can guide skip-the-line tickets right here.
Or you possibly can select to do what we did, which was stroll by way of the gardens (uphill) to get to Pena Palace. In the event you select to stroll, be sure you put on snug footwear and provides your self an hour to succeed in the highest.
2. Discover the Moorish Citadel
The Moorish Citadel is a well-preserved medieval citadel situated on a hill above Sintra, Portugal. This citadel dates again to the ninth century and was utilized by the Portuguese royal household as a summer season palace. The Moorish Citadel is likely one of the hottest vacationer points of interest in Sintra, identified for its well-preserved partitions and beautiful views.
The citadel is a mixture of architectural kinds, together with Gothic and Mudéjar, and incorporates a sequence of defensive partitions and towers. Guests to the citadel can discover the citadel’s inside, together with the royal residences, chapel, and cistern. The citadel additionally has a small museum, the place guests can be taught extra about its historical past and the position it performed within the area.
Along with touring the citadel, guests may also take pleasure in quite a lot of outside actions within the surrounding space, together with climbing, picnicking, and birdwatching. The Moorish Citadel is a must-see for anybody curious about medieval historical past and structure.
The associated fee to enter is for Adults: (18 – 64 years) 8 €, (6 – 17 years) 6,5 €, (over 65 years) 6,5 €, Household ticket (2 adults + 2 youths) 26 €. Or you will get the Audio Tour and Skip the Line by reserving right here.
3. Go to Cabo da Roca
Positioned only a brief drive from Sintra, Cabo da Roca is the westernmost level of mainland Europe and is a well-liked vacationer vacation spot identified for its beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Cabo da Roca is a rocky promontory that juts out into the ocean, providing breathtaking views of the rugged shoreline and the open ocean. Guests to the cape can take within the views from the statement deck and benefit from the contemporary sea air.
Cabo da Roca can also be dwelling to a lighthouse, which was constructed within the seventeenth century to information ships safely into Lisbon. The lighthouse is open to guests and affords panoramic views of the encompassing shoreline.
You could want to attend in line to take an image in entrance of the plaque, however will probably be price it to point out individuals you made it!
4. Tour the Sintra Nationwide Palace (Palacio nacional de sintra)
Have you ever heard of the Sintra Nationwide Palace? It’s a phenomenal Fifteenth-century palace situated within the coronary heart of Sintra, Portugal. The palace was as soon as the residence of the Portuguese royal household and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Web site.
Sintra Nationwide Palace is thought for its mixture of architectural kinds, The palace is a mix of Manueline, Gothic, and Mudéjar, and its stunning facade is a sight to behold.
As you step contained in the palace, you’re transported again in time, to an age of opulence and magnificence. The grand halls and spacious rooms are full of ornate furnishings, a testomony to the wealth and energy of the royal household.
Guests can discover the palace’s superbly adorned rooms, together with the throne room, eating room, and bedrooms, and study its wealthy historical past. The palace additionally incorporates a chapel, which continues to be used for non secular ceremonies at the moment, and a phenomenal backyard full of unique crops and flowers. As you allow the palace, you’ll be struck by the sense of historical past and tradition that surrounds you.
The Palacio Nacional de Sintra is open each day from 9:30 till 19:00 and the final entrance at 18:30. The doorway payment is €10.00/€8.50/€8.50/€33.00 (grownup/youngster/senior/household). We advocate you seize a Quick Monitor Ticket to keep away from the lengthy lineups.
5. Go to Quinta da Regaleira
By far probably the most picturesque spot in Sintra is Quinta da Regaleira. It’s the good spot to place down the map and see the place the winding paths take you.
The Quinta da Regaleira in Sintra, Portugal is a spot of thriller and magic. Nestled within the coronary heart of the city, the Nineteenth-century property is surrounded by lush gardens full of unique crops and flowers.
It was constructed within the early twentieth century by a rich Brazilian businessman named António Augusto Carvalho Monteiro. Monteiro was a collector of artwork and uncommon objects, and he used the Quinta da Regaleira as a showcase for his assortment.
On the middle of the Quinta da Regaleira stands the beautiful palace, a masterpiece of structure and design.
However the actual attraction of the Quinta da Regaleira is its underground tunnels and caves. These mysterious passages have been as soon as used for initiation rites by secret societies, and their secrets and techniques nonetheless stay hidden to this present day. Guests can discover the tunnels and caves, discovering hidden chambers and hidden passageways as they go.
Because the solar units over the property, the shadows lengthen and the magic of the Quinta da Regaleira comes alive. It’s a spot the place the previous and current mix collectively, the place the fantastic thing about nature and the grandeur of artificial wonders meet.
In the event you drive, there may be parking down the road from the primary entrance and the payment to enter is €10.00/€5.00/€4.00/€25.00 (grownup/youngster/senior/household), and this contains entrance to the home and the grounds. OR is you need to skip to the entrance of the road that is the ticket you need. It additionally features a free audio tour.
6. Monserrate Palace
The Monserrate Palace in Sintra, Portugal is a spot of marvel and enchantment. Tucked away within the rolling hills, the Nineteenth-century palace is a hidden gem, a treasure ready to be found.
As you method the palace, the grandeur of the constructing turns into obvious. The palace is a mix of architectural kinds, together with Gothic, Moorish, and Indian, and its grand facade is a sight to behold. It was additionally as soon as the house of Sir Francis Prepare dinner, a rich British businessman who was the primary Visconde de Monserrat and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Web site.
As you step contained in the palace, you’re transported again in time, to an age of opulence and magnificence. The grand halls and spacious rooms are full of intricate particulars and ornate furnishings, a testomony to the wealth and energy of the palace’s former proprietor, Francis Prepare dinner, a rich English service provider.
However the actual attraction of the Monserrate Palace is its gardens. These sprawling, verdant grounds are a wonderland of unique crops and flowers, a paradise on earth. Guests can take a leisurely stroll by way of the gardens, admiring the fantastic thing about nature and the grandeur of the palace.
The doorway payment is €8.00/€6.50/€6.50 (grownup/youngster/senior). The opening hours are 9.30-18.30, and the final ticket is offered 1 hour earlier than the closing time. We advocate avoiding the crowds with this ticket.
7. Praia da Ursa
The Praia da Ursa is a phenomenal seaside situated only a brief drive from Sintra. The seaside is surrounded by rugged cliffs and luxurious greenery, and the views of the Atlantic Ocean are breathtaking.
The Praia da Ursa is a good spot for swimming and sunbathing, and its secluded location makes it an ideal place to flee the crowds and chill out. The seaside can also be a well-liked spot for exploring the hidden coves and caves alongside the shore.
After marveling at one of the spectacular seashores in Portugal, guests may also take within the beautiful views of the encompassing panorama from the cliffs above the seaside. It’s an incredible place to spend just a few hours absorbing the solar and having fun with the fantastic thing about nature.
8. Discover the Serra de Sintra
The Serra de Sintra is a phenomenal mountain vary situated simply outdoors of Sintra, Portugal. The mountain vary is thought for its climbing trails and its wealthy historical past with castles dotting the panorama.
The Serra de Sintra is a well-liked vacation spot for hikers and nature lovers, with quite a lot of trails that wind by way of the mountains and supply breathtaking views.
The Serra de Sintra can also be dwelling to quite a lot of historic websites, together with castles and palaces, that are standard vacationer points of interest.
9. Be taught concerning the Knights Templar
The Knights Templar was a army order of knights based within the twelfth century to guard Christian pilgrims touring to the Holy Land. Guests can be taught extra about their position within the area by visiting the Convent of the Order of Christ, which was as soon as their headquarters in Portugal.
10. Go to the Praia das Maçãs
Praia das Maçãs is a phenomenal spot situated on the western coast of the nation, and it affords quite a lot of actions and points of interest for guests. Praia das Maçãs
One of many fundamental causes to go to the Praia das Maçãs is for its pure magnificence. The seaside is surrounded by rugged cliffs and luxurious greenery on one facet with a picturesque city on the opposite. The seaside is a well-liked spot for swimming and sunbathing, and its crystal-clear waters and the lengthy stretch of sandy seaside make it an incredible place to chill out and unwind.
Along with having fun with the seaside and the water, guests may also take within the beautiful views of the from the cliffs above the seaside. The Praia das Maçãs can also be an incredible place for exploring the hidden coves and caves alongside the shore.
A serene and tranquil spot, Praia das Maçãs is an ideal place to flee the crowds and luxuriate in the fantastic thing about nature. It’s a must-see for anybody visiting Sintra or the western coast of Portugal.
11. Take a hike within the Sintra-Cascais Pure Park
The park contains quite a lot of sandy seashores and dunes, together with the Praia da Adraga, a phenomenal seaside with a protracted stretch of sand and dunes that’s standard for swimming and sunbathing. The seaside is situated close to the city of Almoçageme, which is a couple of 20-minute drive from Sintra.
One of many fundamental causes to hike within the Sintra-Cascais Pure Park is for its pure magnificence. The park is dwelling to quite a lot of plant and animal species, and the surroundings is breathtaking. Along with its pure magnificence, the Sintra-Cascais Pure Park can also be dwelling to quite a lot of historic and cultural websites, together with castles, palaces, and different landmarks.
Climbing within the Sintra-Cascais Pure Park can also be an effective way to get some train and benefit from the contemporary air. The park affords quite a lot of trails for hikers of all talent ranges, starting from straightforward, well-marked paths to more difficult routes for knowledgeable hikers.
12. Take a ship tour of the Sintra Coast
A ship tour of the Sintra Coast is one thing you must do if you happen to go to town for greater than a day journey. It normally contains stops at quite a lot of landmarks, such because the Cabo da Roca, the westernmost level of mainland Europe, and the Praia da Ursa, a secluded seaside that may solely be accessed by boat.
You possibly can guide a ship tour if you find yourself within the metropolis. The excursions normally final just a few hours and should embody commentary from a information or native historian. We discover it is a nice solution to expertise the fantastic thing about the Sintra Coast and be taught concerning the area’s historical past and tradition.
13. Strive some native delicacies
Sintra is dwelling to quite a lot of glorious eating places that serve conventional Portuguese dishes. Guests can strive some native favorites similar to pastel de nata (custard tarts), bacalhau (salted cod), or cozido à portuguesa (a conventional stew).
The Portuguese love their sardines. You could find them in most shops, and even on the bike and automobile rental retailers in Sintra. In Lisbon, it looks like they’re on each nook!
They might not be for everybody, but it surely’s a great salty snack to take with you as you traverse the grounds and journey to every attraction. There are generally lots of taste choices so take your time studying every label. Learn extra: Portuguese Meals: 26 Conventional Dishes to strive in Portugal or at dwelling
14. Go to the Sintra Museum of Fashionable Artwork
The Sintra Museum of Fashionable Artwork (Museu de Arte Moderna de Sintra) is housed within the former Palace of the Counts of Edla, a Nineteenth-century constructing that was as soon as the summer season retreat of the Portuguese royal household. (That Portuguese Royal Household obtained round!)
The museum’s assortment contains works by Portuguese and worldwide artists from the Nineteenth and twentieth centuries, with a give attention to trendy and up to date artwork. The gathering contains work, sculptures, pictures, and different artworks, and it’s identified for its sturdy illustration of Portuguese modernism.
Along with its everlasting assortment, the Sintra Museum of Fashionable Artwork additionally hosts short-term exhibitions and occasions, similar to lectures, workshops, and live shows. In the event you love artwork you aren’t going to need to miss visiting one of the necessary cultural establishments in Portugal.
The museum go to is certainly free for individuals below 17 or over 60 years previous and for scholar card holders. Everybody else pays 1 (one) euro.
Conclusion
Sintra is a phenomenal and historic city with quite a lot of cultural and leisure actions to supply guests. Whether or not you’re curious about exploring the city’s historical past, visiting Pena Palace, having fun with the nice outdoor, or enjoyable on one of many area’s stunning seashores, there’s one thing for everybody once you go to Sintra.
This publish was initially written by Gina of Jet Set and Neglect and has been up to date by The Planet D for probably the most up-to-date data.
