There are a lot of issues to do in Sintra, Portugal. The historical past of the realm 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 realm 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.
High 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 or their ornate ornament, historical past, and exquisite places, which provide panoramic views of the encompassing space.
Along with its castles and palaces, Sintra can be identified for its charming streets and neighborhoods, which are crammed with colorful homes, quaint retailers, and funky eating places. This picturesque city has a relaxed, laid-back environment, and it’s a fashionable vacation spot for individuals who need to expertise an extra genuine and conventional aspect of Portugal.
1. Go to Pena Palace
One of the vital fashionable sights 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 liked the colorful colors and mixture of architectural kinds, together with Gothic, Manueline, and Moorish.
Guests to the Pena Palace can discover the palace’s superbly embellished rooms, together with the throne room, eating room, and bedrooms. It’s setting excessive on a hill will remind you of Ludwig II’s Neuschwanstein Citadel in Bavaria. However, Pena Citadel was truly constructed first!
Pena Park
Pena Palace is surrounded by Pena Park, a superbly landscaped backyard crammed with unique vegetation and flowers. The Park is a superb place to take a leisurely stroll and benefit from the gorgeous views of the encompassing countryside.
Tickets for Pena Palace price €7.50 for adults. For guests aged 65 and over and youngsters between the ages of 6 and 17, the price is €6.50. A household ticket can be out there for €26. Sintra gives you a bus to take you from the doorway by the gardens and can drop you off at the entrance of the Pena Palace. Or you’ll be able to guide skip-the-line tickets right here.
Or you’ll be able to select to do what we did, which was stroll by the gardens (uphill) to get to Pena Palace. In case you select to stroll, make sure you put on comfy sneakers and provide yourself 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 among the hottest vacationer sights in Sintra, identified for its well-preserved partitions and gorgeous views.
The citadel is a mixture of architectural kinds, together with Gothic and Mudéjar, and includes a collection of defensive partitions and towers. Guests to the citadel can discover the citadel’s inside, together with the royal flats, chapel, and cistern. The citadel additionally has a small museum, the place guests can study extra about its historical past and the position it performed within the area.
Along with touring the citadel, guests also can get pleasure from quite a lot of door actions within the surrounding space, together with climbing, picnicking, and birdwatching. The Moorish Citadel is a must-see for anybody excited by the medieval historical past and structure.
The price 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 may get the Audio Tour and Skip the Line by reserving right here.
3. Go to Cabo da Roca
Situated 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 gorgeous 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 the views from the statement deck and benefit from the contemporary sea air.
Cabo da Roca can be the residence of a lighthouse, which was constructed in the seventeenth century to information ships safely into Lisbon. The lighthouse is open to guests and gives panoramic views of the encompassing shoreline.
It’s possible you’ll want to attend in line to take an image at the entrance of the plaque, however, it is going to be priced to indicate 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 Website.
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 class. The grand halls and spacious rooms are crammed with ornate furnishings, a testament to the wealth and energy of the royal household.
Guests can discover the palace’s superbly embellished rooms, together with the throne room, eating room, and bedrooms, and study its wealthy historical past. The palace additionally includes a chapel, which continues to be used for spiritual ceremonies at this time, and a phenomenal backyard crammed with unique vegetation 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 every single day from 9:30 till 19:00 and the final entrance at 18:30. The doorway charge is €10.00/€8.50/€8.50/€33.00 (grownup/baby/senior/household). We advocate you seize a Quick Observe Ticket to keep away from the lengthy lineups.
5. Go to Quinta da Regaleira
By far essentially the most picturesque spot in Sintra is Quinta da Regaleira. It’s an excellent 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 crammed with unique vegetation and flowers.
It was constructed in 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 heart of the Quinta da Regaleira stands the gorgeous 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 had been as soon as used for initiation rites by secret societies, and their secrets and techniques nonetheless stay hidden today. 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 case you drive, there’s parking down the road from the principal entrance and the charge to enter is €10.00/€5.00/€4.00/€25.00 (grownup/baby/senior/household), and this contains the 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 surprise and enchantment. Tucked away within the rolling hills, the Nineteenth-century palace is a hidden gem, a treasure ready to be found.
As you strategy, the palace, the grandeur of the construction 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. Additionally, as soon as the house of Sir Francis Prepare dinner, a rich British businessman who was the primary Visconde de Monserrat is now a UNESCO World Heritage Website.
As you step contained in the palace, you’re transported again in time, to an age of opulence and class. The grand halls and spacious rooms are crammed with intricate particulars and ornate furnishings, a testament 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 vegetation and flowers, a paradise on earth. Guests can take a leisurely stroll by the gardens, admiring the fantastic thing about nature and the grandeur of the palace.
The doorway charge is €8.00/€6.50/€6.50 (grownup/baby/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 seashore situated only a brief drive from Sintra. The seashore is surrounded by rugged cliffs and luxurious greenery, and the views of the Atlantic Ocean are breathtaking.
The Praia da Ursa is a superb spot for swimming and sunbathing, and its secluded location makes it an ideal place to flee the crowds and loosen up. The seashore can be a well-liked spot for exploring the hidden coves and caves alongside the shore.
After marveling at one of the vital spectacular seashores in Portugal, guests also can take within the gorgeous views of the encompassing panorama from the cliffs above the seashore. It’s an incredible place to spend a couple of 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 exterior 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 the mountains and provide breathtaking views.
The Serra de Sintra can be the residence of various historic websites, together with castles and palaces, that are fashionable vacationer sights.
9. Study concerning the Knights Templar
The Knights Templar was a navy order of knights based in the twelfth century to guard Christian pilgrims touring the Holy Land. Guests can study 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 gives quite a lot of actions and sights for guests. Praia das Maçãs
One of many major causes to go to the Praia das Maçãs is its pure magnificence. The seashore is surrounded by rugged cliffs and luxurious greenery on one aspect with a picturesque city on the opposite. The seashore is a well-liked spot for swimming and sunbathing, and its crystal-clear waters and the long stretch of sandy seashore make it an incredible place to loosen up and unwind.
Along with having fun with the seashore and the water, guests also can take the gorgeous views from the cliffs above the seashore. The Praia das Maçãs can 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 revel 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 various sandy seashores and dunes, together with the Praia da Adraga, a phenomenal seashore with a protracted stretch of sand and dunes that’s fashionable for swimming and sunbathing. The seashore is situated close to the city of Almoçageme, which is a couple of 20-minute drive from Sintra.
One of many major causes to hike within the Sintra-Cascais Pure Park is its pure magnificence. The park is residence to quite a lot of plant and animal species, and the surroundings are breathtaking. Along with its pure magnificence, the Sintra-Cascais Pure Park can be residence to various historic and cultural websites, together with castles, palaces, and different landmarks.
Mountain climbing within the Sintra-Cascais Pure Park can be an effective way to get some training and benefit from the contemporary air. The park gives quite a lot of trails for hikers of all talent ranges, starting from simple, well-marked paths to tougher 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 in case you go to the town for greater than a day’s journey. It often contains stops at various landmarks, such because the Cabo da Roca, the westernmost level of mainland Europe, and the Praia da Ursa, a secluded seashore that may solely be accessed by boat.
You’ll be able to guide a ship tour if you find yourself within the metropolis. The excursions often final a couple of hours and should embody commentary from the information or native historian. We discover this can be a nice solution to expertise the fantastic thing about the Sintra Coast and study the area’s historical past and tradition.
13. Strive for some native delicacies
Sintra is the residence of various glorious eating places that serve conventional Portuguese dishes. Guests can strive some native favorites corresponding to pastel de nata (custard tarts), bacalhau (salted cod), or cozido à portuguesa (a standard stew).
The Portuguese love their sardines. You will discover them in most shops, and even at the bike and automotive rental retailers in Sintra. In Lisbon, it appears like they’re on each nook!
They might not be for everybody, but it surely is a salty snack to take with you as you traverse the grounds and journey to every attraction. There are typically a number of taste choices so take your time studying every label. Learn extra: Portuguese Meals: 26 Conventional Dishes to strive in Portugal or at residence
14. Go to the Sintra Museum of Trendy Artwork
The Sintra Museum of Trendy Artwork (Museu de Arte Moderna de Sintra) is housed within the former Palace of the Counts of Edla, a Nineteenth-century construction that was as soon as the summer season retreat of the Portuguese royal household. (That Portuguese Royal Household acquired round!)
The museum’s assortment contains works by Portuguese and worldwide artists from the Nineteenth and twentieth centuries, with a give attention to fashionable and up-to-date artwork. The gathering contains work, sculptures, images, and different artworks, and it’s identified for its robust illustration of Portuguese modernism.
Along with its everlasting assortment, the Sintra Museum of Trendy Artwork additionally hosts momentary exhibitions and occasions, corresponding to lectures, workshops, and concert events. In case you love the artwork you aren’t going to need to miss visiting one of the vital essential cultural establishments in Portugal.
The museum goes to is certainly free for individuals below 17 or over 60 years previous and for pupil card holders. Everybody else pays 1 () euro.
Conclusion
Sintra is a phenomenal and historic city with quite a lot of cultural and leisure activities to supply guests. Whether or not you’re excited about exploring the city’s historical past, visiting Pena Palace, having fun with the good open air, or enjoyable on one of many areas’ stunning seashores, there’s one thing for everybody if you go to Sintra.
This put-up was initially written by Gina of Jet Set and Overlook and has been up to date by The Planet D for essentially the most up-to-date data.
