Sintra is a beautiful city to visit and it’s proximity to Lisbon means that it is easily accessed. Whether you only have one day or longer, let Iberinbound show you the best things to see and what to do in Sintra.
What to do in Sintra: visit the Pena Palace
The Pena Palace always comes highly recommended when considering what to do in Sintra. It looks like it is from a fairy tale, thanks to it’s mountain setting. It has noticeable towers, which are multicolored and it seems almost medieval in appearance. However, the palace was built in the 19th centurty and was designed by the King of Portugal himself. The interior of the palace is equally impressive and it is truly like stepping back in time. The palace is usually open from 9am until 8pm and is relatively cheap, with prices ranging between 12-14 euros.
Parque da Pena
Not only is the palace highly recommended, but the adjacent gardens are also a top pick for what to do in Sintra. There are plenty of walkways, deep in the forest, which also appear to be straight from a children’s fairy tale. The park itself is quite atmospheric, with plenty of beautiful flowers and well-maintained paths. It might also seem a little ghostly at times, thanks to the shade cast by the forest. However, it is also extremely peaceful and worth visiting.
The Castle of the Moors
This is another place that should be visited when deciding what to do in Sintra. It is nestled in the Sintra mountains and it functioned as a fortress, used by the Moors during their occupation of Portugal. It was built in the 9th century but has had to undergo extensive restoration work, after being destroyed by a series of natural disasters. The fortress contains beautiful views over the city, which can be seen on the walk up (or down) the hillside. Local buses regularly ferry people up to the top of the fortress, so you do not have to worry about what is quite a daunting hike.
Quinta da Regaleira
The Quinta da Regaleira is a Gothic masterpiece that has largely functioned as a private residence. The interesting part of the building is not only the history of it’s ownership, but the often strange symbolism found throughout. One of the previous owners was said to be involved with masonry, magic and the Knights Templar. This is depicted in some rather interesting places throughout the building. There is also a park, a chapel and some curious tunnels that can all be explored. If you are thinking about what to do in Sintra, it is well worth spending a couple of hours here, a building still shrouded in mystery.
Go to the beach if you do not know what to do in Sintra
Sintra, like Lisbon, is located near the coast and has a variety of places to catch the sun. Whilst the beaches are not as popular as those located close to Lisbon, they are quite charming. Thanks to the winds blowing in over the Atlantic, the coast is popular with surfers and windsurfers alike. So if you are considering in trying an outdoor activity, look no further than one of the beaches at Sintra. From here, you can also access Cabo da Roca. This is the westernmost point of Europe and it offers spectacular views along the coast. There is also a beautiful lighthouse and some rather rugged landscapes. The Cabo provides an excellent photo opportunity of the wild and often dramatic view out to sea.
For information on holidays to Sintra, please visit Iberinbound.