Whether you're going on vacation or planning a business trip to Sintra, Portugal, there are a few places you shouldn't miss. These include the Quinta da Regaleira, Moorish Castle, Pena Palace, and the beaches of Sintra.
Pena Palace and Park
Located in the Sintra District of Portugal, Pena Palace and Park is one of the most popular attractions in the region. This palace is built on a steep hilltop in the town of Sintra. The palace is a combination of Neo-Renaissance and Neo-Manueline architecture and is one of the best places to visit in the area.
The palace is located close to the Feteira da Dondessa, a large fountain. There is also a Warrior Statue, a large garden and an ornamental lake. You can also explore the Pena Wall, a miniature version of the Great Wall of China.
There are two main ways to get to Pena: by car or by train. A drive takes about 40 minutes, and costs about EUR5. The easiest way is to take the train from Lisbon to Sintra. The train leaves from Rossio Station, in the historic center of the city. The train does not require parking, and the tickets are inexpensive.
The National Palace of Pena is a must-see for anyone interested in history or architecture. This building has the distinction of being one of the highest points in the Sintra Mountains. The palace is one of the best places to visit in Sintra, and it's an easy trip from the Lisbon airport.
The Pena Palace and Park has one of the best views in the area, and there are plenty of things to see. The most popular viewpoint is the Alto do Cha, which is situated 529 meters above sea level. It has a hexagonal footprint, and a fountain with clear water. It is worth seeing, and you will appreciate the view.
The fountain has a spherical dome and small bird statues on its interior parapet. The fountain was made to delight visitors to the Palace of Pena. The fountain also has the title of being the "Memorial to the Man-Made Marble," because of its spherical shape and hexagonal plan.
The Pena Palace and Park is not the only palace in the area. Other notable attractions include the Moorish Castle, which is nearby. A guided tour will take you to the more interesting places, and explain why they are special. If you don't have access to a car, you can hire a tuk tuk to take you around the region.
Moorish Castle
Among the many castles in Sintra, Moorish Castle is a standout. It was constructed during the Moorish era of the 8th-9th centuries. It is a fortification that stretches over a hilltop, providing rulers with a vantage point from which to keep an eye on their enemies.
Getting to the castle is a challenge, as it sits high on a hill. The best way is by bus or tuk-tuk. If you have a car, it is worth taking a detour to the nearby Azenhas do Mar viewpoint. The view of the surrounding countryside is unbeatable.
The castle itself is a complex construction. It has 13 defensive towers and a massive rainwater-fed cistern that pumped water into Sintra until 1910.
There is an impressive historical interpretation centre on the grounds that tells the story of the castle. The castle was built as a vantage point, as it was on the highest peak in the area. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The interior of the palace is beautiful, with richly decorated staterooms.
There is also a sundial cannon that fires each day at noon. If you like the history of the castle, the audio tour is worthwhile.
Several other castles are worth a visit in Sintra, including the Monserrate Palace and Pena Palace. These are off the beaten path, but are worth the extra effort.
The Pena Palace is one of the most famous attractions in Sintra. It is situated in a pine-covered hillside with incredible views. Its elaborate gardens feature fruit trees and elegant Romanticist features. It is also home to a famous bakery, the Casa Piriquita.
The Castle of the Moors is another castle in Sintra that is worth visiting. It is not as famous as the other attractions, but it is well worth a trip. Its ruins are worth the effort and offer excellent views of the surrounding area. There are several trails that lead to the ruins, including the Vila Sassetti path.
There is a lot to see in Sintra, but it is best explored over a few days. If you don't have a car, you can still get there by train, bus or taxi.
Quinta da Regaleira
Located in the heart of Sintra, Quinta da Regaleira is the most visited site in the area. The gardens and the palace are magnificent. The garden is surrounded by mystical structures and hidden passages.
Designed by Luigi Manini (1848-1936), the quinta was purchased by a Portuguese-Brazilian millionaire, Antonio Augusto de Carvalho Monteiro, in 1892. He was an art collector, bibliophile, and entomologist. He was also a great fan of Hermeticism, a blend of science and magic. He commissioned the building of Quinta da Regaleira.
It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can visit the site 7 days a week. You can also book online tickets. The entrance is free for children until the age of eight. The interior spaces close at 6pm.
It is possible to take a guided tour of the quinta. There is a cafe on the premises where you can buy sweet treats. The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon, when the queues are not so long.
Another attraction in Sintra is the Moorish Castle. This castle is situated in Pena Park. It is a stunning structure that has breathtaking views of the town.
Pena Palace is also a must-see monument in Sintra. It is located on the tip of the Serra de Sintra and is one of the most colorful and beautiful buildings in the town. The inside is equally spectacular. There are numerous gardens and Romanticist features to admire. The palace is open from 10 am to 6.30 pm.
There are many palaces and other historical sites in Sintra. You can easily get around the town by taking a train or a bus. A train ride takes forty minutes from Lisbon. The train station is uphill, and you can take a number of tourist buses to get to the main sights.
The Sintra train station is located less than a mile from the National Palace. There is a train service that leaves two times an hour. It costs 4.60EUR per person. It takes about 20 to 25 minutes to walk from the train station to the Quinta da Regaleira.
Beaches
Located in the south of Portugal, Sintra offers visitors a range of beaches. Each of these beaches is unique and has its own character. Some are known for their dramatic natural scenery, while others are popular with surfers.
Cascais beach is popular with surfers and windsurfers. It has a rocky coast and hiking trails along the cliffs. It is also ideal for kite surfing. There are some great teachers available to teach you water sports.
The Big Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Sintra. It is popular with swimmers, body boarders and anglers. The beach is two kilometers long, and offers a large selection of dining options. It is also one of the best spots to get a glimpse of the Atlantic Ocean. The area has hosted European surfing competitions.
Another beach worth checking out is Praia do Abano. It has a small cove and is sheltered from strong waves. It is a less crowded option than its bigger neighbor. The beach has a restaurant at the entrance, and a rustic restaurant next to the car park.
The beaches in Sintra are a part of the Sintra/Cascais Natural Park. These beaches can be visited throughout the year, but are particularly suited to swimming and surfing in the summer. During the winter months, the beaches can suffer from localised fog.
Praia da Adraga is one of the most beautiful beaches in Sintra. It is also a popular choice with locals. The sandy beach is protected by a wall of cliffs and has plenty of rock formations and caves. It is also a good place for sunbathing. The beach has lifeguards in the summer, and there are a few restaurants along the beach.
Another popular beach in Sintra is Praia das Macas. It is located in the historic center of Sintra. This beach is popular with locals, and has a saltwater swimming pool. It is also easy to reach by tram from the city centre. There are several restaurants to choose from, and it is also the final stop of the Sintra tram.
The beaches of Sintra are a beautiful and magical place to visit. They are known for their bucolic and unique scenery, and there are many shrines, churches and chapels to see.
