A Fresh Perspective on Travel Every Day
Situated between Lisbon and Sintra, Queluz is part of the Lisbon Metropolitan Area. This region, predominantly residential, is adorned with regal and noble palaces, including one right in Queluz and several others within a 15-minute drive. Sintra, easily accessible by road or public transport, is an added highlight.
Departing from Lisbon’s western suburbs and ascending into Sintra feels like entering an entirely different dimension. This town is nestled within a verdant mountainous landscape filled with palatial estates, parks, and a medieval fortress. At its heart lies the Palace of Sintra, a former residence of the Portuguese monarchy, which is merely one of the many splendid sites that will captivate your senses.
Located in the Greater Lisbon area along the Portuguese River, Sintra is a city with a population of approximately 400,000 residents, renowned for its numerous castles and palaces.
I had long been captivated by the notion of visiting Sintra. The imagery portrayed it as a magical destination, prompting us to arrange flights a couple of months after this fascination began and embark on a journey to Portugal.
The first I learned about Sintra occurred just prior to the summer break at Cambridge University.
We have just returned from Portugal, where we spent several days in Cascais and Sintra.
Upon departing from the splendid Pena Palace, we proceeded to our next destination in Sintra – the Moorish Castle (also referred to as The Castle of The Moors, depending on your preferred nomenclature).
Located about 30km (19 miles) from Lisbon, Sintra is one of the most visited places in Portugal. The proximity to the capital and the beauty of this village and nature park make it a must-see destination, translating into millions of visitors a year. Yes, you read that right – millions. Considering that Sintra’s entire municipality has an estimated population of around 380,000 people, the number of annual visitors to this picturesque location far surpasses its resident population.
Sintra is a remarkable destination in Portugal that is virtually unmissable, especially if you find yourself in Lisbon. There are numerous extraordinary activities to experience in Sintra, making it an ideal location for a day trip. The following are essential insights and activities to uncover during your trip to this captivating region.
No vacation is one-size-fits-all, but time spent in Sintra, Portugal comes pretty close. A mere 45-minute train ride northwest of Lisbon, this fairy-tale town is full of history, lies close to the coast, and has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Whether you have business in Lisbon or are heading south from Porto, this seemingly small town packs a punch per acre and makes an ideal weekend side trip to escape the city.
Monserrate Palace, often overlooked in travel guides about Sintra, Portugal, is an architectural gem. Despite its beauty and historical significance, many visitors tend to skip this location in favor of more prominent landmarks. Interactions with local residents from nearby Cascais confirmed that Monserrate Palace is a must-see. This distinctive site showcases stunning Arabesque architecture, set in beautifully landscaped gardens.
One of the most notable day trips from Lisbon, a journey to Sintra should rank high on every visitor’s itinerary. Once a royal retreat, today, you are more likely to encounter tour buses than elegant carriages; however, this charming town and its surrounding attractions remain deserving of your exploration.
Planning a Sintra day trip from Lisbon? Get ready to be captivated by the splendor of Pena Palace, the mysteries of Quinta da Regaleira, and the timeless beauty of the Moorish Castle. This Sintra guide cuts to the chase, offering you streamlined travel advice, insider secrets, and a snapshot of the enchanting experiences in this popular tourist destination. Discover Sintra’s most cherished sites, as well as savvy tips to navigate the town, all within an easy day’s journey from Portugal’s capital.
There are so many things to do in Sintra, Portugal. The history of the area dates back to the 1400s when a single monastery was placed on a hilltop in Sintra during medieval times. When the Lisbon Earthquake of 1755 destroyed most of the city, the area sat untouched and empty for many years. It wasn’t until the mid-1800s when one of the King’s sons was so fascinated by the forested area, that his father decided to acquire all the surrounding land and bring it back to life.