There are a lot of hidden gems of places located in Portugal. Sintra is one of them. You have loads of options and a lot of things to do in Sintra. If you are planning to explore Sintra, keep at least three to four days in hand. Sintra is one of the most beautiful places in Portugal and packs an immense punch with its wonderful sights.
Keeping this in mind, let's discuss the best things to do in Sintra.
How to reach Sintra
Sintra is far away from Lisbon, the capital city of Portugal. Here, you can land at any international airport and stay for a few days. Lisbon is also a large city with a lot of things to do to explore. We have a separate blog written for that. If you are interested please check out this link. After that, you can book a taxi, rent a car, or take a public bus to reach Sintra. There is also a train available for a 40-minute journey from Lisbon's Rossio station. Just make sure that the train is available before you start your journey as they usually depart two times an hour.
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Best time to go to Sintra
Sintra is quite cooler than Lisbon as there is a constant breeze from the Atlantic Ocean along the coast. However, during the summer it can be very hot hence it is advisable to come very early to the places you want to visit because in the afternoon the place becomes unbearable too with lots of crowds. Therefore, the best time to visit Sintra is spring and autumn, as this is the time when the weather is warm but not too warm, and the shades on your hiking trips offer a nice experience. The winter is very damp and windy in Sintra. Well, there will be nothing to see on the beaches, but if you are okay with only sightseeing, then this will definitely work for you.
Best things to do in Sintra
Parque De Pena
There are lots of natural and cultural sites that have been deemed to have Unesco World Heritage status in Sintra. Hence, Parque de Pena is also considered one of the famous sites. It was built in the 19th century by Ferdinand 2. It is filled with a lot of tree and plant species from all over the world. Now, all the trees and plants have matured and have turned the place into an amazing landscape to enjoy. It is really one of the best things to do in Sintra during a bright, sunny day.
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Monserrate Palace
Another best thing to do in Sintra is visit the Monserrate Palace. This is a place that draws a lot of crowds of tourists and visitors; hence, it is a total gem that you shouldn't miss.
The palace has a lot of mixed architecture. This is because it was rebuilt in the ruins that had been previously devastated by the earthquake. Doesn't matter, as the inside and outside both now look absolutely stunning. The well-maintained gardens surrounding the place enhance the grandeur of the Palace.
Pena Palace
One of the most famous places in Portugal is Pena Palace. It is located on the hillside of Serra. Visiting these places is another best thing to do in Sintra. Now, with the popularity comes a lot of crowds. So if you want to avoid them, then either come early in the morning or just before closing. The palace is colorful with marvelous architecture. It was originally designed by Possidonio da Silva.
Initiation Well
Located on the site of Quinta da Regaleira. Once you visit this place, you will feel that the well is like a tower that is buried underneath and has been tried to make it hidden underground. The experience has special value. There are a lot of folktales on how these tunnels were used, especially by the Knights Templar.
Moorish Castle
This castle is located right next to the Pena palace. This is one of the best things to do in Sintra if you want to find what is left of the ruins of the castle. You can walk on the walls and keep exploring the defense architecture. It is really worth visiting. Though the Pena palace is higher than the Moorish Castle, yet the latter gives you the perfect view of the town.
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Quinta da Regaleira
The Quinta da Regaleira is a beautiful estate building complete with a chapel. It is right near the initiation well that we have written before, hence making it one of the best things to do in Sintra. It used to be a private place for a Japanese company, but now Sintra owns this palace, and it is open to public view. The main aspect of this place is to look for the Manueline symbols that are in line with the turrets of the main house itself.
Sintra National Palace
This palace used to be home to the Portuguese royal Family. It's very easy to locate when you are traveling in Sintra, right next to the Natural History Museum. The palace has a lot of rooms to explore, like the Magpies Room, Swan Room, the Arab Room, and the Palace Chapel. They look very beautiful. And if you want a tasty treat for yourself and your family, head over to Casa Piriquita, which serves the best sweet treats.
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Conclusion
Hence, if you are looking to explore royal palaces and get nature's hiking experience, then please add Sintra to your itinerary, as there are a lot of good things to do there. The place is really popular for a reason. It's very majestic and ethereal and one of the most beautiful places in the entire country.
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