Sintra – Palaces, Forests & Fairy-Tale History
Nestled in the green hills just outside Lisbon, Sintra is one of Portugal’s most magical destinations. Once the summer retreat of Portuguese royalty and nobility, Sintra became a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its unique blend of romantic architecture, royal palaces, and lush forests.
For centuries, kings, poets, and aristocrats were drawn to Sintra’s cooler climate and mystical atmosphere. Today, visitors come to admire iconic landmarks such as Pena Palace, the Moorish Castle, the National Palace, and Quinta da Regaleira, each offering a glimpse into Portugal’s rich past and imagination.
Sintra is also a place of natural beauty. Its wooded hills, secret gardens, and dramatic viewpoints create a peaceful contrast to the busy cities nearby. Just 30 minutes from Lisbon, Sintra feels like a world of its own — where history, nature, and fantasy meet.
What to see and do in Sintra
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Visit Pena Palace and its panoramic terraces
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Walk the ancient walls of the Moorish Castle
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Explore the mysterious wells of Quinta da Regaleira
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Discover the National Palace of Sintra
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Stroll through Sintra’s historic old town
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Enjoy the gardens of Monserrate Palace
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Hike in the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park
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Taste traditional Sintra pastries like travesseiros and queijadas
For more information about Sintra monuments visit: