What to Do in Sintra: Day Trips from Lisbon to the Magical Side of Portugal

 
Discover fabulous Sintra, visit its major attractions, and get the best out of your trip. Three magnificent palaces, a real medieval castle, and many beautiful views await tourists in this magical place.

Sintra: One of the Top Destinations of Portugal

Sintra has long been a favorite vacation spot of Portuguese kings as it's one of the best places in Portugal.

You can choose one-day tours from Lisbon and visit the National Palace of Sintra, the Pena Palace, the unique Quinta da Regaleira Park, and the Moors' fortress. All these attractions are unique, and each deserves attention.

The city has been an object of UNESCO heritage since 1995, and thousands of tourists come here every year. Perhaps Sintra is one of the top 3 most crowded places in Portugal, along with Lisbon and Porto, but there are still incomparably fewer tourists here than, for example, in Madrid, Prague, Paris, Rome, Venice, and other popular European cities.

Pena Palace

Pena Palace stands out among the many castles, palaces, and fortresses of Sintra. The architecture is unique. As for the location, the palace is based on a high hill, and in clear weather the views are breathtaking.

Pena Palace in Sintra includes not only a magnificent castle but also an adjacent park area, which is a separate natural magical world. Besides quite exotic vegetation, there are several interesting objects in the park. For example, the highest hill of Sintra, on which a cross rises.

Cape Rock

This spot is one of the most popular among tourists in Portugal. Nobody wants to miss the opportunity to visit the “end of the world.”

If you're a little tired of the pace of Lisbon, Cape Roca is a worthy alternative to the bustling city. Favorite entertainment for tourists in this place is to admire the beauty of the ocean and catch a state of peace. Here you will find incredible views of the open ocean and fantastic landscapes. The picturesque Ursa Beach is also nearby. Don't miss your opportunity to go down the stairs and see the ocean in all its beauty.

Quinta de Regaleira

Quinta Regaleira in Sintra is the most mystical and mysterious castle in Sintra, and it's not just about the appearance. The history of its foundation goes back about three centuries, but there are no specific facts or details. This is because until 1997, Quinta de Regaleira was in private hands, and at the end of the 19th century, the owner of the palace was a member of the secret Masonic community. Therefore, many elements of the surroundings and interior of the castle carry mystical symbols.

Same as Pena, Quinta de Regaleira also includes a multi-tiered park with a forest, terraces, statues, lakes, gazebos, and even underground tunnels.

Castle of the Moors

The Moorish Castle is the oldest building in the city of Sintra: one can say that the city grew from it. The Moors built it around the 9th–10th centuries. In the middle of the 12th century, the first Portuguese king, Afonso I the Conqueror, stormed Lisbon and captured the surrounding area. In 1154, he found the Cathedral of St. Peter within the walls of the fortress. This date is a day of the Sintra Foundation.

Chronicles claim that the Moors, surprised by the unexpected victory of the Christians, themselves gave them the castle, hoping to return here again. They even left all their treasures in its dungeons, but they failed to recapture the castle.

For several centuries, the Moorish fortress, placed on a hilltop in a strategic location, served as the residence of the Portuguese kings. In the 15th century, the king and his retinue moved to the newly built National Palace, and the Moors' castle fell into disrepair. In 1830, Ferdinand II began its reconstruction. Nowadays, tourists love to come here to enjoy excellent panoramic views from the height of the Moors' castle. The long history of the castle deserves attention. Also, it's the perfect place for a trip from Lisbon for one day.

Montserrat Palace

Monserrate in Sintra, Portugal, is a very interesting building that was built in 1858, personally for Sir Francis Cook. Previously, there were the ruins of the neo-Gothic mansion of Gerard de Visme. English architects, Thomas and James Knowles, made the project of the palace.

Same as Pena Palace, this building is a prime example of romanticism. Lord Byron himself, the Anglo-Scottish poet, visited here. At one time, the palace appeared in a minor episode in the mini-series “Gulliver’s Travels,” which was released in 1996.

To Sum Up

Sintra is a city of exquisite palaces and picturesque nature. Enjoy its magical atmosphere and bright colors to the fullest! The best idea is to explore the city with an experienced guide who will tell you about special places and take you off the beaten path.