Sintra Vacations, Portugal

It's hard to believe that a place like Sintra exists less than 30 kilometers from Portugal's capital, Lisbon. Sintra has long been a favorite with royals and romantics alike, and is well worth visiting if you're staying in Lisbon. Even better, get away from the hustle of bustle of Lisbon by staying in Sintra, so you can lap up its beauty and peace first hand.

Sintra is located on the craggy northern slops of the Serra de Sintra, and is surrounded by lush vegetation and stunning mountain top views. Poets and mystics have sung Sintra's praises for many centuries, and even Lord Byron overcame his general dislike of Portugal to praise Sintra's natural beauties. Sintra is within the bounds of the Parque Natural de Sintra-Cascais, so there are plenty of walks and day trips you can take in the general area.

If you like sunbathing or just strolling along the beach, then visit the sandy beaches of Costa da Caparica, a glorious 8 kilometer long stretch of coastline. Perhaps you prefer to challenge the surf, in which case you will prefer the local surfing spots at Praia do Guincho, Praia Grande and Ericeira. If you're lucky, you may even be able to spot some dolphins in the Sado Estuary.

For those with a more historical bent, Sintra's historic center is part of a Unesco World Heritage Site, and provides plenty of opportunities to explore the beautiful old buildings and streets. Known as Sintra-Vila (old town), it's also closely linked to the Castelo dos Mouros. The battlements of this ruined castle, built by the Moors close to 1,000 years ago, you can get fabulous views of both Sintra and the surrounding area.

One building you definitely should visit is the Pena National Palace. This is an extraordinary mix of architectural styles, with turrets, battlements and embellishments enough to satisfy the most fervent enthusiast. The interior is just as incredible, having been left untouched when the royal family fled just before the revolution in 1910. There are fascinating treasures crammed into every room, with furniture, chandeliers, murals and wall decorations that have to be seen to be believed. You enter the Palace through the Parque da Pena, and it's easiest to buy a combined entry ticket. Make sure you allow plenty of time to enjoy the lakes and exotic plants in the park as well.

For the young at heart, take a look at the Museu do Brinquedo. This is a fascinating toy museum, with a collection that draws on toys from around the globe, both historic and modern. This collection was begun more than 50 years ago, and is a wonderful way to relive your childhood, as well as discover new joys.

There's a great deal more to be discovered in and around Sintra, so if you're planning to visit Portugal, make sure you book some time in this charming and relaxing town.

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Things To Do and See in Sintra

National Palace of Pena (Palacio Nacional da Pena), Sintra
The Convent of the Holy Virgin, built in 1503, was enlarged and refined

by D. Fernando, husband of D. Maria II in the early 19th century, and is

today a pure example of romantic Portuguese architecture.
Attraction type: Castle; Historic site; Historic home

Quinta da Regaleira, Sintra
Classified as World Heritage by UNESCO and built at the turn of the 20th century,

this romantic architectural complex is comprised of a Palace, a Chapel, and

gardens with grottos.
Attraction type: Garden; Architectural building; Castle

National Palace (Palacio Nacional), Sintra
Known as the "Palace of the Village," this series of buildings that began

in the 15th century is one of the most impressive examples of regal

architecture in Portugal, which has been classified as a National Monument.
Attraction type: Historic home; Historic site

Moors' Castle (Castelo dos Mouros), Sintra
Considered to be one of the oldest castles in Portugal, this structure dates

back to the times of the Moor occupation from the 7th-century AD; a walk

up its 500 steps of the royal tower is recommended for some incredible views.
Attraction type: Castle

Penha Longa Hotel & Golf Resort, Sintra
Designed by Robert Trent Jones II, this 18-hole course features gently rolling

hills, stately groves of oaks and pines and magnificent views of the Sintra Mountains.
Attraction type: Golf course

Museum of Modern Art (Museu de Arte Moderna), Sintra
Portugal's first contemporary art museum houses a fine collection of

20th-century painting and sculpture gathered together by financier José Berardo.
Attraction type: Art museum

Pena Park, Sintra
Located a short distance from the historical center of Sintra, these magnificent

gardens that surround the Pena Palace display a wide variety of exotic plants, from

rare arboreal species of the Northern climates to subtropical plants and flowers.
Attraction type: Park

Guincho Beach, Sintra
Lying at the foot of the Sintra hills and facing the Atlantic, this superb beach is

not only ideal for wind surfing but also board surfing due to the large breakers.
Attraction type: Beach

Studio/Museum of Anjos Teixera, Sintra
The Texeira studio is now an art musuem displaying their collection of marble art.
Attraction type: Art museum

Cascais Fish Market, Sintra
The freshest fish can be purchased at this popular market open to the public

and restaurateurs.
Attraction type: Flea/street market

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