Sintra is a place steeped in history and enchanting fairytale palaces, attracting tourists from around the world with its unique atmosphere. It’s not just a city, but also a cultural landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Among the numerous attractions this picturesque city offers is Pena Palace, considered one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal.
The National Palace of Sintra, known for its distinctive white chimneys and richly decorated interiors, is also worth a visit. Quinta da Regaleira, with its Gothic towers, underground tunnels, and mysterious wells, is also worth a visit. Nature abounds in the Sintra-Cascais National Park, offering countless hiking trails and viewpoints offering breathtaking panoramas. Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of continental Europe, offers cliffs and endless views of the Atlantic.
Location
Sintra is located in Portugal’s central region in the Lisbon district .
Cabo da Roca
Cabo da Roca is one of Portugal’s largest and most beautiful attractions. It’s a cape within the Sintra-Cascais National Park. The cape’s rocky shore rises to a height of 144 meters above sea level. This is a remarkable place because it marks the end of continental Europe!
At Cabo da Roca, there’s a monument with the inscription “Aqui, onde a terra se acaba e o mar começa” – “Where the land ends and the sea begins…” Tourists love to come here and admire the incredible seascapes from this height and the magnificent sunsets. It’s accessible by rental car.
Pena Palace
The Renaissance Pena Palace perched on a rocky cliff is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal. The building’s striking colors make it a must-see for tourists! The palace and park were designed and built as a single unit. From the palace, visitors can admire the forests that stretch over 200 hectares of Pena Park.
The palace itself consists of two wings: the former Manueline monastery of the Order of St. Jerome, and the wing built in the 19th century by King Ferdinand II.
Moorish Castle
The Moorish Castle is truly impressive, with its hilltop walls. The building is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its architecture and the surrounding landscape. It was built on the hilltops of Sintra, on exceptionally rugged terrain, by the Moors in the 8th or 9th century. Wander along beautiful paths, see ancient artifacts and admire the magnificent views of the Sintra Mountains.
Sintra National Palace
Nestled amidst the lush greenery of Sintra lies the Sintra National Palace, whose rich history dates back to the 10th century. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is the best-preserved medieval Royal Palace in Portugal, occupied more or less continuously from the early 15th century to the late 19th century. Now a historic house-museum, it offers a unique opportunity to admire the landscape of Sintra.
Quinta da Regaleira
Quinta da Regaleira is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and along with its park, it’s a remarkable place to visit. This monument includes the Regaleira Palace and its stunning gardens. You can easily spend three hours in the park, and the main attraction is the famous Well of Initiation. The gardens are inspired by the Knights Templar and Freemasonry, making them a must-see in Sintra.
Seteais Palace
The Palácio de Seteais in Sintra is a national monument, located within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sintra Cultural Landscape. Each room in this 18th-century palace features unique décor, from frescoes to rich tapestries and other period antiques. Now a hotel, pleasure and relaxation await guests in the beautiful outdoor spaces, poolside, lush gardens, and Anantara Spa. You can even get married here with the Sintra Mountains as a backdrop.
Monserrate Palace
Monserrate Palace is one of the finest examples of a 19th-century neo-Gothic palace. Located in the Serra de Sintra mountains, it is one of the most beautiful palaces in the area, but it is more peaceful here than in other attractions in the region.
From a distance, the dome that crowns the building, the arches decorated with oriental patterns, the narrow windows, and the pleasantly contrasting stone facade are all striking. Inside, an interior worthy of an art collector awaits. Admire the beautiful gardens, architecture, and nature, including unique plants from around the world.
Capuchos Convent
Convent of the Capuchos is a small convent, also known as the Cork Convent, demonstrates a Franciscan commitment to simplicity and austerity. It won’t take you long to visit, but the memories of this place and the quiet you can find here may linger long after.
Chalet of the Countess of Edla
The Chalet de la Countess Edla, built in the 19th century on behalf of Countess Edla, reflects the romantic architectural style of the era. Surrounded by lush gardens and breathtaking views of the surrounding hills, the chalet offers an oasis of peace away from the hustle and bustle of tourist attractions. Tourists are delighted with the enchanting gardens.
Sintra Museu de Arte Moderna
Museum space located in the old Vila casino that was occupied between 1997-2007 by part of the collection of the Berardo Collection, then called the Museum of Modern Art.
A spacious foyer leads to the spacious entrance where the Museum’s cash registers and shop are located. At the back, a double staircase leads to the second floor. Exhibition rooms are located on the sides. On the upper floor, a large exhibition area. At the rear, a glass balcony on the second floor connects to the Olga Cadaval Center.
