Sintra, Portugal’s enchanted village. This is how the village is affectionately nicknamed, located less than 30 kilometres from Lisbon. A must-stop, this small charm-filled town emerges within the hills of the Serra de Sintra and has experienced numerous periods of human history, from the Bronze Age and the Roman Period, to the Muslim domination, which was terminated when, in 1147, D. Afonso Henriques, the first King of Portugal, conquered the region.
City of Lisbon
9:00 am – pick-up at the hotel and departure to Sintra
1:00 pm – drop-off at your hotel in Lisbon
Sintra, the enchanted village of Portugal. Thus it is affectionately nicknamed, this village that is located less than 30 kilometers from Lisbon. With a must-stop, this small town full of charm rises within the hills of the Serra de Sintra and has gone through countless periods of human history, from the Bronze Age and the Roman Period, to the Muslim domination, which was finished when, in 1147, D. Afonso Henriques, the first King of Portugal, conquered the region.
There are plenty of reasons to visit Sintra. You’ll see! In 1995, the Cultural Landscape of Sintra (including the Palácio Nacional de Sintra (Sintra National Palace) and other local monuments) was classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The Sintra National Palace was classified as a National Monument in 1910, and is currently one of the only Portuguese palaces that has survived practically intact since the Middle Ages.
But we highlight three other points of interest on this tour: the Parque e Palácio Nacional da Pena (Pena National Park and Palace), the Castelo dos Mouros (Castle of the Moors) and Quinta da Regaleira. The first, located at the top of the Serra de Sintra, is the city’s most popular attraction. The Pena National Palace was originally built as a monastery in 1503 and in 1838 it was purchased by King D. Fernando II, who had it remodelled to be the summer residence of the Portuguese royal family.
The second – the Castle of the Moors – is a fort whose construction followed the Muslim conquest of the Iberian Peninsula, around the 10th century. The castle’s current form is the result of many events over the centuries. Its construction, which began around 1147, underwent changes during the 1775 earthquake and gained a romantic touch at the hands of King D. Fernando II, around 1839.
Lastly, Quinta da Regaleira is a property located in the historic centre of Sintra and its construction lasted from 1904 to 1910, the same year that marked the end of the Portuguese monarchy. It is a place marked by a mystical atmosphere and full of magic thanks to the architecture of its numerous buildings and gardens. The great highlight is its “underground world”, wonderfully represented by the various caves and caverns. Along with the Initiation Well, one of the places that most sparks the curiosity of visitors due to its inverted spiral tower, located almost 27 meters below ground.
Finally, we recommend a visit to Casa Piriquita, known for making the famous queijadinhas de Sintra (a regional pastry). The return to Lisbon is guided by a panoramic visit to Cabo da Roca (cape), Boca do Inferno, Cascais and Estoril.
