Visit Sintra

Why visit Sintra?

Among the most beautiful towns in Portugal is Sintra. This town perched in the serra is a true escape for those looking to recharge away from stress! From stone castles to steep cliffs and blooming gardens, Sintra's landscape boasts a unique beauty recognized by UNESCO.

In short, your trip to the region promises to be full of emotions and discoveries. But what exactly is there to do in Sintra? Here is a selection of exciting activities in the city of a thousand palaces!

Get lost in the old town of Sintra

The old town is simply the beating heart of Sintra. A stroll through this labyrinth of narrow streets will give you the chance to admire magnificent multi-colored facades and go shopping in the small craft shops that abound there.

Moreover, the narrow streets of the district wind through numerous local bakeries. Why not take the opportunity to taste regional sweets? Queijadas and travesseiros, delicious little pastries, are sure to delight the taste buds of even the biggest foodies!

Take the time to enjoy them on a terrace while soaking up the unique atmosphere of this warm town. Special mention goes to Casa Piriquita, a place that has been offering sweet treats since 1862!

Nestled at the foot of Monte da Lua, a 528 m mountain, the old town is full of other surprises:

• Sanctuary of Peninha: Perched at 488 m, this old stone complex is nestled in the Sintra Natural Park. Accessible by a small forest road, this place offers a spectacular view of the Atlantic and Cascais.
• The Sintra Tramway: A historic tram that has served the town since 1904, connecting Vila Alda to Praia das Maçãs. This unusual transport offers a timeless break for about 45 minutes.

More amazing sites await you in Sintra. To explore them, join a private tour of the city. Priced at €185 for a group of 4 people, or about €47 per person, this type of excursion is entirely customizable.

Recharge at the Chalet da Condessa d'Edla

The Chalet da Condessa d'Edla, a house resembling an Alpine cottage, radically redefines the concept of a chalet. Built between 1864 and 1869, this splendid building exudes a fairy-tale atmosphere with its huge wooden facade and intricate roof. It is probably one of the monuments that best reveals the richness and originality of Sintra's historical heritage.

Aside from its pretty mural decorations, this romantic chalet features exotic gardens that invite you to stroll. To complete the nature experience, its visit is often combined with that of the Pena Park.

Admire the sunset at Cabo da Roca

It takes only half an hour from Sintra to reach the edge of Europe, namely Cabo da Roca. Located at the westernmost point of the continent, this promontory with a mind-blowing setting stands proudly facing the ocean, 150 m above the water. It offers an extraordinary view of the Serra de Sintra and the rugged cliffs of the Portuguese coast.

Part of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, this haven of peace is dotted with the remains of an ancient fort and a lighthouse that has always watched over sailors. Despite this, the place has a wild feel, undoubtedly due to the strong wind, the surrounding nature, and the fact that it is perched atop a dizzying cliff from which the sunset is magical.

In short, this place is steeped in a unique atmosphere, both peaceful and wild, to the delight of lovers of unusual experiences. A guided tour is essential to discover more about the past and the magic of Cabo da Roca. Expect to pay €35 per person for this day trip to Sintra and Cabo da Roca from Lisbon.

Make a stop at Azenhas do Mar

In the same spirit as Cabo da Roca, Azenhas do Mar offers a beautiful escape far from the downtown crowds. Nestled on a cliffside, this charming coastal village is not too far from Sintra, less than a 25-minute drive away. Its name comes from the azenhas, the watermills that once lined the Cameijo stream. Below, a seawater pool carved out in the mid-20th century lets you swim sheltered from the waves.

The authenticity of Azenhas do Mar is sure to delight you. Upon arrival, you will observe a tangle of narrow streets dotted with white facades and blue shutters. Picturesque setting, sea breeze, the song of seagulls... A quick stroll through this ocean-facing village promises to be pleasant, especially during hot summer days!

Enjoy Sintra's most beautiful beaches

The municipality of Sintra reaches down to the ocean. It goes without saying that enjoying its beaches is one of the must-do activities in the region. Here are some of the most beautiful beaches in Sintra:

• For refreshing swimming sessions, the beautiful Praia das Maçãs is the closest to the city center.
• Wilder, the Praia da Ursa (Bear Beach) is ranked among the most sublime in the country. Its stunning panorama and incredible rock formations are well-earned, as this hidden cove is not the easiest to access...
• The Praia do Magoito is home to a ten-thousand-year-old fossil dune, listed as a geomonument: the sand of the last ice age turned to sandstone there. Beyond its geological curiosity, it is a wide and peaceful beach.
• Another relaxing spot not to be missed: Praia de São Julião. Here, you will tan on light sand framed by dizzying cliffs. Offshore, a few surfers try to tame the waves!