Sintra, a charming small town located in the green hills of the Serra de Sintra, is a hidden treasure full of secrets and mysteries that captivate visitors from all over the world. From the Pena Palace to the lush gardens of Quinta da Regaleira, there is an aura of magic and beauty that permeates this historic city.
The Beauty of the Pena Palace: A Fairy Tale in the Mountains
At the top of the mountain, the Palace of Pena stands majestic, a masterpiece of romantic architecture of the 19th century. Built on the ruins of an old convent, the palace was commissioned by King Ferdinand II and completed in 1854. Its extravagant architecture reflects the eclectic tastes of the time, with influences ranging from the Gothic to the Renaissance. During the Middle Ages, the Sintra region was a refuge for Portuguese royalty during the summer months, and the Pena Palace became a symbol of this period of splendor and extravagance.
Visiting Hours: Open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (last entry at 6:00 p.m.).
Best Period for Visit: It is recommended to visit during spring and autumn to avoid the summer crowds.
Entry Price: The price of the entrance ticket varies depending on the circuits chosen, starting at € 7.50 for access to the gardens and € 14.00 for the palace.
How To Get There: The Pena Palace is about a 10-minute drive from the center of Sintra. It is also possible to arrive by bus or taxi.
Official Link for more information: Palácio da Pena Official Website
The Exuberant Gardens of Quinta da Regaleira: An Enchanted Place
A few steps from the Pena Palace, is Quinta da Regaleira, a magical property that houses stunning gardens full of secrets and esoteric symbols. Built at the beginning of the 20th century by the Portuguese millionaire António Augusto Carvalho Monteiro, Quinta da Regaleira is a testimony to the richness and extravagance of the Belle Époque. Inspired by esoteric and Masonic ideas, Monteiro filled the gardens with alchemical symbols, labyrinths and secret passages, creating a place where fantasy and reality intertwine in a mysterious way.
Visiting Hours: Open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Best Period for Visit: The gardens are charming all year round, but spring and summer offer a milder climate to explore.
Entry Amount: The price of the entrance ticket is € 8.00 for the gardens and € 10.00 for access to the palace and the gardens.
How To Get There: Quinta da Regaleira is located about a 15-minute walk from the center of Sintra. It is also possible to arrive by car, bus or taxi.
Official Link for More Information: Quinta da Regaleira Official Website
The History of the Moorish Castle: Guardian of the City since the 8th Century
Standing imposing over the hills of Sintra, the Moorish Castle tells the history of the city through the centuries. Built in the eighth century by the Moors during the Islamic occupation of the Iberian Peninsula, the castle was a strategic fortress that defended the region from Christian invasions for centuries. It was only in 1147, during the Christian Reconquest, that the castle was finally conquered by the Portuguese. Since then, it has gone through several phases of expansion and decay, until it was restored in the 19th century by King Ferdinand II, who was also involved in the construction of the Pena Palace.
Visiting Hours: Open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Best Period for Visit: It is recommended to visit during spring and autumn to avoid the extreme temperatures of summer.
Valor da Entrada: The price of the entrance ticket is €8.00.
How To Get There: The Moorish Castle is about a 10-minute drive from the center of Sintra. It is also possible to arrive by bus or taxi.
Official Link for More Information: Castelo dos Mouros Official Website
The Treasures of Historic Sintra: Narrow Streets and Charming Shops
Descending from the hills, visitors are greeted by the charming historic Sintra, with its narrow streets, colorful houses and charming shops. During the Middle Ages, Sintra was a prosperous city, known for its production of ceramics and tiles. Many of the historical buildings that today adorn the city date from this time, including the old city hall and the parent church. When strolling through its cobblestone streets, visitors can feel the atmosphere rich in history and culture that makes Sintra so special.
Sintra at Night: A Unique and Mysterious Atmosphere
At night, Sintra acquires a unique and mysterious atmosphere, with its streets illuminated by soft lights and a sense of tranquility that surrounds the city. During the Middle Ages, Sintra was known as "the Moon on Earth", due to its beauty under the moonlight. Today, this tradition continues, and a night walk through the old streets is a truly magical experience. As the Pena Palace shines in the moonlight and the gardens of Quinta da Regaleira gain an even more mysterious aura, visitors are transported to a world of dreams and fantasies.
Other Recommended Sights in Sintra
National Palace of Sintra: This medieval palace, also known as Palácio da Vila, is one of the most important in Portugal, with architecture that combines Gothic, Manueline and Renaissance styles.
Monserrate Palace: A romantic palace surrounded by stunning exotic botanical gardens, this location offers a unique experience in Sintra.
Convent of the Capuchos: A 16th century Franciscan convent, known for its simplicity and harmonious connection with the surrounding nature.
Pena Park: A vast natural park with hiking trails, picnic areas and stunning views over Sintra and the Atlantic Ocean.
Historic Centre of Sintra: A labyrinth of narrow streets, charming squares and historic buildings, where visitors can explore the authenticity and charm of Sintra.
Where to eat in Sintra
- Tascantiga
Address: R. Dr. Alfredo da Costa 28, 2710-525 Sintra, Portugal
Telephone: +351 21 924 71 70
Social Networks: Facebook
- Apeadeiro
Address: R. Dr. Alfredo da Costa 16, 2710-525 Sintra, Portugal
Telefone: +351 21 924 47 62
- Romaria de Baco
Address: R. Dr. Alfredo da Costa 19, 2710-524 Sintra, Portugal
Telephone: +351 21 924 24 12
Social Networks: Facebook
- Lawrence's Hotel (para uma experiência mais requintada)
Address: R. Consiglieri Pedroso 38-40, 2710-550 Sintra, Portugal
Telephone: +351 21 910 00 73
Where to Stay in Sintra
- Tivoli Palácio de Seteais
Address: R. Barbosa do Bocage, 2710-517 Sintra, Portugal
Telephone: +351 21 923 32 00
- Lawrence's Hotel
Address: R. Consiglieri Pedroso 38-40, 2710-550 Sintra, Portugal
Telephone: +351 21 910 00 73
- Hotel Tivoli Sintra
Address: Praça da República, 2710-616 Sintra, Portugal
Telephone: +351 21 923 72 00
- Sintra Boutique Hotel
Address: Rua Visconde de Monserrate, 48, 2710-591 Sintra, Portugal
Telephone: +351 21 924 00 60
Sintra is truly a magical place, where history mixes with exuberant nature, providing visitors with an unforgettable experience. Be sure to explore all its secrets and discover the wonders that this enchanted city has to offer.
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