A Guide to the Palaces of Sintra, Sintra, Portugal
Imagine a day where you discover the most extraordinary palace of your life and then on the very same day you explore the most wonderful, magical gardens you’ve ever seen. That was what visiting Sintra was like for our family. Our visit here was the highlight of our recent trip to Lisbon.
The palaces of Sintra are a World Heritage Site. They are perched on hills amid lush forests and gardens and were once the royal family’s summer retreat. On one hill, you’ll see the 8th century Moorish Castle perched dramatically on the rocks and on another the brightly coloured fantasy which is Pena Palace.
You could easily spend a couple of days in Sintra but if you’ve only got a day, here are the highlights.
The Palace of Pena is like nothing else on earth. It’s a fairytale palace with turrets and watchtowers, fantastical creatures and outlandish decorations. Its candy-coloured walls, spires and towers look as if they belong in The Land of Sweets from the Nutcracker ballet.
“It’s so beautiful it should be one of the seven wonders of the world,” my 10-year-old declared as we wandered around. We weren’t at all surprised to discover that it was Pena Palace that inspired Walt Disney to create his own fairytale castle. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).
The palaces of Sintra are a World Heritage Site. They are perched on hills amid lush forests and gardens and were once the royal family’s summer retreat. On one hill, you’ll see the 8th century Moorish Castle perched dramatically on the rocks and on another the brightly coloured fantasy which is Pena Palace.
You could easily spend a couple of days in Sintra but if you’ve only got a day, here are the highlights.
The Palace of Pena is like nothing else on earth. It’s a fairytale palace with turrets and watchtowers, fantastical creatures and outlandish decorations. Its candy-coloured walls, spires and towers look as if they belong in The Land of Sweets from the Nutcracker ballet.
“It’s so beautiful it should be one of the seven wonders of the world,” my 10-year-old declared as we wandered around. We weren’t at all surprised to discover that it was Pena Palace that inspired Walt Disney to create his own fairytale castle. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).
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Guide Name: A Guide to the Palaces of Sintra
Guide Location: Portugal » Sintra
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Insider Tips)
Author: Clare Thomson
Read it on Author's Website: https://suitcasesandsandcastles.com/2016/04/19/a-guide-to-the-palaces-of-sintra/
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
Guide Location: Portugal » Sintra
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Insider Tips)
Author: Clare Thomson
Read it on Author's Website: https://suitcasesandsandcastles.com/2016/04/19/a-guide-to-the-palaces-of-sintra/
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
- The Palace of Pena
- The National Palace of Sintra
- Quinta da Regaleira
Insider Tips for Sintra, Portugal
7 Sintra Tips on How to See the Most in One Day - Portugal
After exploring Sintra twice, I’ve gathered valuable insights to help you make the most of your visit to this enchanting town.
From navigating its hilly terrain to discovering hidden gems beyond the well-trodden paths, Sintra offers a rich tapestry of experiences.
From navigating its hilly terrain to discovering hidden gems beyond the well-trodden paths, Sintra offers a rich tapestry of experiences.
Top 10 Activities in Sintra Off the Beaten Path
Nestled amidst the lush green mountains, the UNESCO World Heritage town of Sintra is a well-known day trip destination from Lisbon. Most focus on visiting the well known sites including the Castelo dos Mouros and Pena Palace. While its iconic palaces and mystical gardens draw large crowds, Sintra has many hidden gems waiting to be explored.
Sintra - A Perfect Day Trip Out of Lisbon
Like most popular destinations in Europe in the summer, Sintra gets crowded. The key, as always, is to get there before most people show up. My goal was to catch the first 434 tourist bus leaving after 9 am and get to my first stop shortly after it opens.
Two Days in Sintra, Portugal: A Magical Trip from Lisbon
Portugal’s old playground for the royalty and the rich and one of the most beautiful places you’ll ever see, Sintra is an easy day trip from Lisbon, but make it two days with an overnight stay. Castles galore, and a lovely walk through the woods await you at this UNESCO World Heritage site. This is one of my very favorite travel memories. Everything you need to plan your trip!
Visiting Sintra from Lisbon
Sintra is a magical Portuguese town just a short train ride from Lisbon where you’ll see the kinds of castles and palaces that belong in fairy tales. So is it possible to visit Sintra from Lisbon? Absolutely. Here’s how and what you can expect to await you there.
Sintra and its Charming Palaces, Castles and Water Fountains
Located in the hills of Serra de Sintra, Sintra is home to palaces, fairy-tale castles, castle ruins, water fountains and villas that belonged to Royalty and aristocracy. It is also one of the most visited spots in Portugal with millions of visitors flocking here to explore its beautiful castles, never mind the season.
Insider Tips Overview
