Sintra | Portugal's Fascinating Wonderland
Sintra is a picturesque town located just outside of Lisbon. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to stunning palaces, charming cobbled streets, and breathtaking natural scenery.
Before we get to experience all of its beauty, we had to brave the roads that lead there. The road to Sintra and its attractions are narrow, winding 2-way lane that cuts through the hills. If you're driving a 6-person campervan, like we did, it can be an incredibly stressful experience since it was too big for the road. With the roads being so narrow and hilly, it was challenging to navigate, especially when sharing the road with other vehicles.
The last thing we wanted was to cause traffic and inconvenience to other drivers. But don't let that scare you off from visiting Sintra! Once you get past the stress of the drive, you'll be rewarded with one of the most picturesque towns in Portugal. From the famous Pena Palace to the Moorish Castle, the sights in Sintra are truly breathtaking. Plus, if you're not up for driving, there are plenty of public transportation options available to make your journey a little less stressful.
Palácio Nacional de Sintra
This stunning palace boasts a rich history and architecture. With its ornate and vibrant interior, and range displays of architectural styles from Moorish tiles to Manueline decorations and Gothic battlements, it's no wonder the Sintra National Palace has become a must-see destination.
For starters, check out the two massive chimneys that tower over the kitchen. Those 33-metre high chimneys are the palace's distinguishing features. Shaped like inverted cones, these "kitchen towers" were designed to funnel smoke out of the palace without creating drafts that would disrupt the cooking fire.
What really sets this palace apart are the ever changing features that make it so much fun to explore.
Best of the upper floor is the gallery above the palace chapel. Beyond here leads to the Sala das Brasões, a dazzling domed hall embellished with 72 coats of arms representing Portuguese nobility.
On the lower floor of the palace, you'll pass through the beautiful Sala dos Cisnes (Hall of Swans), a reception room named after the painted swans on its ceiling, and the Sala das Pegas (Hall of Magpies) which both have interesting stories to tell.
Regrettably, I didn't capture photographs of these two famous halls, I recommend that you search photos of them on the web, as they are exceptionally fascinating.
Parque e Palácio de Monserrate
The history of Monserrate actually dates back to 1793, when a wealthy British merchant purchased the land and built a house on it, who landscaped a waterfall in the park.
However, it wasn't until half a century later that the estate really started to take shape, thanks to another British resident, Sir Francis Cook.
From the entrance, paths lead steeply down through tree ferns and lush undergrowth to a ruined chapel, half engulfed by a giant banyan tree.
As you wander through the winding paths and lush gardens, you'll be surrounded by an incredible variety of trees, plants, and flowers from all over the world. From the towering palms to the delicate orchids, there's something new to discover at every turn.
Lawns take you up to Cook's main legacy, the construction of a great palace inspired by Brighton Pavillion, with its mix of Moorish and Italian decorations.
The dome is modelled on the Duomo in Florence. The interior has largely been restored after years of neglect and you can now admire the amazingly intricate plasterwork which covers almost every wall and ceiling.
Sometimes we all need a moment to disconnect and recharge, and there's no better way to do that than by surrounding ourselves in nature. Monserrate provides the perfect combination of nature and history. A beautiful, peaceful places where we can escape the noise and stress of the city.
The natural surroundings offer a calming atmosphere, with the sound of leaves rustling in the breeze, the chirping of birds, and the gentle flow of water. It's a serene environment that can instantly put you at ease and help you relax. Its old architecture tells a story of the past. It give us a glimpse into the history of the area and add a unique charm to the park.
With its peaceful atmosphere and rich history, Monserrate is the perfect place to make lasting memories.
Palácio da Pena
Pena Palace is my absolute favourite place in Sintra, so I've written a separate article just for it! To learn more about this beautiful landmark, be sure to check it out here.
Quinta da Regaleira
Built in 1900, Quinta da Regaleira is Sintra's most elaborate estates, a masterpiece of Gothic Revival architecture and lush gardens. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995.
As you approach the estate, you'll be struck by the grandeur of the palace, which features towers, turrets, and intricate carvings. But it's the gardens that truly set Quinta da Regaleira apart. Spread over four hectares, the gardens are filled with hidden tunnels, grottoes, fountains, and statues.
One of the most striking features of the gardens is the Initiation Well, a spiralling staircase that descends over 27 meters (88 feet) into the earth.
One of the most striking features of the gardens is the Initiation Well, a spiralling staircase that descends over 27 meters (88 feet) into the earth.
The well was designed to symbolise the journey of initiation and rebirth, and visitors can climb down the narrow steps to reach a moss-covered platform at the bottom. It's a thrilling and eerie experience.
Beyond the gardens, the palace itself is a marvel of art and architecture. Designed by Italian architect Luigi Manini, it features intricate carvings, stained-glass windows, and decorative tiles that tell the story of Portugal's history.
Sintra is a truly special destination. Its stunning palaces, charming streets, and natural landscapes have a way of captivating visitors and leaving a lasting impression. From the colourful Pena Palace or a stroll through the romantic Quinta da Regaleira, there's no doubt that Sintra offers a wealth of experiences that can stay with you for a lifetime.
