Exploring the Enchanting Wonders of Sintra: Must-Do Activities and Hidden Gems in Lisbon, Portugal
Sintra, a charming town in the hills just outside Lisbon, Portugal, is a fairy-tale destination that will leave you breathless. This historic town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s not hard to see why.
With stunning palaces, intricate gardens, and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape– it is a place that seems almost too beautiful to be real.From wandering around the historic center to hiking through the lush forests of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, there’s no shortage of things to see and do in this magical town.
Here are some of the top things to see in Portugal:
- Visit Pena Palace: A fairy-tale-like castle perched on a hilltop with colorful towers and elaborate decorations.
- Explore Quinta da Regaleira: – A stunning estate with an impressive palace and gardens featuring hidden tunnels, grottoes, and waterfalls.
- Admire the Moorish Castle: – A 9th-century fortification that offers incredible views of the town and surrounding landscape.
- Wander around the historic center of Sintra: – The charming area with narrow streets, colorful houses, and traditional shops and cafes is swoon-worthy.
- Take a hike in the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park: A beautiful area with lush forests, a rugged coastline, and scenic trails.
- Visit the National Palace of Sintra: This is a medieval palace with beautiful tilework, ornate ceilings, and stunning views.
- Check out the Convent of the Capuchos: – This is a peaceful monastery built into the rocks and surrounded by nature.
- Try the local pastry, “travesseiros,”: A delicious treat made with almond cream and puff pastry.
- Take a guided tour of the Monserrate Palace: – a romantic palace with a mix of architectural styles set amidst beautifully landscaped gardens.
- Enjoy the Cabo da Roca lighthouse view: The westernmost point of mainland Europe, with stunning views of the ocean and cliffs.
Did you know?
Sintra is a town steeped in history and folklore, and one fascinating fact about it is that it was believed to be a place of mystical energy and power by the ancient Celts. They called the region “Cynthia” and thought that the moon goddess dwelled in the mountains.
Later, during the Moorish occupation of Portugal, Sintra was called “Xentra” and was known as a place of healing and rejuvenation. The town’s many natural springs and lush vegetation were believed to have therapeutic properties, and it became a popular destination for those seeking to improve their health and well-being.
Its mystical atmosphere and healing energy continue to attract visitors from all over the world.
A little history:
Sintra has a rich and fascinating history that dates back over 5,000 years. The region was first inhabited by the Celts, who believed that the mountains were sacred and believed to be the dwelling place of the moon goddess.
One of the most well-known Sintra fairytales is that of the “Palace of Pena.” Legend has it that the palace was built on the site of a chapel that Prince Ferdinand II of Portugal discovered during a hunting expedition.
The prince was so enchanted by the chapel’s location and beauty that he built a palace. The palace is a riot of colors, with a mish-mash of architectural styles that range from Gothic to Moorish. The castle is said to have been home to several royal families over the years and is now a popular tourist attraction.
According to local folklore, the palace is also home to many ghosts and spirits, and visitors have reported strange occurrences.
The Romans established a settlement in the area, and evidence of their presence can still be seen today in the form of ruins and mosaics. During the Muslim occupation of Portugal, which lasted from the 8th to the 12th century, the town was an important center of trade and agriculture.
The Christian armies captured the town in 1147 during the Reconquista and became part of the Kingdom of Portugal. Over the centuries, Sintra became a popular retreat for Portugal’s royalty and nobility, who built stunning palaces and estates.
In 1995, Sintra was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its unique and rich cultural heritage.
