Guidebook for Sintra
Sightseeing
What has to be my favourite building in the world mostly due to it's striking colours, eclectic style a merger of Neo-Gothic, Neo-Manueline, Neo-Islamic and Neo-Renaissance. A Romanticist building and voted one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal. Originally a chapel stood here, then a monastery and finally it was converted by Dom Ferdinand II into a Palace to serve as the summer residence of the Portuguese Royal family. It always amazes me on how cozy and rather small the building feels inside. The attention to the detail, the tiles and view always take my breath away.
736 locals recommend
Park and National Palace of Pena
Estrada da PenaWhat has to be my favourite building in the world mostly due to it's striking colours, eclectic style a merger of Neo-Gothic, Neo-Manueline, Neo-Islamic and Neo-Renaissance. A Romanticist building and voted one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal. Originally a chapel stood here, then a monastery and finally it was converted by Dom Ferdinand II into a Palace to serve as the summer residence of the Portuguese Royal family. It always amazes me on how cozy and rather small the building feels inside. The attention to the detail, the tiles and view always take my breath away.
Within walking distance from the gate of our property this chalet has been refurbished recently thanks to grants from the Norwegian government. The chalet is wooden and had been badly damaged in a fire, it opened to the public in 2011. It is within the grounds of the Pena Place, you can walk through it's luxurious gardens all the way to the Palace. It mirrors alpine chalets in Northern Europe and it was built by D. Fernando II and his second wife Elise Hensler as a refuge from the life at the palace. It feels very private and romantic. It has in addition to wood it adorned with cork and it has beautiful tiles on the inside.
42 locals recommend
Chalet and Garden of the Countess of Edla
Within walking distance from the gate of our property this chalet has been refurbished recently thanks to grants from the Norwegian government. The chalet is wooden and had been badly damaged in a fire, it opened to the public in 2011. It is within the grounds of the Pena Place, you can walk through it's luxurious gardens all the way to the Palace. It mirrors alpine chalets in Northern Europe and it was built by D. Fernando II and his second wife Elise Hensler as a refuge from the life at the palace. It feels very private and romantic. It has in addition to wood it adorned with cork and it has beautiful tiles on the inside.
Convent of the Capuchos
Park and palace Monserrate
Rua Visconde de MonserrateStunning palace with an important Botanical garden.
One of my favourite sights in Sintra. Beautiful house and magical gardens full of grottoes to explore. Very busy during the week and difficult to part, might be worth arriving before it opens.
325 locals recommend
Quinta da Regaleira
5 R. Barbosa du Bocage One of my favourite sights in Sintra. Beautiful house and magical gardens full of grottoes to explore. Very busy during the week and difficult to part, might be worth arriving before it opens.
In the heart of the village of Sintra. The summer palace and the reason why the village exits. Beautiful tiles and impressive kitchens with their very famous chimneys.
435 locals recommend
Sintra National Palace
Largo Rainha Dona AméliaIn the heart of the village of Sintra. The summer palace and the reason why the village exits. Beautiful tiles and impressive kitchens with their very famous chimneys.
Part of the UNESCO World Heritage site this 9th century Moorish castle has an unparalleled strategic placement on top of the mountain. Visit for absolutely breathtaking views, you can walk on the castles's walls from where you can see the Village of Sintra, The Pena Palace and even as far afield as Lisbon. I like to visit just before it closes when it's often quiet and you can see the sunset.
315 locals recommend
Moorish Castle
Part of the UNESCO World Heritage site this 9th century Moorish castle has an unparalleled strategic placement on top of the mountain. Visit for absolutely breathtaking views, you can walk on the castles's walls from where you can see the Village of Sintra, The Pena Palace and even as far afield as Lisbon. I like to visit just before it closes when it's often quiet and you can see the sunset.
Cape Roca
s/n Estrada do Cabo da RocaEurope's Western most point. Amazing views, great to watch the sunset.
Parks & Nature
Sintra-Cascais Natural Park
My favourite beach where I go all year round for walks which is a 15min drive away. It is a large surfers beach, quiet during the week.
606 locals recommend
Guincho Beach
My favourite beach where I go all year round for walks which is a 15min drive away. It is a large surfers beach, quiet during the week.
Praia das Macas
Praia Grande
41 Avenida Alfredo CoelhoPraia da Conceição
18 Tv. Joaquim EreiraEssentials
Pingo Doce
4 Praça Dom Afonso VLocal supermarket
Farmácia Marrazes
24 Largo Afonso de AlbuquerquePharmacy
Lavandaria Self-service
26 Largo Afonso de AlbuquerqueFood Scene
My favourite fish & sea food place. Best ocean views and great terrace. Best to book in advance during the weekend.
33 locals recommend
Monte Mar
Avenida Nossa Senhora RosarioMy favourite fish & sea food place. Best ocean views and great terrace. Best to book in advance during the weekend.
Small local gourmet restaurant. Best to book in advance as they don't have a lot of tables.
50 locals recommend
Incomum
22 R. Dr. Alfredo da CostaSmall local gourmet restaurant. Best to book in advance as they don't have a lot of tables.
Cantinho de São Pedro
18 Praça Dom Fernando IIVery established traditional food.
Cute local tea/coffee shop. Great for breakfast or the perfect excuse to have a mid morning slice of cake.
66 locals recommend
Café Saudade
6 Av. Dr. Miguel BombardaCute local tea/coffee shop. Great for breakfast or the perfect excuse to have a mid morning slice of cake.
Worth a visit, they have the best local sweets Queijadas de Sintra. Although all cakes are amazing.
56 locals recommend
Queijadas da Sapa
12 Volta do DucheWorth a visit, they have the best local sweets Queijadas de Sintra. Although all cakes are amazing.
Cafe Galeria House of Wonders
53 R. da MisericórdiaOn the weekend there is an amazing street market in Almoçageme. Great to buy fresh fruit and vegetables.
41 locals recommend
Almoçageme
On the weekend there is an amazing street market in Almoçageme. Great to buy fresh fruit and vegetables.