Once upon a time, there was a mystical and involving place in Portugal, a true jewel of the Portuguese crown, named Sintra.
Sintra has always been a romantic fairytale dream come true, be it for the enchanting houses adorned with colorful flowers or a castle covered in luscious green nature. Between the sea and the mountain, and with lots of cultures, Sintra is rightly distinguished as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
But what are the best places to see in Sintra?
The best castle in Sintra and Pena Palace
In addition to the Romantic mixture of architectural styles, the mansions and number of the eye-catching towers beckon to tourists for its details and construction techniques. A pair of wells spiraling deep within the earth in Quinta da Regaleira, the turrets of the Pena Palace and the detailed Gothic arches of the Monserrate Palace are just a few of these unique features.
Walking up this whimsical town, you will find a stone fortress, the medieval Castle of the Moors, with stunning views over the mountainside! This castle was built during the period of Muslim Iberia, to protect the territory’s population.
Average ticket price to the Palace of Pena in Sintra: 14€
Average ticket price to the National Palace of Sintra: 14€
Average ticket price to the Castle of the Moors: 10€
Hidden whimsical gardens
Sintra is closely linked to its magical gardens. Developed around the castles and mansions, these gardens have their own unique atmosphere and you can also take advantage of a tour if you wish. Monserrate Park, Regaleira Park and Pena Park are well worth taking a look at for its variety of native and exotic flora, royal walking paths, and even extra unique touches, like small towers. These gardens are definitely the best places to visit when in Sintra, you won’t regret it!
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Indulge your sweet tooth with the Sintra travesseiros (pillows)!
Just as you cannot visit Belém without trying the pasteis de Belém, when you visit Sintra you ought to stop at the Casa Piriquita coffee shop! Order a coffee and a travesseiro (or two ;)) - a flaky and sweet cake filled with egg and almond cream, sprinkled with sugar. You should also try the queijadas de Sintra, which are round cakes filled with cheese, eggs, sugar, and cinnamon finished up in a delicious flour crust.
No matter how you plan your day in Sintra, its fairytale atmosphere will make worth your while, and make your experience unforgettable.
Be at the head of Europe!
Cabo da Roca is the westernmost point in mainland Europe. Even though it’s almost always windy here, the cape terrain with cliffs and a charming 18th-century lighthouse are oftentimes described as a little wild and raw, but the blue waters of the Atlantic stretch endlessly into the horizon, turning the views into a real-life painting.
Source: theculturetrip.com
