Sintra is a true gem of the Romantic era, and no mist can conceal the beauty of its gardens or the unique grandeur of its palaces. Its hills and winding roads, including those leading towards the Atlantic and its rugged beaches, continue to attract visitors from all over the world.
Over the centuries, numerous writers have captured Sintra’s charms in their works. It is a magical place, rich in history and natural beauty.
Pena National Palace and Park
An undeniable masterpiece of Portuguese Romanticism, Pena National Palace and Park offer an unforgettable experience for every visitor. Perched on the summit of the Sintra hills, on the ruins of a 16th-century convent acquired by King Ferdinand II, what was originally intended as a summer residence for the royal family became a palace defined by an exuberant blend of Moorish, Gothic and Manueline elements.
A must-see for anyone wishing to discover Sintra, Pena National Palace and Park are one of the town’s most emblematic landmarks, captivating all who visit.
Address: Estrada da Pena, 2710-609 Sintra
Site: Pena National Palace and Park
Monserrate Palace and Park
Four kilometres from the centre of Sintra lies Monserrate Park, with its lush gardens and exquisite palace — the 19th-century realisation of a dream by British millionaire Francis Cook.
The palace, adorned with exotic and botanical motifs, is one of the outstanding examples of Romantic architecture in Portugal. It is surrounded by the magnificent Monserrate Park, which was awarded the European Garden Award in September 2013.
Address: Parque de Monserrate 2710-405 Sintra
Website: Monserrate Palace and Park
Quinta da Regaleira
Quinta da Regaleira is a fascinating and mysterious place where architecture and mysticism come together in perfect harmony. It is also a monument of great historical and cultural significance, characterised by Renaissance and Neo-Manueline styles intertwined with esoteric
symbols associated with Alchemy and Freemasonry.
The four hectares of gardens surrounding Quinta da Regaleira, with their distinctly Romantic character and an extraordinary variety of plants and trees from around the world, offer an unforgettable experience, revealing enchanting corners of exceptional beauty.
Address: Quinta da Regaleira, 2710-567 Sintra
Website: Quinta da Regaleira
Convent of the Capuchos
The Convent of the Capuchos stands out for its austere religious character, reflecting the simple way of life of the Franciscan monks. The woodland surrounding the convent is a remarkable example of Sintra’s native forest, having been carefully tended and preserved by the Franciscan friars for centuries.
Address: Convento de Santa Cruz da Serra de Sintra, Sintra
Website: Convent of the Capuchos
Moorish Castle
The Moorish Castle is the perfect place from which to admire the breathtaking landscape surrounding the Sintra hills. Built on one of the mountain peaks and visible from a considerable distance, this fortification dates back to the 8th and 9th centuries and was built to protect the surrounding lands and the routes connecting Mafra, Sintra, Cascais and Lisbon.
Address: Estrada da Pena, 2710-609 Sintra
Website: Moorish Castle
Moorish Fountain
Built in 1922 to replace the former Chafariz da Câmara fountain, the Moorish Fountain was designed, according to its creator, Mestre José da Fonseca, “to honour Sintra’s most prized water”.
An example of the revivalist modernism of the 1920s, the fountain is characterised by a formal academic style that was highly fashionable at the time. Its architecture is particularly remarkable for its exterior sculpture and the vibrant interplay of colours created by the tiles
inside.
The Moorish Fountain is a pleasant place to pause and refresh, while taking in its water and the beautiful architecture of one of Sintra’s best-known landmarks.
Address: Volta Duche 2710 Sintra
Sintra-Cascais Natural Park
The Sintra-Cascais Natural Park covers an area of more than 14,500 hectares. It encompasses the entire coastline between Cascais Citadel and São Julião Beach, the Sintra hills and the rural area of Várzea de Colares, bringing together an exceptional cultural heritage with an extraordinary wealth of natural beauty.
The park is an area of remarkable biodiversity, home to several endemic species, while its rich cultural heritage is equally significant. The cultural landscape of Sintra, including several sites within the Natural Park, contributed to its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Alongside famous landmarks such as the palaces and parks of Pena and Monserrate, Quinta da Regaleira and the Moorish Castle, visitors can discover many other points of interest, including coastal windmills and watermills and the imposing Forte do Guincho.
