In the enchanted town of Sintra, you will see some of the most amazing castles and palaces that Portugal has to offer. The beautiful red-tiled homes that line the cobblestone streets of Sintra are the things that fairy tales are made of. The awe-inspiring scenery which surrounds the town is filled with dense forests and golden beaches backed by towering mountains that dominate the horizon.
Over the years, the region where Sintra is located today has been inhabited by many different civilizations. When it was first settled by the Celts, the city was known as the Hill of the Moon.
Sintra – A view of the Palace and centre of the town
Later when the Romans took over, it would be called the Mons Lunae. More recently, Lord Byron referred to the city as a Glorious Eden and a number of filmmakers have chosen the location for its beauty.
For the past five centuries, the Portuguese royalty have chosen Sintra as the location of their summer homes. There are many grand palaces nestled snugly in the hills that overlook Sintra.
Not far from the historic center of town one can see the Palácio de Seteais, and the amazing gardens on the estate. Nearby, you will also find Palácio Real de Queluz, the National Palace, which was built in the medieval period and still stands today fully intact.
Seteais Palace, Sintra, Portugal
In recent times, António Augusto Carvalho, a Portuguese millionaire built the Quinta da Regaleira, a five story estate complete with a chapel, gardens and a number of lakes.
Quinta da Regaleira, Sintra
During the 18th century, King D. João V built the Palácio Nacional de Mafra which features 1,200 rooms. This one can be found about 20 kilometers from Sintra. Many other fine estates have been built over the centuries in the area that surrounds Sintra.
Mafra National Palace, Portugal
Looking up at the mountain range which dominated the skyline around Sintra, you will see an 8th century castle which was built by the Moors. Castle of the Moors (Castelo dos Mouros) was conquered in 1147 by King D. Afonso Henriques and restored to its original splendor in 1839 under the order of King D. Fernando II. Today, this splendid example of the austere towers, battlements and cisterns of the time still stands proudly overlooking the city.
Castelo dos Mouros, Sintra
Then of course there is the Pena National Palace which was a masterpiece in its own right. Featuring a fine mixture of Moorish, Indian, Manueline and Gothic architectures, the Pena Palace looks as if it could only exist in a fairy tale.
It was built by King D. Fernando II and his wife Queen Maria with the intention of creating the perfect royal retreat. Today this magnificent palace is a UNESCO heritage site.
Pena National Palace near Sintra
From surfing to diving, the beaches of Sintra are some of the most spectacular in the country. Lined with tiny villages filled with whitewashed homes and cobblestone paths, the coastline is nothing less than the most romantic place in the region.
Known for offering some of the most picturesque sunsets imaginable, you are bound to find the beaches of Sintra very peaceful and relaxing.
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