Have you ever been excited to wake up at 6 am to spend a day in Sintra? Raise your hand. – The hands. Yes, it’s very early. It’s 7 o’clock now. And we’re going early to Sintra because there’s a lot to do there. All the attractions open around 9:30 or so. So, what’s your plan? – Cafe. A café in Sintra. – Right. Good morning, Renata Pereira people. – Good morning! This was filmed before the pandemic. – Oh, there you are. – Yes. Hello, good morning. Please, we have this card here to catch the train… Straight? All right, thanks. Our Lisboa cards are still working here from yesterday. We didn’t need to go to the ticket office. Where’s our country? Next? From 7:41 to… Sintra. I’ll see you there. We’ll be able to sit down completely. No one is around. No one is waiting for this early train. This is the line, Rossio, the first station. This is where we are and we’ll continue until the end of the line there, Sintra. From the station, you can already see Moorish Castle, if not the ruins of Moorish Castle there. It was a super fast trip, only 40 minutes, because Sintra is in the Greater Lisbon area. And if we pay for the train, it will be 2.50 euros (actually 2.25 euros). Very reasonable prices. The historical center like this. In Sintra, you see three different centuries of Portugal. The influence of the Moors, when Muslims from North Africa occupied Portugal in the ninth century. This occupation lasted for several centuries during the Middle Ages. This primarily represents the castle that is there, at least the ruins of Moorish Castle. Along the road up that hill, we will see that later today. After that, the golden age of royal ownership during the Renaissance. And the best example of that is the palace, Pena National Palace, the beautiful building there. They used this palace here along the way until the end of the monarchy in the twentieth century. And finally, the romanticism in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries establishments that resemble fairy tales. And there is a very famous palace that represents all of that, also up the hills, but you can’t see it from here. It’s actually the first place we’ll see today. – Is this the bus we want? – I don’t know, tell me. – 434. – This is the company that sells the bus tickets for you to visit the places in Sintra. – Hello! Good morning! – Good morning. – Bus hop on/off to go to Pena. – 6.90 euros per person – Yes. – So, two tickets 13.80 euros? The bus here inside Sintra is more expensive than the train along the way from Lisbon. But it’s also a good 24h ticket like hop on/off system. And there are rings, certain rings. You choose which way you want to go. This is where we come to, Palácio da Pena, Pena Palace, then Castelo dos Mouros, Moorish Castle. This seemed impossible, however, within a few minutes, look at the sky! Good weather now. – At least you’re finally having your coffee. – Right. When we arrived in Sintra, we wandered around a bit and got on the bus right away, so we didn’t have time to have coffee. Now, since we can’t see much – and you’re supposed to have a beautiful view from up here – we decided to try a typical Portuguese sweet here. This is different. This is called “queijada”, it’s a cheese tart. And we got two different versions, the traditional one and the one with almonds. So which one? This one is with almonds and this one is the traditional cheese. Both are cheese tarts. It’s like cake. It’s like almond cake. It’s good, very good, but you don’t taste much cheese. Oh, here it is, too, look at this. Now, here, you can see the cheese inside. Very much. I prefer the almond one. Personal choice – delicious. – Which one do you prefer? – Chocolate. – But there’s no chocolate here. – Both are good. – They are. This seemed impossible, but within a few minutes, look at the sky! Good weather now. – At least you’re finally having your coffee. – Right. In Portuguese, when we arrived in Sintra, we wandered around a bit and got on the bus right away, so we didn’t have time to have coffee. Now, since we can’t see much – and you’re supposed to have a beautiful view from up here – we decided to try a typical Portuguese sweet here. This is different. This is called “queijada”, it’s a cheese tart. And we got two different versions, the traditional one and the one with almonds. So which one? This one is with almonds and this one is the traditional cheese. Both are cheese tarts. It’s like cake. It’s like almond cake. It’s good, very good, but you don’t taste much cheese. Oh, here it is, too, look at this. Now, here, you can see the cheese inside. Very much. I prefer the almond one. Personal choice – delicious. – Which one do you prefer? – Chocolate. – But there’s no chocolate here. – Both are good. – They are. 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Introduction to Sintra
Welcome to Sintra, a charming community located about 40 minutes by train from Lisbon, Portugal. This picturesque town is a major tourist destination famous for its historical palaces and castles. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the top attractions, the rich history, and provide tips for visiting Sintra. So get ready to be enchanted by the beauty and magic of this incredible place.
Palácio da Pena (Pena Palace)
One of the highlights of Sintra is the Palácio da Pena, also known as Pena Palace. This colorful fairytale-like palace sits atop a mountain, offering stunning views of the surrounding area. The palace is a unique combination of different architectural styles, including Romanticism, Moorish, and Renaissance. With its vibrant colors and intricate details, it’s no wonder that Pena Palace is often described as a dream come true.
When visiting Pena Palace, be sure to purchase your tickets in advance to avoid long queues. The palace is divided into several main areas, each offering something unique. As you explore the palace’s interior, you’ll be amazed by the ornate decorations, stunning frescoes, and the historical artifacts on display. Don’t forget to stroll through the palace’s beautiful gardens, which are filled with exotic plant species from all over the world.
Castelo dos Mouros (Moorish Castle)
Just a short distance from Pena Palace lies the Castelo dos Mouros, or Moorish Castle. This ancient fortress is nestled amidst a lush forest and offers a glimpse into the medieval settlement that once existed here. As you wander through the castle’s main areas, you’ll be transported back in time, imagining what life was like in this strategic defense structure.
The main highlight of Castelo dos Mouros is the panoramic view it provides. From the castle’s walls, you can marvel at the breathtaking scenery of the mountains and the ocean. It’s the perfect spot to capture some incredible photographs and soak in the beauty of Sintra.
Other attractions in Sintra
In addition to Pena Palace and Moorish Castle, Sintra boasts several other attractions that are worth exploring. One such attraction is the Palácio Nacional de Sintra, or the National Palace of Sintra. This medieval palace is located in the heart of the historic town center and features beautiful architecture and stunning azulejo tiles. Inside, you’ll find royal chambers, a chapel, and a collection of decorative arts.
Another must-visit site is Quinta da Regaleira, a mystical estate that is often referred to as a “palace of mysteries.” This UNESCO World Heritage site is known for its enchanting gardens, underground tunnels, and symbolic architecture. It’s a fascinating place to explore and discover hidden secrets.
Exploring the historic town center of Sintra
While the palaces and castles in Sintra may steal the spotlight, don’t miss the opportunity to wander through the charming streets of the historic town center. The town center is filled with colorful buildings, quaint shops, and cozy cafes. Take your time to explore the narrow alleys and stumble upon hidden gems. Don’t forget to try traditional Portuguese pastries, such as the famous “pastel de nata,” in one of the local bakeries.
Sintra’s three different historical periods
Sintra’s rich history can be traced back to three distinct periods: the Moorish influence, the Golden Age of Property, and the Romanticism era. The Moorish influence is evident in the architecture of the Moorish Castle, which was built during the Moorish occupation of the region in the 9th century. The Golden Age of Property refers to the period when Sintra became a favorite summer retreat for Portuguese nobility, leading to the construction of extravagant palaces like Pena Palace and the National Palace of Sintra. Finally, the Romanticism era in the 18th and 19th centuries saw the construction of palaces and estates that resembled fairy tales, such as Quinta da Regaleira.
Tips for visiting Sintra
To make the most of your visit to Sintra, here are some helpful tips:
- Buy your tickets in advance: Many of the attractions in Sintra, especially Pena Palace, can get quite crowded. To avoid long queues, purchase your tickets online in advance.
- Arrive early: Sintra is a popular day trip destination, and it can get crowded, especially during peak tourist season. To beat the crowds and fully enjoy the attractions, arrive early in the morning.
- Make a day trip itinerary: Sintra offers a lot to see and do, so it’s a good idea to plan your day trip in advance. Consider visiting the main attractions in the morning and exploring the town center in the afternoon.
Sintra’s picturesque landscape
One of the most captivating aspects of Sintra is its picturesque landscape. The views from the top of Pena Palace are truly awe-inspiring, offering sweeping vistas of the mountains and the ocean. As you stroll through the town and its surrounding areas, you’ll appreciate the lush greenery, the colorful flowers, and the harmony between man-made structures and nature. It’s a paradise for nature lovers and photographers alike.
Eating and drinking in Sintra
No visit to Sintra would be complete without indulging in the local cuisine. Be sure to try traditional Portuguese pastries like “pastel de nata” and “travesseiro,” which are available in the local bakeries. Sintra is also home to many delightful cafes and restaurants where you can savor authentic Portuguese dishes, including seafood and grilled meats. Don’t forget to pair your meal with a glass of delicious Portuguese wine.
Conclusion
Sintra is truly a gem in Portugal’s crown, with its enchanting palaces, rich history, and stunning landscapes. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or simply seeking a fairytale-like experience, Sintra has something for everyone. We hope this comprehensive guide has given you a glimpse into the beauty and magic of Sintra and has inspired you to plan a visit to this incredible destination.