Long known as a tourist destination, in 1995 Sintra was classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage site. The wealth of monuments, houses and gardens, undoubtedly of great historical and artistic interest, are only equalled by the unique charm of the narrow village streets.
Pena Palace is a must, with its magnificent nineteenth century mélange of neo-moorish and neo-medieval styles. The Royal Sintra Palace, right in the centre of town and lovingly built over many centuries, is also known for the gigantic chimneys coming from the Royal Kitchen.
Other places of interest in Sintra are the ruins of the Moorish Castle, on top of the hillside, and the gardens and summer Palace of Monserrate. Further afield, some 10 km away, Queluz Palace, a beautiful royal eighteenth-century building, which is also known as the Portuguese Versailles.
If you still have some time to spare, do not miss a trip to Cabo da Roca - the westernmost point of continental Europe - and the picturesque seaside town of Cascais. Stop at Boca do Inferno (literally Hell's Mouth) for an unforgettable view of the furious waves crashing against the rocks. Some 2 km along the coast to Lisbon, Estoril awaits you - a classical, turn of the century summer resort, complete with casino and landscaped gardens.
May we suggest some tours?
Tour I - Sintra the beloved
Tour: historical centre of Sintra
Duration: approx 5 hours
Transport: on foot
Equipment: light walking shoes
Tour II - From the hills to the sea
Tour: cultural landscapes and part of the outlying Sintra area
Duration: approx 8 hours
Transport: car, motorbike, mini-bus, bicycle
Equipment: light walking shoes; rucksack; snack and drinking water
Tour III - from moorland to the Monte da Lua
Tour: Moorland and hillside around Sintra
Duration: approx 8 hours
Transport: car, motorbike, mini-bus and bicycle
Equipment: light walking shoes; rucksack; snack and drinking water
For information and bookings, contact the Tivoli Hotel's Concierge, who can also provide you with more information on other activities such as:
Visits to Lisboa and Mafra
Golf
Cultural events
For more information on the region, we recommend you visit this website:
Sintra Town Council