Just a 45-minute drive from Lisbon, Sintra has become a popular day trip destination. With panoramic hilltop views, stunning architecture, hundreds of years of history, and its own lush microclimate, Sintra has a lot to offer and is definitely worth exploring.
Here are the top three places to see in Sintra!
1 – Castle of the Moors
The Castle of the Moors is a 9th century castle originally built by the North African Moors to guard the town of Sintra and was restored in the 19th century by King Ferdinand II — definitely one of the oldest places to see in Sintra!
The castle is perched atop a hill and is nestled in lush, dense forest giving it a secluded, magical feel that takes you back in time.
Plus, its unique position on the hill offers breathtaking views overlooking the entire Sintra region!
2 – Pena Palace
Pena Palace is definitely one of the most well-known places to see in Sintra — and for good reason! The 19th century palace has been named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and features a mix of bright colors and design styles that are both bold, romantic and playful.
Surrounding the palace are hundreds of acres of beautiful gardens, and because of Sintra’s unique microclimate, the gardens are unbelievably lush and beautiful!
Read Next: Tips for Visiting Pena Palace
3 – Quinta da Regaleira
Quinta da Regaleira is a beautiful 20th century estate designed in a gothic style located in the town of Sintra which, like Pena Palace, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While the estate is impressive, the gardens surrounding it are the real attraction and were one of my favorite places to see in Sintra!
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