Escaping to Sintra: A Guide to Paradise
We’ll just go ahead and say it: Sintra is one of the most romantic, beautiful and magical places we’ve ever been. Only 45 minutes from Lisbon, Sintra is where the elite of the city came to build their palatial escapes. The result is hills dotted with mansions and gardens, many of which are open to the public.
We think Sintra is an ideal place for a honeymoon, anniversary, or a romantic getaway. It is peaceful, yet has plenty of things to do. There is something in the air here — maybe it’s the grand history or the fantastical architecture, but whatever it is, it’s the reason why celebrities like Brad Pitt and Madonna have spent their time here.
If you’re staying in Lisbon it’s easy to take a day trip to Sintra, or sign up for a tour like this that will take you to many of the important spots listed below.
The town of Sintra is one of the most charming in Portugal, with ancient streets and a wide piazza full of restaurants and shops. It makes for a wonderful day-trip from Lisbon, so we wanted to recommend a few things to do on your visit:
What To Do
The history of this palace dates back a long time, but it has English, Moorish, Gothic, and Indian influences in its architecture, and boasts a rich art collection and extensive gardens. It’s less crowded than some of the other famous palaces in the area, but in our opinion it is the most beautiful one. Make sure to buy your tickets in advance so you don’t have to wait in line to get in!
VINTAGE COUNTRYSIDE GASTRONOMIC TOUR
What better way to see this region than in a vintage car, driving to picnics with local food and wine. You’ll see some iconic sites like Mafra palace and end on the Atlantic coast in a fishing village.
Biester is another of Sintra’s many palaces and has some incredible glass work and even a coffee shop inside. It has been immaculately maintained over the years and feels like a trip to the past. We chose this one because it is also less crowded than others (are you sensing a theme here?)
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this Romanticist castle is a national treasure in the heart of Sintra. Moorish and Romanesque architecture with intricate design make this palace a shining example of the beauty of this region, and the gardens that surround it are filled with flora from around the world.
If you’re interested in a beach day near Sintra, this area has plenty of options. Cascais and Estoril are two beaches that draw visitors from all over the world, and have stunning views of the Atlantic ocean with great coastline to surf and swim. You can take this tour from Lisbon to both of them or drive from Sintra!
Where To Eat
A famous spot for traditional Portuguese pastries, make sure to grab a Pastel de Nata.
The food here feels home made in the best of ways, and gives you a great view of the garden and the valley below.
A variety of tapas and sandwiches with a cocktail menu, this is a great place to end your day or start your night.
Did you know the best Japanese restaurant in Portugal is in Sintra? Michelin-starred Midori fuses the two nations’ cuisines in bold ways, pushing the envelope of Portuguese and Japanese food.
If you’re interested in Sintra, we have a whole chapter in our free Portugal guide to help you plan the perfect trip. Sign up below!
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