The historic town is home to a number of stunning palaces and castles, and has been labelled a ‘real-life fairytale’
Portugal, with its stunning cities and charming towns, is a favourite among holidaymakers. One such place that’s been dubbed a ‘real-life fairytale’ is the beautiful town of Sintra, nestled along the Portuguese Riviera near Lisbon.
Once a summer retreat for Portugal’s nobility and Royal family, Sintra’s history is evident in its villas, castles, and palaces. These have become tourist hotspots due to their Romanticist architecture and captivating gardens.
Sintra is less than four hours from the UK, with flights to Lisbon taking roughly two hours and 50 minutes. From Lisbon, a 40-50 minute train ride will get you to Sintra.
Visitors can choose to stay in Sintra or book a hotel in Lisbon and make a day trip to this historic UNESCO World Heritage Site.
One of Sintra’s top attractions is the Palácio Nacional da Pena, one of Portugal’s seven wonders. This vibrant castle began as a chapel, then became a monastery before being transformed into a Royal retreat by King Consort Ferdinand II in 1838.
The castle remained in Royal possession until 1910, when the Royal family and much of the country’s nobility fled to Brazil during the revolution. Since then, Pena Palace has been restored to its former glory. Another must-visit is the ruins of the Castle of the Moors, a hilltop medieval castle captured by Christian Crusaders.
The castle was seized by Crusaders in 1147 and subsequently fell into disrepair. King Consort Ferdinand II later acquired the ruins, transforming them into the architectural marvel that they are today.
Sintra also boasts the Quinta da Regaleira, a unique neo-gothic mansion adorned with mythological and Knights Templar symbols, including an ‘initiation well.’
But the attractions don’t stop there; visitors might also want to explore the Monserrate Palace, an Arabian-inspired villa with serene gardens that are likely less crowded than the town’s other landmarks.
Another must-see castle is the breathtaking Sintra National Palace, which dates back to the medieval period and is believed to be the only palace whose existence spans the entire history of Portugal.
The first building of the palace is thought to have been erected around the 10th or 11th century when Sintra was under Moorish rule, but nothing from this era remains standing.
The oldest part of the castle is the chapel, dating back to the 14th century, while much of the current structure hails from the 15th century.
