Sintra is one of the most popular day trips from Lisbon.
Most visitors follow the same route: Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira and the Moorish Castle. All three are worth visiting, but Sintra is much larger than its famous monuments.
Its forests, gardens, old convents, viewpoints and wild coastline reveal a completely different side of the region.
Here are five places worth adding to your plans:
1️⃣ Palace and Park of Monserrate
Monserrate is one of the finest examples of Romantic architecture in Sintra. The palace combines Gothic, Indian and Moorish influences, while the surrounding gardens contain plants from different parts of the world.
It is a great choice if you want more time to enjoy the architecture and gardens without following the usual route through Sintra.
2️⃣ Convent of the Capuchos
Built in 1560, this small Franciscan convent is hidden deep in the Sintra Hills.
The rooms are simple, narrow and adapted to the natural rocks. Cork was widely used to cover walls, doors and ceilings, which is why it is also known as the Cork Convent.
It feels completely different from Sintra’s grand palaces.
3️⃣ Sanctuary of Peninha
Standing at 488 metres above sea level, Peninha offers wide views over the Sintra hills and the Atlantic coast.
The site includes an old chapel, the Hermitage of Saint Saturnin and a small Romantic palace built in 1918 by the owner of Quinta da Regaleira.
The weather can change quickly here, but on a clear day the view is one of the best in the region.
4️⃣ Chalet of the Countess of Edla
Hidden inside Pena Park, this Alpine-style chalet was built between 1864 and 1869 by King Ferdinand II and his second wife, Elise Hensler, the Countess of Edla.
It was their private retreat and is surrounded by a garden with camellias, rhododendrons, azaleas and ferns.
Many people visit Pena Palace without realising that this beautiful place is also inside the park.
5️⃣ Praia da Ursa
Close to Cabo da Roca, Praia da Ursa is one of the wildest beaches in the Sintra area.
The beach is reached by a steep and uneven trail, so wear proper shoes and allow enough time for the walk back. There are no beach facilities, but the cliffs, rock formations and Atlantic landscape make it a very special place.
The trail is not suitable for everyone, especially when the ground is wet.
A practical tip
These places are spread across the Sintra hills and coast, so trying to visit all five in one short day would be difficult.
Choose two or three, take your time and check transport before leaving. A car or local driver makes places such as Peninha, Capuchos and Praia da Ursa much easier to reach.
Which place would you add to this list?
📘 Planning your trip to Lisbon, Porto or the Algarve?
My digital travel guides include practical PDFs with local advice, transport information, places to visit, food recommendations, day trips and much more.
You also receive several Google Maps lists organised by category, including restaurants, viewpoints, beaches, historic sights and hidden places.
Open them directly on your phone and search by distance to easily see what is close to you.
🔥 Last days to get your guide with 50% OFF
🌍 www.portugaldigitalguides.com
0 comments