About Sintra
Located in the Greater Lisbon region of Portugal, Sintra is a popular tourist destination renowned all around the world. Its picturesque countryside, sandy beaches, majestic castles, and palaces are well known. Since it’s just a 40-minute drive from Lisbon it makes it a perfect destination for a day trip. Portugal is well known for its affordable and beautiful destinations among European travelers. This trend is slowly and steadily spreading throughout the world. Sintra is one of the main reasons for Portugal’s tourism spike along with the capital city of Lisbon. Famous for its Romanticist architecture Sintra has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a trip to Sintra for an unforgettable magical experience. Check out our top picks for the best tourist destinations in Sinta.Top Destinations in Sintra
Pena Palace
Address: Estrada da Pena, 2710-609 Sintra, PortugalLocated on top of the Sintra Mountains, the Pena Palace offers its visitors a magnificent view of the city below. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is also included in the Seven Wonders of Portugal. A mixture of many different architectural styles, the exotic romanticist castle of Pena offers its viewers a feeling of fantasy and mystery. The palace which was once used as a monastery and a summer residence for the royal family has terrific interiors with many antiques and artifacts. One is also stunned by the mythical statues and gargoyles. Surrounding the castle grounds is the National Park of Pena which further magnifies the beauty of the castle. Designed by King Ferdinand the park has many lakes, tall trees, ponds, walking paths, and pavilions. Spread across an area of 200 hectares the trip would be incomplete without viewing the whole structure and park.Interesting Fact:
On a clear sunny day, the palace can be seen from Lisbon.Not to Miss:
- The Chapel
- Pena Park
- The Royal Dining Room
- The Noble Room
Quinta da Regaleira
Address: R. Barbosa du Bocage 5, 2710-567 Sintra, PortugalThe famous Quinta da Regaleira is also known as “The Palace of Monteiro the Millionaire”. Located in the historic center of Sintra, Portugal, the estate consists of a palace, lush green parks, and a chapel. The main palace building comprises five floors built in a distinct gothic style. Filled with antiquities Quinta da Regaleira is a must-visit place for anyone looking to explore Portugal’s best. Luigi Manini, the architect of the estate included many secret passageways and underground tunnels all of which give the complex an eerie and mysterious element. Adventure and outdoor enthusiasts will find this attraction best as there is a lot of secret symbolism related to masonry, Knights Templar, and alchemy to explore. Take a full day if you truly want to experience the grounds. It’s best to rent a car for exploring Sintra especially if you plan to visit Quinta da Regaleira. As the estate is located on the outskirts of Sintra’s untouched countryside, deep forests, and hiking trails await those traveling to the palace.Not to Miss:
- The Initiation Well
- Underground Walkways
- Portal of the Guardians
- Kings Room
Tip: The grounds are spread across an area of 4 hectares so it’s best to grab a map from the reception as there is a lot to explore and discover in the park of Quinta da Regaleira.
Sintra National Palace
Address: Largo Rainha Dona Amélia, 2710-616 Sintra, PortugalThe oldest surviving structure in Portugal, the Sintra National Palace was built in the 15th century. It is one of the most fascinating buildings in Portugal with a vast history. Sintra National Palace has been a permanent or temporary home to almost all the monarchs and queens of Portugal. Also known as the Town Palace the castle is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and is located in the heart of Sintra. At the present time, the castle has been turned into a historic museum. Visitors should definitely check out the ornate chapel located in the Sintra National Palace. The Royal Chapel dates back to the 14th century and is the oldest structure of the Palace.
Tip: National Palace of Sintra is open every day from 9:30 am to 6:30 pm. The last entry is at 6:00 pm.
Not to Miss:
- Crown Room
- Manueline Hall
- Palace Guard Room
- Gold Chamber
Castle of the Moors
Address: Serra de Sintra, Capuchos, 2710 Sintra, PortugalA UNESCO World Heritage Site and also a National Monument Castle of the Moors or Castelo dos Mouros is a medieval castle that was built in the 8th or 9th century by the Moors. The castle stands high above the Sintra Mountains and was once a key strategic point for defending the whole region. Visitors can climb ancient battlements and towers to enjoy the spectacular view. There is even an ancient chapel marked by a distinct archway. The Castle has seen enormous degradation with time and it was in the 19th century that King Ferdinand II renovated it. The King restored the castle in such a way as to preserve a place for peace and contemplation which is quite evident to those who visit the castle.Interesting Fact:
You can see the spectacular Quinta da Regaleira from the top of Moorish Castle.Best Way to Travel – Rental Cars
One of the oldest and constantly growing countries in Europe, Portugal is the perfect place for renting a car. Spread across an area of 92,212 square km Portugal has a vast network of paved roads and highways. The road network and infrastructure in Portugal are considered the best in Europe. Rent a car in Portugal to travel comfortably throughout the country. With a rental car, you can quickly discover the historical attractions, picturesque countryside, and scenic beaches in Portugal without having to worry about the hectic schedules of public means of transport. Book a cheap car rental with PortugalRentalCars at affordable rates and make your trip to Portugal smooth and comfortable. We offer you the best car rental deals at the lowest prices from leading domestic and international suppliers like Alamo, Sixt, Dollar, and Enterprise. Choose from a large fleet of vehicles with various popular car rental types like luxury, economy, compact, standard, etc. Contact our 24/7 customer support for any further queries. Forget long waits for buses and taxis book your Portugal Rental Car now!Tips for Car Rental in Portugal
Here are some tips for a car rental in Portugal for a smooth traveling experience.- You would need a valid driver’s license, credit card in the main driver’s name, and proof of identity to rent a car in Portugal.
- Using a mobile phone while driving is prohibited.
- Children below the age of 12 cannot be seated in the front.
- Book your rental car sometime prior to your travel to avail the lowest price.
- The minimum age for a car rental in Portugal is 21 years, with a surcharge for renters under 25 years.