Sintra Travel Guide

Sintra, a picturesque resort town just 18 miles (29 km) northwest of Lisbon, lies at the heart of one of Portugal's most enchanting holiday regions. The area is brimming with natural beauty, cultural and historical landmarks, and offers a wealth of leisure activities. Sintra itself is a vision of lush greenery, vibrant flowers and stunning 'wedding cake' palaces, earning its description as a 'glorious Eden' from the poet Lord Byron.

It's no surprise that Sintra was once a favored retreat for royalty and nobility. Today, it enjoys the prestigious status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Made up of three villages sprawling down a steep granite hillside, Sintra's layout can be a bit tricky for first-time visitors. The striking Palacio Nacional, with its tall conical chimneys, stands as a central landmark and a great starting point for exploring the town's fairy-tale charm. This town, famously captured by Christian Crusaders from the Moors in 1147, is full of captivating sights.

For a fun and unique way to see Sintra and the surrounding area, visitors can hop aboard the historic 100-year-old Sintra Tram. The tram connects Estefanea to Praia das Macas and operates on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays for just a couple of euros.

Shopping

Shopping in Sintra becomes a tour of traditional Portuguese folk art and crafts, and visitors shouldn't expect a frenetic spending spree in glitzy modern malls. Rather, Sintra's shops are tucked away in narrow cobblestone streets, waiting to be ferreted out by those who appreciate fine holiday souvenirs, such as hand-painted ceramics, lace, beaten copper and bronze, embroidered linen and jewellery. Goods come from all over the country, including the Azores. Prices can be steep, but most merchants are open to a little bargaining. The best places to shop are the Praca da Republica and Sao Pedro Square. Those who are seeking modern designer clothing and houseware will have to travel out of town to the huge Cascais Shopping Centre, the area's largest shopping mall.

Restaurants

The best restaurants in Sintra tend to keep their offerings local, though often with international overtones. Some delicious specialities to look out for in the region are Negrais suckling pig, Merces pork, roast kid, bass and shellfish of all sorts. The pastries are also highly recommended, particularly Sintra queijadas, which are like mini-cheesecakes, made to an age-old recipe. Cream cakes and local jams complete the temptations, all of which should be accompanied by some excellent Portuguese wines.

Nightlife

Sintra may not be known for its nightlife, but as one appreciative visitor put it, 'When there are so many marvels to enjoy during the day, who needs nightlife?' Evenings here are typically more laid-back, with visitors enjoying leisurely meals and drinks rather than wild nights on the town. However, there are a few bars that occasionally feature live music and can create quite a lively atmosphere. The most energetic spots can be found along Rua das Padarias, Rua Fonte da Pipa, and Rua da Ferraria. For late-night revellers, the Adega das Caves bodega on Praça da República is a popular choice as it stays open into the early hours and attracts an international crowd.

Holiday activities

Most visitors come to Sintra for sightseeing and, with its wealth of historic buildings and museums, there's no shortage of things to explore. Highlights include the Sintra Modern Art Museum and the Archaeological Museum. However, Sintra also offers everything needed for a seaside getaway through its golden beaches, clear Atlantic waters, and stunning coastline, making it a perfect destination for sun and fun. The best beaches include São Julião, Magoito, Praia das Maçãs, Grande, and Adraga. The area provides plenty of opportunities for water sports such as surfing and fishing; the clifftops are ideal for paragliding. Golfers will absolutely appreciate the Estoril-Sol Golf Club at the foot of the Sintra mountain range. Though it's a 9-hole course, its beautiful forested setting makes it a sought-after destination.

Any negatives?

Sintra is more of a sightseeing or beach-holiday destination and has little to offer the young clubbing and party crowd. Its close proximity to Lisbon means it's often crowded with visitors on summer weekends.