Sintra Travel Guide

Unveil the Mystical Beauty of Sintra: Your Ultimate Guide to Portugal's Enchanting Cultural Gem.

Sintra is the most beautiful village in Portugal. Its landscape is filled with history and culture. In Ancient times, Sintra was known as Mons Lunae, the hills of the moon, because it had a strong presence of religious cults. As a result, the architecture and many gardens and fountains give it a somewhat mystical ambiance, even today. The town is surrounded by a massive granite mountain called the Serra de Sintra. It is 10 km long and rises north of the River Tagus. It twists into the Atlantic to form the cape that marks the westernmost point of continental Europe.

The history of this city is evident in its magnificently preserved structures, traditions, and gastronomy. Sintra has a collection of monuments from over the centuries, the most fantastical being the Palacio da Pena, a quasi-Bavarian/Disney-looking castle. The microclimate of Sintra, sheltered between mountain and sea, is given credit for the most beautiful sunsets in Portugal. Sintra has a medieval layout with narrow winding streets, steps, and roofed passageways throughout the city. Due to its mount of preserved historical sites and its incredible beauty, Sintra is a UNESCO-declared heritage site.

  • Queijada, cheese cake
    Queijada, cheese cake

    Gastronomy & Wine

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Highlights

  • Castelo dos Mouros

    This 9th-century castle is set on two peaks of the Serra mountains. From the walls surrounding the castle, the incredible views of the city are not to be missed. Several towers link this surrounding wall. Although this is not the original construction, it was restored in the Romantic period of the 1860s. This Moorish castle was conquered by Dom Alfonso Henriques in 1147, leaving traces of the Arab culture in the cistern and Arab horseshoe arch gate.

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  • Palácio Nacional

    This is the main tourist attraction in Sintra. It has a mesmerizing regal air created from a succession of different parts built in different phases. It has a puzzle of different styles and mentalities that all come together to create the beauty of this palace. The two most notable styles are D. João, a 15th-century architect, and D. Manuel I., a 16th-century architect. Palacio Nacional houses one of the largest and richest sets of Mudejar azulejos ceramic tiles on the Iberian Peninsula. It gives off the air of a Moorish fairytale palace with medieval legends and royal history.

  • Palacio da Pena

    On the border of the town lies one of the most invigorating and important creations of the Romantic Movement. It is atop the Serra mountains and was the dream of a noble artist, D. Fernando. Brilliant chalets line the foot of the hill and other small picturesque palaces, surrounded by the exotic Parque de Pena, a giant park and botanical museum with large elaborate homes and beautiful scenery.

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  • Sintra's Historic Quarter

    Many interesting monuments can be found in this central part of the city. For example, from the Torre do Relógio (clock tower), Igreja de São Martinho (lovely church), Paço dos Ribafria, Convento da Trindade, Igreja de Santa Maria, a notable string of fountains, such as the Fonte da Pipa and the Fonte da Sabuga.

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Cellar Tours Private Luxury Food & Wine Tours

Cellar Tours

Welcome to Cellar Tours, the premier Luxury Travel Specialist since 2003. Our goal is to provide you with the ultimate food and wine vacation experience, with exclusive Mercedes chauffeured tours that showcase the best of local cuisine and wines.

Our team specializes in crafting bespoke, custom-designed vacations, events, and incentives tailored to your unique tastes and preferences. Travel is not just about seeing new places - it's about creating unforgettable memories and indulging in the finer things in life.

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