Sightseeing In Sintra
If you’re staying in Sintra this summer, we want to make sure you make the most of it. Whilst it may be tempting to spend all your time at the beautiful Penha Longa Resort, there’s so much to see and do in this wonderful region. We’ve put together a small list of some of our must-see sightseeing destinations in the surrounding area to ensure you experience all Sintra has to offer!
Guincho Beach
Guincho Beach is one of Portugals finest beaches, with captivating scenery and world-renowned surfing.
Home to our new Learn Together Surfing programme, Guincho is known for its impressive waves. Combine these with a refreshing breeze rolling in from the Atlantic Ocean and you have the optimal surf conditions. Whilst a popular area for surfers and water sports enthusiasts, this 800m long beach is more than big enough for all without ever feeling overcrowded, even in the summer months.
A great beach day for families, Guincho can provide great weather, plenty to do and of course stunning views. Lifeguards are always on duty to ensure you and your family can enjoy your day safely. Only a short drive from Penha Longa, our resort team can whisk you off for a fantastic day at the beach.
Belem Tower
We highly recommend a trip to Lisbon for a day or evening trip to experience the electric atmosphere and incredible food scene and while you’re in the area, Belem Tower is well worth a visit.
Built in the early 1500’s by Portuguese architect Francisco de Arruda, the Belem Tower is a staple in Portuguese architecture and one of the most admired landmarks in Lisbon.
Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983, the Belem Tower has a rich history to explore and makes for a fascinating family activity. Constructed on the Tagus River, the tower’s original purpose was to assist in defending Lisbon. Throughout the years the design was altered for both defensive reasons and, eventually, commercial and preservation purposes.
The tower consists of five floors. he ground floor, also known as The Governor’s Hall, is immaculately decorated, complete with cannons at its windows, to recreate a 16th Century feel. The other floors include The King’s Hall, The Audience Hall, The Chapel and The Roof Terrace. Tours of the tower also include a look at the dungeons where prisoners were held.T
Also worth visiting while in the area is the nearby Jeronimos Monastery.
Pena Palace
Converted from the ruins of a monastery, Pena Palace has been a huge draw for tourists and locals alike since construction was completed in 1854. Known for its bright colours, the palace has been restored and repainted over the years after the original reds and yellows wore away to grey, it now stands tall and as bright as it once did when first built.
Pena palace has an intriguing history, having been converted from a small chapel to a monastery and then a palace. It is well known as the place that the last queen of Portugal chose to spend her final night before being exiled and fleeing the country.
Architecturally classified as a 19th-century Romanticism-style building, the palace is home to mythological statues, hidden pathways, and of course lush forest gardens that surround the landmark.
Pronounced a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, Pena Palace is extremely popular with tourists, with funds from tours being generously invested back into the palace to ensure its maintenance and restoration.
Pena Palace is located within the same nature reserve, the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, as Penha Longa Hotel so getting to it is a breeze by Powder Byrne shuttle.
Quinta Da Regaleira
Also located within the nature reserve is Quinta Da Regaleira. Built in the 20th Century, it is a grand residence that holds much more than first meets the eye. Behind the decadent façade of a five-floor grand house lie enchanting gardens that hold both delicate beauty and mysterious secrets.
Constructed in 1904 by Portuguese businessman Carvalho Monteiro, the residence was soon dubbed the “Palace of the Monteiro Millionaire”, designed in a striking Gothic styling, featuring gargoyles, pinnacles and a distinct octagonal tower. Following Carvalho’s death, the house stayed in the family and was eventually bought by the Sintra local government who then opened it to the public in 1998.
Before discovering the gardens we recommend you explore the Regaleira Chapel and grand house. The Roman Catholic chapel has several floors containing paintings of Saint Anthony and Tresa of Avila.
To behold, the gardens are impressive in themselves, with fountains, statues and an beautiful, lush greenery, however, it’s the secret tunnels that will captivate your attention. The “Initiation Wells” in particular contain stairs that go 27 meters down to a number of beautifully decorated tunnels that connect to one another and lead to various caves and monuments around the gardens.
There’s all this and so much more to see in this incredible area, and our Client Concierge and in-resort teams will be on hand to recommend the best sites and organise everything for you.
To find out more about spectacular Sintra call 020 8246 5300 to speak to one of our knowledgeable Travel Consultants or click here.
