Full of secrets, charm and tradition, Sintra was once the home of highest Portuguese nobility, and the social meeting place, the place everybody wanted to be. The time might passed, but Sintra didn’t lose its enchantment, as you can prove it by visiting Palácio da Pena, Castelo dos Mouros, Quinta da Regaleira and the gothic style of the National Palace.

Sintra is located within the gorgeous natural scenery of the Parque Natural de Sintra-Cascais. This national park incorporates the steep hills of Sintra and the lush forests that lead down to the dramatic coastline and to its beautiful beaches. In 1992, UNESCO expanded the World Heritage categories and established the “Cultural Landscape” criteria and Sintra ended receiving its classification in 1995.

Sintra hills are the basis for many activities on the region, which include hiking trails, challenging cycle routes and some of the best rock climbing found in Portugal.

Only 20 minutes away from Lisbon, Sintra is a truly hideaway and a must place to visit in Portugal.