Sintra reveals itself as a cultural landscape where natural and cultural heritage come together. The landscape is part of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park and has been protected by national legislation since 1994. It was the first cultural landscape in Europe to be classified. In the Serra de Sintra, natural and cultural sites come together in an exemplary setting.
Sintra Between Cultural and Natural Heritage
The Palácio Nacional de Sintra stands in the historic centre. It has the largest collection of Mudéjar tiles in Portugal. The Palácio da Pena offers a different architectural accent: it is considered one of the world’s finest examples of 19th-century Romanticism. The associated Parque da Pena extends across more than 200 hectares of wooded land.
The Castelo dos Mouros dates back to the beginnings of the Moorish occupation of the Iberian Peninsula in the 8th century. From there, the view stretches from Sintra to the sea. These historical and landscape features can also be distinguished by looking at the routes: some pass through forests to important buildings, while others connect the historic centre with individual attractions.
At the Convento dos Capuchos, the architecture is integrated with existing natural features, the surrounding vegetation and large granite boulders. The monastery is located in Sintra’s cultural landscape, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and in the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. The forest around the Convento is one of the most remarkable examples of Sintra’s original forest.
Architecture, Gardens and History
The Palácio e Quinta da Regaleira lies on the slopes of the Serra de Sintra, just a short walk from the historic centre. The four-hectare estate includes lush gardens, lakes, grottoes and enigmatic structures. The Vila Sassetti also combines a distinctive architectural feature with a route: it has a round terracotta tower in the Lombard Romanesque style.
Together with the Palácio da Pena, the Palácio de Monserrate is one of the most significant examples of Romantic architecture in Portugal. Its design reflects medieval and Oriental influences. On a stroll through the Parque de Monserrate, you’ll pass trees from all over the world, waterfalls and lakes.
The park of the Palácio Biester brings together exotic plant species, including camellias from China and Japan, green and red beeches from Central Europe, acacias from Australia and firs from North America. The Gruta da Pena, a natural formation, lies in a rocky hollow in the park. The Palácio Biester itself was built in the last decade of the 19th century and designed by José Luiz Monteiro as an outstanding example of Romantic architecture.
In the western part of the Parque da Pena, Elise Hensler and D. Fernando built the chalet of the Condessa d’Edla. It served as a place of rest and a romantic retreat for the couple. The Jardim da Condessa d’Edla is home to the park’s oldest collection of tree ferns; a watercourse forms small lakes and cascades there.
Routes and Connections
The Seteais footpath starts at the Palácio de Seteais and leads through the forest to the Parque e Palácio da Pena and the Castelo dos Mouros. Another route runs through the Vila Sassetti from the historic centre to these two destinations. Along the walking route through the Vila Sassetti, the Castelo dos Mouros is 1,850 metres away, or a 45-minute walk, and the Palácio da Pena is 2,250 metres away, or a 60-minute walk.
You can explore the Short Routes of Sintra and the “Caminho do Atlântico” Long Route without a guide. Trail markers and information boards help you find your way; downloadable georeferencing files are also available. As route conditions can change, check them before planning your trip.
The Eléctrico de Sintra connects the mountains with the sea. The tram runs for just under 11 kilometres between Vila Alda in Estefânia and Praia das Maçãs; the journey takes about 45 minutes. Operating times may vary, so it’s worth checking the timetable in advance.
Queijadas and Vinho de Colares
Local specialities include Queijadas de Sintra, a traditional sweet known since at least the Middle Ages. Vinho de Colares, particularly the Ramisco grape variety, is recommended as an accompaniment to meals.
Discover more destinations: Galamares, Janas, Praia Das Macas, Azenhas Do Mar, AlgueirĂŁo, Colares, Agualva, Belas.
View the overview of the wider destination: Sintra.
