There are 2 palaces well worth visiting in Sintra. The ornate Sintra National Palace is notable for its white twin chimneys and elaborate tilework, while the hilltop Pena National Palace, dating back to the 19th century, is known for its eclectic colors, whimsical design, and sweeping forest views. Both offers tours that pull back the curtain on life in Sintra back in the day. Whether or not you plan to visit Sintra's castles, the well-marked walking and hiking trails through the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park make for a grand day out, and you can find maps available in the tourist centers.
The village of Sintra is full of steep, cobbled streets lined with charming shops selling unique wares, and lively eateries serving traditional Portuguese fare. Local tours of the castles and through the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park are available, or you can easily go on a self-guided walking tour of the area. Thanks to its coastal positioning, beach-goers will be happily occupied in the Municipality of Sintra, with stretches of sandy coastline and crystal blue waters easily accessible. Rent a boat for a day, and take in the views from the water.
In summer, Municipality of Sintra vacation rentals offer a cool escape from the sweltering temps in the cities—not for nothing was this forested enclave a popular retreat for Portuguese royalty. Today, thanks to its proximity to the coast, prices and crowds are both at their peak between June and August. Instead, consider visiting in spring or fall. The so-called shoulder seasons still boast warm weather, but with smaller crowds and better prices. You'll find the fewest people and the best deals in winter, but the weather can on the cool side, so you'll want to pack accordingly.
Sintra's prime positioning in the foothills of the Sintra Mountains—with lush, misty forests on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other—makes for a dynamic and dramatic landscape. All along the coast, sandy beaches stretch next to the sea, offering another welcome respite from nearby Lisbon. Here, you'll find plunging cliffs, caves, and rock formations climbing from the crashing waves. You can also take your pick from a number of seaside restaurants that exclusively serve local seafood—a tasty reminder of the marine life swimming just out of sight.
The nearest airport is in Cascais (CAT), located 5.5 mi (8.9 km) from the city center. If you can't find a flight that works for your travel itinerary, you could also fly into Lisbon (LIS-Humberto Delgado), which is 14.5 mi (23.3 km) away.
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