13 Best Things to do in Enchanting Sintra Guide

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By the time I realised my mistake, it was too late.

On our first visit to Sintra, we were on a 3-week campervan road trip along the west coast of Portugal with our two cats. Driving from Ericeira, a wonderful fishing village around a 30-minute journey from Sintra, we made our way to the centre of the town enthusiastic to explore. Jonny is a calm driver, which is why usually I, Hannah will navigate us along the way and you could say we make a good team. 

With little to no prior knowledge of Sintra, other than doing a bit of last-minute research on attractions to visit, we had a car park plugged into our Google maps leading us to our next destination. We arrived at our destination only to discover that there were no spaces available, and they were not suitable for the size of our campervan. Little did we know what was lying ahead…

There was nowhere to turn around and at this point my phone didn’t have any internet signal and I hadn’t planned a backup option, so we continued along the cobbled road through the historical centre of Sintra which turned into a one-way street with many tourists crossing the road or aimlessly standing in the middle of it. If there’s one thing that can make me stressed its not knowing where we are going, especially in busy places. I just went into full-on panic, rabbit in headlights mode and couldn’t figure out what to do. Whereas Jonny was cool-as-a-cucumber navigating the hilly narrow roads channelling his inner easy like a Sunday morning, which is another reason why we make a good team. 

Luckily, we found a place to pull over and plugged in a car park outside the town centre which would allow us to walk into the historical centre, without having to re-live that moment ever again. So, what did we learn from this experience? First, have a backup plan don’t rely on only one place to park Sintra can be a bit of a maze, especially for bigger vehicles. Visiting Sintra requires planning beforehand, this will allow you to get the most out of your time. 

Don’t make the same mistake, this guide will share the best places to visit in Sintra, including places to park, and how to get around and we hope you can have a stress-free experience in this wonderful part of Portugal!

Nearby, you’ll discover the stunning Sintra coastline with golden sandy beaches, dinosaur fossils, lighthouses, rock formations and a rich biodiversity of plants and wildlife. Sintra is near Lisbon and Cascais, making it ideal to combine your visit with a trip to see this spectacular area of Portugal.

Sintra National Palace arch Portugal
Sanctuary of Peninha Sintra Portugal
Sintra National Palace Gardens viewpoint over Sintra

What is Sintra known for?

For those who may not have heard of Sintra, it is a fairy-tale landscape, a wonderful example of the Romanticism movement, pastel-coloured castles and mansions embellish the surrounding forests. It was the perfect summer retreat for Portuguese Royals to escape the heat. A region of contrasts, Sintra is a UNESCO World Heritage site for its unique combination of enchanting natural and historical sites.

How to get to Sintra?

There are many ways to get to Sintra and it is most likely you’ll be either travelling from Lisbon airport, Lisbon and Cascais. The easiest way to get to Sintra is by train from Lisbon city centre, its a direct route that takes around 40 minutes in total. We will share in detail how to get to Sintra by train, bus and car for you to explore all options available to you what you may be most suited to your travel requirements or travel style.

By Train

The most stress-free and car-free way to get to Sintra is by train, you’ll avoid the narrow roads, trying to find a parking space and navigating wrong turns. The best way to travel by train into Sintra is from Rossio station (best from city centre) and Orient station (best route from Lisbon Airport) in Lisbon which runs a frequent direct service and will take around 40 minutes.

Rossio station is the most conveniently located for those travelling from the city centre of Lisbon, close to Baixa-Chiado and is located between Rossio square and Figueira Square. Rossio station is on the green line of the Lisbon Metro, which makes it easy to get to from the city centre.

To purchase a ticket for the trains to Sintra, there are ticket machines at both Rossio and Oriente and tickets cost around €2.40 for a single and €4.80 for a return. Another option is to use the metro Viva Viagem Card which is a contactless card which you top up with the amount you will need, saving you time queuing especially on the weekends. The card costs €0.60 and is worth getting if you are using the metro regularly, you must tap your card before every journey and  makes it much more convenient than having to purchase individual tickets for each trip. 

Do not get off at Portela de Sintra as this is further from the historical centre continue to the end of the line, the closest station to the historical centre is Sintra station (Estação de Sintra).  From there it takes around 15 minutes on foot to Sintra National Palace which is located in the heart of the old town. There is a bus stop outside the station, as you exit the station its on the right and the best option is to get 434 or 435 bus, if you want to avoid the walk. 

By Bus

Unfortunately, there is no easy direct bus from Lisbon to Sintra which is why travelling by train is the best option. However if you are coming from Cascais there is a direct bus service to Sintra from Cascais bus terminal and takes around an hour. 

For a trip to Sintra from Cascais, catch the 1623 for the fastest route and the 1624 will take you on a scenic route to Sintra. Check the Carris metropolitan website for a list of the bus lines and timetables, the website is only in Portuguese. Add Google Translate to your web browser this will help you to navigate the website.  

Alternatively, the 435 also leaves the station, goes via the city and continues on to Pena Palace and many of the other locations nearby. (See above for more details on how to catch the bus in Sintra

Monserrate Palace Sintra Portugal

By Car

As mentioned in our earlier story, driving around Sintra can be stressful especially if you don’t know where you are going or have a slightly bigger car. We visited Sintra as part of a 3-week road trip along the west coast of Portugal and are so glad we decided to stop here but wish we knew a bit more about parking and the roads around Sintra.

There are restrictions for non-resident cars around the centre of Sintra, limiting your options if you travel by car. The only areas you cannot drive to include Pena Palance, Moorish Castle and the National Sintra Palace. You could be fined if you are found driving through these areas as a non-resident.

The best thing to do is park outside of Sintra at one of the many car parks listed here. P2 is the closest car park and is free, but fills up quickly, so arrive early to avoid crowds. Please do not keep any valuables in your car as you will be a target for thieves. Sintra is a popular spot for tourists and thieves will take any opportunity. If you are staying in a hotel in the historic centre, you will have to leave your car in one of the car parks listed below (the bold text is linked to the google maps location). 

From the car parks, you can either catch the bus to the historical centre, walk or get a taxi. It is worth bearing in mind that buses run from 9:15 am, so if you want to visit before this it’s best to book a taxi/uber or tuk-tuk for direct access.

By a Tour

Whilst this is our least preferred option, it can be ideal when visiting Sintra. If you’re looking for an easy option for getting around Sintra and seeing the sights without the stress of figuring out public transport. Many of the tuk-tuks stationed in the historical centre and at the train station can offer bespoke tours of the sights of Sintra. It could be worth doing a tour on one day of the main sights and then on your second day exploring some of the lesser-known places and surrounding coastline and forests.

Book a tour from Lisbon that will show you the Sintra highlights which is a great option to see most of the places and is best to choose one that focuses just on Sintra as there is so much to see. A whole day in Sintra will still only feel like a quick highlights of all the places there are to see, if you have time to do a full day tour from Lisbon to Sintra, this tour could be a good option. The tour includes the Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, Sintra mountains and Monserrate Palace. 


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How to get around Sintra?

Sintra is a bit of a maze, the main attractions are spread out due to the mountainous geography which is what makes this place so unique but can be a bit of a challenge to navigate. The hills of Sintra are both beautiful and a calf-burner. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes that wont give you blisters as you will need to prepare to a fair bit of walking up and down hills.

If you are unable to walk to most of the attractions there are many other ways of getting around Sintra. Unfortunately, as mentioned previously most of the centre of Sintra has restrictions for private non-residential vehicles this is to reduce traffic, making it a more pleasant experience for visitors.

By Tram

The iconic Sintra tram is a wonderful way to explore Sintra and the surrounding areas, restored in 2004. It will take you from the historical centre of Sintra, through the enchanting forest for around 45 minutes to Praia das Maçãs, one of the beautiful beaches in Sintra.

By Tourist Road Train

The Sintra tourist road train will take you past Sintra National Palace, Moorish Castle, Pena Palace, Biester Palace and Quinta da Regaleira. The train begins on Avenida Doutor Miguel Bombarda next to the Sintra Train Station with three stops along the way, one in São Pedro, another at the entrance to Pena Park and finally in the Historic Centre. A single tour costs €12 euros for adult and can be used similar to the buses if you want to get off and explore the attractions, the full circuit takes around 45 minutes. 

By Tuk Tuk

When you arrive in Sintra, you may notice many Tuk Tuks zipping along the roads which are mostly based outside Sintra train station. A Tuk Tuk is a similar to a motorbike but has three wheels motorised and is used as a taxi and can be a great way to get around Sintra. Fares should be no more than €10, depending on the distance of your journey. 

By e-Car hire

If you’re looking for comfort, eco-friendly transport that allows you to explore at your own pace then hiring a small yellow e-car from LAS tours could be the best option. The car is self-guided with audio to keep you informed of the sites along the route, with options to book for all day, half day or particular pre-set tours or there is the option to create your own custom route. 

By Taxi or Uber

Taxi charges within Sintra as a little more expensive to elsewhere but are a convenient way to get around the sites, especially if you have one in particular you’d like to get to before opening to beat the crowds getting on the bus. As Sintra is particularly hilly, signal can be patchy in places and not always reliable. Either make a note of local taxi companies or make sure to head to the taxi ranks outside Sintra train station, Portela de Sintra train station and Sintra-Vila post office. 

Sintra National Palace Gardens Portugal

On Foot

Comfortable footwear will be your best friend for getting around Sintra on foot. We recently discovered Teva adventure sandals which are cushioned and perfect for days out exploring towns and getting out into nature. It is possible to walk to most of the attractions in Sintra but expect to do quite a lot of uphill walking on average 45 minutes to over an hour walk.

The benefit of walking other than getting toned legs, is that along the route there is the chance to experience the wild nature and beauty of the forests surrounding the historical centre and escape away from most of the other visitors in Sintra.

The most challenging walks are to Pena Palace and the Moorish Castle, we walked up the Santa Maria Trail to the Moorish Castle and it took a lot of effort, especially on a hot day in the summer.  

The historic centre of Sintra is fairly easy to get around without having to tackle huge hills, the streets are narrow and are perfect for a stroll. There are a number of historic trails and beautiful hiking trails around Sintra which will take you past some of the main sights of Sintra and a chance to delve into the local area in more depth. 

By Bus

There are dedicated buses for visitors in Sintra designed to take you around most of the scenic sights of the town and there are two main buses that take slightly different routes which are 434 and 435. Both buses are operated by ScottURB and can be taken outside Sintra train station with the option to purchase a 24 hour ticket for €13.50 which allows you to use the bus for unlimited journeys throughout the day for both buses.

If you arrive by train into Sintra train station, the bus station is found when you exit the station outside and it will be on your right. The 435 bus route known as the Villa Express 4 Palaces from the Sintra train station into the historical town centre (Sintra National Palace), it also passes Montserrate Palace, Setais Palace, Ribeira de Sintra and Regaleira Estate. Check the 435 timetable online for up to date information when visiting, its worth noting that the bus does not return to the historic town centre and returns direct to Sintra station.

The 434 bus route known as the Pena Circuit also starts from Sintra train station and takes you into the historic town centre, of Sintra Moorish Castle, Pena Palace and Park and finishes at Sintra train station. Check the online 434 bus timetable for the most update information. To purchase bus tickets, either pay direct to the driver or purchase in advance at the Scotturb - Posto Venda ticket office which is located opposite Sintra train station. This is a popular bus at it covers most of the main sites and works as a hop on hop off service for a single route, if you purchase a single ticket. The best way to visit Sintra using the 434 bus would be to go to first jump off at Pena Palace, as this is best enjoyed early in the morning and then afterwards walk to the Moorish Castle which takes around 20 minutes.

There is also the option to purchase a train and bus ticket which is available to purchase in advance at CP ticket offices and if you are travelling from Lisbon you can purchase at the station which you load onto your Navegante card and costs €14.00. This ticket will give unlimited journeys on the day of purchase on the CP Sintra and Azambuja lines (between Alcântara-Terra and Oriente) and all the bus routes 434 and 435. This ticket provides the most value, especially as the 24 hour bus ticket is only €0.50 cheaper. 

By Car

Non-residential and private cars are restricted within the historical centre of Sintra which can be frustrating if you plan on hiring a car to explore the town. This has been introduced to reduce traffic in the town centre, making it more pleasant experience without traffic queues and lost tourists trying to navigate narrow roads. Park you car at one of the dedicated car parks outside the historical centre and choose one of the methods above to exlpore the wonderful sights of Sintra. 

Sintra Portugal flowers wildlife

When is the best time to visit Sintra?

The busiest time of year to visit Sintra is in Summer, as in times past the Royals would escape the heatwaves to the cool, shaded forests of Sintra. The best time to visit would be in Spring (March to June) or Autumn (September to November) for the ultimate experience, with fewer crowds and a chance for warm weather.

The most popular attractions are Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, Sintra National Palace and Moorish castle. When planning your day in Sintra it’s best to visit Pena Palace or any of the others listed above first thing in the morning, to enjoy its grandeur without lots of other visitors. Remember you won’t be able to see everything in Sintra in a day. 

How long do I need to visit Sintra?

We would recommend a minimum of two days to explore a few sights in depth without feeling rushed or burnt out from all the walking. This also allows for time exploring the spectacular Sintra coastline and surrounding magical forest. If you only have a day to visit Sintra, to make the most of your visit choose your top two sites and leave time to walk around the historical town centre. 

Sintra National Palace Gardens Portugal

11 Best Things to Do in Sintra

1. Explore Sintra beaches

When planning your visit to Sintra, many only consider seeing the historical castles and palaces, yet there is so much more to Sintra! Explore off the beaten path and head to the coastline, Sintra is abundant in a rich biodiversity of flora and fauna with the most beautiful beaches. Take a break from the hilly cobblestone streets of Sintra and head to the coast to satisfy your inner thalassophile. 

Marvel at the views of Ursa Beach, an iconic sight that has to be one of the region's most unique and spectacular beaches. Watch the sunset at Praia da Adraga for dreamy golden memories and enjoy delicious local food from the restaurant on the beach. The beaches are tidal and can experience rockfalls, do not sit under or climb down any unstable cliffs and keep to paths. 

Ursa Beach Sintra Cascais coastline Portugal

2. Pena Palace

Proudly perched on top of one of the highest hills in Sintra, Pena Palace is considerably one of the most famous attractions in Sintra. 

The site was purchased by King Manuel I to build a Monastery for Lady Pena this was ruined after an earthquake in 1755, King Ferdinand II had a vision for Pena Palace, as a keen artist he took inspiration from a variety architectural styles and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. The ruins of Monastery were transformed into the a decadent romantic house for the royals to spend their summer days in complete bliss. 

Pena Palace is surrounded by 85 hectares of immaculate gardens, known as Pena Park where King Ferdinand II collected many species of plants from across the world that were planted in the park and is considered one of the most important gardens in Portugal.

The colourful buildings are painted yellow and red, complimented by a blue rooftop and takes influence from Islamic, Neo-Gothic, Neo-Moorish, Neo-Manueline architecture, combined to create a monumental masterpiece. If you plan to visit Pena Palace on your visit to Sintra, get there as it opens to avoid the crowds. The best way to do this is by taxi or Tuk Tuk as the buses arrive a little after opening. 


3. Walk In the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park

For those looking to explore on foot, Sintra provides many hiking routes, across diverse landscapes from following the historic fishermen trail along stunning coastlines, to lush forests and enchanting towns.  The Sintra-Cascais Natural Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a unique park of natural and historical sites. 

There are several hiking tour companies and we enjoyed our time with Francisco from Walk Hike Portugal, after exploring the coast and forests it felt like we’d spent time with a friend, sharing stories, and history and learning all about our surroundings in Sintra. Taking a walking tour around the Natural Park will give an added dimension to your experience, making it much more immersive and an added appreciation for your new surroundings.

daisy flowers in Sintra cascais natural park

4. Try Traditional Sintra treats

You can’t visit Sintra without trying one of their delicious delicacies! Our favourite was the Travesseiro de Sintra which you will find in most bakeries if they haven’t run out. A Travesseiro is a rectangular-shaped pastry that translates to ‘pillow’ packed with a sweet filling, egg yolks, sugar and almond paste that tastes divine.

Another traditional treat to try whilst in Sintra is the Queijada de Sintra, an ancient pastry that goes back to the Middle Ages. Quijada is made of eggs, milk, sugar, flour and cheese (queijo) from which the name derives. 


5. Walk in the Sintra forest

The Sintra forest is home to a variety of native trees such as cork, oak and maple which have to compete with introduced species including eucalyptus and acacia that were introduced in the Romanticism era of Sintra with the construction of palaces and exotic gardens. King Ferdinand planted thousands of tree species from around the world. These included cedars and there are distinct areas in the forest of each one, in turn creating contrasting forests.

Many efforts have been made over the years to reintroduce more native species, which is evident throughout the forests. It is fascinating to discover that the Sintra Forest has created hybrid plants that have adapted to their new environment, where some have two different kinds of leaves to test their surroundings and determine which will survive the best.

The Sintra forest is a stark contrast to the historical centre of Sintra, where you can enjoy the calming effect of nature and observe the many animals and plants that thrive in this environment. 

Hiking in Sintra forest Portugal

6. Monserrate Palace

A sanctuary surrounded by nature and breathtaking views, Monserrate Palace is perfectly perched on a hill and would have been a home that many would envy/desire for their own. Monserrate Palace has a flare of elegance and is a sight often overlooking when planning the ultimate Sintra visit.  

Located a little further outside the historical centre of Sintra, Monserrate Palace is one of our favourite places to visit in Sintra, it has a wonderful peaceful setting, astonishing architecture with Islamic influence, botanical gardens that are a sight to behold. Over time, Monserrate Palace has been handed over to many families who have modified and added parts of the palace and ground. 

Lord Byron visited Monserrate Palace in 1809, he enjoyed his visit so much that he was inspired to write all about the elegance of Monserrate. It was purchased by Francis Cook, a British merchant and art collector who built the palace that stands on the grounds today. The Cook family enjoyed many idyllic summers at Monserrate Palace, hosting guests with big parties. 

Monserrate has an impressive display of exotic plants in the botanical gardens, displaying rare species that have survived growing alongside many indigenous species such as cork and oak trees. As you enter the park gardens, a waterfall welcomes you along the top path running into a lily pond and hidden within the grounds you’ll discover ruins that have been engulfed by nature and a peaceful lake.  

The Palace is now owned by the Portuguese government, allowing visitors to come and see the magic of Monserrate and was restored in 2010 to maintaining the building and grounds.

Monserrate Palace architecture Sintra Portugal
Monserrate Palace with cat Sintra
Monserrate Palace architecture Sintra Portugal
Monserrate Palace arches in Sintra Portugal

7. Sintra tram to Praia das Maçãs

Go on a magical and slightly rickety journey from the heart of Sintra to the wonderful coastline of Sintra. Connected by the Sintra tram, take a 40 minute journey to the Maçâs beach which translates to Apple Beach. The name of the beach comes from a story about a river from the Sintra mountains and it was known that apple orchards were found on the edge of the stream and now and then it would catch fallen apples and carry them down to the beach, hence the name Praia das Maçâs.

Once you arrive at Praia das Maçâs, enjoy the soft golden sand, there is a children's playground, cafés, restaurants, toilets, surf schools and an outdoor swimming pool. A welcome break from the busy old town of Sintra for a breathe of fresh air on the coast and maybe an ice cream or two!


8. Sintra National Palace

Set in the heart of this historical centre of Sintra, Sintra National Palace stands at the centre watching over the bustling cobbled streets and shops of the town. As one of the oldest palaces in Portugal, Sintra National Palace has stood throughout the ages, since the beginning of Portugal as a country.

As one of the easiest attractions to access from Sintra station due to its proximity, it is one of the more popular sights and is worth visiting early in the morning to avoid tours and crowds which arrive later in the morning. The entrance of the palace is opposite the courtyard and up the grand steps past the water fountain. Sintra National Palace is made up of many unique rooms, gardens and terraces to discover.  The gardens of Sintra National Palace are free for everyone and shows one of the best views of the old town of Sintra, there is an entrance fee to enter the Palace. 

Sintra National Palace is made up of two cone-shaped chimneys that create an iconic silhouette and the contrast between the white facade and orange terracotta tiles, compliment traditional Portuguese architecture. One of the most impressive rooms, the Heraldic Hall has the ceiling is completely covered in gold shaped in an octagonal dome and displays the family coat of arms.   

Sintra National Palace Sintra intricate gold ceiling
Sintra National Palace Sintra chimneys
Sintra National Palace Sintra gardens terrace

9. Moorish Castle (Castle of the Moors)

On our first visit to Sintra, the Moorish Castle was not what we expected to find in Sintra. As a fortified castle built in the 10th century, it was occupied by Islamic rule under the Moors who at the time were found around much of the Iberian Peninsula. Its walls reminded us of the great wall of China, meandering along the contours of the hills and made out of solid grey granite blocks. 

The clouds would roll into the castle, creating a sensation that you were high above the clouds and once they disappeared they revealed the most spectacular views of Sintra below. Its easy to understand why this was an important position as an outpost for guarding the Atlantic coast. The Moors occupied the castle until the first King of Portugal defeated them and slowly over time became a Medieval town. 

Since 1976, the site has been excavated uncovering wonderful discoveries about its past and continues today. The contrast of the grey granite against the green forest is an incredible sight and the endless dense forest seems untouched and wild.

Moorish Castle Sintra granite wall steps in fog
Moorish Castle Sintra Portugal in the fog

10. Walk around the historic centre of Sintra

The beating heart of the town, Sintra has an old part which is mostly located along Rua Padarias opposite the Sintra National Palace. This is usually one of the busiest places in Sintra, possibly to its small size and central location, most of the shops, cafés, restaurants are found in the historic centre. 

Take time to wander the narrow side streets, browsing the local shops and observe the beautiful pastel coloured buildings, every corner is picture perfect. The historical centre of Sintra is full of colour, beauty and romance. Wander around the small cobbled streets to discover boutique shops selling homewares, handcrafts and delicious treats. Whilst in Sintra you must try their signature pastries including a travesseiros, filo pastry roll filled with a sweet almond paste - anything almond flavoured is a win in our opinion!

There are many attractions to visit in the centre including the impressive National Palace, purchase tickets to explore the inside of the previous Royals home with gold adorned ceilings and intricate paintings. Our favourite places to visit include Castelo dos Mouros (Moorish Castle) and Monserrate Palace, both of which feel like another world.

Sintra old town historical centre Portugal
Traditional portuguese fish bites and tomato rice Sintra restaurant

11. Convent of Capuchos

Convent of the Capuchos is located a little further away from Sintra old town and the other attractions mentioned above. This minimalist convent is comprised of rooms where friars would reside and congregate in the chapel for worship. 

The convent is a rich contrast from the extravagant and luxurious mansions and palaces which surround it and showcases the peace that comes from a simple life. The Convent of Capuchos was home to Franciscan monks and was built seamlessly merging into its natural surroundings such as the native forest which would have provided solace. 

The best way to access the Convent of Capuchos is by car, there is parking onsite and is the most convenient way to access. There is the option to get there by public transport but requires a 40 minute walk from the bus stop, catch the 1253 bus from Sintra train station and jump off at Av Dr Brandão Vasconcelos (Pé da Serra). Check the Carris metropolitana website for current bus timetables.


12. Cabo da Roca Lighthouse

If you go to Sintra, don’t miss the chance to visit the most western point of mainland Europe, Cabo da Roca which translates to ‘Rock Cape’. The Cabo da Roca lighthouse sits on the edge of the Sintra coast as one of the oldest lighthouses in Portugal built in 1758 and still operates today.

There is a large free car park which makes it a suitable stop for many tours and coaches which can make it feel a little overwhelming and possibly a bit of a tourist trap at certain times of the day, it can be very popular at sunset. There are also toilets in the lighthouse tourism building which costs 50 cents to use. Opposite the car park, there is a restaurant that also sells souvenirs.

As the most western point of mainland Europe, it can get pretty windy, do not climb over the barriers as there can be strong gusts of wind and the cliffs are unstable in places. Whilst visiting Cabo da Roca, take the chance to walk along the coast of Sintra to Praia da Ursa for beautiful coastal views without as many people! 

Read our Sintra beaches guide for more information on other lovely beaches along this stretch of coastline and more information on how to get to Praia da Ursa.

Cabo da Roca Lighthouse
Cabo da Rocas ocean sunset view

13. Peninha Sanctuary viewpoint

Standing at 488 metres above sea level, the Sanctuary of Peninha is one of the highest points of the Sintra mountains. Set on a rocky granite outcrop, the Sanctuary offers magnificent views of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park and on a clear day, 360 panoramic vistas of the coastline and Sintra mountains. 

The ‘Peninha’ shrine was an important location for Christian pilgrims, who were praying for fertility, the chapel was then extended into a summer home and has now been purchased by the Moon Company who own most of the attractions in Sintra and hopefully the place will be restored to retain its historical significance and former beauty.

To reach the Sanctuary of Peninha, you can pair it with a hike within the Sintra forest or there is a car park at the base of the hill which is a short walk to the top. From this viewpoint. Once you reach the top, it is a little clearer to understand why Sintra is named the ‘Mountain of the Moon’, as large boulders of granite protrude from the ground and under a full moon, they shimmer in the moonlight, like an enchanting beacon.

The place was born from a legend, that a poor shepherd witnessed a miracle after seeing the Virgin Mary and as a result was blessed with bread to feed the whole village after a period of famine. A statue was erected at the top of the hill and became a place of religious importance. The old chapel is unassuming from the outside, a humble, crumbling farm building and once you step inside you can envisage the chapel and if you look closely find the cross of Knights Templar.

Peninha Sanctuary viewpoint Sintra Portugal
Peninha Sanctuary viewpoint Sintra Portugal
Peninha Sanctuary viewpoint Sintra Portugal

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