A resort town located in the foothills of the Sintra Mountains, this Portuguese destination sees a blend of Moorish and European architecture as well as nature parks and palaces showcasing the natural and creative beauty of the region. Sintra sits in the municipality of Greater Lisbon and spans centuries of fascinating history.
GETTING THERE & AROUND
International visitors to Sintra often fly into Humberto Delgado Airport in Lisbon, located less than 45 minutes from Sintra. Travelers can choose from several options to reach Sintra from the airport. Taxis await outside the airport daily, while the metro and trains connect passengers with Sintra. Oriente Station, near the airport, can be reached by metro; trains depart every 20 minutes to Sintra. Once in Sintra, travelers can get around via taxis, car-sharing services, buses and Sintra tramway. The tramway also links Sintra with the Atlantic Coast.
LODGING
Penha Longa Resort
Guests are spoiled with options at this six- restaurant, three-pool resort located on the grounds of a golf course and former monastery dating to the 14th century. There’s no need to worry about dated interiors, however, with contemporary accommodations, sleek amenities and terraces found within. The hotel lies less than 15 minutes from Sintra.
Estrada da Lagao Azul Linhó, Lisbon, Portugal
tel 351 21 924 9011
penhalonga.com
Tivoli Palácio de Seteais
What better way to stay in Sintra than in an authentic palace? This 18th-century estate offers elegant rooms accompanied by an upscale restaurant, spa and pool. Walk among the gardens and take in views of the region.
Rua Barbosa du Bocage 8, Sintra, Portugal
tel 351 21 923 3200
tivolihotels.com
Vila Galé Sintra Resort Hotel, Conference & Spa
Located on a hillside, this luxurious 5-star hotel boasts two restaurants, multiple pools and accommodations reminiscent of the relaxed Portuguese countryside. Guests can indulge in spa treatments as well as enjoy access to a gym and beauty salon.
Rua da Fonte da Granja 30, Sintra, Portugal
tel 351 21 052 0000
vilagale.com
DINING
Arola
Found within Penha Longa Resort, this fine-dining institution not only boasts beautiful views of the countryside but also serves delectable dishes like roasted sea bass, Iberian pork and giant tiger prawns. Decadent desserts such as whiskey tarts and citrus pavlova round out the special dining experience.
Estrada da Lagao Azul Linhó, Lisbon, Portugal
tel 351 21 924 9011
penhalonga.com
Búzio
A staple in the Sintra area since 1959, this family- owned establishment serves the freshest seafood and incorporates local ingredients into every dish. The restaurant serves a variety of seafood plates, from mussels to shrimp to crab.
Av. Eugene Levy 56, Praia das Maçãs, Colares- Sintra, Portugal
tel 351 21 929 2172
buzio.pt
Seteais Restaurant
Surround yourself with beautiful frescos and paintings at this stylish mountain restaurant within Tivoli Palácio de Seteais. Diners can take part in the royal tasting menu featuring lobster ravioli, fresh fish of the day and pistachio mille-feuille. Other highlights include fresh cod, grouper, partridge pie and aged veal.
Rua Barbosa du Bocage 8, Sintra, Portugal
tel 351 21 923 3200
tivolihotels.com
ATTRACTIONS
Castle of the Moors
A national monument and UNESCO World Heritage site, this eighth-century castle atop the Sintra Mountains showcases some of the best examples of medieval Moorish architecture in Portugal. The site also includes a chapel.
Sintra, Portugal, tel 351 21 923 7300
sintraportugaltourism.com
Pena Palace
One of the major expressions of 19th-century Romanticism in the world, Pena Palace is one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal. Used for state events by the president of the Portuguese Republic, the palace includes a chapel, royal dining room, convent, clock tower and surrounding park.
Estrada da Pena, Sintra, Portugal
tel 351 21 923 7300
parquesdesintra.pt
Sintra-Cascais Natural Park
Spanning about 55 square miles, this park includes important historical sites as well as scenic outlooks and natural vistas. Stone Age chambers like Anta de Adrenunes are found within, as well as the Palace of Sintra, Seteais Palace, Cresmina Dune and Convent of the Capuchos.
Sintra, Portugal
tel 351 213 507 900
natural.pt
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