Step into a Fairytale: A Review of Sintra, Portugal

The air hangs thick with the scent of fragrant eucalyptus, a cool mist clinging to your skin as it rolls off the Sintra Mountains. In the distance, the melancholic strains of Fado music drift on the breeze, a soundtrack to the fairytale unfolding before your eyes. Emerald hills rise sharply, crowned by vibrant palaces that seem to have sprung from the pages of a storybook. Welcome to Sintra... a place that has completely stolen my heart. After spending five unforgettable days exploring its hidden corners, indulging in its culinary delights, and soaking in its unique atmosphere, I'm here to share my experience and convince you that Sintra should be at the top of your travel list.

A Fairytale Unveiled: My 5-Day Sintra Itinerary

Day 1: Pena Palace at Sunrise (and Avoiding the Crowds)

My Sintra adventure began with a mission: to experience Pena Palace in all its glory, sans hordes of tourists. I knew this meant an early start, and let me tell you, it was worth every lost minute of sleep. I pre-booked my tickets online (€14 per adult) on the Parques de Sintra website and arrived at the palace gates just before the 9:30 AM opening time. The result? Pure magic.

The soft morning light bathed the palace in a golden glow, illuminating its vibrant facade in a way that postcards simply can't capture. The architectural styles – Romanticism, Manueline, and Moorish – blended seamlessly, creating a whimsical and utterly unique structure. What many don't realize is that Pena Palace wasn't always a palace; it was commissioned by King Ferdinand II, a man with a passion for the arts, who transformed a former monastery into his extravagant royal residence.

The Queen's Terrace offered the best vantage point for photography, providing unobstructed views of the palace and the surrounding landscape. Inside, the opulent staterooms were a stark contrast to the simplicity of the original monastery, offering a glimpse into the lives of Portuguese royalty. The way the morning light streamed through the windows, highlighting the intricate details of the décor, was simply breathtaking. Arriving early allowed me to wander through the palace at my own pace, truly appreciating its beauty and history before the crowds descended.

Day 2: Hiking to the Moorish Castle: Panoramic Views and Ancient History

Day two was dedicated to exploring Sintra's ancient history at the Moorish Castle. I opted for the scenic route, hiking up the well-maintained trails from the town center. The uphill trek took approximately 45 minutes, but the effort was rewarded tenfold by the breathtaking views.

The entrance fee to the castle is €8 per adult, and stepping inside is like stepping back in time. The castle served as a strategic defensive structure during the Moorish occupation, and its stone battlements offer panoramic views encompassing Pena Palace, the town of Sintra, and the vast Atlantic coastline. Exploring the cistern, remnants of the original mosque, and the imposing stone walls, I could almost hear the echoes of battles fought centuries ago. The afternoon sun streaming through the battlements created a dramatic play of light and shadow, adding to the castle's mystique.

Day 3: Tile-Painting Workshop: Unlocking the Secrets of Azulejo

No trip to Portugal is complete without experiencing the art of Azulejo tile painting. On day three, I participated in a hands-on workshop at "Azulejos de Sintra" (Rua Fonte da Pipa 7, Sintra). For approximately €50, I spent three hours learning the traditional techniques of Azulejo painting.

The workshop began with a brief history of Azulejo tiles in Portugal, tracing their origins and evolution through the centuries. Then, it was time to get creative! We learned how to apply the paint, create different patterns, and understand the importance of colour layering. The studio was filled with vibrant blues, yellows, and greens, reflecting the colours often seen on the streets of Portugal. The satisfaction of creating my own personalized souvenir – a beautifully hand-painted tile – was immense. It’s a memory I can now hang on my wall!

Day 4: Indulging in Sintra's Culinary Delights: Travesseiros, Queijadas, and Seafood with a View

Sintra is a feast for the senses, and that includes the taste buds. My fourth day was dedicated to exploring the region's culinary delights. My first stop was Piriquita for their famous Travesseiros. These flaky pastries filled with a sweet egg-and-almond cream are a Sintra institution, and the long lines are a testament to their popularity. The history of the pastry is intertwined with the history of Sintra itself, adding to the experience. Next, I sampled the Queijadas from Casa Piriquita, small cheese cakes with a creamy cheese filling and a delicate, slightly sweet crust.

For dinner, I treated myself to a seafood feast at Incomum by Luis Santos. The restaurant boasts panoramic views of the Sintra mountains, providing a stunning backdrop for a memorable meal. I highly recommend the grilled octopus with sweet potato puree (approximate price range: €30-€50 per person).

Day 5: Quinta da Regaleira: Mystical Gardens and Hidden Symbolism

My final day in Sintra was spent exploring the enigmatic Quinta da Regaleira. This estate is a world of its own, filled with mystical gardens, hidden grottoes, and fascinating symbolism. The highlight is undoubtedly the Initiation Well, a subterranean tower with a spiral staircase leading down into the earth. The well is associated with the Knights Templar and Freemasonry, adding to its sense of mystery and intrigue. The gardens themselves are a labyrinth of paths, fountains, and hidden corners, inviting exploration and discovery. The entrance fee is €8 per adult, and I recommend dedicating at least 2-3 hours to fully explore the estate. As the sun began to set, the shadows lengthened across the gardens, enhancing the estate's ethereal atmosphere.

Landscape and Microclimate

Sintra's unique microclimate is what allows for the cultivation of such a diverse range of exotic plants. Walking through the lush gardens, you'll find camellias, ferns, and towering trees from all corners of the globe. The dramatic juxtaposition of Moorish and Romantic architecture against the backdrop of the granite peaks of the Sintra Mountains is simply stunning. The mist and fog that often blanket the landscape add to the ethereal and magical atmosphere, creating a truly unforgettable experience. It is said that there are over 2000 species of plant in Sintra.

Practical Tips for Planning Your Trip

• Transportation: The easiest way to reach Sintra is by train from Lisbon's Rossio Station (approx. 40 minutes, €2.25 each way). Once in Sintra, use the Scotturb 434 bus to reach Pena Palace and the Moorish Castle (€3.90 for a single loop). Be warned: the roads are narrow and winding, so I advise against driving unless absolutely necessary.
• Accommodation: I stayed at Casa da Estefânia, a charming guesthouse in Sintra's historic center. Rooms start at around €80 per night.
• Best Time to Visit: Visit in the spring or fall to avoid the summer crowds and enjoy mild weather.
• What to Pack: Pack comfortable walking shoes, layers of clothing (as the weather can change quickly), and a waterproof jacket or umbrella.
• Sintra Festival: The annual Sintra Festival of classical music and dance takes place in July at various venues in Sintra, offering the opportunity to experience world-class performances in a unique setting. https://www.festivaldesintra.pt/

Concluding Paragraph

Sintra isn't just a place; it's an experience. A journey into a world where history, nature, and fantasy intertwine to create something truly magical. From the vibrant colors of Pena Palace to the serene beauty of the surrounding forests, Sintra will capture your heart and leave you longing to return. So, pack your bags, embrace the enchantment, and prepare to step into a fairytale of your own.