Portugal: Sights around Sintra and Cabo da Roca

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Don't miss the other travelogues about Portugal:

European Games for Transplants in Lisbon - see here.
Sights in Lisbon for families with children - see here.

Speaking of attractions in the Lisbon area, Portugal, it is important to note that quite a few of the museums in Lisbon are closed on Mondays. Therefore, it is a good idea to set aside this day to visit Sintra. Here is a list of what you can see in the Sintra area within 1-2 days.

Attractions in the area around Sintra

1. Sintra City

They say that if you haven't visited the captivating and colorful city of Sintra, then you haven't seen Portugal. Hans Christian Andersen describes it as "the most beautiful place in Portugal". The city stretches high among the picturesque hills above the coast of Estoril, on the territory of the "Sintra - Cascais" Nature Park. It is an interesting collection of nature and architecture, which is why it is also under the protection of UNESCO. The lush vegetation, represented by centuries-old sequoias to small mosses, surrounds the city's impressive mansions. With public transport, you can easily get from Lisbon to Sintra by catching a train from Rossio Station located in the Old Town.

2. Quinta da Regaleira Castle

The entrance ticket is 12 euros/adult and 7 euros/child. Opening hours: from 10:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Current information see on the site here.

Among the most mystical places on earth is the castle of Kinta da Regaleira, also called the Palace of the Millionaire Monteiro. The Italian architect Luigi Manini completed the castle in 1904. And turned the building into an exemplary combination of Gothic, romantic, Renaissance and Masonic style. Visiting this castle, it was as if I had found myself in another mysterious world - everything was in overgrown vegetation, tall trees, hidden stairs, numerous caves, an octagonal tower, an underground lake, tunnels, a chapel, a hidden waterfall, etc. Well of the Initiates.

Този кладенец представлява 27-метрова постройка, която много прилича на кула, но обърната наопаки. Тази тайнствена кула има спираловидно стълбище, поддържано от гравирани колони, които се издигат от дъното на кладенец. Кулата има 9 площадки, които според легендите символизират деветте кръга на ада и “пречистването на човешката душа” и колкото по-надолу слизаш, толкова по-тъмно става. Твърди се, че кладенецът е построен от масоните за техния обред на приемане в братството.

3. Pena Castle

The entrance ticket is 13 euros/adult and 10 euros/child. Opening hours: from 9:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Current information see the site here. Only the gardens can be visited for half the price. We couldn't visit.

Pena Castle is considered the pearl of the city of Sintra, which catches the eye with its variety. It is colored in yellow, red and orange at the top of a nearby hill. Started in the 1940s, it was built by Ferdinand II of Coburg-Goth - the uncle of the Bulgarian king Ferdinand. Mmm… you see! He was also a Grand Master of the Order of the Rosicrucians, as evidenced by numerous Masonic symbols throughout the palace. Pena Palace is modeled after the German castle of Neuschwanstein in Bavaria (on which the most famous castle in the world is made - that of Disney at Disneyland)

4. Cabo da Roca (Cabo da Roca)

This is the westernmost point of continental Europe. Free entry, 24/7. Most of the days the weather there is windy and foggy, but when we visited with the children it was more than wonderful! A certificate for the visit can be bought at the Tourist Information Center for 11 euros.

–> Browse and book a budget hotel in the Sintra area with a discount. See here!

5. Praia da Adraga Beach

A wonderful beach located 10-15 minutes by car from Cabo da Roca. On this beach we observed the rush phenomenon, which happened around 3 p.m. Afternoon. At the left end of the beach there was an arch where initially when we went to noon there was no water and you could easily pass from all sides. But then at the tide the water reached its knees and it was almost impossible to enter from the side of the ocean. At the right end of the beach there are fallen rocks and stones, which, when they climb, you reach another small beach, but attention - at high tide this beach disappears and everything happens in water. And to remind you that the ocean water here even in the summer barely reaches 19-20 degrees and in combination with the often strong wind makes bathing a mirage.

Other places around Sintra that deserve attention are the Montserrat Palace and the Moors' fortress near Sintra and the Praia Grande beach along the Atlantic coast - a huge beach where at one end a hotel is built with one of the largest ocean infinity pools. The pool is open from 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. More info here.

There are 2 bus lines that serve tourists who want to visit the palaces located in the area.

Bus No. 435 leads to Montserrat Castle and Quinta Da Regaleira Castle.
Bus No. 434 leads to the fortress of the Moors and the Pena Palace.

Sintra was the last place we visited during our vacation. After 8 days in Portugal, it was already time to return. Our flight with Wizz Air from Lisbon took off with an hour late - at 10:45 p.m. and landed in Sofia at 4:10 a.m. Until we reached our native Plovdiv and the night passed. Good morning!