Well, if you’re anything like me, springtime in Sintra is a time of year when you suddenly want to get away from Lisbon. This can be difficult when you live in the capital city, but it’s not impossible. The city is only about 45 minutes away on a good day, or a little more if there are delays on the underbelly of Europe. You could take the train or bus to get there. Or you could rent a car or splurge on an executive limousine with a driver to whisk you off to your ultimate destination: The Fairy-Tale Palace Hotel and Spa in Sintra!
Let me tell you, this hotel is something else. It’s got all the charm of a fairy tale and then some and even better than that, it’s not just a bunch of buildings stacked together; it’s spread out over several different hillsides and valleys within Sintra National Park. I’ve spent two very enjoyable nights here at various times of the year. The first weekend was winter (May) and also full moon night (May/June); I took these photos as well as videos inside one of the rooms using my phone camera while standing at the window with my hands cupped around my eyes so I could enjoy the view without making myself look like an idiot (I’m talking about looking dumb because I’m far too short for that). I’ve never seen such beautiful skies from inside Portugal before!
The second night I was here was during late summer it rained all night long and we were told it would continue for two weeks (that turned out to be correct). We slept outside by our front door under blankets on mattresses placed directly against our walls for extra coverage against dampness the rom wind coming off ocean waves and rain steadying itself against sandy soil below us.
There are lots more things worth seeing in Sintra besides that hotel; there are other points of interest and historical sites within sight if you
Moorish Castle
The Moorish Castle is one of the most impressive places I have seen in Sintra. It is an ancient citadel and castle located near the center of the historic town of Sintra and was built during the 8th century by the Moors. It is one of the most important monuments in Sintra, and it’s a must-see if you are visiting this charming Portuguese town.
[How to go] The easiest way to get there is by taking a taxi or Uber from your hotel/Airbnb. You could also take a tour that takes you around all three castles in Sintra: Palácio da Pena, Castelo dos Mouros, and Quinta da Regaleira.
[More info] The Moorish Castle is considered one of Europe’s finest examples of military architecture from the early middle ages. According to a legend, its location was selected because it was considered impossible to be conquered with an attack from land due to its cliffs surrounding it on 3 sides (the 4th side faces the sea), making it accessible only by boat or through tunnels created throughout time inside these cliffs by erosion.
Park and Gardens of Pena
When you visit this stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site, don’t forget to take your camera, as it is a photographer’s dream. King Ferdinand II constructed the Palace of Pena in the 19th century. Located on top of a hill, the palace offers beautiful views of Sintra and beyond.
Quinta de Regaleira
A world heritage site, the Quinta de Regaleira is a neo-Manueline estate that combines Gothic, Renaissance, and Romantic, influences. The palace gardens are truly one of Portugal’s most remarkable sights, with a series of tunnels and staircases leading to grottos, wells, and caves where alchemists supposedly experimented in secret!
Monserrate Palace
Monserrate Palace is a Romantic-style palace that was built in the 19th century by Sir Francis Cook, an English millionaire who acquired the property in 1856. The palace gardens are quite beautiful and exotic, with species of fauna from all over the world. Be sure to take some time to do a little birdwatching there! Built with granite and limestone, this palace has Moorish and Hindu influences. It will take your breath away!
Fonte Cruz
Although the hotel is extensive and features interesting attractions, there is one spot in particular that I highly recommend you visit: Fonte Cruz. The fountain was built by the friars of the convent of Our Lady of Pena in 1616, and it’s an example of a common motif in Portuguese architecture, which served as a water source for the convent. The fountain once had four spouts with basins at its feet but now has only one; it’s still adorned with decorative vanes and stonework on either side. If you’re interested in attending this hotel or learning more about its history, contact or visit to find out more information!
The City of Sintra is an Amazing Place to Learn about the History and Culture of Portugal
While it may be just a short trip from Lisbon, the city of Sintra packs in enough culture and beauty to make the excursion a worthwhile journey on its own. The mild Mediterranean climate is ideal for hiking and biking through the rich forests that surround the city, or simply strolling through cobbled streets lined with well-preserved historic buildings. The cuisine is as diverse as the country’s history, made all the more enjoyable by Sintra’s unique combination of refreshing breezes and warm sunshine. Whether you’re looking to learn about Portugal’s past or just relax in a charming seaside town, Sintra is sure to satisfy your needs.
If you’re anything like me, springtime in Sintra is a time of year when you suddenly want to get away from Lisbon. This can be difficult when you live in the capital city, but it’s not impossible. The city is only about 45 minutes away on a good day, or a little more if there are delays on the underbelly of Europe. You could take the train or bus to get there. Or you could rent a car or splurge on an executive limousine with a driver to whisk you off to your ultimate destination: The Fairy-Tale Palace Hotel and Spa in Sintra!
I’ve been going there since I was a kid. My parents used to take us there every summer, and we would spend our days exploring the area’s natural beauty and winding streets. The Fairy-Tale Palace itself is an incredible building that feels like it could have been pulled straight out of a storybook—it’s modeled after one of Rapunzel’s towers from Grimm’s Fairy Tales (which makes sense because it was built by her husband). It has everything from old-fashioned dining halls to modern swimming pools, so whether you want to spend your days soaking up rays by.
