Enjoy the cooling hills and rich history of Sintra
The Sintra municipality is one of the most picturesque and charming regions in Portugal, peppered with hilltop towns, pine forests, rolling hills and majestic historic architecture. Just a short drive from the hustle and bustle of Lisbon, the cooling hills have long been the preferred retreat for Portuguese nobility and the region is home to some of Portugal‘s most extravagant and palatial residencies. The Palacio da Pena is said to be not just one of Portugal’s, but Europe‘s most beautiful castles. The town of Sintra itself is well worth a visit with winding roads that lead to the impressive, sprawling, white washed Palacio Nacional de Sintra, which dates back to the mediaeval period. More palaces and villas can be found around the region, dotted throughout the region’s impressive natural beauty. There’s rugged forests that lead to a coastline that offers both dramatic cliffs and sandy beaches. At Portugal’s most western tip the Cabo da Roca lighthouse and lookout is sprayed by the Atlantic ocean and offers dramatic views from its cliff top vantage point.
Highlights
Visit Monserrate palace, inspired by Arabian architecture, and relax in the pretty gardens among the lake, trickling springs, fountains and grottoes
Head to the coastal fishing town of Cascais and soak up the bohemian atmosphere in the little cafes, frequented by local artists and writers
Witness the extraordinary link between landscape and palatial architecture at The National Palace of Queluz
Luxury accommodation in Sintra
Trip inspiration
Explore more of Portugal
Lisbon
Europe’s second oldest capital, Lisbon is an effortlessly elegant city, full of old-world charm. Lisbon has plenty to offer, with a plethora of museums and galleries as well as beautiful buildings covered in iconic azelujo tiles.
Discover morePorto
Built on a steep riverbank, a jumble of colourful medieval houses hug the calm waters of the Douro River where wooden boats bob on the surface and people spill out of its cafes and bars, more often than not with a glass of the wine that gave the city its name.
Discover moreDouro Valley
The Douro River winds its way from the north of Spain, along the Portuguese border and eastward to Porto where it meets the sea. It is most famous for its port, a sweet brandy fortified wine that must originate in this valley to be considered the genuine article.
Discover moreAlgarve
Striking rock formations extend skywards from azure waters as the sun warms the sandy coastline. The southernmost part of Portugal, Algarve is most known for these Mediterranean beaches, quaint coves, fishing villages and luxurious hotels and eateries.
Discover moreAlentejo
Alentejo is a vast region of cork plantation, wheat fields, vineyards and clusters of historic hilltop towns.
Discover moreMeet your Europe team
When to visit
The best time to visit Portugal is from March to October, but you may want to schedule your visit either side of July and August. During these summer months, temperatures can be particularly searing and the beaches in the south overcrowded.
Beach Break
June - September
City Sightseeing
Year Round
Outdoor Activities
April = September
Plan your trip to Sintra
Whatever you want from your adventure in Sintra, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.
Why book with Jacada?
Why book with Jacada?
We’ll plan your trip around your specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice based on first-hand knowledge of the destination.
Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience, bringing your destination to life with care and passion.
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Our luxury trips are designed with responsible travel principles that prioritise travel experiences that are both good for you and good for the planet.
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When you book a trip in today’s world there’s a lot to think about. But with the right advice and expert planning, you can do it with confidence.
If you book to travel with us but your plans are impacted by circumstances you can’t control, we’ll change your reservation or cancel your booking for a full credit towards future travel.