Travel Eye on Sintra (Portugal)

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Overview:

Sintra is one of the oldest towns in Portugal. When the crusaders captured it in 1147, they fought bitterly against the Moors firmly entrenched in their hilltop castle, the ruins of which remain today. Writers have sung Sintra's praises ever since Portugal's national poet, Luís Vaz de Camões, proclaimed its glory in Os Lusíadas (The Lusiads).

The picturesque town of Sintra, 17 miles (29km) northwest of Lisbon, lies at the heart of one of Portugal's most appealing holiday regions, abounding with natural beauty, historical and cultural attractions and plenty of leisure opportunities. Sintra itself, characterised by lush greenery, bright splashes of flowers and elaborate 'wedding cake' palaces, was described as a 'glorious Eden' by classic poet Lord Byron.

The luxurious vegetation that covers the town include camellias for the romantics, ferns behind which lizards dart, pink and purple bougainvillea over garden trelliswork, red geraniums on wrought-iron balconies, eucalyptus branches fluttering in the wind, lemon trees in groves, and honey-sweet mimosa scenting the air. It has been said that some who visit Sintra fall under its spell and stay forever.

Sintra is a fairly upmarket destination, it attracts a wide range of ages and nationalities seeking culture, history, architecture and splendid mountain scenery. It offers a wide range of accommodation , from simple pensions to several upmarket establishments.

Sintra has little to offer the young clubbing and party set, being suited more to serious sightseers or holiday-makers who enjoy the beach but like to turn in early. Its close proximity to Lisbon means that it is often crowded at weekend in summer.

Locality:

Sintra is located over 1,000 feet up in the lush green tree-covered Sintra Mountains (Serra de Sintra), set among forested crags and ravines. Sintra is a third of the way up Portugal's W (Atlantic) coast, 8 mls inland from continental Europe's most westerly point (Cabo da Roca) (17 mls NW of Lisbon).

Entertainment/Facilities/Attractions/Things to do:

Most tourists are drawn to Sintra for sightseeing, and there are plenty of historic buildings and museums to fill a busy itinerary. Sintra also offers all that is necessary for a seaside holiday, its golden sands, clear Atlantic waters and magnificent coastline ensuring it is a real fun-in-the-sun pleasure spot.

Restaurants tend to keep their offerings local, often with international overtones. Some delicious specialities of the region to look out for are Negrais suckling pig, Merces pork, roast kid, bass and shellfish of all sorts. Classical, comfortable dining is offered at Tacho Real on the Rua de Ferraria, for "haute" Portuguese fare it is hard to beat the luxurious ambience of the Palacio de Seteais, and another recommendation is the rustic Refúgio da Roca on Estrade do Cabo da Roca, Colares. Of course Sintra does have a McDonalds too!

Best beaches are Sao Juliao, Magoito, Macas, Grande and Adraga. There are opportunities for a host of water sports, with surfing and fishing being the most popular. The clifftops provide perfect platforms for paragliders. Golfers are also drawn to Sintra to the Estoril-Sol Golf Club, which lies at the foot of the Sintra mountain range. Although only a 9-hole course it is sought after for its beautiful forested setting.

In the daytime many go exploring the town's winding lanes, cobbled streets, charming gardens and plethora of impressive historical buildings.

Visit the National Palace with its distinctive conical chimneys.

The romantic hilltop Pena National Palace and Park, built in the 19th century on the remains of an old monastery is also a sightseeing must.