Palaces and Gardens

The cultural landscape of Sintra, which developed in the 19th century into the centre of European romantic architecture, is listed as UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site since 1995. Besides the fairytale castle 'Palacio da Pena', which is one of the main romantic ensembles in Europe and was built by King Fernando II (Ferdinand von Sachsen-Coburg-Gotha), the National Palace and the Moorish castle are worth a visit. There are several gardens and parks with the lush vegetation that is so typical for Sintra - and unique in the World.

First time visitors must see the Palacio Nacional de Sintra, which stands noble with high white cone-shaped towers, rising from red-terracotta roofs buildings. Around this monument are lush trees and gardens. The ride up the mountain to the monument has much to appreciate as well, with mystical trees and shrubs next to peaceful streams. At the top of the hill, with views of the Sintra Mountains and Pena Park, lies a castle that is right out of a childhood’s fantasy book. The castle was constructed in the first half of the 19th century over the ruins of a 15th century convent. It primary colors are a pale yellow and a rustic red, as well as some blues and grays. There are tressles and arches and towers, combining gothic architecture with its dramatic arches with Moors architecture with its towers and ornate designs. All of the structure is impressively preserved. For further information and activities in the park and Palace of Pena, the Moorish Castle, the gardens and Palace of Monserrate and the Convent of the Capuchos click here.


Due to its location, Sintra allows you to combine culturally stimulating holidays with peaceful village life, beach holidays, golf, surf or hiking.

Known in ancient times as Mons Lunae ('Monte da Lua') - the Hills of the Moon, because of its strong traditions of astral cults, still clearly visible in the region's countless monuments and archaeological remains, the Serra de Sintra is a granite outcrop roughly 10 km long, rising abruptly between a vast plain to the north and the estuary of the River Tagus to the south. It is a mountain range that twists and turns, projecting into the Atlantic Ocean to form Cabo da Roca - the headland that marks the westernmost point of' continental Europe. The Serra de Sintra today contains a fabulous collection of monuments from a whole host of different epochs, ranging from prehistoric times to the present day. Thanks to its unique microclimate, Sintra has some of the most beautiful parks in Portugal, planted in keeping with a certain romantic taste, as well as a dense and verdant natural vegetation, affording the region an air of great majesty amidst the splash of different greens.