Sintra, palaces and nature
Sintra is regarded as one of the top day trips around Lisbon. You’ll find several palaces and estates of royal stature as well as beautiful parks and sites, you’ll be amazed by the number and beauty. You can board the traditional tour and have a tourist eye view or you can explore the heart of Sintra’s forrest and feel part of it. In this visit you will witness the romantic beauty of Pena Palace in case you only have one day and don’t want to miss Sintra’s postcard. Next we’ll hike about one hour and a half through Sintra’s magical forrests, have a pic-nic and reach incredible lookouts like Peninha Chapel where you find awesome views over the ocean and Cascais. If you still have your strengths we’ll endure another smaller but a bit harder hike towards one of the most amazing beaches Praia da Ursa and freshen up in the cold sea. Next to it we’ll still find time to visit Cabo da Roca, Europe’s most western point.
This tour is flexible and will be planned according to your interests.
The attractions that will amaze you…
Pena Palace
This palace was built under the german king consort D. Ferdinand from Saxe Coburg and Gotha who married the Portuguese queen D. Maria II in 1836. The project was given to a german architect who built this exotic palace with gothic and mourish influences. The visit is a wonderful experience with amazing views all around the Lisbon region. In the park you’ll find botanical species brought from all over the world.
Sintra old town
Sintra represents mostly the green mountains, the parks, the moorish castle, royal palaces and estates and many other palaces that represent the romantic architecture of the 19th century. But beyond all of that, the historic old town quarter has also many charms. It is a small area made of few narrow streets that you can walk in a short time period. Local pastries are a must.
Hike in Sintra’s Natural Park
You will find Sintra’s forrests the most magical and misty. This will be an easy hike with pic-nic in between. First stop will be Peninha Chapel where the view is overwhelming, both to north Atlantic coast and to Cascais and south. There will be ocean all around your perspective. Next we’ll head to a megalythic monument that will provide also beautiful views from a different perspective.
Cabo da Roca
Cabo da Roca is continental Europe’s western most point. It features a beautiful promontory and viewpoint where you can be overwhelmed by the rugged coastline of the Atlantic and the 18th century lighthouse. There are several trails in the area to find different perspectives to the ocean. One of them let’s you take a glimpse of the beautiful Praia da Ursa.
Praia da Ursa
Praia da Ursa is an amazing beach, the western most beach in Europe, due to its proximity with Cabo da Roca. Ursa (female bear) and Gigante are two majestic rocks imposing in the beach. The sea here is pure Atlantic, thus with waves and cold water. The hike down to the beach is a bit hard and not recommended for small children. Nevertheless after the effort it will be absolutely worthwhile when you get there.
Estoril and Coastal Road
After a great exciting day of discoveries, relax in your seat while we go back to Lisbon by the old N6 road – “Marginal” – enjoying the beautiful seaside / riverside views in the late afternoon unique light.
Explore amazing Portugal !!!