The Pena Palace is perhaps the most recognizable building in Portugal, and its tour is one of the most highly recommended. On our engagement trip to Sintra in December, we toured the Pena Palace and the Quinta da Regaleira on the same morning. We recommend booking tickets in advance and visiting them both!
The Quinta da Regaleira palace and chapel are stand out architectural locations in Portugal, but it's best known for its vast gardens. We toured the Regaleira the same morning we visited the Pena Palace. We recommend booking tickets in advance and visiting them both!
The Moorish Castle is a fortification that was taken by Christian forces after the fall of Lisbon in 1147. It sits right next to Pena Palace and has incredible views of the surrounding area! It is about a 10-20 minute walk from the Pena Palace. If touring both and wanting to walk, we recommend visiting the Pena Palace first then walking downhill to the Moorish Castle.
Take a scenic drive along Portugal's coastline and visit the westernmost part of Europe. There is a 1.8mi trail that begins at the Cabo da Roca if you pack a pair of hiking shoes. While in the area, we recommend stopping for a bite to eat at Azenhas do Mar, a well-known seafood restaurant with a versatile selection of fish!
Óbidos is a beautiful town located about an hour from Sintra. The town is located on a hilltop within the walls of a castle which now serves as a hotel. If you're extending your trip to explore other areas of the country, we highly recommend booking a night at the Pousada do Castelo de Óbidos.