Hello all, if you had to pick the top 3 sites to visit in the Sintra area, what would they be?
I'm most interested in architecture and nature, but open to suggestions of other options
based on your preferences.
Posted by
Portland, Oregon
5687 posts
The Pena Palace up on the hill would seem to be on everyone's list, at least to see the outside, because it's so colorful. (I didn't actually go inside.) But to me, the highlight of Sintra was the unusual Quinta da Regaleira, which is a mansion with a large garden with ponds, fountains, outdoor sculptures, etc. The Quinta da Regaleira is down by the town (just a short walk from the town center) not up on the hill.
Posted by
OP
84 posts
Thank you…that does look fabulous as does Queluz which I recent read about.
Posted by
WA USA
1078 posts
Monserrate and Quinta da Regaleira are my favorites and there's a bus that links the two sites. Monserrate gets overlooked, but has wonderful gardens and a great place to bring a lunch and relax.
https://www.parquesdesintra.pt/en/parks-monuments/park-and-palace-of-monserrate/
And yes, Pena is on everyone's list, but I personally don't think it's the best palace. It's more like people see it because it's on everyone's list. Pena does have nice gardens to wander, which most people skip.
Posted by
OP
84 posts
Thank you, yes Monserratie and Quinta da Regaleira are high on my list too!
Posted by
11156 posts
Our favorite was the National Palace. We toured it as well as Peña Palace and much preferred the more historical National Palace.