Things to Do Around Sintra
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The Sintra region is famous not only for its magnificent palaces and castles but also for its natural beauty. The city’s surroundings include enjoyable outdoor activities, cultural monuments, and stunning scenery. In this article, we look at five of the best places to visit when traveling to Sintra.
Quinta do Pisao
This picturesque estate is located in the heart of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. On the 380 hectares of land, you can enjoy outdoor activities such as mountain trails, bike rides, horse rides, donkey rides, picking farm vegetables from organic beds, and much more.
There are also fascinating cultural heritage sites, such as a Neolithic cave and an ancient lime kiln. The estate is in Alcabideche, a Sintra Cascais Natural Park village. In addition to hiking and cycling trails, segway rentals are available.
Opening hours: In winter, from 9:00 to 18:00, and in summer, from 9:00 to 21:00. Entrance is free.
Address: Quinta do Pisão de Cima – Estrada EN9-1, Cascais
Quinta da Bella Vista
This historic estate belonged to the famous writer Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, father of Sherlock Holmes. The grounds include an animal farm, a Victorian greenhouse, and vegetable gardens. The estate is listed as a Sintra attraction on the Unesco World Heritage list. In addition to touring the estate itself, guests can book a boat trip on the estate’s yacht.
Opening hours: by appointment
Price range: from 210 euros per night
Address: 60 Rua Barbosa du Bocage
Casa do Fauno
This medieval cultural center on the outskirts of Sintra is noted for its atmospheric architecture and interiors. You can view restaurants, bars, a library, and a museum here. The main feature is the opportunity to try the traditional Portuguese drink, mead.
Opening hours:
Mon-Thu 16:00-01:00
Fri 16:00-02:00
Sat 14:00-02:00
Sun 14:00-00:00
Price range: 9-23 euros per person
Address: Caminho dos Frades 1, Sintra
Cabo da Roca
Cape Roca in Portugal is the westernmost point of continental Europe. Located in Sintra, the cape is home to an ancient lighthouse dating back to 1772, a stone stele with a carved quote from a Camões poem, and a small tourist center and restaurant.
It is ideal for taking stunning photos while admiring the raging ocean, the rocky cliffs 140 meters high, and the magnificent scenery at sunset. Cape Roca is close to Lisbon, making it a popular attraction.
Opening hours: 24 hours a day. Entrance is free.
Address: Estrada do Cabo da Roca s/n, Colares
Azenhas do Mar
Azenhas do Mar is a picturesque fishing village in Portugal, located on the rocky shore of the Atlantic Ocean. The main attraction is the snow-white houses drowning in greenery and overhanging directly over the beach Praia Azenhas do mar.
In the village of Sintra, you can stroll through narrow streets, visit restaurants overlooking the ocean, watch the ancient water mills at work, and swim in the natural sea pool.
Opening hours of restaurants: from 12:30 to 22:30
Address: Largo do Padre António, Azenhas do Mar
Active Vacations Around Sintra
The scenic area of the Sintra-Cascais Park offers plenty of options for outdoor activities beyond hiking. Equestrian enthusiasts can ride horseback along the Atlantic Ocean shoreline or on forest trails among the evergreen pines. Some estates, such as Quinta do Pisao, also organize donkey rides.
For those who prefer water sports, boat and kayak trips are available along the scenic coastline of Cabo da Roca and Azenhas do Mar. Whale and dolphin watching is possible in clear weather. And more extreme travelers will surely enjoy rafting on the mountain rivers of the region.
Rock climbing fans will find many exciting routes on the rocky cliffs of Cabo da Roca and near Sintra. You can combine active rest with relaxing SPA procedures in resort hotels of the region, which offer wellness programs using local thermal springs.
Sintra is an ideal place for a relaxing vacation in the lap of nature and for active outdoor adventures in the company of professional instructors.
