Sintra & Cascais Natural Park

This Portuguese Eden brings together a great diversity of landscapes and heritage displayed between the lush Sierra de Sintra and a rugged Atlantic coast.

As soon as the traveler enters the Sintra-Cascáis Natural Park, he is immediately ecstatic. It is inevitable that emotion and melancholy surface before the ingredients of its potion: incalculable architectural treasures, large doses of exotic green and wild blue. All this in perfect harmony and combined with a special light that conquers at any time of the year.

Located approximately 30 minutes from Lisbon, this Portuguese orchard ranges from the Sierra de Sintra to the Atlantic coast, where it takes over beaches of dunes and dizzying cliffs high over a hundred meters above sea level.

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WORLD HERITAGE SITE SINCE 1995

Culture and history beat with special force in Sintra, heart of the park and first European place to be considered, in 1995, Cultural Landscape by UNESCO. A fairytale town coloured by stately houses and palaces surrounded by fantasy gardens, each more spectacular. The romantic aesthetic glides between winding paths, waterfalls, passages, caves and countless unimaginable corners surrounded by lush vegetation.

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ROADS AND ‘QUEIJADAS’

Getting lost among cobblestone slopes is discovering the essence of Sintra and also its sweetest flavors, those of the transvestites and the queijadas that are baked in the numerous pastry shops of the city. Outside the historic quarter, a labyrinth of winding roads lead between the palaces dotted by its hills, which, a little further down, end up merging with the ocean.

ESCENARIO DE PALACIOS

The microclimate of the Natural Park of Sintra-Cascáis is ideal for the proliferation of all those plant species that fill it and, in addition, is responsible for the area was chosen by kings and aristocrats throughout history to build their palaces, Stately homes and gardens with magnificent ocean views.

In the historic quarter of Sintra, the National Palace, combining Gothic, Mudejar and Manueline styles, is the most sober of all and also the oldest. It was inhabited for almost eight centuries, mainly during the Middle Ages, a period in which it was used by the Portuguese monarchy and its court to escape the plague or as a holiday retreat. In its whitewashed facade stand out two huge conical fireplaces of 33 meters high. They are those of the kitchen, which were built by King John I to serve the entire palace. Inside, the Coat of Arms Room and the Cinema Room, with the painted ceiling of these birds, are the most outstanding spaces.

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QUINTA DA REGALEIRA: A WELL AND MUCH MORE

This particular tale continues in the illusory gardens of Quinta da Regaleira, four hectares full of secrets hidden among fountains, caves, stone tunnels, waterfalls and passageways that hide meanings related to mythology, cosmology and masonry. The most special secret is a 27-metre-deep well that runs through a spiral staircase to its depths, communicating with a system of tunnels. As if it were a mysterious inverted tower, it was devised by Augusto Carvalho Monteiro, the first owner of this palace.

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El portentoso Palacio da Pena

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THE PORTENTOUS PALACE IS WORTH IT

In the highest part of the hills, built on a huge rock that had previously been a monastery, is the Pena Palace, the main icon of the park. The colors of its anarchic towers and the extensive gardens that surround it give meaning to this story of wild nature thanks to plant species from all over the world that get lost in viewpoints like the High Cross or discover jewels like the Chalet of the Countess of Edla, a house ordered to be built in 1864 by King Ferdinand II and his second wife, Elise Hensler, following the style of European alpine chalets.

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THE THOUSAND AND ONE ‘SORROWS’

In the Pena Palace the visitor will be immersed in The Thousand and One Nights, especially when the mist of the mountains covers it giving it a more enigmatic halo if possible and erasing at times the panoramic views of the valley and the ocean that it enjoys. Its construction was the greatest example of Portuguese romanticism in the 19th century. Access is not possible by private vehicle, so to get there you will have to do it on foot, by bus or taxi from the center of Sintra.

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THE UNKNOWN MONSERRATE

Four kilometres from the centre of Sintra, the Monterrate Palace is another ode to romantic architecture. Poetry full of symmetries that move towards exotic gardens, the richest in international botany of the country. This visit is usually less crowded, proclaiming itself as a true haven of peace within the oasis that is already Sintra. The place was a mandatory stop for English travellers, conquering Lord Byron himself in 1809 or silencing the merchant and art collector Sir Francis Cook to the point of making it his summer residence.

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A CASTLE IN THE HILL

Another building that dominates the perspectives of the park and the sea merging is the Castle of the Moors, a fortress that zigzags on top of one of the mountains of Sintra and was built during the Arab rule, between the 8th and 9th centuries.

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THE OTHER SECRETS OF SINTRA

Bordered by the Sierra de Sintra, the park protects other more unknown and solitary wonders such as the Sanctuary of Peninha, the Blue Lake, from which part a long network of trails, or the Convent of the Capuchs. The latter, inaugurated in 1560 and surrounded by primitive forest, stands out for its austerity as opposed to the luxurious buildings of the hills, thus representing the ideal of the Order of Saint Francis of Assisi. Entrances camouflaged among rocks are opening unexpected towards cork cells that fill with sobriety the most mystical chapters of the park made count.

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THE WESTERNMOST POINT IN EUROPE

At 18 kilometers from Sintra the mountains converge on cliffs up to 140 meters high before those who break furious waves. They are those of the windy Cabo de Roca, responsible for guarding the last sunset of the European continent before being lit by one of the oldest lighthouses in Portugal. Very close to the tower of light, with white tiles and red roof, the geographical coordinates of the place are engraved next to the words of the Portuguese poet Luís Vaz de Camões “Aqui… onde a terra se acaba e mar começa”. Words that push you to get a certificate that guarantees that you have visited the westernmost point of continental Europe. Just five minutes by car it is possible to continue enjoying the views of the coast in Moinho Dom Quixote, a café where the decoration plays with the illusion between colorful pictures, plants and lamps of different design.

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UN PUEBLO, UN ACANTILADO Y UNA PISCINA NATURAL A VILLAGE, A CLIFT AND A NATURAL POOL

Besides Sintra, in the park there are other villages that deserve a stop. Colares, on the slopes of the Sintra mountain range, surrounded by vineyards from which comes the popular wine of Colares. Azenhas do Mar, a small white village carved on the cliff. At its feet, a natural pool delights the holidaymakers next to a restaurant and a bar bohemian style.

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THE ESSENTIALS OF CASCAIS

In Cascáis, a tour of the old town, with the medieval fortress of Nuestra Señora de la Luz and the citadel, will be a good start to end up becoming absorbed with the Boca del Infierno, on the outskirts of the city, where a polished arch on the steep rock allows you to enjoy the Atlantic penetrating through it.

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WILD BEACHES

The best way to explore the rugged coastline, and stop at its wild beaches, is to do so through the bike path provided next to it. The kites take flight while some surfers jump in to overcome their energetic waves: Guincho Beach, the most extensive and popular beach located next to a sophisticated beach bar; Maças beach with fine sand; Ursa beach, known for its rock in the sea shaped like a bear that discovers small pools at low tide or Adraga beach, close to which there is a huge and deep natural well that communicates with the sea. Another of the busiest beaches during the Portuguese summers is Playa Grande, famous for having a total of 66 dinosaur tracks that are approximately 110 million years old.nto al mar, jugar al golf en uno de los mejores campos de Portugal con 18 hoyos y vistas al Atlántico, practicar surf o paddle surf, montar a caballo e incluso subirse a un helicóptero para capturar las mejores imágenes aéreas de Sintra.

Places You Have To See when visiting Portugal

Blog, Lisbon, Oporto, Portugal

Portugal is a gorgeous country to explore and much more than cork products, gorgeous sea and yummy port that it has become famous for. It’s one country that just seems to draw me back time and time again with shed loads of historic cities, gorgeous National Parks and enough bacalhau to satisfy even the hungriest of tummies!

One of the things I love most about Portugal is how unique each of the places feels. You can literally travel 30 minutes up the road and feel like you’re in a totally different country – it really is very special.

1.) Wander around Braga

A city perched pretty close to Porto and Amarante, it’s the perfect place to see some of Portugal’s most impressive buildings and history. Make sure you visit the stunning Bom Jesus do Monte… ohh, and take a bottle of water – the many steps will make even the best Olympian out of breath! 🤣

2.) Explore the town of Amarante

Not too far from Porto in the north of the country, Amarante is a great place to explore some of the histories of this beautiful region. Look out for the gorgeous arched bridge of Ponte São Gonçalo and wander the riverside route where there are lots of independent restaurants and cafes that line the route. You won’t be able to resist the sweet treats!

3.) Porto

Porto is one of the country’s largest cities that sits in the north of the country. This hilly is one heck of a place to visit, think cobbled streets, and fresh seafood. Make sure you haul yourself up to Torre dos Clérigos and discover the Ribeira area of the city.

4.) Visit the Medieval village time forgot, Sortelha

Sortelha is a tiny village that is dominated by one of its most imposing residence, the castle that overlooks the region! Make sure to wander the castle grounds, though you’ll need comfy walking shoes for this ramble.

The whole village feels like you’ve been thrown back into Medieval times. A town that time forgot!

5.) See the village built around a rock

Monsanto, a small village close the border with Spain, is one of the most unique towns you’ll ever come across. With less than a 1,000 residents, it’s a rural and quaint little place that has to be seen to be believed. Head over to Adega Tipica O Cruzeiro for a tasty bite to eat and some incredible views across the region.

Want to visit more villages like this? Check out our full list, here

6.) See the beauty of Sintra

It’s hard not to fall head-over-heels in love with Sintra. Perched within the Sintra Mountains, this region has some of the prettiest castles in all of Europe (shhhh, don’t tell the others). Around 30 minutes from the center of Lisbon, it’s pretty easy to visit for a day trip (or two).

The Beautiful Pena Palace Of Sintra, Portugal (1)

The Beautiful Pena Palace Of Sintra, Portugal (15)

Make sure to visit; Pena Palace, Monserrate Palace, Castle of the Moors and the Palace of Sintra. These UNESCO World Heritage Sites are just too beautiful to miss.

7.) Discover the beauty of Cascais

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The Beautiful Seaside Town Of Cascais In Portugal... (77)

This historic fishing town, just down the coast from the city of Lisbon, is the perfect place to chill out, explore the quaint town and explore the dramatic Atlantic coast. Make sure to visit some of these top sites that you shouldn’t miss. You’ll love your time, here!

The Beautiful Seaside Town Of Cascais In Portugal... (50)

The Beautiful Seaside Town Of Cascais In Portugal... (27)

Read our full post on what to see, do and eat in Cascais, right here

8.) See the waterfalls of the Azores

The Azores is a volcanic archipelago that sits in the mid-Atlantic Ocean. A few hours by flight (and a little longer by boat), it’s one of Europe’s most dramatic sets of islands. Think, beautiful trails, incredible scenery and the most stunning natural landscapes you’ll witness.

Don’t forget to visit the beautiful, Poço da Alagoinha on Flores Island – it’s breathtaking.

9.) Explore the streets of Lisbon

The capital city of Lisbon is an amazing place to visit. If it’s your first time to Portugal, you’re going to love how stunning it is. Made up of various neighborhoods, Lisbon has a whole array of eye-catching places you won’t want to miss. If you’re looking for some of the best views in the city, check out these perfect spots to see, they offer the perfect vistas to enjoy this gorgeous place.

Photographs And Postcards… From Portugal (12)

Make sure to visit the Belém Tower, explore Bairro Alto and grab a bite to eat at Kais which is based in an old warehouse in the city. It really is unique. Alternatively, check out one of these other top places to fill your tummy.

Photographs And Postcards… From Portugal (15)

Photographs And Postcards… From Portugal (9)

10.) Visit the island of Madeira

In between Portugal and the Canary Islands is the relatively small island of Madeira, Make sure to explore the capital city of Funchal, head out into the countryside and soak up the unspoilt landscape that is often overlooked when visiting Portugal.

11.) See the Chapel of Bones in Évora

Évora is one stunning Roman city that’s now been protected with UNESCO World Heritage Status.

Make sure you visit the Roman Temple, Praça do Giraldo and the rather macabre but a must to see, the Chapel of Bones that line every wall. It’s part of the bigger, Igreja de Sao Francisco church complex that’s just too beautiful to miss.

12.) Visit Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina

It may have a pretty long name and one that I still can’t pronounce correctly, but it really is a gorgeous area of Portugal to visit. This natural park is considered to be one of the finest stretches of coastline in Europe. Untouched by development, the whole coastline hasn’t changed for thousands of years – it really is beautiful.

13.) See the dramatic Sagres

Jutting out off the very tip of south-west Portugal, Sagres is one of the most dramatic coastline areas in the region. Make sure you visit the fort, explore the cliff side walking routes and Cape St. Vincent, which is next to Sagres Point.

14.) Walk the cliffs around Lagos

Perched on the southern coast of Portugal, Lagos is a small town in the Algarve region. Make sure to visit Lagos Castle, visit the close by cliffs of Ponta de Piedade and the ornate, Igreja de Santo António. Only a short drive from Sagres and other beautiful places, it’s a great place to stop for a long afternoon and a bite to eat.

15.) Visit the best beaches

There’s no denying that Portugal has some of the best beaches in western Europe. If you’re looking to ride the waves on a board, head across to areas like; Sagres, Ericeira or more on the west Atlantic Coast.

Alternatively, if you’re looking for a little dip, relaxing and beautiful sandy bays, head over to places like Benagil in the Algarve. The whole region is famed for its glorious beaches.

Post written by HandLuggageOnly.com