Top 10 must-see parks, palaces, and monuments to visit in Sintra

As a Sintra local for over 40 years, I'd like to share with you my top 10 must-see parks, palaces, and monuments in this magical town:

1. Pena Palace: Though it's now the top monumento to visit in Sintra (and one of the most popular in Portugal!), I still absolutely love Pena Palace because of its unique architecture that blends different styles, its stunning location on top of a hill that offers panoramic views, and its rich history that dates back to the 19th century. Beware the Instagram snapping masses...
2. Castle of the Moors: This castle is one of my favorite places to visit in Sintra because the views from the top are breathtaking, and the surrounding forest is beautiful. Aside from that, it has a compelling history that dates back to the 8th century when it was built by the Moors during their occupation of Portugal. 
3. Quinta da Regaleira: This palace has helped make Sintra a top travel destination, and one that I love to recommend to visitors. The gardens are beautiful, and the palace itself is known for its unique architecture and secret passageways that make it a great place to explore.
4. Monserrate Palace: Possibly the most romantic of all the top palaces in Sintra. I love this palace for its romantic architecture that was popular in the 19th century. The surrounding park and gardens are beautiful, and it's a great place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature.
5. National Palace of Sintra: This palace is a must-see because of its impressive chimneys and unique architecture. It's also the best-preserved medieval royal palace in Portugal, so it's a great place to learn more about the history of the country.
6. Sintra-Cascais Natural Park: As a nature lover, I absolutely adore this park for it's world class hiking and mountain biking trails. It's a protected area that covers over 145 square kilometers and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. It's a great place to bike, hike and explore, and the views are stunning from many secret spots, overlooking the Atlantic ocean.
7. Seteais Palace: This palace is one of my favorites because of its neoclassical architecture and stunning location on a hill that offers panoramic views - up to Pena and down over the Atlantic Coast. It's now a luxury hotel that's worth visiting even if you're not staying there.
8. Convent of the Capuchos: This convent is a peaceful and serene place that I love to recommend to visitors who prefer to avoid the crowds. It's a perfect example of the simple and austere lifestyle that was popular among Franciscan friars, and the surrounding forest is beautiful.
9. Monserrate Palace and Gardens: The palace is worth a visit in its own right, but to me the gardens are a perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the town. They're filled with exotic plants, and the atmosphere is peaceful and relaxing.
10. Biester Mansion: From the moment I entered this restored banker's mansion, I was struck by the exquisite details, from the antique furniture to the stained glass windows. The gardens are just as impressive as the mansion itself, with well-manicured lawns, beautiful flowers, and tranquil fountains.​​

You can easily visit any of these top park, palaces and monuments on our Sintra Self Guided Ebike tours, which include our custom navigation apps that tell you where to go and give you some insights into what you are seeing.

Bonus (not so) secret spots

​As a Sintra local, I have the privilege of living in one of the most beautiful regions in Portugal. There are three places that particularly stand out to me and that I love to take friends and family to when they visit: Azenhas do Mar Village, Cabo da Roca, and Almoçageme Village.

Azenhas do Mar Village is a small coastal village that sits on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The village's white houses and red roofs make for a stunning contrast against the blue sea and sky. I love to come here to enjoy the fresh sea breeze, walk along the beach, and sample the local seafood dishes.

Cabo da Roca is the westernmost point of Europe and has become a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Sintra. The rugged cliffs, crashing waves, and stunning views make for an unforgettable experience. I love to come here to watch the sunset and take in the natural beauty that surrounds me. Due to its fame, it can get crowded in the summer...

Finally, Almoçageme Village is a charming town that is known for its narrow streets, traditional houses, great restaurant, and friendly locals. I love to come here to enjoy the laid-back atmosphere, visit Adraga beach, or go for a hike along the Atlantic cliffs and take in the beautiful scenery. If you are a wine fan, one of the best local wineries has a pretty shop in town - but you must book beforehand to visit.

All three of these destinations are unique and special in their own way, and I feel grateful to live in a place that offers such diverse and beautiful experiences. 

You can visit these top coastal spots on our Atlantic Adventure and Cape Escape ebike tour routes.

Come and Visit Sintra

​These are my top 10 must-see parks, palaces, and monuments in Sintra - but I couldn't close this post without mentioning my favourite not so secret spots too. Each place is special and unique, and I hope you'll enjoy them as much as I do.

If you ever get the chance to visit Sintra, I highly recommend checking out these three destinations. 

Sintra is a magical town that's full of surprises and hidden treasures, so take your time and explore all that Sintra has to offer!