Destination Guide : Sintra, Portugal

We were already falling in love with Portugal during our days in Lisbon and then we headed to Sintra. This peaceful, seaside region sealed the deal. We began to look up immigration laws and started planning how we could call this place home one day. Our 10 days in Sintra were filled with runs along the coast, finding new bottles of wine to enjoy, and occasionally checking out some historical sites. But mostly, we just relaxed on the beach. It’s hard to want to do much else here!

So here it is… our Destination Guide: Sintra, Portugal!

WHERE TO STAY

We loved our little Airbnb near overlooking the beach Praia Grande. Our host Ana couldn’t have been sweeter and gave us the best recommendations. Also, her welcome basket was the best one that we received during all of our Airbnb stays. If you’re looking for a hotel, we passed by Hotel Arribas daily and they have an amazing salt water pool overlooking the Pacific. Not a bad place to stay either!

GETTING AROUND

Renting a car is necessary to really explore Sintra for more than just the day. The drive from Lisbon is easy and only takes about 30 minutes. For a day trip, take the train from Lisbon to Sintra.

If you’re sightseeing the main attractions (Palace da Pena, Moorish Castle, etc.), take the Sintra Tourist Bus 434 from site to site. It’s much less of a headache than trying to find parking. There’s also a Hop-on-Hop-off bus if you’re visiting the sites all in one day.

EAT

BAR DO FUNDO - this little restaurant on Praia Grande has a menu packed with Portuguese favorites.

ALEDIA DA PRAIA - we loved visiting this little community. Part hotel, part community hangout. There are a few restaurants onsite, including a pizza spot and craft beer bar. We enjoyed afternoons here with a beer while the kids played at the playground. Then we would pick up groceries at the market for dinner before heading home.

PRAIA DAS MACAS - there’s a cute little kiosk style restaurant next to the playground at Praia das Macas. We enjoyed many sandwiches and beers here!

BUZIO - this seafood restaurant comes highly recommended. Unfortunately it was closed while we visited during off season.

MATSU WINE BAR & SUSHI - Another highly recommended spot that was closed during our visit in February.

SEE

QUINTA DA REGALEIRA - This quirky place was our favorite! It not only contains a Romantic palace and vast gardens but a chapel, tunnels, grottoes, spiral staircase structures with look outs, and of course the initiation well. Yes, initiation well, you read that right. The mysterious history is rich here.

NATIONAL PALACE OF PENA - The most iconic structure of Sintra is the National Palace of Pena. Tour this colorful royal palace. This place gets packed so head there early.

CABO DA ROCA - The western most point on continental Europe. You can feel the spirit of the explorers here.

PARQUES DE SINTRA - There’s so much to visit here! A very popular trio is the Palace of Monserrate with its gardens, the Moorish Castle with its stone walls, and the National Palace of Sintra with its conical chimneys.

CONVENTO DOS CAPUCHOS - Visit a Medieval convent covered in vines and explore through the property. We skipped this based on the price and being a bit “sightseed” out.

DO

BEACH DAYS - There are so many beaches to visit in Sintra: Ursa Beach, Praia da Adraga, and Praia das Azenhas do Mar. But many of them require climbing down steep cliffs to arrive at the beach. Our favorite, easy to get to beaches are Praia Grande and Praia das Macas.

DINOSAUR FOOTPRINTS - A fun sightseeing stop with the kids (or just adults) are the dinosaur footprints that can be found on the side of the cliff off of Praia Grande. Walk to the end of the beach (the south side) and look up towards the staircase. You will find the footprints there!

FARMER’S MARKET - There’s a weekend farmer’s market near Coolares. Ask around to see if it’s taking place during your visit.

PLAY

The kids loved two playgrounds right next to some of our favorite eateries. The small playground on Praia das Macas. And the playground at Aldeia da Praia. We especially loved this spot because we could grab beers from the market and enjoy them at a picnic table while we kept an eye on the kids.

RUN

This spot belongs in my top 5 places to run around the world. With trails along the coast that span for miles upon miles, it was a great location for my marathon training. Nothing beats running by the beach. Follow the coastal trail markers to navigate your route and, whenever in doubt at a split, stick to the coast side.

TREAT

Don’t tell the kids but we didn’t really stop anywhere for sweets in Sintra. I think they had the occasional ice cream from the market. But sometimes even when you’re traveling the world, you need a break from normal travel routines and just enjoy some home cooked meals and limit the treats!

DRINK

Portugal in general is an amazing wine producer. When in doubt chose wine over beer here! We had so much fun picking out new bottles of rose and reds to try. We did have some wonderful craft beers at Aldeia da Praia. And, of course, a Sagres or a Super Bock will do in a pinch, especially on a hot day.

Have you been to Sintra? What did you love?