Sintra, A refreshing hill resort.

Panoramic view from the Castle of the Moors

 Sintra occupies the hills near the Atlantic, west of Lisbon. It is home to a micro-climate that brings a mild coolness to the township. As it is close to the capital, it is a favorite getaway resort that once was also a country residence for kings. 

The old town

There are no less than four palaces that can be seen. The oldest is the Moorish fortress [Castle of the Moors] that can only be reached by foot. The castle provides an outstanding view of the countryside from its walls and dungeons. After the ‘Reconquista’ the Portuguese monarchs used the Palace of Sintra as a summer resident. In the18th century, the Rococo Palace of Queluz was built. And in the 19th century, the colorful  Romanticist National Palace of Pena was built on top of another hill.

The residential areas are scattered among the forested hills and the old town is

Water fountain

nestling in a narrow valley near the Palace of Sintra.

The charm of Sintra resides in its narrow roads, its many fountains and gardens, its houses and old country houses, the boutique hotels and so many other details that attract the eye in this lush environment.

Many artists have opened shops in the old town with a multitude of exquisite Portuguese ceramics. It is not only the sights that prevail. Sintra holds a pervasive atmosphere that makes it unique in style and in feelings.

Hill street 

Town view from the Castle of the Moors

Pena Palace (left) and Castle of the Moors (right)

Inside a boutique hotel

  

Residential hill house

Azulejos

 

Ceramics on display

Downtown Sintra

Artist's shop

  

In the streets of the old town

The Palace of Sintra