UNESCO World Heritage 

Sintra has been a royal place of residence since Alfonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal, snatched the fortress of São Pedro de Penaferrim or Castelo dos Mouros from the Arabs. The climate is always milder here than in the Portuguese capital meaning that it is much visited in the summer. 

In winter, however, it offers a peaceful, romantic atmosphere, which seduced the famous English poet Lord Byron. The writer stayed in Hotel Lawrence, a building dating from 1754, the oldest on the Peninsula. 

Very close to here, in the historic centre of Vila Velha and concealed in a steep narrow street, we find O Cantinho do Lord Byron, a small bar where he wrote some of his works.

Extraordinary ensemble of royal residences 

The constant royal presence meant that there were many palaces in Sintra, starting with the Palacio da Pena, of German inspiration on the outside but totally Portuguese inside, including the blue and white tiles, typical of the 19th century. 

Palacio de Queluz is reminiscent of Versailles, and the Palacio Nacional de Sintra, with its characteristic conical chimneys, is a symbol of the city. It was built between the 15th and 16th centuries and is profusely decorated, especially the Sala dos Brasões. 

Further from the centre, around a 15 minute walk, and well sign-posted, the Quinta de Regaleiral will attract children's attention due to its Masonic symbols and statues, so perfect that the locals say they were sculpted by the devil.

Play and science in two large exhibitions   

Museums are also present in this old district. For example, a short distance from the Palacio Nacional, the toy museum or Museo do Brinquedo offers a journey back to childhood and attracts children of all ages. It has twenty thousand pieces on show, mainly from the 19th century, compiled by João Abués Moreira. He is often found here, happy to tell anecdotes. 

Another museum with a more modern conception is the Natural History museum in Rua do Paco. For many years, the collector Miguel Barbosa gathered together the huge collection of fossils on show today.

Taking a ride by horse and carriage or by tram   

After getting to know the centre of Sintra, the city offers an interesting option to discover the surroundings, including the botanic garden. A ride by horse and carriage, a great idea for both couples and families. Another pleasant ride consists of getting on Sintra's electric tram, a period vehicle which links the city with Praia das Maçäs. Thirteen kilometres of clattering and good views take us to the seaside in 45 minutes. 

The beaches of the end of the world 

And a little farther away, if we take the road leading to Lisbon going round the coast, we soon come to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of Europe. After taking photos at the landmark, we should enjoy one of the beautiful neighbouring beaches, such as São Julião and Praia Grande. 

At the end of the track, called Calzada Real, Guincho beach awaits, highly valued by surfers, and the rugged Adraga, distinguished as one of the 20 best beaches on the Old Continent according to the Sunday Times.

  
Gastronomic suggestion 

You cannot leave Sintra without trying its unbeatable local cakes and pastries. One of the best known sweets are queijadas, based on cheese, used as currency in times gone past. 

The travesseiros are also delicious. These are prepared with almond in the famous Piriquita patisserie (Rua das padarias, s/n). It is offered as dessert in restaurants such as Cantinho de Sâo Pedro (Praça D. Fernando II, 18. Tel.: 219 230 267), just beside where the handicrafts market is held on the second and fourth Sunday of each month, recommended by the Repsol Guide.

And on the beach, on an old bastion Fortaleza do Guincho stands out   (Estrada do Gincho s/n. Tel.: 214 870), which has been awarded a Repsol Sol.

Acknowledgements: Parques de Sintra, Monte da Lua.