Sintra, located just 40 minutes from Lisbon, feels like a world apart. Tucked into the hills of the Serra de Sintra, this town has drawn kings, poets, and explorers for centuries. It was once the summer retreat of Portuguese royalty, who left behind palaces and gardens that seem pulled from a storybook. The most famous, Palácio da Pena, is perched high above the town with bold red and yellow towers that blend Romanticism with Moorish and Gothic styles. Visitors can explore its lavish rooms or walk the surrounding forest trails once used by the royal family.

The cultural landscape of Sintra is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it's easy to see why. At Quinta da Regaleira, secret tunnels, spiral wells, and mythological symbols fill a property built by a wealthy 19th-century visionary with a love for the occult and Freemasonry. Another highlight, the Moorish Castle, dates back to the 8th century and offers wide stone walls to walk along with panoramic views that stretch to the Atlantic Ocean. Even the historic center, with its narrow cobblestone streets and tile-covered buildings, has a deep-rooted character that rewards wandering.

Sintra’s natural surroundings are just as striking. The Sintra-Cascais Natural Park offers rugged cliffs, misty forests, and dramatic coastline. Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of continental Europe, is only a short drive away. The microclimate here keeps the area cool and green year-round, making it a refreshing escape even in the height of summer.