#Lisboa: Day Tripping to Sintra, Portugal
Want to vacation like a royal?
Head to the sweet town of Sintra, Portugal. It's been a hidden weekend getaway for European royalty since the 1500s—and geographically it operates as its own isolated microclimate
(meaning the air you breathe here is unlike anything else in the world).
Sintra, Portugal @lovethealchemist
Hiking up a massive hill in Sintra, Portugal @lovethealchemist
The sun is strong. The temperature fluctuates just as much as the wind.
The sky is the bluest I've ever seen,
and a single flower in Sintra holds more life than an entire forest in Northern America.
Pollution is null. The people are kind.
The parks are incredible—just make sure you read the park closing times. We WERE SO DEEP INTO OUR exploring that we got locked iN and had to climb a tree and scale two gates to get out.
IT WAS WORTH IT.
Palacio de Monseratte in Sintra, Portugal @lovethealchemist
What's there to Do?
Experience authENTIC Portuguese cuisine. Explore palaces. Get lost in a park. Hide out in a villa. See an authentic fair tail village.
Doing yoga while we wait for the bus to Sintra to arrive! Sintra, Portugal @lovethealchemist
Flower petals falling everywhere. Sunlight kissing my skin in Sintra, Portugal @lovethealchemist
Getting there and getting around
You can easily take the train from Entrecampos, Rossio, and Sete Rios stations in Lisbon.
The train's end destination will get you to the municipality square—and I recommend you head straight to the historical center.
If you're heading to Sintra from Cascais, just hop on a bus.
The bus brings you to a stop looks like a dead end and it will be SO obvious that it's time to get off.
While in Sintra, locals recommend you take an electrical bike around town.
The terrain is mountainous—and you'll get worn out (and quite possibly grumpy) if you try to walk it all.
Where do you rent bikes? There is a company that rent them and includes the entrance for the four main sights:
Palacio da Pena, Castelo Dos Mouros, Convento Dos Capuchos, and Palacio de Monserrate.
Hiking up to the castles in Sintra, Portugal @lovethealchemist
Hiking up to the castles in Sintra, Portugal @lovethealchemist
What should you do when you get to Sintra?
1. Head straight to the historical city center
- Get there early. Plot to stay the night.
- Eat, shop, do you.
- Recommendation: Go to "Piriquita" to try the two local pasteries - travesseiro and queijada.
2. Check out these sights
- Quinta da Regaleira (THIS IS THE BEST ONE!)
- Palacio da Pena
- Castelo Dos Mouros
- Convento Dos Capuchos
- Palacio de Monserrat
3. Rent a bike, and ride around town
- There are tons of cars passing by on the main roads and tons of tourists walking on the crowded sidewalks. Be careful!
4. Eat again
- Guzzle vino verde! Green wine is Portugal's specialty, and it's delicious. Enjoy your life; treat this get away like a party (and it will be one). This is the perfect place to let loose and play.
5. Head to Cabo Da Roca
- Cabo Da Roca is the westernmost point of Europe with a stunning view and high cliffs. Bring your camera, soak in the sun, and don't forget to apply sunscreen.
- Transport: Check out the route for biking. It if looks too long, it should be easy to get a local bus otherwise take a cab.
Maybe make your own street art in Sintra? @lovethealchemist
Walking around town in Sintra, Portugal. @lovethealchemist
Post hike noms in Sintra, Portugal. @lovethealchemist
Busy shops in Sintra, Portugal. @lovethealchemist
THE ALCHEMIST'S PICK: Quinta da Regaleira
