Visit Sintra's Cultural Landscape | Portugal
Climb from Sintra's tiled centre into wooded hills where a Moorish castle, a royal palace and the colour of Pena Palace appear through the trees. Paths, viewpoints and elaborate gardens make the journey between buildings as important as their interiors. In the 19th century Ferdinand II transformed a ruined monastery into Pena Palace, mixing Gothic, Moorish, Egyptian and Renaissance references within a designed park. UNESCO recognises the wider cultural landscape, including palaces, estates, gardens and the Serra rather than a single photogenic façade. Start early, choose two major sites rather than sprinting through four and use the local bus or a planned walking route because the hills are steep and parking is restricted. Timed tickets sell out in busy periods, and mist or heat changes the walking experience. Add this to your list and explore Sintra as a landscape with palaces inside it.