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My favourite part of my last coastal drive in Portugal is definitely the town of Sintra and Pena Castle! But why visiting Sintra?! Although the town is relatively you can definitely go for so many things! This beautiful place is located 1 hour from Lisbon and is an important part of the Portuguese Riviera. Sintra is one of the most visited places in Portugal. And there is no doubt that the most important reference to Portuguese culture and history is located in the city – Pena National Palace. The castle is one of the many 19th-century Romantic architectural monuments in the region and is demonstratively located on the top of the Sintra Mountains.
Spring of Water, Sintra
This (for me) “jump-castle-alike” monument was planned to be a summer residence of the Royal Family because of the pleasant summer temperatures in the mountains. The palace is surrounded by the exotic park of Pena which has a good collection of foreign (e.g. from Australia, Africa, New Zealand, Japan) and domestic plants. On that day we were the luckiest people – no fog and some perfect, crystal-clear view.
Nature here is absolutely stunning! There are so many paths and narrow alleys connected into a labyrinth system. I could imagine spending hours and hours hiking up and down the hill … but of course, we didn’t have the time on that day.
Spring of Water, Sintra
National Park Pena
Coming to the Palácio da Pena – I have definitely never seen a castle like this! The palace itself is a unique architectural and cultural mixture as a result of the complex history and previous religious influences in Portugal. Where else you will be able to see a mix of all religious and cultural styles?!
Popping colours, mythological statues, crocodiles and other exotic animals, the Islamic symbols of the crescent moon (half-moon) on the top of the castle, crosses and Catholic statues – the Pena Castle reminds a building from a fairy-tale, but it was actually the part-time home of the Portuguese Royal Family.
The Depiction of a Mythological Triton, Symbolizing the Creation of the World
Palácio da Pena, view over Sintra-Cascais National Park
Not only the architecture outside but also the hedonistic interior of Pena Castle is absolutely fascinating! Nevertheless my favourite “castle moments” is the numerous stunning viewpoints! On a sunny day like this, you will be able to catch a view over the Sintra-Cascais National Park, Atlantic Ocean and the ancient walls of the Moors castle. All in all – a must see place when visiting Portugal!
Enjoy the day!
Portugal Accommodation
Begin your search for the perfect accommodation now while the excitement is still fresh in your mind. Discover stylish and affordable options, and find the best accommodations at the lowest prices:
- Explore a wide range of hotels in Portugal by clicking here (Booking.com)
- Explore a wide range of hotels in Portugal by clicking here (Tripadvisor)
- Explore a wide range of hotels in Portugal by clicking here (Agoda)
- Discover affordable hostels in Portugal by clicking here (Hostelworld)
- Easily compare prices and book hotels in Portugal by clicking here (Trip.com).
✔️ Book hotels, flights, and activities all in one place with Expedia – discover top travel deals for Vietnam. Click HERE to start your search.
✔️ Compare multiple hotel sites at once with Trivago for great deals in Vietnam. Click HERE to start your search.
✔️ Browse local rentals and vacation homes with VRBO – ideal for families and longer stays. Check options HERE.
Portugal Flights
Make the most of your trip by finding the most affordable flights. We highly recommend using Booking Flights, a reliable flight comparison site. Click here to compare and book cheap flights to Portugal.
✔️ Another great option is WayAway, which not only finds cheap flights but also gives you cashback on bookings. Check it out HERE.
Private Airport Transfers
Kiwitaxi is a popular online platform that specializes in providing private airport transfers and transportation services worldwide. It offers convenient and reliable door-to-door transfers between airports, hotels, and other destinations. With Kiwitaxi, you can pre-book private taxis or minivans with professional drivers, ensuring a comfortable and hassle-free journey.
✔️ For budget travelers, GetTransfer offers both private transfers and shared rides at competitive rates. Compare prices HERE.
Rental Car in Portugal
✔️ Looking to rent a car in Portugal? Rentalcars.com has you covered! We search through all the major car rental companies in Portugal to find you the best price possible. Click HERE to book.
✔️ Another trusted provider is Discover Cars, which lets you compare local and global companies with transparent insurance options. Click HERE to book.
✔️ If you're traveling across borders or need camper rentals, QEEQ and AutoEurope also offer flexible options.
Portugal Tours
If you enjoy guided tours, here you can find a wide variety of options to suit every preference. Discover and join fascinating guided tours across Portugal.
✔️ Use GetYourGuide or Viator to book authentic experiences, day trips, and cultural adventures across Portugal.
✔️ Go City offers attraction passes in many destinations, letting you save on entry fees if you’re planning multiple visits.
✔️ WeGoTrip is perfect for self-guided audio tours if you prefer to explore at your own pace.
Travel SIM for Portugal
Stay connected from the moment you land in Portugal with a reliable eSIM. Avoid high roaming charges and enjoy seamless internet access for maps, bookings, and social sharing.
✔️ Yesim offers flexible data plans tailored for Southeast Asia, with easy activation and 24/7 support. You can order your eSim HERE. Enjoy 15% off your first order using the code TRAVEL15. Yesim is perfect for hassle-free, instant connectivity — no physical SIM card required!
Travel Insurance
When it comes to travel insurance, we understand the importance of finding reliable coverage that suits your needs. That's why we highly recommend Safety Wing – a trusted provider offering comprehensive travel insurance plans even for digital nomads. Safeguard your travels and gain peace of mind by exploring the excellent coverage options provided by Safety Wing.
✔️ VisitorsCoverage is another strong option, offering extensive short- and long-term plans for all types of travelers.
✔️ If you’re an adventure traveler, EKTA also provides insurance tailored for hiking, diving, and outdoor activities.
Enjoy the day!
*Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Rest assured, we only recommend products and services that meet our high standards and that we genuinely believe in. The opinions expressed are solely our own and are based on our personal experience.
