Romantic Escape to Sintra
Sintra, Portugal
Sintra is one of those places that looks photoshopped until you're standing in it. Stay the night - one big mistake people make is doing it as a Lisbon day trip. The town empties out by 6pm and thats when its actually magical.
Day by Day
Day 1
- Morning.
- Arrive, check in, walk to the town centre for pastel de nata and coffee.
- Afternoon.
- Quinta da Regaleira - the spiral well will blow your mind.
- Evening.
- Quiet dinner at Tascantiga, share small plates and a bottle of Vinho Verde.
Day 2
- Morning.
- Pena Palace first thing - tickets in advance, go before the bus tours arrive.
- Afternoon.
- Moorish Castle for the walls and views.
- Evening.
- Sunset at Cabo da Roca if you have a car, then back to Sintra for dinner.
Where to Stay
- Budget. Moon Hill Hostel - clean, central, great staff.
- Mid-range. Sintra Boutique Hotel - small and pretty.
- Splurge. Tivoli Palacio de Seteais - actual palace, actual fairytale.
Where to Eat
Tascantiga
Portuguese small plates, lively, great wine list.
Cafe Saudade
Best breakfast in town and the queijadas are essential.
Incomum
Slightly more modern, lovely for a longer dinner.
One local tip nobody tells you
Take the 434 tourist bus only if you have to. Walking between Pena and the Moorish Castle is part of the experience.
Gallery
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