Activities
MHNS | Sintra Natural History Museum
The Sintra Museum of Natural History is located in the heart of the historic centre of Vila Velha de Sintra, on Rua do Paço, in a building dating from the 19th century, specifically 1893. It houses a long-term exhibition, the genesis of which was in the hands of the collector Miguel Barbosa and his wife, Fernanda Barbosa, who, over the course of 50 years, put together a unique collection of thousands of fossils of incalculable cultural and scientific value.
Go to website for more information
Quinta da Regaleira: A Dive into the Mysticism and Charm of Sintra
Quinta da Regaleira is one of Sintra’s most fascinating treasures, shrouded in mysticism and symbolism. This fairytale palace, surrounded by lush gardens, secret caves and the iconic Initiation Well, offers a unique experience where history, nature and mystery meet. Built at the beginning of the 20th century, the property reflects the singular vision of its owner, a lover of esotericism and Gothic architecture. For lovers of culture, adventure and photography, Quinta da Regaleira is an unmissable stop. Every corner awakens the imagination and transports us to a fantasy universe, making the visit unforgettable.
For more information, you can visit the Visit Sintra website.
A Refuge of Exoticism and Romanticism in Sintra
Monserrate Palace, built in 1858 by Sir Francis Cook, is a jewel of Portuguese Romanticism. Located 4 kilometres from the centre of Sintra, this palace boasts exotic architecture and interior decoration with oriental influences. Surrounded by one of the richest botanical gardens in Portugal, the park includes exotic species from all over the world, organised into geographical areas. To visit Monserrate is to immerse yourself in the fusion of art, nature and history in a setting of rare beauty.
For more information, you can visit the Visit Sintra website.
The Guardian of the Atlantic Ocean
The Cabo da Roca Lighthouse, inaugurated in 1772, is one of the oldest in Portugal and is located at the westernmost point of continental Europe. With its white tiled tower and breathtaking views of the Atlantic, it is a historical and cultural landmark in Sintra. Recognized as one of the most beautiful lighthouses in the world, it is part of maritime heritage preservation projects, including an interpretive center that highlights its importance for navigation and local history.
Sintra: Exploring the Enchanted Parks
Sintra has many Parks and Gardens you can explore.
The vegetation in Parque da Liberdade is characterized by an essentially natural development, with an aesthetic, a landscape and a set of interactions that allow for a varied number of ecological niches, increasing biodiversity.
Quinta da Ribafria and its Garden, opened its doors to the people of Sintra on May 1, 2015, and since then has been offering all visitors a variety of cultural, sporting and recreational events that merge culture and the outdoors.
The Park and Palace of Pena combine the search for exoticism with a fascination for nature.
In this Park das Merendas, you can enjoy a pleasant environment, with an extraordinary landscape.
The lush romantic garden and the palace of Monserrate.
Vila Sassetti is located on the northern slopes of the Serra and is considered one of the most beautiful and lesser-known corners of Sintra.
Between the Sea and the Mountains: The must-see beaches of the Sintra Coast
Do not miss:
Known for its pure waters and vast, easily accessible sandy beach, Adraga Beach stands out for its scenic beauty.
Aguda Beach – Unguarded beach with difficult access, but rewarding once you arrive.
Samarra Beach – Between cliffs, this beach is a good bet for those looking for a quiet, hidden place to relax.
Vigia Beach, located south of São Julião, Assafora, is difficult to access and has high cliffs.
A true work of natural art, Azenhas do Mar impresses with its unique location, with houses that seem to cascade down the rocky hillside until they meet the sea.
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