Is this real life? Is this just Fantasy? Sintra: Portugal’s cinematic village

Sintra is something taken from a dream and put into cinema, it’s real life, not just fantasy. Its idyllic aura comes from the fact that it’s located on top of Sintra’s mountains, Serra de Sintra. There you’ll find some majestic buildings, such as the Pena National Palace, which stands on a steep rock and is surrounded by a dense Park, Pena’s Park; Regaleira Villa, one of Serra de Sintra’s most astonishing monuments, as well as the Monserrate Palace and the Sintra National Palace. As you can see it’s all grand, both the construction work and the nature that surrounds it.

The village’s charm and beauty go beyond these famous monuments. Every place in sight has its uniqueness and breathes the air of the mountains. And don’t forget to try the village’s speciality: queijada de Sintra, a sweet made of cottage cheese, eggs, sugar, flour and a bit of cinnamon, all these elements coated with a layer of flaky and crusty dough.

Pena National Palace

In 1838 King Fernando II bought the old Monastery of Jerónimos de Nossa Senhora da Pena that was built on top of the Sintra mountains in 1511 by King Manuel I. King Fernando II had repair works done in all the monastery, which gave the Palace its grand looks you see today. Built on top of a steep rock and surrounded by a dense forest of more than 500 exotic species from all around the globe, the Pena Palace has a privileged view of the green landscape and sea. Moreover, the museum’s collection has artefacts of Portugal History. Get an inside look of what the Kings and Queens’ golden age looked like!

Regaleira Villa

This is a majestic building amidst the great nature of the Sintra mountains. The Villa was built between 1904 and 1910 during monarchy’s final years. Millionaire António Monteiro “Milhões” got his nickname because of his big fortune which allowed him to achieve this venture. Italian architect Luigi Manini helped him bring his idea to life and create a microcosmos inside Serra de Sintra. The Regaleira mysterious aura helps to bolster Sintra’s mystique. Take a stroll in the lavish gardens and walk down the famous spiral staircase, the so-called Initiation Well.

Monserrate Palace

Monserrate and the Pena National Palace represent two of the best architectural works of the Romantic Period. The palace was originally bought by an English wealthy man, Francis Cook, who with the help of the architect James Knowles and the gardener Francis Burt gave the palace the great aesthetic we see today. Among its most beautiful features are the surrounding gardens, which are home to plants from all around the world. You stumble upon the natural vegetation of the region and the next minute you’re amidst other species from New Zealand, Australia or even Mexico. Visit this national treasure — bought by the State in 1949 and was considered by Unesco World Heritage in 1995, as a part of Sintra’s Cultural Landscape- and see it for yourself!

Village centre

The village centre continues to exude the village’s country style and charm. It’s impossible to let go of the misty atmosphere of the village, you can always catch a glimpse of the Pena National Palace up above, as well as the Moors Castle. Sintra looks like it’s frozen in time and it makes you want for it to continue that way. Don’t miss a chance to try Sintra’s comfort food.

Sintra National Palace

Sintra National Palace is an example of Medieval, Gothic, Manueline, Renaissance and Romantic Style. As well as the others palaces it’s gifted with spectacular views of the village and surroundings. You’ll easily remember the iconic chimneys on top of the palace.

Try the famous custard tarts of sintra

Wait! There’s still something for you to do before you leave this little bit of heaven on earth. You must try the famous custard tarts of Sintra — queijadas. These sweets consist of a custard made with cheese — the name itself explains it- eggs, sugar and flour. The custard is used as a filling of delicious dough. While you’re in there, you must also try Travesseiros. These sweets also live up to their name — in Portuguese travesseiro means pillow. And these sure are fluffy pastries, which are filled with an almond and egg cream.