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Discover lesser-known locations of Sintra, making your impression of the place variable and unique
Intro
Sintra is the ultimate tourist destination, one that most tourists who come to Portugal dream of visiting, regardless of the length of stay. At first glance, it may seem that most of the attractions here are quite obvious and that it is enough to get acquainted with them to visit a standard tour.
However, tours to Sintra include not only well-known tourist trails. There are many hidden locations known to locals. To visit them, it is worth choosing the author's tours in which you can be shown the hidden side of Sintra, and you can learn more about the history of the region and make your impression about these spots, and also see even a popular tourist location from a completely different angle. Those attractions deserve the closest attention.
Blue Lagoon (Lagoa Azul)
There are many popular beaches in Sintra. It may seem that most of them are already known to most tourists, and it is extremely difficult to feel calm here. However, there are hidden locations. One such location is the Blue Lagoon.
In fact, this location belongs to the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, and the infrastructure here is well-developed.
Having arrived here on Sintra day trip, you can enjoy the rich flora and fauna by exploring the region along one of the many pipes or by renting a car and driving along the route at the end. It is quite close to the center, so getting here will not be difficult.
Explore the breathtaking beauty of this place and come here on your own or with a professional guide.
Travel Hack: When you come here, take advantage of the excellent opportunity to have a picnic area. The place is ideal for family outings, and there are also several photo zones and wonderful swings. You can spend time here alone with nature.
Location: Lagoa Azul, Sintra, Portugal
Moorish Fountain
This fantastic fountain is located in Volta do Duche. There are many fountains in Sintra, but this is one of the most beautiful and a must-see spot for a tour of Sintra. It is just a five-minute walk from the castle itself and was built in 1922 by the sculptor Jose da Fonseca.
The fountain was created in the best traditions of Arab architectural art, as the Islamic influence on the style of construction in Portugal had a great impact at that time.
The fountain's decoration is also typical of the architecture of that time.
Today, the fountain is included on the UNESCO World Population List. The interior has been well preserved to this day, so visitors have the opportunity to witness its elegant decoration.
Travel Hack: Like any similar place, this one has many legends. When you come on a trip to Sintra here, make a wish, and it will come true.
Location: 2710-631 Sintra, Portugal
Quinta da Penha Verde
The entrance to Quinta da Penha Verde is an elegant Mannerist portico with a pediment. The mansion, which is in formal classicism style, is surrounded by a small 18th-century living garden.
The property is a perfect mixture of lush nature and architecture, cozy spaces with pleasant pavilions, statues, fountains, and even Sanskrit inscriptions.
In addition to this small jewel of the national Renaissance heritage, there are two chapels in the Quinta, and they deserve the precise attention of all lovers of architecture within Sintra, Portugal, tour.
Travel Hack: Don't miss two fountains from the 17th century while walking here. They are great reminders of Portugal's past prosperity.
Location: Quinta da Penha Verde, Sintra, Portugal
Sassetti Village
Villa Sassetti, located next to the Castelo dos Mouros pedestrian route, after restoration work in 2011, with its elegant appearance, is of increased interest not only among tourists but also among Portuguese residents.
The villa was built by Italian architect Luigi Manini on the grounds of Quinta Amizade, commissioned by businessman Victor Sassetti, who was born in Sintra and fell in love with the surrounding beauty of the Serra da Sintra mountain.
He decided to realize his dream, inspired by trips and built a villa for a family holiday in the style of Lombardy castles.
The park surrounding the villa skillfully emphasizes the harmonious combination of architecture and landscape gardening. This is not surprising since the villa was designed by the architect and designer Luigi Manini, who had already implemented his design for the royal palace in Bucaco.
Travel Hack: The villa is worth a visit as a part of Sintra day trip. There is a cafeteria with a beautiful view, so you can refresh yourself, relax and get another unique impression of Sintra.
Location: Estrada da Pena, 2710-000 Sintra, Portugal
Holy Trinity Convent (Convento da Santissima Trindade)
The convent is a bright example of a religious, mannerist, and Baroque architectural landmark in Portugal. It's a former convent of the Order of the Holy Trinity, built-in 1410. It consists of a church with a longitudinal plan, with a single nave and chancel. The main facade is finished in a gable, with a portal and window with a rectilinear profile cut out at the top. You shouldn't miss it on tour to Sintra.
The convent area is perfect for walking out from the crowd, with an arcade cloister based on Doric columns and galleries covered by cross vaults. The construction, which has been kept until now, has been adapted to new residential functions.
It's no big surprise that the authentic version underwent numerous modifications.
One of the noteworthy attractions for travel to Sintra, Portugal, is the existence of a tombstone in the church attesting to the construction of the main chapel.
Travel Hack: Pay attention to the refectory, which still has tile coverings and four chapels in the original enclosure.
Location: R. da Trindade, 2710-505 Sintra, Portugal
Palacio Valencas
The Valensas Palace was built in the middle of the second half of the 19th century. The building is part of Sintra's eclectic, romantic movement in the eighteenth century.
The building's magnificent architecture stands out beautifully on the steep slope of the historic center of Sintra. It has the shape of a volumetric parallelepiped, to which another structure in the form of a tower is added in the north. Today, visitors of Sintra from Lisbon can either stroll around or go inside.
Travel Hack: Take advantage of the opportunity to climb the marble stairs. The upper floors' ceilings are preserved and decorated with polychrome plaster and geometric motifs.
Location: R. Visc. de Monserrate 60, 2710-631 Sintra, Portugal
Cascatas de Ancos e Fervenca
Visiting the waterfalls near Lisbon on the Sintra trip is a must-try experience for all nature lovers. They provide a perfect natural escape from the crowds of the big city.
The waterfalls are not suitable for bathing, but they are a great option for a walk, especially in the area of Ancos, which is surrounded by lush nature.
The water in the waterfall comes from the Lizandro River. Despite its proximity to the big cities, the area is not polluted. Here, you may feel the tranquility and unity with nature.
Travel Hack: It's pretty simple to get here from Lisbon. Take the IC19 towards Lisbon-Sintra, enter the A16, and go about 5 km to the waterfall.
Location: 2715-311 Terrugem, Portugal
Santa Eufemia Viewpoint and Chapel
Located in the mountains of Santa Eufemia, about 470 meters above sea level, this viewpoint offers one of the most beautiful views over Sintra. You can witness the picturesque panorama from Queluz to the ocean shore if you climb here.
The chronicles of the Crusades, dating to 1147, are well-kept to this day. They tell us that the water from the Santa Eufemia Fountain is healing. In the 13th century, the construction of the Santa Eufemia hermitage was ordered.
The space also has religious and mystical significance, including a comfortable recreational area. Come here for 1 day in Sintra, and you'll find a park and picnic area with a cool shadow to rest on warm days.
Travel Hack: According to legend, Santa Eufemia's apparition happened here. Her footprint is kept in the bedrock in a niche in the chapel's north wall. A curative spring is also here.
Location: R. da Santa Eufemia, Sintra, Portugal
Fertility Tree (Arvore da Fertilidade)
The spot with an old tree is a magical place in Serra de Sintra,. It's an amazing destination for the Sintra trip, located between Parque da Pena and Tapada do Mouco and is difficult to access without a local guide. This magnificent tree can jokingly be called the Fertility Tree.
Of course, there are a lot of legends about how to ask the tree to help solve the problem. Some say it should be used as tea and work as a source of extra energy, but this information is more of a joke than true. The tree got its name because of its intertwined roots, which involve a rock with a caricatured shape.
Travel Hack: Come here with a guide on day trip to Sintra from Lisbon. The route involves some hiking, so it's better to be prepared and ensure safety.
Location: Tapada do Mouco, Sintra, Portugal
Summarize
All the locations discussed above are worthy of the closest attention. The list is far from complete, as there are many places worth visiting both in Sintra and its surroundings.
However, for tourists whose time is limited, these locations can become an excellent base for the first acknowledgement. The locations will allow you to create your impression of Sintra, which is different from the impression everyone who came as part of a group tour will get.
Sintra is a fabulous place where you can spend more than one day. It is not surprising that many locations have mystical overtones. Located in the lush vegetation of the surrounding forests, the Lisbon Sintra tour is an attractive option for tourists from all over the world.
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