Sintra Journals

SINTRA & Other Day-Trips from Lisbon

Best of IgoUgo

A travel journal to Sintra by Jose Kevo

Palacio Nacional De Sintra Photo - Sintra, Portugal More Photos
Quote: Medieval or Modern? Which ever you prefer, you'll find with convenient, inexpensive day-trips from Portugal's capital. Sintra, Queluz, Obidos and Nazare are steeped in culture and history while the coastal resort villages of Estoril and Cascais keep an upscale pace catering to the rich and famous.

SINTRA & Other Day-Trips from Lisbon

Best Of IgoUgo

Overview

Palacio Nacional De Sintra Photo - Sintra, Portugal
Quote:
SINTRA - A definite must...no matter how many times you've already been there! While Lisbon isn't an overwhelming city, a trip to the country hillsides and this medieval village and area falls right into place with the region's Magic; something UNESCO recognized in '95. VUELVERE - I will return! NAZARE - This quaint fishing village will grab your heart equal to the grip locals use for hanging onto customs, traditions. Situated just below the cliff-top village of Sitio, Nazare has one of the most beautiful, popular beaches north of the Tagus. Hemmingway could've written volumes inspired by this "step back into time" destination worth more than a day's stay! VUELVERE - aqui tambien/here also!...Read More
Sintra Photo - Sintra, Portugal
Quote:
HIGHLIGHTS: If high school history could've only been this good! The village's 15th century Palacio Nacional de Sintra and mountainous-peak elevated 20th century Palacio Nacional da Pena sandwich the midrange-level 8th century Castelo dos Mouros; all "must see" attractions enough to keep you occupied on your first visit here. Second visit? Do the walking tours/trails leading to/from 529 Cruz Alta with spectacular Pena Palace views and other photo ops back thru the Pena Park gardens. Medieval abandoned hidden structures dot the landscape. It's a definite locale to indulge your inner-child running, playing, climbing impossible cliffs trying to get the perfect shot. A definite must for nature l...Read More
The Mirrored Ballroom Photo - Sintra, Portugal
Quote:
OVERVIEW: This 16th century palace still plays host to Portugal's visiting dignitaries and tourists. But comparing the place to a "miniature Versailles", as most guidebooks do, I felt was a gross overstatement. HIGHLIGHTS: This is the closest day trip to Lisbon; perfect for a "lite-day" of sightseeing. The palace is open to the public from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. except Tuesdays/Wednesdays. The first room you enter will be the elaborate mirror-lined throne room. The last room will be the royal bedroom with a domed ceiling, impressively designed exotic woods floors, and the walls are filled with murals illustrating the life of Don Quixote. In between all of this... Along the b...Read More

CASCAIS - A "Common Man's" Riviera

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Story/Tip

Praia De Ribeira Photo - Sintra, Portugal
Quote:
HIGHLIGHTS: Look closely at the facades of older buildings to gauge what importance the ocean has played in the history of this village. Maritime decor is carved, sculpted; included...and often hidden in the architectural designs. Praia da Ribeira beach area is great for watching fishermen from "the Ol' School" daily reject modern progress in plying their trades as has been done for generations. Parque Municipal da Grandarinha is definitely worth passing thru to see the azulejo murals and other artworks, watch local children enjoy the playgrounds and animal bizarre, or simply stretch out on the grass under a shade tree and bask in your reality of being in Portugal. Be sure to check out ...Read More

OBIDOS - Send in the Dragons???

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Story/Tip

Overview Photo - Sintra, Portugal
Quote:
OVERVIEW: You've got to see it to believe it! This medieval fairytale village looks just like pictures in children's books of where a likely dragon slayer would come home to at the end of a hard day's work! Obidos was once an important coastal port until the bay completely silted up by the 1500's leaving the village land-locked upon a hill within 14th century ramparts. The Portuguese reclaimed the area from the Moors in the 10th century. Obidos was given as a wedding present to a King's new bride in the 11th century which set a "Royal Presidence" which left a permanent mark on this enchanted, enclosed enclave of less than 5000 people. HIGHLIGHTS: The narrow, winding cobble-stoned stre...Read More

NAZARE - If Only Time Could Stand Still

Best Of IgoUgo

Story/Tip

Nazare Photo - Sintra, Portugal
Quote:
OVERVIEW: Simply put, my first and only visit to Nazare was one of those things that made me want to put Portugal right back on my list of "desired destinations" - again! I was so impacted during my off-season experience in Nazare. I think this is one of the very few places I'd like to indulge in during the peak summer season despite the crowds and higher rates. Or, at least before further capitalization progress corrupts and crushes the cultural realness which still abounds. HIGHLIGHTS: The People! We're talking hard-core, old world steeped in traditions-type people that would likely run their young one's out of town for trying to buck the system! I find great elegance in the appeal of simp...Read More