Sintra - The Magical Village

Pena National Palace, Sintra, Portugal.

The most beautiful town in the world.

Sintra is a town located in Greater Lisbon, Estremadura, Portugal. It boasts spectacular scenery and is approximately 28 km from the Portuguese capital, Lisbon. The town offers majestic landscapes, ancient castles, and impressive, lush gardens.

Nestled in the Serra de Sintra mountains, this tourist town is blessed with picturesque and impressive natural scenery. Furthermore, Sintra is known to travelers for its beautiful beaches. You can combine exploring the town's history, culture, architecture, and stunning beaches with your trip.

This tourist town has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sintra is a destination where you can explore the culture, landscapes, and architecture, while also discovering and enjoying unique and delicious local cuisine.

When visiting Sintra, tourists cannot miss landmarks such as Pena Castle, Moorish Castle, São Pedro Church, Penha Verde, Cruz Alta, or Seteais Palace. Each structure has its own unique beauty, but when combined with each other and the surrounding landscape, they create a mesmerizing picture of cultural and natural heritage.

The Pena National Palace, situated on a high hill in Sintra, is considered one of the most impressive examples of 19th-century European Romantic architecture. The palace features Moorish, Neo-Manueline, and Neo-Renaissance styles with numerous circular domes and stepped exteriors. Surrounding the palace is a wild forest and a mysterious, spectacular rampart. It is one of the most magnificent palaces in the world and a must-see when visiting Sintra, as it is truly unique and unlike any other castle or palace in Europe.

The Quinta da Regaleira Chapel is also one of Sintra's most famous attractions. Formerly the residence of the Portuguese royal family, it is now the private home of a millionaire. The building boasts large, elaborately decorated rooms, numerous statues, and alchemical frescoes depicting Templar knights. Quinta da Regaleira sits beside a magnificent park featuring fountains, ponds, caves, and ancient trees, all creating a mystical and somewhat eerie atmosphere.

The Moorish castle is a medieval structure, perched atop a cliff, dating back to the 8th century. It was a strategically important location during the Reconquest of the Iberian Peninsula from the Muslims, following the fall of Lisbon in 1147. The cylindrical building, with its surrounding block walls and watchtowers, evokes the image of the Great Wall of China.

Monserrate Palace, built in 1860, served as a summer retreat for the Portuguese royal family. Designed in the Portuguese Moghul style, the palace features unique earthen domes with white accents. The magnificent palace sits on expansive grounds with lush green lawns, perfect for summer relaxation.

Cabo da Roca is a coastal area in Portugal and also the westernmost point of Europe. This headland has become famous among travelers who are passionate about conquering the ends of the earth. The Cabo da Roca lighthouse was inaugurated in 1772, with the purpose of illuminating Portugal. The lighthouse is located at an altitude of approximately 150 meters above sea level, with a 1000-watt lamp that can illuminate up to 46 kilometers. From here, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the vast Atlantic Ocean, and it is also the most romantic spot to watch the sunset in Sintra.

The most famous attraction in Sintra is the Well of Enlightenment, which connects all the tunnels in the area. The tunnels resemble a labyrinth, and no matter how good your sense of direction, you'll always find yourself lost in another beautiful and surprising area. Going deep into the well feels like stepping into a mystical world. Going upwards in the opposite direction seems to bring you closer to life and towards the light.

Furthermore, Sintra is also notable for its literary and artistic achievements. Lord Byron, the English Romantic poet, once praised Sintra as "the most beautiful village in the world." These cultural and spiritual hallmarks make Sintra not only an attractive tourist destination but also an important part of Portuguese culture and history.

Rich culinary traditions

A visit to Sintra wouldn't be complete without experiencing the local cuisine. One of the signature desserts that visitors shouldn't miss is "Travesseiros," sponge cakes with a sweet almond filling and delicious flavor.

Sintra is also famous for its soups and stews; visitors should try caldo verde, a green vegetable soup made with tender cabbage, potatoes, onions, garlic, and olive oil. The caramel ice cream is also very appealing, made with buttery syrup and a pudding topped with cinnamon, offering a delicious blend of cinnamon and rich caramel flavors.

In addition, you also have the opportunity to enjoy many traditional Portuguese dishes such as Nata (roasted egg tart), Portuguese seafood rice, grilled octopus, Sopa de Peixe (fish soup), Bacalhau (cod)... Sintra also has many traditional restaurants where you can enjoy typical Portuguese dishes, from grilled cod to dishes using fresh seafood from the Atlantic Ocean.

NGUYEN THAO

Source: https://baobariavungtau.com.vn/du-lich/202506/sintra-ngoi-lang-ma-thuat-1045750/