Sintra is often described asthe little gem of Lisbon’s west coast. Well,it’s absolutely true!A holiday resort for Lisbon’s wealthy royal families, a haunt of poets and writers, and an inspiration for painters and architects,Sintra is far from done amazing those lucky enough to count it among the places they’ve visited.
Sintra is surrounded almost entirely by a protected natural park, made up of majestic forests where you can walk, secret lakes, fantastic views andother treasures that nature has given it. Close to the Atlantic coast, the town enjoys avery particular micro-climateand the clouds or mist that regularly roll in give it a very particular, almost magical charm.
It’s above all its palaces with their rich and complex architecture, its extravagant gardens and its mystical castles that give it its international renown; and people come from afar to admire them. Much loved by visitors, it has been caught in its own game and is now largely overrun by the curious who, every day, marvel and delight at its charm unique in the world.
Interested in visiting Sintra but don’t want to be swept up by the hordes of tourists? Voyage à Lisbonnelets you discover this town by giving you all the tips to avoid the crowds, admire its local life and uncover its secrets…If you’d like us to create your tailor-made itinerary, don’t hesitate to send your request tocontact@voyage-a-lisbonne.com.
And if you’d like to enjoy some old photos of the town, which already show its attractive potential, keep scrolling down this article!
All these photos come from the Lisbon municipal archives and the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation.
