Things to Do in Sintra

This walk is destined for small groups (max. 8-10 people) !

Welcome to the always-green capital of ancient mysticism and incredible landscapes (that enchanted many withstanding people throughout centuries)!

The tour is perfect for travellers who want to get a view of local history, with emphasis on mystery and secret societies - how Sintra was born, starting with pre-Portugal times and following into discoveries, freemasonry (and what stories about Holy Grail have to do with it?!). We will also revisit some of local myths and legends. 

Sintra is not a big place, we will start not far from the train station and end near Quinta da Regaleira.

List of topics will go through varies widely, from local pastry to 'how started the kingdom?' and 'Why the secrecy of the societies?' , 'Who were templars?' and what's the role of Sintra in portuguese overseas discoveries. 

In this tour learning new while enjoying Sintra's atmosphere - is guaranteed, be welcomed curios traveller!

With its exotic landscape and climate, Sintra became the place where the nobles and aristocrats from the XIX century started to build their summer palaces and since then, it's attracted visitors from all over the world, such as the British poet Lord Byron and the German compositor Richard Strauss. 

Classified as World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1995, Sintra is considered by many the most beautiful city in Portugal and a place that shouldn't be missed. 

From Jardim Correnteza, we'll make our way through the narrow streets of Sintra Village, to discover its history, traditions, and culture and have the chance to try the famous local pastries, Queijada and Travesseiro.  

We'll have the chance to see the Sintra National Palace, one of the oldest palaces in Portugal, and learn a bit more about the Portuguese Royal family, the Moorish Castle built to protect the city from invaders, discover the secrets of the majestic Quinta da Regaleira, to wonder at the incredible Palácio da Pena, built on the top of the hill, next to a former monastery by King D. Fernando II in the XIX century and much more. 

We are sure after this tour, you'll fall in love with this magical place and feel that one day is not enough. 

Embark on an enchanting journey through Sintra, a town where the veil between reality and fairy tale thins, with our captivating Essential Free Tour of Sintra. This experience, a tapestry woven from two rich narratives, invites you into a world where history, romance, and myth breathe life into every cobblestone, whispering the legacy of knights, mystics, and artisans.

A Fairytale Beginning: Our odyssey commences at the heart of Sintra, against the breathtaking backdrop of the Sintra Mountains. Here, amidst the verdant embrace of Liberdade Park, the saga of Sintra's enchantment unfolds, tracing its name to tales as old as time. Marvel at the town hall, a picturesque prelude to the mysteries that await.

Tales of Templars and Romance: Journey through the village, where the stories of Gualdim Pais and the enigmatic Templars echo against the ancient walls. Discover the Moorish Fountains, a testament to Sintra's Roman and Arabic heritage, and the Palace of Valenças, haunted by a tragic love story that whispers through its romantic halls.

Culinary Delights and Architectural Splendors: Indulge in Sintra’s famous Queijada and Travesseiro, sweet embodiments of the town's rich culinary heritage. Wander past the National Palace of Sintra, with its intriguing Magpie Room and iconic twin chimneys, and hear tales of secret tunnels and the mystical Mountain of the Moon.

The Quintessence of Romanticism: Explore São Martinho's Church, where the secrets of freemasonry intertwine with the fabric of Sintra. Delight in the esoteric beauty of Quinta da Regaleira, with its Initiation Well and symbols of ancient wisdom. Behold the Seteais Palace, a monument to love and revenge, offering unparalleled views of the Pena Palace and Sintra Mountains.

A Dreamlike Setting: Though the Pena Palace and Moorish Castle beckon from afar, their allure adds to the magic of our tour. Each step through Sintra reveals a page from a storybook, from the Biester Palace's mystic allure to the Pisões Waterfall's natural splendor.

An Invitation to Wonder: Led by our expert guide, passionate about unveiling Sintra's hidden gems, this tour is an immersive journey into the heart of Sintra’s romantic soul. Discover the Lawrence Hotel, a sanctuary for poets and dreamers, and learn of Sintra’s grand love stories that inspired its most iconic buildings.

Sintra is not just a destination; it's an experience, a dream woven from the threads of history, mystery, and enchantment. With tales of knights and mystics, tragic loves, and architectural marvels, our Essential Sintra Free Tour is an invitation to step into a living fairytale. Join us and let Sintra’s magic enchant you, leaving you with memories as vibrant and enduring as the town itself. Sintra awaits, ready to reveal its secrets and fill your heart with wonder.

Useful information:
Please note that the Castle of the Moors and the Pena Palace are too far away from the center of the villa to be visited. Many guests do visit these sites after the tour.

Hello travelers!
The tour I´m preparing is a time travel for you to meet with the characters and venture into the highlights of the magic village of Sintra.  I will tell you the forbidden stories which have been ripped off the books. As a personal quest, it is my honor to unveil the many mysteries which belong to the streets. These stories are an ode to the achievements of life, good and bad, and far from happy endings. 
Many artists, tinkers, and nobles found in Sintra the refuge to absorb its mystique they could inspire themselves for their work, Lord Byron and Hans Christian Anderson were one of their residents.
I invite you to come with me on time travel, to meet kings and queens, artists and poets, and decode symbols from the ancient templars until contemporary Maçonary.
We go strolling through the historical center, stopping in the National Palace for a hand full of stories, I also give a special highlight to Quinta da Regaleira, this unique initiation garden have many secrets to unveil, and other many Stories about The Moors  and Palacio da Pena.
Join me in this journey..
"Lo! Cintra's glorious Eden intervenes
In variegated maze of mount and glen.”
Lord Byron


ATTENTION: Please, book ONLY if you are really interested in it, AND if you are SURE to participate!), so book only if you are commited to join the tour) 

Olá! Join us on this walk and see the magical village and lush green gardens of Sintra. The entire town was declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

We will walk through Sintra's medieval streets and discover the place where the Portuguese royalty decided to place the summer court. All this at the foot of the security of the Castelo dos mouros. Palaces and castles seem to spring from the mountain, and this years later will dazzle poets of the stature of the famous Lord Byron or composers like Richard Strauss.

We will follow their footsteps and we will visit on this walk: Vila de Sintra, with its famous sweets, the Queijadas and the travesseiros.
In front of Palacio da Vila I will tell you about the kings and queens that inhabited it and how the history of Portugal and the world changed from those rooms.

Once outside the village we will go in search of the palaces that populate the mountains and we will talk about perhaps the most famous, Palacio da Pena. Passing through one that is closer to us in time and the Quinta da Regaleira is equally interesting. After the tour you will be ready to visit the interior of any of these palaces and discover their secrets more closely. Or stop and regain strength with a little Sintrense gastronomy.
Até logo!