Sintra, Silver Coast, Portugal

Sintra in Portugal, is situated on the Atlantic Coast, east of Lisbon and has, for centuries, attracted thousands of tourists from around the world because of it's stunning architecture including the noted, romantic poet Lord Byron. He described the town as 'the most beautiful place in the world''.

Sintra is not only a town though, but also a municipality boasting UNESCO world heritage status due to the plethora of romantic, 19th century architecture within it's boundaries.

Long before Sintra became a playground for kings and princes of Portugal to construct their palaces, it was the site of a Moorish castle - Castelo dos Mouros - constructed in either the eighth or ninth century. This fortified castle was all but destroyed as the first King of Portugal, Afonso Henriques, with his crusading army drove the Moors out of Portugal. 

Sintra, became a popular place for the rich and royal to reside in during the 18th century and due to this vast palatial estates grew up, most of which still exist behind grand stone walls today, some of which are open to the public.

Due to the wealth and eclectic mix of patrons wishing to reside in the popular playground there is an opulent mix of architectural styles on display from the magnificent Pena National Palace, which sits atop a rocky outcrop over the town, through to the over the top Quinta da Regaleira, known locally as the Palace of Monteiro the Millionaire after it's first owner.

There is also Palácio Nacional de Sintra, Monserrate Palace and of course the Castelo dos Mouros, all of which are also open to the public throughout the year and well worth visiting. Though if you want to experience what it must have been like as the 'hoi-polloi' in Sintra, then why not book a room in the neoclassical Seteais Palace, which is now a luxury hotel.

The extravagant architecture in Sintra though is not contained to the castles, estates and palaces even public buildings in this small municipality are stunning.  Walking around Sintra can strenuous with cobbled streets on slopes, however there are taxi and horse-drawn carriages on hand to help you see the sights without exhausting yourself.

Location Map of Sintra, Silver Coast, Portugal