Things to do in Sintra, Lisbon

A royal retreat town about 15 miles from Lisbon. It is known for fabulous mansions, lush gardens and craggy hilltops with grand views.

"A royal retreat town about 15 miles from Lisbon. It is known for fabulous mansions, lush gardens and"

Prince Ferdinand's whimsical 19th-century hilltop palace mixes Gothic, Renaissance, Moorish and Manueline styles. Its interior is preserved as it was when the royal family fled in 1910.

"Prince Ferdinand's whimsical 19th-century hilltop palace mixes Gothic, Renaissance, Moorish and Manu"

Thousand-year-old Moorish ramparts reached by a gentle hike through an enchanted forest. The castle was restored in modern times and is a castle lover's dream.

"Thousand-year-old Moorish ramparts reached by a gentle hike through an enchanted forest. The castle "

Lush park surrounding Pena Palace, with shaded paths, thousands of flowers, forests and small lakes. Walking down through it to Sintra town is recommended.

"Lush park surrounding Pena Palace, with shaded paths, thousands of flowers, forests and small lakes."

Cozy spot in central Sintra near the Moorish Castle, serving sardine paté, Bacalhau à Brás and Queijada de Sintra. Expect about $30 per person.

"Cozy spot in central Sintra near the Moorish Castle, serving sardine paté, Bacalhau à Brás and Queij"

A late-1800s estate designed mainly by Italian architect Luigi Manini, with a romantic palace, a chapel and lush gardens containing the famous Initiation Well, grottos and towers. It is less touristy and quieter in the morning, and exploring it takes a few hours.

"A late-1800s estate designed mainly by Italian architect Luigi Manini, with a romantic palace, a cha"

A palace in Sintra's town centre, seen along the walk from the train station to Quinta da Regaleira.

"A palace in Sintra's town centre, seen along the walk from the train station to Quinta da Regaleira."