🌿✨ Sintra – Portugal is straight out of a storybook, with its stunning palaces, magical gardens, and rich history. We’ll be exploring the iconic Pena Palace with its vibrant colors, hiking the hills, and of course, taking in some of the most breathtaking views you’ll ever see. So buckle up, hit that subscribe button if you haven’t already, and let’s dive into the magic of Sintra!🏰🌄
Sintra is a destination that feels like stepping into a fairy tale. Among its many treasures, the Pena National Palace stands out as a crowning jewel – a vivid, dreamlike castle that captivates all who visit. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sintra has inspired poets, writers, and royalty for centuries. The town’s unique microclimate, where cool Atlantic breezes meet the warmth of southern Europe, creates an environment where dense forests thrive, and gardens burst with exotic flora.
We found a convenient free parking area on the outskirts of Sintra and took an Uber up to Pena Palace, a colorful blend of architectural styles, ranging from Neo-Gothic to Neo-Manueline, that come together to create a truly unique structure. The origins of Pena Palace date back to the Middle Ages when a chapel was built on the site. In the 19th century, King Ferdinand II transformed the ruins of a monastery into a summer residence for the Portuguese royal family. His vision was to create a fantastical retreat, and the result is a masterpiece of Romanticism — a style that emphasizes emotion, nature, and individualism.
As you approach, the first thing that strikes you is the palace’s bold colors and eclectic mix of architectural details where every tile and stonework tells a story. One of the most remarkable aspects of Pena Palace is its terraces offering stunning panoramic views over Sintra and the surrounding landscape, with the Atlantic Ocean shimmering in the distance.
The palace is surrounded by the expansive Pena Park, a sprawling forested area designed to complement the palace’s Romantic aesthetic. As you stroll through the park, you’ll discover hidden paths, tranquil ponds, and exotic plants that contribute to the sense of being in a dreamlike landscape. After exploring the palace and its gardens, we made our way downhill to visit other sites, then descended along a stunning hiking trail that led us right into the heart of downtown.
Here are some practical tips for your visit: Due to its popularity, it’s advisable to purchase tickets to Pena Palace in advance, especially during peak tourist season. This allows you to skip the often-long lines and make the most of your visit. To avoid crowds, consider visiting early in the morning. Don’t miss other nearby sites like the Moorish Castle, which offers its own stunning views, or the charming Sintra town center, where you can sample local delicacies such as queijadas (sweet cheese pastries) and travesseiros (flaky, almond-filled pastries). Sintra offers an experience that lingers in your memory long after you’ve left. It’s a place where the past comes alive, and where every corner reveals a new story waiting to be discovered.
More details @ http://www.tzubycampers.ro
http://instagram.com/tzubycampers
http://facebook.com/tzubycampers
#TzubyCAMPERS supports #Tzuby’s Kids, an NGO based in Romania dedicated to the integration of children in foster and adoptive families.
Details @ http://tzubyskids.ro ,
http://tzubyskids.com
#Sintra #Portugal #PenaPalace #sintraportugal #pena #portugal #mourish #tzubycampers #tzubyonroute #familyvanlife #familyvan #vanlife
