Sintra is a charming city full of history, culture and nature. If you're looking for a romantic destination to surprise your loved one, Sintra is a great option. With its stunning landscapes and enchanting atmosphere, it's the perfect setting for creating special memories with your partner.

Discover romantic things to do in Sintra that will make your trip unforgettable.

Visiting Palaces and Castles

Sintra is famous for its palaces and castles, which seem straight out of a fairy tale. You can visit the National Palace of Sintra, which is the oldest in the country and has Gothic and Manueline architecture, with rooms decorated with tiles and paintings. The highlight is the two conical chimneys that rise above the kitchen.

Another unmissable palace is the Pena Palace, which sits on top of a hill and has spectacular views. The palace is a mixture of styles, colours and shapes that reflect the personality of King Ferdinand II, who had it built in the 19th century. You can admire the gardens, fountains, lakes and sculptures that surround the palace and explore its interior, which preserves period furniture and objects.

If you fancy a bit of adventure, you can climb up to the Moorish Castle, a medieval fortress dating back to the 8th century. The castle has a 450 metre wall, which follows the relief of the mountains and offers a panoramic view of the region. You can walk along the ramparts, see the towers and cisterns and feel the historic atmosphere of the place.

In addition, Quinta da Regaleira is a magical and enchanting place where you can explore the mysteries and beauties of architecture, nature and culture. It's the perfect setting for a romantic getaway, where you can experience an unforgettable adventure with your loved one.

You can also visit the Regaleira Palace, a masterpiece of neo-Manueline style and a labyrinth of rooms, corridors, staircases and towers, decorated with symbols and references to various traditions and mythologies. Every detail reveals a hidden meaning that invites reflection and discovery.

The Regaleira Gardens also contribute to this: they are a true paradise, where you can stroll among lakes, fountains, caves, statues and flowers that create an atmosphere of fantasy and romance.

The Chalet of the Countess d'Edla is a haven of love and art, inspired by Alpine chalets, with a rich and colourful décor. The chalet is surrounded by an enchanting garden where you'll find exotic plants, lakes, fountains, sculptures and hidden corners. The Chalet of the Countess d'Edla is a unique and fascinating place that conveys an atmosphere of romance and magic.

It's an invitation to imagination and emotion, which becomes even more special when shared with someone special.

Find out more about the Castles and Palaces in Sintra.

Stroll around the historic centre

Sintra's historic centre is a charming place where you can stroll through narrow, winding streets full of shops, cafés, restaurants and old houses. You can also enjoy the bright squares and typical architecture, with tiled façades, Manueline windows and flowered balconies.

You can also visit some monuments, such as the Church of Santa Maria, which is the oldest in the city and has a beautiful Gothic portal, or the Museum of Modern Art, which has a collection of works by Portuguese and foreign artists. In this way, the historic centre of Sintra is a place of great beauty and heritage, combining nature and stately homes from different eras and styles.

Helicopter tour

Explore the romantic charm of Sintra on a helicopter tour that will reveal some of the region's most romantic gems. Fly majestically over Queluz Palace, a perfect fusion of architecture and nature. And the other palaces mentioned above.

Admire the historic centre of Sintra from above, a city classified as a World Heritage Site, with its narrow streets and bright squares full of historical and architectural heritage. Immerse yourself in the romantic atmosphere of this unique city on a magical aerial journey.

Exploring nature

Sintra is also a natural paradise, where you can breathe fresh air and enjoy breathtaking scenery. You can go hiking in the Serra de Sintra, a natural park that is home to diverse flora and fauna, as well as several monuments.

You can follow the various trails that exist and discover places like the Convento dos Capuchos, a 16th century Franciscan convent that blends in with nature and has an austere simplicity.

From the top of its walls, you can enjoy the green and mysterious landscape of the mountains, which contrasts with the blue of the sea. Inside the castle, you can learn about the history and culture of the people who inhabited this region, from the Romans to the Portuguese.

Horse-drawn carriage rides

For those seeking a more serene and romantic experience, a carriage ride is an enchanting option for exploring the charms of Sintra. This classic form of transport offers not only a peaceful journey along the town's paths, but also a trip back in time, where elegance and simplicity meet.

The romantic atmosphere of the ride is accentuated by the feeling of closeness to nature and tradition.

Romantic Picnic in Monserrate Gardens

Pack a basket of local delicacies and have a picnic in the stunning Monserrate Gardens. The lush gardens have received botanical species from all over the world and have been organised by geographical area, reflecting the diverse origins of the plants.

Imagine travelling through contrasting scenery, between lakes and waterfalls. Always surrounded by rich vegetation and exotic architecture, these gardens provide a serene and romantic setting for savouring moments outdoors.

Also noteworthy is Monserrate Palace, a masterpiece of romanticism, which combines architectural elements of Moorish, Gothic, Manueline and Renaissance inspiration. The palace is also a museum, which houses works of art from various periods and origins, such as paintings, sculptures, tapestries, furniture and tiles.

Tasting Gastronomic Delights

Is there any love worth having without sweetness? One of the most romantic things to do in Sintra is to try its gastronomic delights, especially the sweets. You can't miss the queijadas de Sintra, which are little cakes made from fresh cheese, eggs and sugar, wrapped in a puff pastry and sprinkled with cinnamon.

Another speciality is the travesseiros de Sintra, which are puff pastries filled with almond cream and eggs, topped with icing sugar. You can find these and other delicacies at Piriquita, a traditional pastry shop that has been around since 1862.

Local Wine Tasting

Embark on a unique sensory journey as you take part in a tasting of local wines, immersed in the picturesque vineyards that adorn the winding hillsides around Sintra. You can learn about the history, production and characteristics of the wines, and taste the different grape varieties, accompanied by typical snacks such as cheeses, sausages, bread and sweets.

This invitation to the senses provides not only an opportunity to appreciate the complexity and richness of the wines produced in the region, but also a special moment to celebrate love.

Tour of Sintra at dusk

Let yourself be taken on an enchanting stroll through the narrow streets of Sintra at dusk, when twilight paints the sky in soft colours and the lights begin to twinkle, creating a magical and unforgettable atmosphere. This is the moment when Sintra reveals its true essence, enveloping visitors in an aura of charm and mystery.

Let yourself be carried away by the charm of the town of Sintra at sunset, a moment when past and present intertwine, creating a truly memorable experience.

Sintra at Night

You can enjoy Sintra at night by going out for dinner, drinks and dancing in one of its restaurants, bars or discos, which offer a variety of options to suit all tastes and budgets. There are restaurants serving typical Sintra cuisine, such as Café Saudade, Taverna dos Trovadores or Estefanea Café, which also have live music and a cosy atmosphere.

There are also bars serving cocktails and snacks, such as Binhoteca, Casa do Fauno or Fonte da Pipa, which also have games and entertainment. And finally, discos that play music for all styles, such as Vip Club, Bliss Club or Club 66, which also have shows and themed parties.

And if you're planning to visit Sintra in August, take the opportunity to take part in the Aura Festival, an event that consists of a trail of lights, which illuminates Sintra's monuments with art installations, projections and performances.

Sintra is a city that has a lot to offer couples in love who are looking for a magical and romantic place to spend unique days. Every street, palace and landscape conspires to create an atmosphere of romance. Get inspired and create everlasting memories amidst the beauty and magic of this romantic Portuguese jewel.

Take advantage and enjoy a full-day private tour of Sintra.

Also discover romantic things to do in Lisbon.

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