Having spent seven months in Sintra with Boundless Life, I’ve amassed a huge list of recommendations for family-friendly day trips. How will I pick just three from these?! I don’t think my family has ever visited a place with more concentrated magic. Kids LOVE to explore Sintra - a place that will make you feel like a child again and reawaken your sense of carefree adventure at every twist and turn. Let’s take a brief journey through my hotly contested top three attractions that are sure to delight the whole family.

‍Quinta da Regaleira 

As you take the short, winding walk up from the historic centre of Sintra, you will begin to see parts of the Quinta da Regaleira peep over the top of the moss and lichen-covered walls and the excitement begins to build. On entering, you will immediately understand why it has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site within the cultural landscape of Sintra. 

The 19th-century villa is a fusion of wonderfully eccentric neo-gothic architecture. Its owner was a Brazilian mining magnate who was fascinated by secretive religious sects such as the Freemasons and the Knights Templar. The influence of these groups is echoed throughout the extensive gardens including, most notably, the “inverted tower”. This incredible structure is thought to have been used as an initiation well by the Knights Templar and, wandering the maze of passageways at its base, you really do get a sense of mystique. 

Children will love the inverted tower, but also the many jungle-like paths, ‘regular’ towers and the grottos underneath the lake (you will need a torch or a phone to light the way!). 

There’s a wonderful cafe on site where you can sit and gaze at the villa whilst you refuel for more adventures. 

Bonus tip: If you have time, the Quinta has a treat in store just next door - the Palace and Park of Biester. Equally atmospheric,  but typically slightly quieter than its much-photographed neighbour. 

‍The National Palace 

If you Google ‘Sintra’ you are likely to be inundated with beautiful images that include the iconic conical chimneys of the National Palace. Nestled in the very heart of the historic centre, this is a great choice if the weather is less clement. You can tour the many rooms of the palace with or without an audio guide. 

Our kids enjoyed a free interactive app that uses augmented reality to search for hidden ‘treasure’ throughout the palace. Search your app store for ‘Sintra & Queluz Treasure Hunt’ (published by Slavic Monsters) and expect to lose your smartphone for half an hour as your kids dash from room to room collecting their historic booty. It can also be used at the Palácio de Queluz. 

Entry solely to the terraced gardens surrounding the palace is actually free!  

Its central location means you will be absolutely spoilt for choice in terms of venues for lunch and dinner. If you are hunting for knock-out views, head up to Dona Maria’s panoramic terrace! 

‍The Pena Palace 

No visit to Sintra - or indeed Portugal - is complete without taking in the splendour of the rainbow-coloured Pena Palace. Like something straight out of the pages of a fairytale, the palace is located atop the second-highest peak of the Serra da Sintra hills on a jagged outcrop. 

You will need to buy tickets in advance to visit the interior of the palace and take in the views from its colourful terraces. The tickets are timed in 30-minute slots. If you miss your slot you will, unfortunately, miss out! Only 400 people are permitted per time slot - which sounds like a lot, but this is small in the context of the nearly 2 million visitors the palace attracts each year!! 

If you are happy to view the palace from the outside you can also buy tickets for the park also - which is HUGE and also includes entrance to the quirky Chalet da Contessa d’Elba. You could easily spend a day (with a picnic) just exploring the park. There are ornamental lakes, the Warrior Statue, Queen’s Fern Garden, Cruz Alta (High Cross) Peak and Alto do Cha (Tea Point) for the best views of the region. 

It is impossible to articulate how magical this place feels! 

To reach Pena, you have several options:

• Various uphill hiking routes can be taken up from the historic centre, but these are fairly strenuous and may not be suitable for the littlest legs. 
• Tuk-Tuks ferry visitors up and down throughout the day.
• The Tourist Bus (route 434) is a hop-on/off service that you can get a 24-hour ticket for and will deliver you to the gates of the park and/or main palace gates. 

Bonus tip: The Palace is not the only splendid sight you will find hidden amongst the clouds. Right next door you have the Moorish Castle! 

If you don’t have seven months, I would still recommend a visit of any length. Got 6 six weeks for an unforgettable summer experience? Or even 3 months for an in depth exploration? Great! <<Give us a call>> to find out how Boundless Life can unlock the mysteries of Sintra for you and your family.