One of Europe’s most beautiful cities just as good as Lisbon but without the crowds

This beautiful city, just 20 miles outside of Lisbon, is just as good as Portugal’s capital, with colourful castles, ancient forts and gorgeous views, but benefits from far fewer visitors. 

Situated on the Portuguese Riviera, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was once the summer retreat of the country’s nobility and royalty. As such, today it captivates visitors with its splendour and wealth, home to extravagant villas and opulent palaces. 

The town of Sintra, a town and municipality in the Greater Lisbon area, is recognised as one of the best day trip cities outside of the capital. However, for those wishing to stay longer and explore more of the city, one would also not be left disappointed.

Benefiting from a Mediterranean climate, Sintra has moderate warm summers and wet winters, with temperatures of 24 and 25℃ in July and August. 

Among the most recommended places to visit is the Palácio da Pena, which represents one of the main expressions of 19th-century architectural Romanticism. In July 2007, it was elected as one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal. Classified as a National Monument since 1910, it was declared a World Heritage Site in 1995. 

For those wishing to explore a much older castle, the Castle of the Moors is the best choice. This hilltop medieval castle was built by the Moors - Muslim populations during the Middle Ages - in the eighth and ninth centuries. It was an important strategic point during the Reconquista but the 1755 Lisbon earthquake caused considerable damage which affected the stability of the castle.

For those seeking the more natural parts of Sintra, the gardens of Quinta da Regaleira are considered one of the principal tourist attractions. Much of the four hectares of land consists of a densely treed park lined with myriad roads and footpaths. The park also contains an extensive and enigmatic system of tunnels which include grottoes, the chapel, Waterfall Lake and “Leda’s Cave”, which lies beneath the Regaleria Tower. 

Outside of the city, the area is blessed with dense forests, rugged coastlines and secluded religious sites. 

The city and its major sites are highly recommended on Tripadvisor. Discussing Quinta da Regaleira, one said: “the landscaping, grottos, architecture...all of it was fantastic. It was busy but not overcrowded, so there was plenty of space to take in everything…” 

Meanwhile, the Palácio da Pena was described by another reviewer as “definitely [having] a fairytale feel with grand views,” while another said, “Wow - the views and structure itself are really unreal,” when describing the Castle of the Moors.