Sintra : book your hotel

Sintra stands at the gateway to Lisbon, and its fascinating cultural heritage tells a tale that spans several centuries. The natural beauty of its surroundings and the town's microclimate have long drawn aristocratic dynasties from Portugal and elsewhere, each family trying to upstage the others by building sumptuous edifices, in which you can today see a range of influences.

These splendid constructions have made the town the home of Portuguese Romantic architecture, and Sintra's monuments are surprising and original. They're nestled in the countryside, inspiring the imagination and delighting adults and children alike, making Sintra the ideal destination for both family holidays and romantic getaways. Beyond its old town, Sintra's unmissable sites can be easily reached by public transport and on foot via paths that snake through the breathtaking Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. This makes Sintra the perfect place for thrilling hikes, as well as cultural discovery. And its beaches are among the most beautiful in the Greater Lisbon area. Make the most of your break in the Portuguese capital to discover the landmarks of Sintra on a memorable day out. Or why not even stay in Sintra itself by booking a hotel at all.com? You'll then be able to take your time to explore the cultural treasures and natural wonders of this charming town and its environment.

It's a delightful experience to stroll down the quaint streets of Sintra's old town, also called Vila de Sintra. This picturesque district is full of cafés and restaurants where you can unwind on a terrace to enjoy a drink as you savour a pastel de nata tart or another local speciality. The area is even listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It extends around the National Palace of Sintra, Portugal's oldest palace. Just a few minutes' walk from there is the Anjos Teixeira Museum, which displays the impressive works of Artur Gaspar dos Anjos Teixeira, a famous sculptor from Lisbon, and his son Pedro.

Most of Sintra's monuments are spread beyond the old town and up on the hilltops that surround it. The Quinta da Regaleira is famous for its lush landscaped gardens, the sumptuous architecture of its palace and its 27-metre-deep initiation well, all offering a surprising experience. The Convento dos Capuchos is likewise nestled in luxuriant greenery, but this building reflects the frugality of the Franciscan monks who lived there for centuries. The monastery was largely dug out of rock, and lies deep in a forest where it blends into its environment, offering a peaceful spot of poetic charm. Monserrate Palace is another unmissable gem. This astonishing construction perched on a hill was designed in a lavish neo-Moorish architectural style that reflects the wealth of its former owner, the British merchant Francis Cook. The property is also known for its grounds, made up of splendid botanical gardens divided into themed sections. The Moorish Castle will take you further back in time, dating from the medieval era when the Moors were settled in Portugal. Admire the stunning view of the old town and the forests of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park from the rampart walk of this impressive fortress – a different kind of monument to the others in Sintra. Sintra's most emblematic monument is doubtless the Pena Palace, which stands on a hill opposite the Moorish Castle. This colourful, eclectic complex bears witness to the whims of the nobility who added ever more eccentric features to it over time. Like the other grand properties nearby, the palace is surrounded by magnificent grounds.

The Cabo da Roca Lighthouse is an excellent starting point for reaching Sintra's most beautiful beaches. Look out at the Atlantic Ocean from Europe's westernmost point. You can reach it via the 403 bus line from the train station. A coastal path runs along the ochre cliffs, offering spellbinding views over the sea and scrubland. And secondary paths lead down to the beaches where wonderful rock formations stand, like at Praia da Aroeira and Praia da Ursa.

Several train lines link Lisbon to Sintra, and the trip costs just a few euros. You can easily reach Sintra by rail from many train stations in the Portuguese capital, the main ones being Rossio, Oriente and Benfica. These stations are located all around Lisbon, and they're also metro stops. Sintra is therefore just a short ride away from wherever you are in Lisbon. Your journey will take up to an hour, depending on which rail station you're travelling from. Train times and fares are available on the website of the public rail firm Comboios de Portugal. And bus lines 417 and 403 link Sintra to the neighbouring town of Cascais.

Sintra's public transport is well designed for visitors. From the train station, several bus loops take you to local landmarks. Bus lines 434 and 435 will carry you to Sintra's main monuments when you step off your train, while other lines will get you to the beautiful beaches around Sintra. Remember that some bus times may vary between peak season and low season. You'll find all the information you need to plan your journey on the Scotturb website.

Accor offers a full range of hotels in Sintra and its surrounding region. To discover the town at your own pace while enjoying excellent value for money, opt for an affordable hotel in the modern district – at once close to all amenities, the old town and the natural park. Or treat yourself to a high-end holiday in Lisbon, with easy access to Sintra from the Portuguese capital, by booking a luxury hotel with a swimming pool or a 5-star boutique hotel in Lisbon's city centre.,