Once the summer getaway for the Portuguese aristocracy, Sintra is now an in-demand tourist day trip for Lisbon visitors. This UNESCO-designated World Heritage site offers over 12 palaces to explore. There are numerous guided tours offered via Airbnb, Tripadvisor, GetYourGuide with each offering a different combination of experiences. Our UMT Team member Shanna visited one of the most popular sites, the neo-gothic Quinta da Regaleria, built by renowned Italian architect Luigi Manini. In addition to its stunning architecture, the palace is best known for its Initiation Wells used for ceremonies and initiation rites. Nestled close to Sintra is the picturesque beach town of Cascais, where you may be welcomed by friendly dogs who make daily unaccompanied jaunts to the beach, and Cabo Da Roca, the western-most point of continental Europe.
Story & Photo Credits: Editorumt