Sintra and a Surprise

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Sintra... A Magical Town of Palaces and Forests

Oh my goodness this is going to be difficult to describe.  Sintra is a charming town situated in the hills of Serra de Sintra.  Hidden amongst a magical forest are fairy tale palaces, villas, and the ruins of a 10th century Moorish castle.

We have always wanted to not pass to the next world without embracing the daring adventure our life was meant to be.  Sintra is a wonderful chapter in that adventure.


Pena Palace and the Magical Forest











We walked about a mile from the palace to the Castelo do Mouros (Moorish Castle).  Oh, did I mention that this walk was all uphill?  Like climbing Mt. Rainier uphill.  But, oh was it worth it!

Castelo do Mouros












The Quinta da Regaleira


This is a neo-gothic mansion but the real attraction to it are the gardens which conceal secret passages, mystical symbolism and a gigantic well.











Sonja's Surprise

Every trip, I try to include a surprise for Sonja.  Something she doesn't know is coming.  She thought the big surprise on this trip was the full body massages we got upon arrival after 15 hours in a plane.  But, I had one other thing up my sleeve.

Convento do Caputos

A 15th century convent hidden in the forest that was discoverd almost like an archeolgical find.  We were all by ourselves as we toured the grounds.














Well, that's all folks!  Portugal has definitely made a wonderful impression on us and we highly recommend you coming if you ever have the chance.  The places we visited were extraordinary.  The Portugese people are extremely welcoming.  Plus the other travelers we met were great too.  The four ladies from London, the young man who had escaped from Ukraine, the man from Iran who had moved to Portugal and begun a new life.  And all the people from the states who were visiting too.

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