A walk starting from the main square in Sintra Vila, in front of the National Palace to the Pena Palace, the Moors castle and back to Sintra.
Palácio e Parque da Pena (Pena Palace and Park), is a magical fantasy of domes, towers and ramparts crowning the Serra de Sintra. Built in the 1840’s to the specifications of Ferdinand of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, husband of Queen Maria II. Inside the palace, which has been preserved since the royal family left Portugal in 1910, is a bizarre mix of luxuriously decorated, fascinating rooms. From the palace you can enjoy some of the best all-round views. Surrounding the palace is a splendid park and gardens with an abundance of flora.
Castelo dos Mouros.This Moorish castle dates back to the early days of the Moorish occupation of the peninsular in the 8th century having been later taken by Dom Afonso Henriques in 1147. Take note of the first Christian chapel to be built in the area dedicated to São Pedro de Penaferrim. In the interior of the castle is a Moorish cistern and the royal tower. Winding over two ridges, this castle offers fantastic views of the area.
Back in Sintra why not try the traditional "travesseiros" at the café Periquita in Rua das Padarias - delicious.
You can buy this walk with many others at:
http://www.walksinportugal.com
