Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Portugal - Sintra

No trip to Portugal would be complete without a visit to the tourist mecca of Sintra.

Just an hour outside if Lisbon, Sintra is set atop a small, green mountain of sorts.  Its position high above the sea brings fantastic views and cool breezes, making it a long favorite destination for rich and royals.

The town's long history of affluence means there are plenty of fine estates for tourists to explore.

Our favorite Sintra experiences:

- Eating a mouthwatering meal of grilled octopus and sardines at an authentic, small neighborhood eatery tucked away from the throngs of Sintra tourists.

- Making the hike up to the Pena National Palace, the colorful royal castle that looks as if it belongs in Disney's Magic Kingdom.  Spending hours walking the lush, fairy tale-like grounds and taking in the beauty of the Artist King's wild creation.

- Getting lost in the maze of grottos and passageways at Quinta da Regaleira, the wacky 19th century estate of an eccentric Portuguese merchant.


Next stop: Lisbon, Portugal

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