Why Sintra Portugal Is A Couples Paradise

Sintra, Portugal has made a name for itself as one of the most beautiful towns in Europe—and it’s among the most romantic destinations as well. Covered in castles, palaces, and manor estates, the town is a dream-come-true for those who are romantics at heart, and the wild coast, green hillsides, and perfectly manicured lawns all add to the aesthetics and appeal for getting cozy next to someone special. Sure, Lisbon’s neighboring town is the perfect solo getaway for a weekend away from the capital, but it is undeniably a top destination for couples needing a little romantic retreat, too.

Inside the town, narrow roads covered in cobblestones and lined with small restaurants and cafés hint at the country’s culture and heritage. It seems almost natural to hold hands while ducking in and out of the charming buildings. One in particular that’s a must-visit is the Casa Piriquita, well-known in the area for their travesseiro (pillow) pastries, a sticky yet crumbly rectangle of puff pastry filled with egg and almond cream.

Downtown Sintra is an artistic display of buildings

There’s no wondering how this town came to be so beautiful when you dig into its history; located in the lovely Sintra Mountains, it was where Portugal’s wealthiest families retreated for centuries. After a time, the town’s reputation shifted to one of mysticism and intrigue, attracting the attention of famous literary minds such as Lord Byron and a few famous Portuguese poets/writers. Myths and legends have added to the town’s allure, and the right tour guide should be able to share a few stories with curious visitors.

Although the town’s origins extend back towards the first few centuries AD, and the Castle of the Moors dates back to 8AD, Sintra’s romanticism began in the 19th century when Austrian-born king consort King Ferdinand II purchased and renovated the Monastery of Nossa Senhora da Pena, turning it into the world-famous Pena Palace. His personal tastes influenced the construction and decoration of the building, which has become a favorite point of interest for visitors today. The expansive grounds are sectioned by romantic pathways through gardens and forest.

The Pena Palace peeks out from above one of the area’s highest ranges

Each estate in Sintra (many named as UNESCO World Heritage Sites) has its own unique personality, but as a collective they make a stunning and jaw-dropping picture. The Quinta da Regaleira is bewitching in its gothic appearance, while the ornate Monserrate and grand Seteais Palaces each reflect their own unique grandeur. From the lobbies to the beautifully manicured grounds, it’s easy to feel in love while exploring these exquisite grounds.

The Quinta da Regaleira is beautiful yet mysterious

There’s a reason why coastal destinations double as romantic destinations, and Sintra is a hop, skip, and jump (or short car/bus ride) from a few of Lisbon’s beautiful beaches as well.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.