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If Portugal Has a Fairytale Town, It’s Definitely Sintra
If you’re heading to Portugal, trust me, Sintra deserves a spot on your list. From Peña Palace to cherry liqueur in a chocolate cup (yes, really), here’s why it became one of my favorite memories.
One of the absolute highlights of my Spain & Portugal Getaway with EF Ultimate Break was our day trip to Sintra—a dreamy, fairytale town nestled in the misty mountains just outside Lisbon. Our first stop was Peña Palace. I had seen countless photos online of its vibrant colors, but nothing compares to experiencing the castle in person. Walking through its walls felt like stepping straight into a storybook.
We left Lisbon early in the morning and traveled to Sintra by private bus, making the ride easy and comfortable. The second we arrived, we were surrounded by lush green forests, misty mountain views, and charming cobblestone streets. Sintra almost doesn’t feel real—it’s magical in a way that’s hard to capture in photos.
After winding roads and climbing through the hills, we reached Peña Palace, perched high above the city like a fortress from a fantasy movie. The bright mix of yellow, red, and blue towers is even more vibrant in person. Our Tour Director shared the history behind the palace, which was very interesting. It was originally a chapel, then a monastery, before being transformed into a royal residence in the 19th century.
We spent time wandering through colorful terraces overlooking the valley, admiring intricate tilework, arched passageways, and rooms preserved exactly as the royal family left them. Even with other visitors around, it felt peaceful. Standing on the terrace and looking out across the mountains and the Atlantic coastline was surreal (and an unreal photo spot).
After touring the palace, we wandered into the heart of Sintra, a town that feels like stepping back in time. Pastel-colored buildings, charming cafes, local bakeries, and narrow streets tucked beneath trees and mist set the scene. We spent time exploring the quaint shops and stopped to grab a bite, soaking in the town’s magical atmosphere.
Our guide recommended trying Ginjinha, a traditional Portuguese sour cherry liqueur, and it’s famously served in a hollowed-out chocolate cup (yes, you eat the cup!). It was absolutely delicious, and I even bought a bottle to take home! We also tried Queijadas de Sintra, a famous local cheesecake-like pastry made from simple ingredients—sugar, cheese, flour, egg, and cinnamon—and wow, it was incredible.
What I loved most
- The mix of history and fantasy, it truly feels like a fairytale castle!
- The views from the top (some of the best I’ve ever seen)
- Free time to explore the town afterwards
- Trying local treats and unique snacks
Tips for visiting Sintra
- Wear comfortable shoes—lots of hills, stairs, and cobblestones.
- Bring layers—weather in the mountains changes fast, it was raining one minute and sunny the next.
- Charge your phone or camera—you’ll take SO many photos!
- If you’re afraid of heights, the terraces can feel intense, but the views are absolutely worth it.
If you’re going on EF Ultimate Break’s Spain & Portugal Getaway or traveling to Portugal in general, don’t miss this experience. Sintra and Peña Palace were some of the most memorable parts of the entire trip—the perfect mix of adventure, history, and breathtaking scenery. I left feeling inspired, grateful, and honestly in awe of how beautiful Portugal is.
Taylor is the Paid Media Manager at EF Ultimate Break, running ads across social media platforms by day and exploring the world whenever she can. She has visited 22 countries—14 of them with EF Ultimate Break—and she’s nowhere near slowing down. A solo-travel superfan and foodie, she’ll try anything at least once (especially if it’s street food). Her favorite adventure so far has been Japan, where she spent two weeks exploring and eating her way through the country.
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