Silver Coast

The Silver Coast (Sintra) is thought to be one of the wonders of Europe, a true gem. Historically it was the royal town of the country and now holds UNESCO world heritage status account of its 19th century Romantic architecture.

Its unusual geography, in a stretch of hills surrounded on all sides by plain, estuary or ocean, and its subsequent climate, create a lush green paradise. It is no wonder that Hans Christian Anderson found inspiration here among the ornate palaces and walled gardens. He described Sintra as "the most beautiful place in Portugal." Lord Byron called it his "glorious Eden."

Attractions include the fabulous Pena Palace (19th century) and the Castelo dos Mouros (rebuilt in the 19th century) with a breath taking view of the Sintra Cascais Natural Park and the summer residence of the kings of Portugal, Palácio Nacional de Sintra (largely 15th/16th century), in the town itself. The Sintra Mountain Range, one of the largest parks in the Lisbon area, (Serra de Sintra) is also a major tourist attraction.

There are medieval streets with craft shops, restaurants and bars, wooded hills, magnificent coastlines a short drive away, museums and wonderful architecture to enjoy at your leisure.