It's got palaces and parks, fine mansions and quiet convents, churches, chapels, hermitages and chalets. It's a historic Disneyland, with quirky castles, cute shops, lovely, romantic gardens and camera-happy tourists. Perhaps Sintra is like the Garden of Eden. It's perfect in many ways. Photo-snappers have plenty to shoot.
Shoppers can explore the little crafts shops and boutiques.
Hikers can climb the ramparts of the Moorish Castle and explore the craggy hills and trails surrounding the Pena Palace. Despite the crowds of tourists, it's easy to find a quiet spot to picnic or people watch. Portugal's climate is Mediterranean. Sintra is sunny and pleasant from April to October. Sintra, with its forests, romantic gardens and quirky castles, is the perfect day trip from Lisbon.