On our way to our next destination of Cascais we pass through some incredible, gorgeous rugged beaches so we stop to take a look. This wonderful wilderness of sand and sea is Praia do Guincho. A well known surfers paradise. The road literally runs between the sand dunes and the view is so enticing youContinue reading “Praia do Guincho”
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Climbing the ramparts
The next place that we explore in Sintra is the impressive Castelo dos Mouros – Castle of the Moors. (NB the picture below is actually part of the Pena Palace estate, it was a left over from a previous post that I didn’t want to leave out!!) The imposing ruin of the Castle of the MoorsContinue reading “Climbing the ramparts”
Cabo da Roca
Cabo da Roca is a cape which forms the westernmost extent of mainland Portugal and continental Europe Cabo da Roca lighthouse was the first purpose built light house in Portugal and was completed in 1772 but the present light house originates from 1842. The Cabo da Roca Portugal headland is marked by a stone monument withContinue reading “Cabo da Roca”
A sliver of Sintra
After exploring the quirky joys of Quinta De Regaleria we had a quick trot around the town of Sintra itself. This picturesque town is set in the pine covered hills of the Serra de Sintra. The slightly cooler climate enticed the nobility and elite of Portugal, who constructed exquisite palaces, extravagant residences and decorative gardens. SintraContinue reading “A sliver of Sintra”
Final quirks of Quinta
After exploring the fantastical grounds of Quinta da Regaleira we head to the house itself. But first we stop by the little chapel outside the house. It is a Roman Catholic Chapel, and Its architecture is akin to the palace’s. The interior of the chapel is richly decorated with frescoes, stained glass windows and lavish stuccoes.Continue reading “Final quirks of Quinta”
Grottos, follies and fun
After the excitement of the Initiation Wells we continue the exploration of the Quinta de Regaleira. The true wonder of the Quinta da Regaleira are the grounds, which cover four hectares and were inspired by the owner’s mystic ideologies. The estate is a sprawling wonderland of follies, castles, underground tunnels and grottos. The enigmatic buildings, scattered throughoutContinue reading “Grottos, follies and fun”
Initiation Wells
The unique architecture of the Quinta de Regaleira combines a wealth of Gothic, Egyptian, Moorish and Renaissance features, however one of its most fascinating features is located beneath the ground – a pair of wells spiralling deep within the earth. The pair of wells, known as the ‘Initiation Wells’ or ‘Inverted Towers’, consist of ‘windingContinue reading “Initiation Wells”
Bird’s eye views
Here’s the final batch of Pena Palace photographs. I couldn’t get enough of this magical place. Even though we had a panicked hour when we managed to lose my mother! Lesson learnt – never allow a 65 year old out of your sight, not for a second! For a pensioner she can be remarkably swiftContinue reading “Bird’s eye views”
Fairytale in vivid colour
Here’s lots more colourful pictures taken at the magical Pena Palace in Sintra. From exotic bird of paradise plants to Moorish turrets and a child’s paintbox palette, the palace is a tourists dream. All set against a perfect blue sky we couldn’t have picked a better day to immerse ourselves in the crazy world ofContinue reading “Fairytale in vivid colour”
Fairytale Sintra
Finally we arrive at the town that inspired the entire trip – Sintra! Sintra is known for its many 19th-century Romantic architectural monuments. One of the most eyecatching is the Pena Palace, perched high above the town it is a Disneyesque riot of colour and architectural quirks. We visited on a perfect sunny day, the blueContinue reading “Fairytale Sintra”