I always love to talk about this place because it is one of my favorite spots in Portugal. So today I’m going to share with you my impressions on Sintra, the most romantic destination in Portugal according to many.

Sintra is nested in a forested region where the air is fresh and old trees grow to shield the secluded town and its half a dozen castles and palaces. It is a beautifully seductive hiding place for those of you who want to stay in a “Beauty and the Beast”-like or fairytale-like, this is it!

Before we get to the main reason Sintra is such a tourist hub, it is worth remembering the practical aspects: the town is located just some 25 kilometres away from Lisbon, so you can get there in about half an hour if you take a Lisbon airport transfer to Sintra. The ride through the forests is lovely also, so you will have a wonderful time as you drive to get there.

And while there, you will be treated to a well-deserved dose of romantic beauty. Sintra is the ultimate destination for any romantic. Sintra is not a UNESCO World Heritage Site for no reason: it is famous around the world for its 19th century romantic architecture and for its lovely palaces. The most renowned of them is Pena Palace, the beautifully colorful piece of art perched on a hilltop overlooking the entire municipality.

The Palace of Pena was commissioned by Ferdinand II, the king consort, in 1842 for his royal wife. The Prince was a champion of arts and culture, a true romantic of his time, and he did manage to create the perfect romantic setting by imagining and working alongside the architects and designers on this grandiose project, now one of the most visited tourist destinations in Portugal.

Give your girlfriend the chance to feel like in a Disney movie this Valentine’s Day!