I’m not sure how I remember hearing about Sintra, but all I knew is that was described as a magical fairytale land just outside of Lisbon.
Once again, Portugal overdelivered.
I knew there is a big palace somewhere up the mountain, but not exactly where, so I picked a trail and started heading up.
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The castle looks right out of a story book its comical, like Lord Farquaad is living up there.
More on that later.
Around back of the castle I finally figured out where I was going - the Pena Palace.
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It’s precariously sat on top of a jagged peak.
You can go inside and see how the old kings and queens lived.
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Around the palace is the grounds - garden areas with lots to see.
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After the Palace area, it was time to check out the castle from earlier - called the Moorish Castle. It was built by the islamic caliphate when they were ruling over Iberia.
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Felt like a valiant knight up here.
There was one more big palace at the bottom - this one with a more gothic design.
Sintra was like being in a different world.
But back to reality, and on to Porto.