Uncover the Secrets of Sintra: A Jeep Tour Adventure

The ancient history of Paço da Vila de Sintra begins during the Muslim rule in the Iberian Peninsula. Already mentioned in the 11th century, the primitive Moorish palace - owned by the Portuguese crown after the conquest of Lisbon by D. Afonso Henriques (1147), 1st King of Portugal - is intervened for the first time in 1281, during the reign of D. Dinis. New construction bodies are added over time, under the reigns of D. Dinis, D. João I and D. Manuel I, maintaining their silhouette since the middle of the 16th century.

Paço da Vila de Sintra's history dates back to the time of Muslim control in the Iberian Peninsula. The basic Moorish castle, already documented in the 11th century and acquired by the Portuguese crown following the capture of Lisbon by D. Afonso Henriques (1147), 1st King of Portugal, is intervened for the first time in 1281, during the reign of D. Dinis. Under the reigns of D. Dinis, D. Joo I, and D. Manuel I, new building bodies are added throughout time, preserving their silhouette since the middle of the 16th century.

Cabo da Roca is the westernmost point of continental Europe and a must-visit if you go to Sintra. Visitors can take a certificate as a souvenir. The location provides a comprehensive view of the Serra de Sintra and the coast, and there is a lighthouse that serves as an important point for navigation. It used to have a fort that played a role in guarding the entrance of Lisbon during the 17th century. Cabo da Roca is integrated into the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park and is a popular destination for walking routes along the coast.

Azenhas do Mar is a settlement on the coast of Sintra in the parish of Colares. The area built along the Cameijo stream, which falls into the Atlantic and breaches the cliffs of the coast, and in which there were watermills (thus the name), has an oceanic pool at its foot. Apart from the gorgeous natural surroundings, Azenhas has various structures of importance, mainly in the Smooth Portuguese Style, namely with tiles on the façade, such as the school and the teacher's home.