It was our last full day in Portugal and we had a promise to fulfill.
We promised Pedro we would visit the Quinta Da Regaleira before leaving, so we took a day trip to Sintra. It was easy to navigate the Subway to the Train Station and soon we were zipping away with Lisbon behind. I was excited because I knew we were in for a treat!
When we arrived in Sintra, we left the station and walked toward town. Sintra is a beautiful hamlet which sits on top of a small mountain. It has not changed much over time, so it’s quite charming. There are many little streets which wind their way like spaghetti around various historical sites.
We ignored the little town for the moment and walked straight to the Quinta. We rented a little audio tour transmitter and entered the site. The Quinta is a magical and mysterious place; with underground tunnels, secluded fountains, amazing gardens, and luxurious architecture. If your imagination is not sparked here, then there may be something wrong with you!
Intricate Masonry
Dennis Taking Ownership (I wish!)
Extensive Tunnels!
A Pretty Little Chapel (With a Hidden Tunnel Below!)
Nights Templar Mosaic
St. Elizabeth and St. Maria Stained Glass
What Pretty Grounds!
About to Go Into the Underground Tunnel!
I’m glad I brought a headlamp!
Home Sweet Home (Ha-ha-ha!)
View of the Sintra Climbing Crag, below the Moorish castle. Taken from the Quinta! It’s so awesome we got to climb there!
I had to get my fix…
Our Last View of the Quinta, SIGH!
After visiting the Quinta, we headed into Sintra to taste some of the local delicacy…Piriquitas! These are little pastries, the size of parakeets, which are filled with apples in a light apple, cinnamon, and sugar concoction. Similar to an apple turnover, but better in every possible way.
Piriquitas in Sintra…YUMMMMMMM!
We headed back to our hotel in Lisbon feeling very sad. We didn’t want to leave Portugal. We had such a fabulous time there. Here are our self portraits as we contemplated returning to the helter-skelter of the daily grind:
That night, we packed our bags for an early flight back home. In the morning, the warm and inviting Portuguese sun rose among a mist. We were taunted for leaving, or maybe we were being beckoned to return?
Tags: 10th Anniversary, Portugal, Quinta Da Regaleira, Sintra