5 ways to enjoy the Summer in Sintra

Summer is here, bringing the sun, the heat, and the good weather. It's the best time of the year to go for a walk, but it's also the season when many try to escape the heat by visiting cooler places. And Sintra is the ideal place to do just that. Here are five suggestions to make the most of the summer in the most beautiful places in Sintra and, of course, to get away from the scorching heat.

1 – Visit the King Ferdinand II hunting grounds and the Capuchos Convent: Have you ever heard of this hunting ground? It's well worth taking a walk along the trails, where we can learn about the main species of trees that make up the native forest and also the invasive species that threaten it. If you're lucky, you may even come across some of the animals that live in the Sintra hills. One thing for sure is that along the way you will find small sculptures and wooden profiles representing the different species and their footprints. At the end, take the opportunity to visit the Convent of the Capuchos.

2 – Stroll through the Gardens of the National Palace of Queluz: There is nothing more refreshing than strolling along the lakes and fountains of the Gardens of the National Palace of Queluz, which are of unrivalled beauty. Before hitting the road for Queluz, you can confirm how stunning they are here. When you arrive, before you start your tour of the gardens, visit the Palace. The Throne Room and the Ambassadors' Room will blow you away (and they are also cool places to escape the heat).

3 – Take the opportunity to learn more about our history through a visit to the National Palace of Sintra: If the idea is to avoid outdoor spaces while having an enriching experience, this is the perfect place for you. The National Palace of Sintra spans 1000 years of Portuguese history, with the first references to this monument appearing even before the foundation of Portugal. There is thus no better way to learn about our history than to visit a monument that has accompanied all the vicissitudes of our country's history.

4 – See Sintra from the Moorish Castle: Visiting this castle is already an incredible experience, but being able to do it with good weather and clear skies is a bonus. The main advantage is that you'll be able to enjoy the marvellous view. When you're on the castle wall, you'll have a new perspective of several well-known spots, such as the National Palace of Sintra and its iconic chimneys, the Regaleira Estate, Chalet Biester, Seteais and, of course, right next door, the Palace of Pena.

5 – Discover the secluded areas of the Park of Pena: This is the perfect time to get lost in the cool woods of the Park. Stroll through the grove of old oak trees to the High Cross, discover the Western Balcony – a belvedere with one of the most beautiful views in the Park – and, on your way down, let yourself be impressed by the beech forest, where the sunlight filtering through at this time of year makes this place a setting for an enchanting story.