Sintra. Where you can travel through time...any time!
“Off-season” is a bit of a misnomer when it comes to describing Sintra - a place of mysterious beauty where it's easy to feel blissfully lost in space and time. This is especially true in the cooler seasons where you have the opportunity to explore in the relative quiet before the buzz of the summer starts again. Hosting an abundance of colourful palaces and monuments nestled into a vast, lush forest and all topped off with an enigmatic castle dominating the skyline, Sintra is packed full of memories waiting to be made.
Our Winter 2022 Sintra cohort was a BIG hit with our families. Here are the Top 3 reasons for checking out Sintra in the winter and early spring with our Jan-Mar Boundless Experience:
1. Less keen on crowds? Sintra is known for its rich history and cultural heritage. Exploring the town's numerous palaces, castles, and gardens can be a fascinating experience for families, providing an educational opportunity for children. The quieter winter season allows families to take their time exploring these attractions and learning about the region's history and architecture.
Jan through March is a great time to fully discover all that Sintra has to offer. From the Pena Palace to the Moorish Castle and Quinta da Regaleira - you can get unobstructed views - and photos - of their magnificence. And Queues? What queues?!
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2. Unique events and experiences that capture the essence of winter and the promise of spring. Cosy up with your loved one for a Valentine’s Day to remember or explore the historic centre in the late afternoon and evening - the National Palace and Moorish Castle are beautifully illuminated.
Sintra offers a range of charming cafés and restaurants where families can warm up and indulge in delicious Portuguese cuisine. Cosy up in a café with a cup of hot chocolate or enjoy traditional dishes like pastéis de nata (custard tarts) and hearty soups, creating memorable culinary experiences for the whole family.
3. The quieter time of year represents a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture and community of Sintra. The pace is slower and more laid back. With much lower tourist volumes you get a better feel for this magical place. There are also, of course, options to visit other parts of Portugal - including nearby Lisbon - and experience the same benefits. There is an abundance of 'weekend away venues’ with the families waiting to be discovered - and all much more cheaply than in the summer months.
4. Worried about it being too cold to enjoy all of this? Sintra enjoys a mild winter climate with temperatures ranging from 10 to 15 degrees Celsius (50 to 59 degrees Fahrenheit). While it may not be warm enough for swimming, it's still pleasant for outdoor activities and exploring the town. Surf is still up with the help of a cosy wetsuit 😉. Winter brings lush greenery and occasional rainfall, making the verdant scenery even more vibrant. Families can go for hikes, explore the trails, and enjoy the beauty of the forests and coastline without the summer heat.
So, what are you waiting for? Sintra is waiting for you - always!
