2025 Santa Maria E Sao Miguel Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in February)

At 38 degrees 47 minutes north latitude and 9 degrees 30 minutes west longitude, this is the westernmost point of the Eurasian continent🧭 Without the song of seagulls circling and the warm, soft white sand, under the rugged cliffs covered with wild grass, the Atlantic Ocean is rolling with surging waves and rising water vapor from afar🌊 The last ray of sunlight on this continent falls here every day. "The land ends here, and the sea begins here." This is the deepest confession of Portuguese poet Camões to Roca Cape. Every soul longing for freedom must love this desolation♥️ 🌟A few small things to check in at Roca Cape🌟 1⃣️ Chase the last sunset of the Eurasian continent every day🌄 When the sky turns orange, it is the last sunset on this continent every day. 2⃣️ Buy a "Arrival at the westernmost point of Europe" certificate📄 But, be sure to do these things before sunset😉 Because the souvenir shop closes before it gets dark. 3⃣️ Visit Pena Palace 20 kilometers east of Roca Cape🏰 Standing on the top of the mountain, Pena Palace is just like a fairy tale - crossing valleys and forests🌲, walking through the greenery supported by giant trees, next to the mossy old tree roots, the wild flowers on the roadside are vying for beauty🌺, turning a corner, a colorful castle suddenly appears. The hodgepodge architectural style combines Gothic, Renaissance, Moorish, and Manueline styles all together. Having visited many palaces and castles, Pena Palace is undoubtedly the most brilliant one. 4⃣️ Visit the Moorish Castle🛤 Adjacent to Pena Palace, this castle built by the Arabs witnessed the turbulent dynasty changes on the Iberian Peninsula. 5️⃣Little knowledge about Roca Cape you must know⛵️ 600 years ago, Prince Henry's expedition team bid farewell to the land from Roca Cape, crossed the devil's sea area Bojador Cape, and opened the chapter of the Portuguese maritime empire⚓️. Before that, the desolate Roca Cape was the end of the known world. Across the sea, it is the distant east coast of the United States🇺🇸. Before encountering that other continent, the blue unknown was the only master of this domain. At that moment, you will understand that in front of nature, time flows slowly in billions of years. Standing on the cliff, it always makes people feel that those troubles belonging to life have suddenly become one in a billion. 6️⃣Visiting time🕙 ▪️It is recommended to arrive one hour before sunset and enjoy the last sunset of the Eurasian continent here every day. ▪️The recommended tour duration is 2 hours (excluding Pena Palace and Moorish Castle) 7️⃣Arrival transportation🚗 ▪️If you are just going to visit Pena Palace and Moorish Castle in Sintra, you can easily reach by self-driving and public transportation. ▪️If you go to Roca Cape to watch the sunset, it is more recommended to drive from Lisbon. There is less return transportation after sunset, and you may encounter the embarrassment of not being able to return to the city.

A day trip to Sintra is a good way to extend your trip in lisbon. Located a few hours away from lisbon, sintra is popular for travelers like us. Its colorful and eclectic architecture, unique gardens, and stunning views are breathtaking. The town has a laid-back atmosphere, with narrow streets lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants serving traditional Portuguese cuisine. Sintra is easily accessible by train from Lisbon, and a day trip is sufficient to explore its main attractions.

#newyearadventure Sintra is a UNESCO world heritage site in Portugal famed for its historic palaces and castles. It is about 50 minutes from Lisbon by train so you can easily make a day trip to Sintra while you're in Lisbon. We visited Pena Palace, a fairytale palace built in 19th century, and Quinta da Regaleira, a neo-gothic mansion with the iconic initiation well. We had lunch in Sintra town centre and thereafter travelled to Cabo da Roca - the westernmost point of mainland Europe. It may be cheaper to go from one location to another by Uber or other ride hiring platforms instead of hiring tour guides touting outside Sintra train station. The tour guide we hired charged us 35 euros per pax by fetching us from point A to point B. #portugal #sintra #lisbon #palace #mansion #unesco #penapalace #regaleira #cabodaroca

We chanced upon Cantinho Gourmet when we were looking for a lunch place in Sintra. It is tucked away on the corner of a steep pedestrian alley in Sintra city centre near Sintra National Palace. The entrance of the gourmet shop looks small but it leads to a beautiful garden hidden behind the walls with ample seating area. The restaurant serves a variety of salads, toast, cheese boards, alcohol and non-alcoholic beverages. We ordered sangria, a cocktail similar to fruit punch originating from Portugal and Spain. It was so good and refreshing! The food was a little pricy but the service staff was attentive. 📍 Cantinho Gourmet R. Padarias 17, 2710-591 Sintra, Portugal QJW5+JR Sintra, Portugal #travelanywhere #sintra #vacation #portugal #gourmet #restaurant #tripblazers

So worth a trip if you’re in Lisbon! We spent the whole day here just wandering around it’s so beautiful. Definitely get a tuk tuk to the top - you don’t want to walk up… You can go inside the castle, walk up the hills to the view points, lovely forests and gardens and we loved the well. The little town also has so many cute cafes and restaurants to grab food. #localguides #Lisbon

Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a captivating Portuguese town known for its opulent palaces, extravagant villas, historic sites, lush forests and jagged hills. Must-see attractions include:🌟 1.The whimsical Palácio da Pena 2. Moorish castle ruins 3. Mystical Quinta da Regaleira gardens 4. Arabian-inspired Palácio de Monserrate. Beyond the tourist routes, Sintra offers dense forests, rugged coastlines, secluded religious sites, and breathtaking viewpoints for adventurous travelers.⛰️ How to get there:🛣 Sintra is a town in the foothills of the Sintra Mountains, about an hour northwest of Lisbon. 1. I don't recommend driving to Sintra. Parking at the palaces and within the town is tough (as in, parking options are virtually nonexistent).🚘 2. Trains run regularly from Lisbon's Rossio station (up to 6 times per hour during the busy season). Tickets are €4.60 return (5.10 Euro total if you don't already have a Viva Viagem card, which is Lisbon's transport card).The journey from Lisbon to Sintra takes about 40 minutes.🚆 3. There's also a combo ticket you can purchase for the train and Sintra buses for €14. If you're going to try to get this combo ticket, I recommend purchasing in- person at the station. Getting around Sintra:🚍 The most affordable way to get around is by taking the tourist buses that run regular routes to Sintra's most popular attractions. These buses are 434 and 435. #cherryblossom2024

#Portugaltrip "Hey there, fellow adventurers! Welcome to my little corner of the internet. I'm thrilled to take you on a journey through the enchanting land of Portugal, where every cobblestone street tells a story, and every bite of food is a culinary masterpiece. Join me as we uncover the hidden gems of Lisbon, wander through the narrow alleyways of Porto, and soak up the sun on the breathtaking beaches of the Algarve. From sipping on port wine in the Douro Valley to exploring ancient castles in Sintra, there's never a dull moment in this vibrant country. But it's not just about the sights and sounds – it's about the people, the culture, and the soul of Portugal that truly captivates the heart. So grab your passport, pack your bags, and let's embark on an adventure of a lifetime together. Portugal awaits, and I can't wait to share its magic with you. Let's go! ✈️🇵🇹 #PortugalAdventures #Wanderlust #TravelBlog"

Certainly! Moorish Castle in Sintra offers a captivating blend of history, architecture, and panoramic views. Here are some travel notes for exploring the Moorish Castle in Sintra: **1. Location and Overview:** - The Moorish Castle is situated on a hilltop in Sintra, Portugal, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. - It dates back to the 8th or 9th century and played a strategic role in the region's history. **2. Access and Transportation:** - Sintra is easily accessible from Lisbon by train or bus. - Once in Sintra, consider taking a local bus or taxi to reach the Moorish Castle, or it's a scenic walk for the more adventurous. **3. Entrance and Tickets:** - Purchase tickets at the entrance or consider buying them online to avoid queues. - A combined ticket might be available if you plan to visit other attractions in Sintra, such as Pena Palace. **4. Architecture and Features:** - Admire the Moorish architectural elements, including crenellated walls, towers, and the iconic Gateway of the Moorish Castle. - Explore the well-preserved remains of the castle, including the cistern and walls. **5. Scenic Walks:** - Enjoy the picturesque walks along the castle walls. - Don't miss the stunning views of the Sintra hills, Pena Palace, and the Atlantic Ocean. **6. Historical Significance:** - Learn about the castle's history, including its Moorish origin and subsequent reconstructions by the Christians. - Discover the strategic importance of the castle during the Moorish and medieval periods. **7. Timing and Duration:** - Plan to spend a few hours exploring the castle and its surroundings. - The morning or late afternoon is ideal for pleasant weather and beautiful lighting. **8. Photography Opportunities:** - Capture the panoramic views of Sintra and the surrounding countryside. - Look for unique angles to photograph the castle's architecture. **9. Nearby Attractions:** - Combine your visit with other attractions in Sintra, such as Pena Palace and the town center. - Check the schedule for any cultural events or festivals in Sintra. **10. Comfort and Practical Tips:** - Wear comfortable shoes for walking on uneven terrain. - Bring water, especially on warm days. - Check for any restoration or maintenance schedules that might affect your visit. **11. Local Refreshments:** - Explore local cafes or bring a picnic to enjoy within the castle grounds. - Sample traditional Portuguese treats and refreshments. **12. Respectful Exploration:** - Be respectful of the historical site, follow designated paths, and adhere to any guidelines provided. Visiting the Moorish Castle in Sintra offers a unique journey through time and provides a deep appreciation for the rich history of the region. Enjoy your exploration!

#wecreate The castle is only 400-500 metres downhill from Pena Palace, so a good option to visit and there is no need to catch a bus as you can just walk downhill. Be prepared to climb up and down the castle – you will be rewarded with great views but may also end up with muscle fatigue. Wander through history, uncovering tales of knights and kings, and marvel at the architectural splendor that transports you to another era. 🛡️🌿 Don't forget your camera to capture those picture-perfect moments! #MoorishCastle #Sintra #Portugal #HistoryUnveiled #BreathtakingViews #ExplorationGoals #EnchantedLandscapes #MedievalMagic

#wecreate 📍 Location: Sintra, Portugal 🇵🇹 💡 Useful Tip: Get there early to beat the crowds and enjoy breathtaking views! 📸 Immerse yourself in the captivating charm of the Moorish Castle, a magnificent fortress nestled amidst Sintra's lush landscapes. 🏰✨ Unleash your inner adventurer as you explore its ancient walls and towers, offering panoramic vistas of Sintra's magical surroundings. #MoorishCastle #Sintra #Portugal #HistoryUnveiled #BreathtakingViews #ExplorationGoals #EnchantedLandscapes #MedievalMagic #CastleAdventures #HiddenGems #TravelTips

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#portugal

Sintara. Moorish Castle & Pena Palace. The mountains in this area are undulating, and palaces, castles, and villas are nestled in the blue sky. The cultural landscape and natural scenery are blended together. Poet Byron likened Sintara to Eden.