Sintra - Excerpts from the hike

One of my recent travels took me to Sintra, a stunning town and region in Portugal that once served as a retreat for the nobility and wealthy elites.

Although most of the palaces were closed to visitors, I carved out my own path through this enchanting area. Everything here seems to exist in perfect harmony, human creations blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings. The ancient stone buildings appear almost as though they emerged organically from the landscape. No matter which way you turn, the natural beauty is breathtaking.

Alongside the winding main road that leads to numerous estates, there are also many informal hiking paths that lead up to the hilltop castle.