This is the least strenuous path to follow to walk to all of the main palaces in the Historic Center. It is a circular walk starting from the National Palace. The first and the last part of the walk are on asphalt in the Historic Center, the middle 4 kms mainly in single lane paths or gravel road with no traffic. The first half is uphill, the second half downhill. After the National Palace, the palaces you will encounter are Quinta da Regaleira, Seteais Palace, Pena Palace, and Moorish Castle. Being in the Historical Center you will also see other monuments and churches, water mines, fountains and even a waterfall. The forest part is always green, full of periwinkle and other flowers in the winter season. The walk is great for all seasons as even in the heat of the summer you walk mainly in shade.

• You can make this a full day walk while you visit all the monuments on the way – or just a beautiful 2-3 hour walk in the middle of history
• Take a picnic lunch and water in your backpack and enjoy lunch with a view if you spend the day on the path as restaurants are scarce on the mountain
• Don’t forget your camera on this hike as you will have excellent views all around

Casa do Valle

An 11-room B&B in the Historic Center with fabulous views, large garden, swimming pool and private parking. Guest kitchen, sauna and massage services available. Book your stay on www.casadovalle.com with a discount using the code WalkSintra Tel +351 21 924 4699

Vila Craft –  Beer & Bread

Artesanal Beer and bruschettas made with freshly baked bread – perfect combo for after-walk refreshments!  Located just down from the National Palace. Tel. 968 250 458

Praça de Sintra – Restaurant

Vegetarian / vegan meals cooked with local, seasonal products, in the Historic Center.  Perfect place for a take away picnic for your hike!  Open Tuesday – Saturday, from 10 am to 6 pm.  Tel.  914 909 334

Café Piriquita – Pastry Shop

Home of the famous travesseiro pastries and ‘queijadas’. Café, takeaway and delivery. Founded in 1862. Closed on Tuesdays. Tel. 219 230 626