My trip to Sinta was blessed with triumphs and (unavoidable?) pitfalls. I planned early based on reviews in our community that a day trip was not enough. Moreover, staying one night and using a rental car allowed me to see a pleasant mix of what Sintra offers. Granted, there was plenty I did not see. Thus our trip to Sintra was only about 1.5 days before heading North.

Pitfalls

Weather was not great, overcast, and spotty showers were always a threat. Tourism numbers at some key sites were reminiscent of China. Considering, I arrived early on Thursday and left late morning on Friday, I was not quite prepared for this. Parking can be a challenge. In fact, I would describe my driving as absolutely courageous and I will always be proud that my rental did not suffer a scratch. Nonetheless, weather, tourism, and parking evolved into challenges we had to overcome.

Components Visited

Pena Palace was over-the-top, a bit over-rated and yet still imbued with a certain charm. I certainly enjoyed exploring this tapestry of color, but was left wondering how this assemblage of vanity and endearing madness became a world heritage site? If Hearst Castle ever wishes international recognition from UNESCO, they surely have a precedent! The romantic in perhaps all of us is awed by Pena Palace, yet the Historian's among us can be dumbfounded in the resources expended in such a endeavor, that served only the wild dreams of royalty. Admittedly, this can be said of royalty throughout the world, from China to Portugal and beyond.

Castle of the Moors was a pleasant hike, which provided great views of Sintra and the National Palace. There is not so much on display here, but the fortress does feel part of the landscape. In fact, the "castle" reminded me of mountain fortresses that can be found throughout Korea. 

Sintra National Palace was indeed quite spectacular in several of its interior chambers. The tourist numbers in the National Palace compared to Pena Palace are nothing short of astonishing. The later, was all but empty as my wife and I had large expansive rooms all to ourselves. Pena Palace on the other hand, required long queues to just enter any room of moderate interest.

I was able to visit the exterior of Quinta da Regaleira and that alone is stunning and strange enough. Though, I do regret I did not have the time to visit this fascinating site properly. The Cultural Landscape of Sintra is often viewed as the most outstanding world heritage site in Portugal. I cannot disagree, but while I enjoyed my visit, it was not my favorite.

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