The Other Side of Sintra - Forgotten Woods
Description
If you want to experience Sintra without the crowds and clichés, this tour is for you. We’ll take you to places that most visitors miss. This tour takes you through spaces history nearly left behind: the weathered simplicity of the Convent of the Capuchos, carved into the forest with Franciscan humility; the forgotten sentinel of Penedo, a traditional village seemingly suspended in time; the harsh beauty of Azenhas do Mar, a charming old fishing village; and the lush opulence of Monserrate, where nature was molded to reflect romantic ideals. These spaces were overlooked throughout history, but together they reveal a deeper, more authentic Sintra, where silence meets spectacle, and simplicity contrasts with grandeur. Made for those who want to slow down, this tour avoids the tourist traps, and shows a more real Sintra: a place full of contrast, history, and calm.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Sintra and Cascais are small villages just outside of Lisbon, and they’re the real “must-do” tour when visiting Lisbon. Located in a beautiful protected area, the Sintra Hills are the home of some of the most beautiful Palaces and Castles.
Begin in the forest to visit the Convent of the Capuchos, where humility becomes tangible in cork-lined walls, shaded paths, and the stillness of nature
Stop in Penedo village and Azenhas do Mar for a relaxing lunch. Enjoy authentic Portuguese cuisine in a setting untouched by time.
Explore the Palace and Park of Monserrate, where Romantic architecture and exotic plants form a curated paradise. Every detail invites awe — from carved archways to waterfalls and palm-lined paths.
If there is enough time, enjoy some free time to lunch and explore Sintra Village, which looks just like a postcard town. Taste the local pastries, check some souvenirs or just enjoy the ambience there.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
We'll pick you up at your Hotel or Apartment, or even the Port or the Airport. Please note that you may need to join us at a nearby meeting point, in some areas of the city where we can't reach your address. Please contact our team previously to assure all necessary arrangements.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Not advised for persons with reduced mobility
- Medium walking required
- Wear comfortable clothing and footwear
Reviews(9)
If you appreciate an experience that is interesting, quieter and involves nature, this is the tour for you.
We had a wonderful leisurely tour away from the busy touristy areas outside of Sintra & Cascais. We visited a historic convent, a beautiful botanical garden, & lots of scenic coastline. Since we were the only couple on the tour, our guide was very nice to make some modifications for us and we got to see a couple other areas in addition to the planned itinerary. Our guide was so knowledgeable & really knew the history about all the places we visited. Oriana was “THE BEST” and we really appreciate her great service & sharing her knowledge of the area. Thank you!!!
Amazing tour! We got to visit places we never would have gone without the tour. Guides were amazing and so knowledgeable and patient. The pace was comfortable and relaxed. There were no crowds at any of the places they took us. Great for people who don’t want to just see the touristy areas. We were picked up right at our hotel in a comfortable van and the guides made the whole trip easy. We saw the most amazing views of our visit during this tour. 100% recommend!!
This was an absolutely fantastic tour! I enjoyed seeing the ‘other side’ of Sintra - which was equally as beautiful as the more well known locations but a lot less crowded. Oriana, our guide had such a wealth of knowledge about the places we visited and the region in general! I loved that we got to visit the beautiful mountain locations as well as some coastal stops, without it being too rushed! Would highly recommend this tour!
This was the highlight of my trip to Portugal. Both momserrat and the convent of capuchos are stunning hidden gems in Sintra nacional park. I highly recommend this tour if want to escape the crowds of historical village of Sintra and the pena palace which I visited previously.
Our tour through Sintra was a truly memorable experience, made even better by the excellent organization of the company. The visit to the Convento dos Capuchos was particularly unique—its simplicity and strong connection to nature created a calm and almost spiritual atmosphere. Walking through the small cork-lined rooms and narrow pathways gave us a real sense of how the monks once lived in such modest conditions. In contrast, the Palácio de Monserrate offered a completely different experience, with its exotic architecture and stunning gardens. The mix of Gothic, Moorish, and Indian influences made the palace feel magical, while the surrounding gardens were lush, diverse, and perfect for a relaxing stroll. The journey through the Sintra mountains brought everything together beautifully. The scenery was breathtaking, with misty hills, dense forests, and incredible viewpoints along the way. Our guide was knowledgeable and engaging, sharing interesting stories and historical insights throughout the tour. Overall, the tour was well-organized, informative, and enjoyable from beginning to end. It provided a perfect balance of history, culture, and nature—highly recommended for anyone visiting Sintra. Thank you Gil!
Amazing experience! This really was the other side of Sintra! And 5 stars to our guide Gil, very knowledgeable and kind! I strongly recommend!
The tour took us through areas I wouldn’t have found on my own. It was a peaceful walk, with interesting stops and plenty of time to take in the surroundings. The guide was knowledgeable and easy to talk to, sharing useful context without overwhelming. A good choice if you’re looking for something different from the usual crowds.
Amazing trip to some hidden gems in Sintra. Would never been able to do this much by myself, and would never learn so much. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and accommodating. All in all, a great day!
