Sintra

With its pine-covered hills, fascinating gardens, extravagant palaces, lavish mansions, Sintra looks like it emerged from the pages of a fairy tale.  It is situated within the hills of Cascais and Serra de Sintra.

For a visit to Sintra, you get to see the Palácio Nacional da Pena, one of the finest palaces in Europe. It a confection of domes, Moorish keyhole gates, writhing stone snakes and crenelated towers in pinks and lemons. After this visit, there is the Palácio Nacional de Sintra with its twin chimneys, ornately painted ceilings, gothic design, arabesque courtyards, and geometric azulejos. There is also the Quinta da Regaleira, a magical villa, and gardens with the mythological and Knights templar symbols.  Another beautiful place to visit is the Castelo dos Mouros, an ancient castle ruin soaring high above the surrounding forest. It stretches across the mountain ranges and past the moss-clad boulders. Visitors also get to see the Palácio & Parque de Monserrate, a palace at the center of a 30-hectare park with manicured lawns.

There is regular train service from both Rossion and Estação do Oriente to Sintra. Direct tourist buses are also available from Estoril and Cascais.

Fitness near Sintra

Gyms in Sintra are many and very close to the historical sites. There are family clubs, spa-only, and sports facilities. For an inclusive gym use the TrainAway program to search for gyms which give you information on what the gym offers in training and equipment. Try the Fitness Hut Sintra, by buying a gym day pass via TrainAway.