The Splendors of Sintra

Sintra, part of the Portuguese Riviera, offers lush wilderness to match the wild level of luxury.

The Sintra-Cascais Natural Park includes the Serra de Sintra Mountain Range. Visitors can set off on a hike from town or take a bus to windy perches and shady woodlands.

One of the premier attractions is the Castle of the Moors. The structure sprang up in the 8th and 9th centuries during the period of Muslim Iberia.

Like much of Portugal, the castle changed hands several times. By 1840, the towers were in ruins. Ferdinand II undertook conservation efforts that resulted in a stunning transformation.

From this astonishing location, panoramic views can reach as far as Mafra and Ericeira. Pena Palace, a Romanticist castle, offers additional views from its whimsical balconies. On a clear day, individuals in Lisbon can easily pick out the castle among the trees.

The woodlands surrounding the castle are filled with delights. The king had exotic trees from around the world planted in Pena Park. Dedicated hikers can wander for hours along the labyrinth of pathways.

Natural and historic wonders await in The Splendors of Sintra: Natural Luxury in the Portuguese Riviera (a Travel Photo Art book).

Laine Cunningham, a three-time recipient of The Hackney Award, writes fiction that takes readers around the world. Her debut novel, The Family Made of Dust, is set in the Australian Outback, while Reparation is a novel of the American Great Plains. She is the editor of Sunspot Literary Journal.