The Other Side of Sintra – Forgotten Woods Tour

Traveling to Sintra often means navigating crowded palaces, touristy viewpoints, and crowded streets. But if you’re looking for a different experience—one that reveals the quieter, more authentic side of this enchanting region—then the “Forgotten Woods” tour offered by Around Lisbon Tours deserves serious consideration. This 8-hour journey takes you off the beaten path, away from the throngs, to explore lesser-known spots that whisper of history, simplicity, and natural beauty. It’s ideal for travelers who want a meaningful connection with Sintra that goes beyond the usual photo ops and souvenir shops.

What I particularly love about this tour is how it balances discovery and comfort. The guided visits to places like the Convent of the Capuchos and Monserrate Palace aren’t just sightseeing—they’re immersive experiences that reveal the soul of Sintra’s hidden corners. Plus, the visit to Penedo, a mountain village seemingly frozen in time, is a rare treat. The scenic drive in a comfortable air-conditioned minivan, complete with Wi-Fi, means you’re traveling in style without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

One potential consideration is that the tour involves medium walking and some uneven terrain, especially at the Convent of the Capuchos and the gardens of Monserrate. If mobility or extensive walking is an issue, you might want to prepare accordingly. But overall, the pace is well-managed, and the guide’s insights make every stop worthwhile.

Key points / Takeaways

• Authentic exploration: This tour prioritizes lesser-known sites that most visitors miss, offering a more genuine Sintra experience.
• Historical simplicity: The Convent of the Capuchos showcases humble Franciscan architecture, highlighting a different kind of spiritual and historical significance.
• Scenic villages: Penedo and Azenhas do Mar are charming spots where time seems to stand still, perfect for those craving tranquility and picturesque views.
• Luxurious gardens: The lush grounds of Monserrate Palace blend exotic flora with romantic architecture, providing a colorful contrast to the rustic paths earlier on.
• Expert guidance: The local guides are knowledgeable, enhancing the experience with stories that bring each location to life.
• Flexible logistics: Pickup and drop-off are included, making the day seamless and comfortable, especially if you’re staying in Lisbon.

Exploring Sintra’s Hidden Gems

Entering Sintra’s Quiet Corners: An Authentic Journey

Most visitors to Sintra flock to the Pena Palace and the Moorish Castle, often battling crowds for a glimpse of history and views. This tour, however, starts with the Convent of the Capuchos, a small, weathered monastery tucked deep within the forest. Known for its extreme simplicity and humility, it was home to Franciscan monks who carved their humble living spaces into the forest. As one reviewer notes, “I love the way the convent feels like a secret, almost untouched by time.” Here, you’ll see how architecture and environment blend seamlessly, emphasizing austerity over grandeur.

The Charm of Penedo: A Village Suspended in Time

Next, the tour takes you to Penedo, a remote mountain village that looks like it’s been untouched by modern development. Surrounded by lush greenery, Penedo offers a quiet refuge, ideal for those who want to experience local life far from tourist buzz. The guide might mention how this place appears to have been frozen in time, with traditional houses and narrow streets that seem unchanged for decades. As one guest wrote, “It’s a place where you can truly breathe and enjoy silence.” It’s a stark contrast to Sintra’s more popular sights, and it’s a testament to the region’s diverse character.

Coastal Serenity at Azenhas do Mar

After the mountain tranquility, the tour ventures down to the fishing village of Azenhas do Mar, perched dramatically on the cliffs. With its old whitewashed houses and a natural saltwater pool, this is a photographer’s paradise. The stop here lasts about 1.5 hours, giving you time to stroll through the narrow streets and enjoy fresh sea air. One review describes it as “a perfect spot to relax and enjoy a snack while gazing at the Atlantic.” The setting is dramatic and less commercialized than other coastal spots, offering a genuine slice of Portuguese seaside life.

The Opulence of Monserrate Palace and Gardens

The finale is a visit to Monserrate Palace, a marvel of romantic architecture set amidst exotic gardens. The guide walks you through the palace’s history and its lush surroundings, where nature seems to have been reshaped into a tapestry of vibrant plant life. The gardens are a highlight—full of rare species and winding paths—providing a sensory overload of colors and scents. As one visitor expressed, “The blend of architecture and wild garden makes it feel like an enchanted forest.” The guided tour lasts about two hours, enough to savor the details without feeling rushed.

The Logistics: Comfort and Convenience

Throughout the day, you’ll enjoy transportation in an air-conditioned minivan, making the travel between sites smooth and comfortable. Wi-Fi on board lets you share photos or catch up on emails during the drive. The tour includes pickup and drop-off from your Lisbon accommodation, which simplifies logistics considerably—no need to worry about finding public transport or navigating unfamiliar streets.

Is the Tour Worth the Price?

Considering the entrance tickets included for all the sites, along with the expert guidance and comfortable transport, this tour offers good value for those seeking depth over breadth. It’s especially suitable if you want to escape the crowds, learn about lesser-known history and enjoy some peaceful scenery. The cost might seem higher than self-guided visits, but the convenience, insights, and protected access to sites justify it for many travelers.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers who appreciate authentic, quiet spaces and are willing to walk and explore uneven terrain. It’s suited for those with some interest in history and nature, and who prefer a slower pace. It’s less ideal for mobility-restricted visitors, but plenty of people who want a more relaxed, meaningful look at Sintra will find this tour rewarding.

The Sum Up

The “Other Side of Sintra – Forgotten Woods” tour offers a relaxed, authentic alternative to the usual tourist-packed routes. By focusing on lesser-known sites like the Convent of the Capuchos, Penedo, and Azenhas do Mar, it reveals a more genuine, peaceful side of this enchanting region. The guided visits are insightful, and the scenic stops provide a perfect blend of history, nature, and local charm.

If you’re tired of fighting for a photo with a crowd or just want to see Sintra through a different lens, this tour is a smart pick. It’s well-suited for curious travelers, nature lovers, and anyone craving quiet moments amid Portugal’s natural beauty and humble history.

For those who value comfort without sacrificing authenticity, and who want to uncover stories that often go untold, this experience can be a highlight of your Portugal trip. Just be prepared for some walking and variable terrain, and bring your camera and sense of adventure.

FAQ

What is included in the tour price?
The tour covers hotel pickup and drop-off, transport by air-conditioned minivan with Wi-Fi, an expert guide, and entrance tickets to sites like the Convent of the Capuchos and Monserrate Palace.

How long are the stops at each location?
You’ll spend about 1.5 hours at the Convent, 15 minutes at Penedo, 1.5 hours at Azenhas do Mar, and 2 hours exploring Monserrate Palace and its gardens.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the transportation is in a private, air-conditioned minivan with Wi-Fi, making the journey between sites relaxing and convenient.

Does the tour accommodate different starting times?
Availability varies; check the booking platform to see current options for your preferred day.

Are meals included?
No, meals, food, and drinks are not included, but there are stops where you can buy snacks or enjoy a quick lunch.

Is this tour suitable for children or seniors?
It’s best for those with moderate mobility, as some walking and uneven terrain are involved; not recommended for reduced mobility.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans shift.

Is this tour private or shared?
The standard experience is shared, but private group options are available, which can enhance comfort and flexibility.

This “Other Side of Sintra” tour provides a thoughtful way to see a quieter, more intimate side of Portugal’s most magical region. Whether you’re after history, scenery, or simply a peaceful escape, it’s worth considering as part of your Sintra adventure.