Oceanic Balcony Lisbon: where nature, poetry, and the sea converge amidst the city's rolling hills
Lisbon, the bustling heart of Portugal, is just a short 30-kilometer journey from Sintra, a 'glorious Eden' that offers a romantic escape from the city's hustle and bustle. Sintra is home to enchanting castles, Manueline palaces, and colonial villas, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a taste of Portugal's rich history.
For those planning to visit Lisbon, consider using for your flights. Once you arrive, you can explore the city using the bike path along the Tagus Estuary, which skirts the Park of the Nations, a green-dream narrative in step with the times. The Park of the Nations is dedicated to the Oceans and is a manual of late-millennium architecture, featuring notable structures like Calatrava's station and Siza Vieira's engineering wing. A meal at master-chef D'Bacalhau in the Park of the Nations is highly recommended.
Just a 40-minute drive from Lisbon's center lies the Tagus Estuary, a vast wetland hosting hundreds of bird species. The Natural Reserve of the Tagus Estuary offers birdwatching experiences, including guided tours and exploratory boat trips. The institution offering these experiences is the Tagus Estuary Nature Reserve Interpretation Center, an acronym for Espaço de Visitação ou Observação de Aves linked to the University of Lisbon.
In the Sintra area, there are several transformed quintas (estates) offering accommodations. These include Quinta A - Capela, Quinta de Sao Thiago, and Hotel Palacio de Seteais. Another accommodation option in Sintra is Hotel Palacio de Seteais. For those seeking a more eco-friendly option, nearby Ericeira offers Immersed, a luxury design hotel known for its healthy and light slow-cooked cuisine on the grill (fresh fish, vegetables).
In addition to its natural beauty, Sintra is also home to EVOA, an acronym for Espaço de Visitação ou Observação de Aves. Located within the natural reserve, EVOA boasts an Interpretation Center with digital-pseudo-immersive exhibits and complementary activities for bird observation and study.
Lastly, a visit to Sintra would not be complete without a trip to Cabo da Roca, located in Sintra. This cliff marks the noisy western limit of the Old Continent at 140 meters high.
For more information about Portugal and its attractions, visit , , or . Whether you're a birdwatching enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seeking a relaxing getaway, Portugal's Sintra and Lisbon have something for everyone.
