Sintra without the rush: walks, beaches, and power spots for a one-day recharge

Sintra is the perfect one-day escape and mini-retreat. Unique route that combines city walk, scenic beach, and park that bring a true sense of freedom and calm to your day.

Sintra is the kind of town where you need to escape for at least one day to breathe in the fresh air, recharge, and remind yourself that life is more than work and city noise. This tiny gem in Portugal is surrounded by lush greenery, old castles, and hills perfect for a leisurely stroll. Sintra is free from the hustle and bustle, and it offers that sense of lightness and peace that we often lose in big cities.

Let’s start with the simple pleasure of walking. No need for a map or a strict plan—just wander around. The air is crisp with a hint of pine, and the narrow streets are full of surprises: a cozy café here, an ancient arch there, leading to someone’s hidden garden. Stroll around the National Palace, hike up to Pena Palace, or explore Quinta da Regaleira—these aren’t just tourist spots; they’re little adventures set against a backdrop of nature. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a parallel reality, where deadlines and endless calls don’t exist.

The perfect way to continue your day is to venture beyond the town and go on a mini-hike. Sintra sits at the foot of a national park that feels like its own universe. Forest trails, mysterious ruins, picnic spots with ocean views—all of this adds a wellness boost to your day. Pack a snack, put on your comfortable shoes, and just keep walking, enjoying the moment and that elusive sense of freedom that’s hard to catch in daily life.

And then there’s the ocean. Just a half-hour bus ride away, and you’ll find yourself at one of the most beautiful beaches in the area. Praia Grande is the kind of place where you can truly feel the vastness of the Atlantic: wide sandy stretches, rugged cliffs, and powerful waves perfect for surfers and anyone who loves the meditative rhythm of the ocean. You can catch a wave, relax on the sand, or simply lose yourself watching the water—it’s the ultimate recharge. And if you’re up for it, check out other nearby beaches like Praia da Adraga or Praia da Granja, where you’ll find even fewer people and even more room to breathe.

Sintra must-see and hidden gems:

Park and Palace of Monserrate (Salute choice)

A richly decorated 19th-century mansion featuring Moorish, Gothic, and Indian influences, set within lush botanical gardens.

Address: R. Barbosa du Bocage 136, 2710-405 Sintra

Praia Grande Beach (Salute choice)

Praia Grande is all about wide sandy expanses and powerful waves, perfect for surfers and those who love the feeling of being at the edge of the continent. It’s never crowded, so you can relax and enjoy the moment: the sound of the waves, the cool breeze, and the sun that seems to set a little slower.

Time flows differently here. You arrive, kick off your shoes, and immediately feel the sand under your feet smoothing out everything that’s built up over the week. Praia Grande is a place to have a mini-retreat, stroll along the shore, meditate to the sound of the waves, or just lie on the beach with a book. The ocean feels particularly alive here, and combined with the surrounding cliffs, it creates a sense that you’re standing at the world’s edge, where you can forget about everything left behind. For those who crave active fun—surfing, bodyboarding, or simply long walks along the water’s edge.

Address: Av. Alfredo Coelho, Sintra

Arribas Sintra Hotel (Salute choice)

This is one of the largest seawater swimming pools in Europe. The water comes directly from the ocean, so it is not the warmest, though it is slightly warmer than the ocean (19 to 24ºC). However, there is plenty of space for diving and swimming.

Address: Avenida Alfredo Coelho, 28, 2705-329 Sintra, Portugal

Restaurante Nortada (Salute choice and Michelin guide choice)

There are restaurants at Praia Grande where you can catch fresh fish and enjoy a simple yet incredibly delicious meal with an ocean view. For example, Nortada Restaurant.

Address: Av. Alfredo Coelho 8, 2705-329 Colares

Sintra is more than just a place to see a couple of palaces. It’s a town that invites you to slow down, feel the ground beneath your feet, and remember the importance of tuning into yourself. Step away from the noise, switch off your phone, and just be present. Even if it’s just for one day, it’ll be a day well spent.