Part of our “Latergram ” series. This trip took place June 2022.
GUINCHO
Today we will explore the area of Guincho.
Praia do Guincho is a renowned, rugged Atlantic beach in Cascais, Portugal, famous for its strong winds,, large waves, and scenic sand dunes. Located ~35km west of Lisbon, it is a premier spot for surfing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing, set within the protected Sintra-Cascais Natural Park.
The interior shots below were taken inside of The Fortaleza do Guincho (Guincho Fort). It is a 17th-century fortress turned luxury hotel, offering a unique mix of dramatic history, Michelin-starred dining, and breathtaking Atlantic views on a rocky promontory near Cascais. Visitors can enjoy its scenic, rugged surroundings, with popular activities including coastal hiking, exploring nearby surf beaches, and viewing historical military architecture like its original cannon emplacements.
LUNCH AT MAR DO GUINCHO
Well, this has been renovated and updated since we were here four years ago but man was the food delicious. Hard to beat fresh seafood and a great view.
I would love to go back some day and enjoy an evening meal while the sun goes down.
PENA PALACE
After lunch we hopped back on our tour bus and headed towards Pena Palace and the city of Sintra for a few hours.
The Pena Palace (Portuguese: Palácio da Pena) is a Romanticist palace in São Pedro de Penaferrim, in the municipality of Sintra, on the Portuguese Riviera. The castle stands on the top of a hill in the Sintra Mountains above the town of Sintra, and on a clear day it can be easily seen from Lisbon and much of its metropolitan area. It is a national monument and constitutes one of the major expressions of 19th-century Romanticism in the world. The palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal. It is also used for state occasions by the President of the Portuguese Republic and other government officials.
SINTRA
Sintra is a resort town in the foothills of Portugal’s Sintra Mountains, near the capital, Lisbon. A longtime royal sanctuary, its forested terrain is studded with pastel-colored villas and palaces. The Moorish- and Manueline-style Sintra National Palace is distinguished by dramatic twin chimneys and elaborate tilework. The hilltop 19th-century Pena National Palace is known for a whimsical design and sweeping views.
We didn’t get to spend much time down here but I was able to snap enough pictures so you get a taste of Sintra’s personality. Hope you enjoy!
And that’s a wrap on day 5’s activities. Back on the bus and heading towards our next city and accommodations… LISBON!
