Nature Lover's Guide to Portugal

This May my family and I got to explore so many beautiful parts of Portugal, but here are 3 destination's that really stood out, especially for those who love nature.

1. The Gardens of Montserrat

   
   

Monserrate Palace, nestled near Sintra, Portugal, is a stunning example of 19th-century Romanticism. Commissioned by Francis Cook in 1858, this palatial villa showcases a harmonious blend of Gothic, Moorish, and Indian architectural styles. Surrounded by 33 hectares of lush gardens, visitors can explore themed landscapes, including Mexican and Japanese gardens, a fern valley, and the first large lawn planted in Portugal. These gardens were truly magical!

Getting There from Sintra:

• By Car: Monserrate Palace is approximately 3.5 kilometers (about 2 miles) northwest of Sintra's historic center. The drive only takes around 10 minutes via N375 and Estrada de Monserrate.

• By Public Transport:

  • Bus: Scotturb bus line 435 connects Sintra town center to Monserrate Palace. Buses depart from Sintra train station and stop at various attractions, including Monserrate.

  • Taxi/Rideshare: Taxis and rideshare services like Uber are readily available in Sintra and can take you directly to the palace

    
    

You do need tickets to enter, but it is totally worth it! Grab yours here: https://gyg.me/HIVUtVnZ

2. Moors Castle Hike, Sintra

   
   

The hike up to the Moorish Castle in Sintra is like stepping into a medieval fantasy. The trail winds through lush forests, with glimpses of the ancient stone walls appearing between the trees, making it feel straight out of a gothic fairytale. Once you reach the top, you're rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views over Sintra and the surrounding landscape. The rugged stone ruins, perched dramatically on the hillside, have a mysterious, almost otherworldly feel, perfect for anyone who loves a bit of history with their adventure.

How to Get There: If you're in Sintra’s historic centre, you can hike up in about 45 minutes through the forest, adding to the whole enchanted experience. If you’d rather save your energy for exploring the castle itself, the 434 tourist bus is a convenient option. Driving is possible, but parking is limited.

Tickets: Here are skip the line tickets! https://gyg.me/aYB5lKct

3. Paiva Walkways – A Literal Fairytale Hike

   
   

   The moment I stepped out of the car, a pony was just there in the parking lot, casually waiting to say hi. He was so friendly, like some kind of enchanted woodland creature sent to welcome me. Then, just before starting the hike, a bunch of goats were drinking by the river, totally unbothered, adding to the whole magical energy of the place.

   The walk itself? Beautiful! Wooden walkways wind along the river, through lush greenery and dramatic cliffs, making it feel like something out of a fantasy novel. It’s peaceful but also breathtaking, with insane views at every turn. If you’re into nature, adventure, or just want to romanticize your life, this hike is 100% worth it. This was probably one of my favourite activities of our trip.

   How to Get ThereThe Paiva Walkways are about an hour and a half drive from Porto. Renting a car is the easiest way to get there, but there are also guided tours that take care of transport if you don’t feel like driving.

   Tickets: You don't need tickets to do the actual hike, but there is an option to go on a suspended bridge which we didn't have the time to do but wish we did! Here are tickets for that if you are interested! https://gyg.me/38HUoNyb

   
   

   

   There are SO many more beautiful spots in Portugal, and I wish to go back one day to explore more, but these are just 3 that I thouroughly enjoyed in my short time there:)