Serra de Sintra: Enchanted Hills of Portugal

• HelloOlá
  [oh-lah]
• GoodbyeAdeus
  [ah-deh-oosh]
• YesSim
  [seem]
• NoNão
  [now]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [poor fah-vohr/deh nah-dah]
• Thank youObrigado
  [oh-bree-gah-doo]
• Excuse me/SorryCom licença/Desculpe
  [kohm lee-sen-sah/deh-skool-peh]
• How are you?Como está?
  [koh-moh ehs-tah]
• Fine. And you?Bem. E você?
  [behn/eh voh-seh]
• Do you speak English?Fala inglês?
  [fah-lah een-glehz]
• I don't understandNão entendo
  [now ehn-tehn-doo]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseGostaria de ver o menu, por favor
  [goh-stah-ree-ah deh vehr ooh meh-noo, poor fah-vohr]
• I don't eat meatNão como carne
  [now koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!Saúde!
  [sow-deh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseGostaria de pagar, por favor
  [goh-stah-ree-ah deh pah-gahr, poor fah-vohr]

• Help!Ajuda!
  [ah-zhoo-dah]
• Go away!Vai embora!
  [vah-ee ehm-boh-rah]
• Call the Police!Chame a Polícia!
  [shah-meh ah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!Chame um médico!
  [shah-meh oong meh-dee-koo]
• I'm lostEstou perdido
  [eh-stoh pehr-dee-doo]
• I'm illEstou doente
  [eh-stoh doo-ehn-teh]

• I'd like to buy...Gostaria de comprar...
  [goh-stah-ree-ah deh kohm-prahr]
• I'm just lookingEstou só a ver
  [eh-stoh soh ah vehr]
• How much is it?Quanto custa?
  [kwan-toh koosh-tah]
• That's too expensiveIsso é muito caro
  [ee-soh eh moo-ee-tooh kah-roo]
• Can you lower the price?Pode baixar o preço?
  [poh-deh bahy-shahr ooh prey-soo]

• What time is it?Que horas são?
  [keh oh-rahz sah-ooh]
• It's one o'clockÉ uma hora
  [eh oo-mah oh-rah]
• Half past (10)Meia dez
  [may-ah dehsh]
• MorningManhã
  [mah-nyah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoite
  [noy-teh]
• YesterdayOntem
  [awn-tehm]
• TodayHoje
  [oh-zheh]
• TomorrowAmanhã
  [ah-mah-nyah]
• 1Um
  [oom]
• 2Dois
  [doh-ees]
• 3Três
  [trehs]
• 4Quatro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [saysh]
• 7Sete
  [seh-teh]
• 8Oito
  [oy-toh]
• 9Nove
  [noh-veh]
• 10Dez
  [dehsh]

• Where's a/the...?Onde fica o/a...?
  [ohn-deh fee-kah ooh/ah]
• What's the address?Qual é o endereço?
  [kwahl eh ooh ehn-deh-reh-soo]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Pode mostrar-me (no mapa)?
  [poh-deh mohs-trahr-meh (noo mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quando é o próximo (autocarro)?
  [kwan-doo eh ooh proh-ksee-moh (ow-toh-kah-roo)]
• A ticket (to ....)Um bilhete (para ...)
  [oom beel-yeh-teh (pah-rah)]

The Serra de Sintra boasts a rich prehistoric heritage, with archaeological findings dating back to the Paleolithic era. The region's natural caves, such as the Gruta do Colaride, have yielded numerous artifacts, including flint tools and pottery fragments, suggesting early human habitation and activity.

During the Roman period, Sintra was known as 'Cynthia,' named after the moon goddess. It was an important sanctuary and leisure destination for the Roman elite. Numerous ruins, including the remnants of Roman roads and villas, bear testimony to this era. The Penha Verde estate, with its Roman-inspired gardens and structures, is a notable example.

The Moors left an indelible mark on the Serra de Sintra after they conquered the Iberian Peninsula in the 8th century. The Castelo dos Mouros (Moorish Castle), perched high on a hilltop, is a striking reminder of their presence. This fortress, with its formidable stone walls and strategic location, provided a critical defense point against invading Christian forces.

In 1147, King Afonso I of Portugal successfully captured Sintra from the Moors, marking a significant milestone in the Christian Reconquest. The region's Christianization led to the construction of several churches and monasteries, including the Convent of the Capuchos, known for its austere beauty and harmonious integration into the surrounding landscape.

During the Age of Discoveries in the 15th and 16th centuries, Sintra became a favored retreat for Portuguese royalty and nobility. The construction of the Palácio Nacional de Sintra, with its distinctive twin chimneys and blend of Gothic, Manueline, and Mudéjar styles, exemplifies the era's architectural grandeur and cultural fusion.

The 19th century saw Sintra transform into a center of Romanticism, attracting artists, writers, and travelers enchanted by its mystical landscapes and historical allure. The Palácio da Pena, a whimsical and colorful palace commissioned by King Ferdinand II, epitomizes this period. Its eclectic architecture and lush gardens reflect the Romantic ideal of harmony between nature and human creativity.

In 1995, the cultural landscape of Sintra was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its unique blend of natural and architectural beauty. Today, the Serra de Sintra continues to be a cherished destination for visitors worldwide, offering a rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural splendor.

Serra de Sintra is located approximately 30 kilometers west of Lisbon, Portugal. The nearest international airport is Humberto Delgado Airport (Lisbon Airport). From Lisbon, you can take a direct train from Rossio Station to Sintra, which takes about 40 minutes. Alternatively, you can drive or take a taxi, which will take roughly 30-40 minutes depending on traffic.

Once in Sintra, the town is best explored on foot due to its narrow streets and hilly terrain. For longer distances or to visit specific sites like the Pena Palace or the Moorish Castle, you can use the local buses. The Scotturb bus service offers routes that cover the main attractions. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are also available. Renting a car is an option, but parking can be challenging in the more tourist-heavy areas.

The official currency in Portugal is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops in Sintra. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and for use in local markets. ATMs are plentiful in Sintra, but withdrawing cash in advance from Lisbon can save time.

Sintra is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, like any popular tourist spot, it is wise to take standard precautions. Be mindful of pickpockets, especially in crowded areas and on public transportation. Avoid poorly lit and deserted areas at night. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists in Sintra, but staying vigilant is always a good practice.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance, which is the European emergency number for police, fire, and medical services. Sintra has a local police station and medical facilities. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable shoes as Sintra is hilly and involves a lot of walking. Dress in layers since the weather can change rapidly. Avoid wearing beachwear in town. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially when visiting religious sites. Cover your shoulders and knees when entering churches and monasteries. Public Transport: Do be courteous and give up your seat for elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Bom dia' (Good morning) or 'Boa tarde' (Good afternoon). A handshake is common when meeting someone for the first time. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies like queijadas and travesseiros. Don’t rush through meals; dining is a leisurely activity in Portugal.

To experience Sintra like a local, take a stroll through the historic center and visit local cafes and markets. Engage with locals who are often friendly and willing to share insights about their town. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore lesser-known sites like the Monserrate Palace and the Capuchos Convent. For a unique experience, visit the Quinta da Regaleira and explore its mystical gardens and underground tunnels.