The Lodge
The Lodge is the only place in Europe where you are in a 50 kilometer radius of 129 kilometers of stunning coastlines, 64 surf spots, 376 kilometers bike path, 40 climbing spots, a 100-square-foot yoga and fitness area, spa and countless other sports facilities await. It is located in the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, one of Europe's most diverse and enchanting regions.
Sintra
15 minutes inland from The Lodge lies Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This historic town has been a summer residence for the Portuguese Royal families from the 14th to the 20th century and thus there are several impressive royal buildings to visit. Dominating the city's center, you find the Palacio Nacional, with its two famous conic chimneys. On top of the Monte de Pena, you can see the fantastic 19th century Palacio da Pena from as far away as Lisbon. Surrounded by a beautiful and exotic garden, this combination of Neo-Gothic, Neo-Manueline, Neo-Islamic and Neo-Renaissance architecture is a must-see and the view of the surrounding area will blow you away.
The remains of the Castelo dos Mouros, the Castle of the Moors, date back to the 8th century, the period of Arab occupation of the Iberian peninsula. Nowadays, the ruins of the castle invite the visitor to get lost in time and enjoy the majestic view from its ancient walls. Brightly illuminated at night it still seems to protect the city of Sintra.
Further sites not to be missed include the Palacio da Regaleira estate, a romantic palace and chapel surrounded by four hectares of park, featuring fountains, lakes, grottoes and wells and declared UNESCO World Heritage Site, or the Palacio de Monserrate with its laid back park, where you find one of the richest botanical gardens in Portugal.
Nearby places
- Lisbon - 40 minutes by driving
- Praia das Macas - 20 minutes by walking
- Sintra - 15 minutes by driving or bus