Hiking Tour in Sintra
Sintra,
Kingdom of Love
walking tour in Sintra
♦ WALKING TOUR IN SINTRA ♦
~ Sintra, Kingdom of Love ~
- History, Flora and Fauna, and accounts of Sintra's Past -
Organization and Historial Research:
Miguel Boim, O Caminheiro de Sintra ("Sintra's Wanderer")
author of the book Legendary Sintra - Legends and Stories of the Mountain of the Moon
::: www.miguelboim.com
::: rnaat 1808/2017
::: Available days for the daytime and night walks in Sintra: Mondays to Sundays - all subject to availability.
::: Starting time: between 14h15 and 14h45
::: Group size for this private activity: from just one to twelve people.
::: A cultural activity, in legal accordance to Nature Tourism.
::: Legal notice: rnaat 1808/2017
::: No smoking; no noise; not advisable to pregnancy nor to heart conditions.
A small waterfall on the route of this walk in Sintra.
picture by Miguel Boim
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A very bright afternoon while walking between different quintas.
picture by Miguel Boim
♦♦♦ Your host, Sintra's writer Miguel Boim, in some Portuguese TV shows:
➤ at RTP2
giving body to Mr. Sommer (Patrick Süskind's)
The reading of some excerpts from Mr Sommer, by Patrick Süskind (best known for The Perfume), in Literatura Aqui programme.
➤ at SIC
in the TV series "Boa Cama Boa Mesa"
A brief appearance on SIC's "Boa Cama Boa Mesa" programme, presented by Martim Cabral, and as always talking about the curious stories of the Sintra Mountains past.
➤ at TVI
in Jornal Nacional, at Sintra's Capuchos Convent
A brief appearance by Miguel Boim, O Caminheiro de Sintra, on TVI's Jornal Nacional, in a report that also involves the Convento dos Capuchos and its curious stories from the distant past.
Miguel Boim with a group of participants while passing by Seteais.
picture by Carolina C.
A group on this walk in Sintra, while crossing a part of the forest.
picture by Madalena Nunes
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♦♦♦ Important information:
. This daytime walk in Sintra will last around 3 hours and a half (or less, if you require it beforehand), including stopping points, for which you should bring comfortable clothing and footwear. Although the duration may sound long to some, the ascent of the hills will be carried at a very calm pace so that you can enjoy the views and the ambiance.
. This is a private activity. The group is formed only by you and yours.
. We start at the old town (Sintra historic centre), facing along the way some regular pavement, some irregular terrain (easily done by people with no mobility limitations), with the first half of the walk climbing the hills and finding very rich views for the eye. After the first half, the route will be just climbing down, also with points of interest. The route will be more interior in some parts in order to avoid crowds.
. The distance is around 6,5 kilometres. The pace will be the one that best suits you, with stops at which you can rest. These activities are designed to be done by almost anyone (including the most sedentary), with the exception of heart conditions and pregnancy.
. All you need is water and comfortable clothing and footwear. If you have any questions, you can ask them by email or telephone. It is advisable to book as far in advance as possible (the month before is best, but you can try - with no guarantee of success - up to 15 days before).
. If you don't feel comfortable in the rain, you can postpone this daytime walk. If the activity has to be cancelled due to weather limitations (in Summer and Winter) or access limitations (imposed by the Civil Protection or other governmental authority), you will receive a refund, or we can reschedule for a later date if both parties are available.
. During the booking process, you will receive further information about data protection, your safety and the preservation of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park.
A wooden bridge in a part of this walk in Sintra.
picture by Miguel Boim
Participants in this daytime walk in Sintra taking pictures of the Pena Palace and the moon above it.
picture by Miguel Boim
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♦♦♦ This tour has the seal Clean & Safe, issued by Turismo de Portugal.
► MEETING POINT:
The meeting point will be at the old town (Sintra historic centre) and you will receive more information (including maps and images of the meeting point) during the booking process.
► HOW TO MAKE A BOOKING:
Please send an email (caminheiro.de.sintra@gmail.com) with the following subject:
Sintra, Kingdom of Love - [YOUR PREFERRED DATE] - [NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS].
Payment will be done through Paypal (or if living in Portugal, other national mean of payment such as MBway), and you will have between three and seven days to make the payment and provide the information requested.
If you prefer, you can first ask as many questions as you like, so that you can feel comfortable (caminheiro.de.sintra@gmail.com), either you are alone, or with a group.
► PRICING:
Monday to Thursday // 1 to 4 people // 140€
Monday to Thursday // 5 to 8 people // 200€
Monday to Thursday // 9 to 12 people // 300€
~ ~ ~
Friday to Sunday // 1 to 4 people // 200€
Friday to Sunday // 5 to 8 people // 280€
Friday to Sunday // 9 to 12 people // 420€
You can go through the reviews in TripAdvisor here:
A view to the old Royal Palace, from above in the mountains.
picture by Miguel Boim
A part of this daytime walk in Sintra, with the walls of the quintas covered with moss.
picture by Miguel Boim
♦♦♦ Synopsis:
With the magical mountain before us, where long rains fall from a weeping sky when mists envelop the Serra, where tears of yearning lovers stream down as they seek shelter and comfort, we shall dive into the past of Portugal's history, going beyond facts and dates, entering the hearts of those who once lived here, some with their dreams unfulfilled, others having reached some of their most intense emotions in joy.
Arriving at the center of the town of Sintra, we can see some of the buildings from bygone times which, in their very soul, still hold forgotten love stories - stories of love from moments when the rising sun rekindled hope, when the glistening streams made moss, like green velvet, detach from the stones, representing hearts once cold with sorrow.
To grasp the mysticism of the Sintra mountain range, we will then enter its green, lace-like mantle of trees, until from the peaks we gaze upon the center where we earlier encountered the stories of the past. We shall descend then, listening to the wind and the waters that flow down the mountain, until we reach the outskirts of the town, where our eyes will catch sight of the Atlantic in the distance, in the open fields - its waters and tides once carrying ancient vessels, bringing people from afar to reunite with their hearts in Sintra.
The ideas and emotions as ambitious as they are sometimes fateful - the ones we call dreams - and that leave in us the deepest marks of our existence, will, as we leave this path behind, leave us with feelings and longing for those who once lived in the past, and made us, in our innermost being, remember the stories we ourselves have already lived.
In the distance, the Ocean. Nearby, an iconic monument - Chalet Biester.
picture by Miguel Boim
A group of participants in a forest section of this walk in Sintra.
picture by Carolina C.
Parts of the walk "Sintra, Kingdom of Love":
videos by Vivian Hermes
your cicerone:
the author and researcher
Miguel Boim
Miguel Boim at the national tv channel SIC, in the tv series "Meia-Noite", aired on the night of the New Years Eve
100% dedicated to researching Sintra’s local history, Miguel Boim focuses on the human stories woven through the chronicles of Portugal’s former kingdom. Legends, customs, traditions, civil and religious laws, and mystical experiences within monasteries and convents are just some of the elements he sees as essential to understanding the “tree of life” that is Sintra’s past.
In addition to contributing numerous articles over the years to share the history - and stories from the history - of the Sintra Mountains, Miguel has co-authored various literary works and published his own, including the iconic Sintra Lendária, now in its seventh edition.
Living in the past, as he likes to say, Miguel claims that all his best friends are long dead - yet very much alive within the pages of old books and manuscripts. These "friends" have all the time in the world - both in this one and beyond - to tell him their stories of what once happened in the Sintra Mountains and who once wandered its valleys and hills.
Driven by a mission to share Sintra’s history in captivating yet well-researched formats - both written and spoken - Miguel has, in recent years, been involved in projects that have significantly broadened public awareness of the region’s historical richness.
Miguel Boim being received by the students of a Sintra council school
Although research is at the heart of his work, Miguel believes that history truly comes alive when it’s shared. Through night walks, storytelling sessions, and school visits, he brings the past into the present in ways that enchant and inspire. Whether he’s guiding adults through the forested trails of Sintra at night or captivating young students with tales of old, Miguel’s mission remains the same: to reconnect people with history by igniting their sense of wonder.
In one such project, supported by the Sintra City Council, he visits schools to share the legends and folk traditions woven into the region’s cultural heritage—an initiative that proves history, when told with heart, can still spark the imagination of a new generation.
Miguel Boim in the filming of the french documentary
Le Mont de la Lune
Recognition matters - not just from the public, but from the institutions that help preserve cultural memory. When Sintra Lendária was first released in 2015, the launch was held at the Grémio Literário de Lisboa, a venerable literary society founded in 1856, and was presented by Sintra’s mayor, Basílio Horta. It marked not only the publication of a book, but the public validation of a journey that had long been unfolding behind the scenes.
the presentation of the book Sintra Lendária, in the Grémio Literário, by Basílio Horta, Mayor of Sintra Municipality
Due to his deep knowledge of historical accounts by foreign travelers in Portugal, Miguel was invited to contribute a chapter to Mafra Sacra, a book published under the high patronage of the President of the Portuguese Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa. The book commemorates the 300th anniversary of the Palace and Convent of Mafra.
cover of Mafra Sacra, a book with the high patronage of the President of the Portuguese Republic
Miguel also served as historical consultant for the Sintra Myths and Legends Museum / Interactive Centre, contributing his expertise and earned public trust to the development of its content.
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the Sintra Myths and Legends Museum / Interactive Centre, in the old town
In 2015, before becoming a regular contributor to Jornal de Sintra, the oldest regional newspaper in Portugal, Miguel was interviewed about his early work and motivations. For almost ten years, he penned monthly columns that brought to light forgotten narratives and curious historical insights, steadily building bridges between Sintra’s past and present.
At the University of Évora, Miguel was invited to speak about the history of Sintra and the craft of writing both fiction and non-fiction. His audience: Literature bachelor's and master's degree students eager to understand how lived history and narrative technique can meet in a meaningful, respectful - and sometimes magical - way.
Miguel Boim giving a lecture at the University of Évora for
Literature bachelor's and master's degree students
Climbing up the mountain while crossing luxuriant green parts.
picture by Miguel Boim
Miguel Boim leading a group of participants on this daytime walk in the Sintra Mountains.
picture by Luís Santana
♦♦♦ About These Activities
These activities are born out of Miguel Boim’s extensive research into Sintra’s history - bringing to life the events that shaped Portugal, particularly those rooted in this mystical landscape.
The night walks aim to immerse participants in the nocturnal atmosphere of the Sintra Mountains, fostering awareness of its natural environment and offering a deeper connection to the historical events once lived and recorded here. Miguel Boim's activities also can be carried out during the daytime, as in this case.
No outside elements will surprise you, nor is it intended to make people feel threatened or afraid. There are no theatrical scares or jump scares. On this visit, no species are presented, and viewing them is difficult.
Participants on one of Miguel Boim's walks, at the end of a foggy day in the mountains.
picture by Paula Custódio
Miguel Boim during the filming of a documentary about the Sintra Mountains, which was to be presented (before the war) in Russia and Ukraine.
Do you want more information?
Just continue scrolling down.
Elucidation on this Walk in Sintra
Why is this not a "ghost tour"?
Usually, this question is asked regarding the night walks. But when about love, one can question if what is going to be told aren't fictional stories. Well, in everything you are going to hear there is a strong bond between the accounts and the historical references behind them. The way history is transmitted in Portugal is a very formal one, so accounts that can be emotive or more related to the heart are disregarded. The accounts Miguel Boim is going to tell you are from memories, letters, and books with several centuries. Not only that, but Miguel is also going to give you the context of the behaviour and habits from the past, which will make the accounts more vivid within your heart.
Do we enter any monuments?
You will not visit the monuments. Still, you are going to be able to see from a distance the Pena Palace, the Castle, and some other significant monuments.
Can I ask about other aspects of Sintra’s history?
You are more than welcome to share all the questions you have not only related to this theme but with everything related to Sintra's History and Heritage.
Books from the 16th and 18th century used by Miguel Boim in
his historical research on the Sintra Mountains - with the facts also used in the night walks in Sintra.
Would I learn these stories anywhere else?
Not in the same way. You’ll be given rare and curious insights known only to those who dedicate themselves to in-depth historical research. These will help you see Sintra with fresh, more accurate eyes.
Real People From the Past vs. Just Dates and Facts
Rather than a recital of dates, this is a tapestry of human experience. Instead of focusing solely on dates and kings, this activity emphasizes everyday life and how people experienced historical changes. Religious communities preserved some of the most vibrant stories - both spiritual and mundane - that still resonate today. These personal accounts often surprise with their relevance, humor, or strangeness - reminders that history, after all, is made of people.
You’ll hear about unique individuals, strange events, and how locals were perceived by foreign travelers. These accounts provide a rare glimpse into the differences between the Sintra of the past and the monuments you see today.
The Shadows and the Law
Understanding the law and power dynamics of the time is crucial. Who held power in Sintra in the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries? What were the roles of the state, the Church, and the Inquisition? These questions reveal much about everyday life - including where people could go, what they could do, and what they feared.
Creating the Right Atmosphere for Time Travel
Several of these visits' purposes are related to the ambiance that people can enjoy in the mountains and in the Historical Center in silence. This, obviously, when upon the night walks. With the sound of the wind in the trees and the running streams in the fresher seasons, people can learn how Sintra (Historical Center, and the Mountains) truly is and get far from the tourist crowds - once again, when about the night walks. Although during the day it's not possible to replicate those conditions, all the efforts to avoid crowds will be made, and that is also the reason why the route for this daytime walk has interior parts.
Your care and silence are also a form of environmental respect, helping preserve the mountains' fragile ecosystems.
What will happen?
On the Day of the Walk
This is a circular walking tour covering about 6,5 kilometres (the effort to make it is very similar to an afternoon walking around Sintra's historical center), with some plain and irregular terrain. The first half of the walk is climbing up, and the second is always climbing down. You will have some stopping points where Miguel Boim will tell you stories, facts, and curiosities from the past related to the theme Sintra, Kingdom of Love. The total time will be around 3 and a half hours (or less, if you require it beforehand).
The route will have its meeting point with Miguel Boim at the historical center.
You will see from a distance the Pena Palace, the Castle, the Royal Palace of Sintra, Quinta da Regaleira and other less known or less touristic monuments, but very important for Sintra's history, accounts, and cultural legacy. Also, you will be free to share your questions on the Sintra history, whether related to the theme or not.
Everything you will hear in this night walk is a product of Miguel Boim's everyday work as a historical researcher exclusively dedicated to Sintra's past (in the portuguese and european context). Miguel Boim himself will lead you, bringing the insight and passion of someone wholly immersed in Sintra’s past.
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People from Sintra, drawn in the year 1821.
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People from the 21st century listening to accounts of lives lived in Sintra centuries ago.
On Trust and Safety
Code of Conduct
No smoking or disruptive noise.
Taking species of fauna, flora, or geological ones is forbidden.
Please stay close to the person who is guiding the group and avoid being absent without previous communication, in any circumstance.
Safety
Some personal data is required for insurance purposes and to fully comply with the legislation of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park.
Minimum age: 12
By booking this activity, you assume that your health conditions are perfect for walking (considering the route's ups and downs) between 200 and 470 meters above sea level for around three and a half hours.
This activity fully accomplishes with the required by law and fulfills the payment of the taxes implied by law.
Participants must follow instructions given by the guide in the briefing as well as during the activity. Coordination is maintained with local authorities (hence, the need to book in advance) which patrol the mountains at night: the National Guard Republican (G.N.R.), security of Parques de Sintra Monte da Lua (in SUV or on foot), Portuguese Army (in SUV or on foot), Civil Protection (in SUV or on foot), ICNF - Instituto da Conservação da Natureza e Florestas (in SUV or on foot).
You may ask general advice on safety and related to rented vehicles (special attention in this regard) and possible pickpockets (during the day and in crowded places).
A falconer in a portuguese book from the 16th century.
For Your Comfort
Do not hesitate to ask questions before this daytime walk in Sintra as well as during this tour; it is very important that you can notice the intended transparency.
Proper footwear and clothing (you'll be advised on the best of both, according to the time of year and near-date weather conditions).
The start time and end times can be exact, but please note that the end time can be inaccurate - if not otherwise strictly required.
You can inquire about the best place to have your meals.
You can request information on how to avoid tourist crowds during the day in Sintra.
Cancellations and Refunds
Cancellations with a full refund are possible if made until 72 hours before the beginning of the activity.
After cancellation, the refund can take up to 7 days to be made.
In case of rain (if not heavy rain) the activity will be maintained; in case of warning (Aviso) or alert (Alerta) by the authorities (Civil Protection, ICNF) the activity will be cancelled, being possible to reschedule it, or with the refund of the amount paid (100%).