Last Saturday, we took advantage of the beautiful day and went to explore the Sintra Mountains, which is right next to our house in Cascais. Because of IRONMAN 2024, some roads were closed and we couldn’t get to our chosen destination – Yellow Stone Base Camp – , but we kept driving and ended up finding a very special place: the Peninha Sanctuary.
Forest around the Sanctuary
We parked the car just before the Sanctuary parking lot and explored the forest with the children, who were very excited to walk along the trails in search of leaves to make art at home. We found more than 20 different types of plants, from green to red – after all, it is autumn – and even very small strawberries that we didn't have the courage to eat.
We sat at the picnic tables to have a snack and rest a bit and then we continued walking to the parking lot of the Peninha Sanctuary. When Ju started complaining about the cold and we realized that we had forgotten her coat in the car, Celo went back to get the car and I went with the boys to some giant rocks that seemed to form a maze. We played there for a while and soon Celo parked the car and got out with the coat for the little one.
Going up to the Peninha Sanctuary
We started walking towards the Sanctuary, which is well paved and signposted, and in less than 10 minutes climbing a hill, we were up there with this view of Cascais:
It was a nice surprise for us! 🙂
Fortunately it wasn't too windy and the day was beautiful, so we thought it was worth continuing up the hill and up the stairs to see the Peninha Sanctuary.
When we got up there, there was a group that had booked a guided tour of the Sanctuary and we couldn't go in with the group, but we could see from the outside that it looks special inside.
Right there at the door of the Sanctuary, if you look to the other side of the mountain, you will be able to see Sintra and its surroundings, the most beautiful thing:
The history of the Sanctuary
If you want to know more about the Sanctuary, I think it's worth checking out the official website: https://www.parquesdesintra.pt/pt/parques-monumentos/santuario-da-peninha/
Here's a summary:
The Peninha Sanctuary, located in the Sintra Mountains at an altitude of 488 metres, is a historic and religious site known for its stunning panoramic views of the Atlantic and the surrounding countryside. With origins dating back to the 12th century, when a chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Penha was built, the site was expanded in the 17th century, becoming a sanctuary shrouded in legend and myth. In addition to being a place of religious devotion, the Peninha Sanctuary attracts visitors for its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere.
Location
Peninha Sanctuary: https://g.co/kgs/jsWtucw
Coordinates: 
38°46′06″N 9°27′37″W
Our photos
See other places to visit in Sintra and surroundings
Cabo da Roca: the westernmost point of Europe in Sintra
A great place for families: Aldeia da Praia, in Sintra
Our visit to the National Palace of Sintra
An afternoon at the Queluz Palace, in Sintra
Getting to know the Monserrate Park and Palace
