Let's begin our journey with Sintra's most famous and impressive gardens, which are inextricably linked to the region's royal palaces. The first item on our list is Parque da Pena, surrounding the famous colorful Pena Palace. This sprawling park of more than 200 hectares is a true masterpiece of 19th-century landscape architecture. Strolling through its picturesque alleys, you'll come across exotic plants from all corners of the world, romantic pavilions, hidden lakes and viewpoints offering breathtaking panoramas of the area. The park is open year-round, with ticket prices ranging from 7.5 to 14 euros for adults, depending on the season (as of 2023). Children under 5 get in for free, and combined tickets with palace entry are available for families. It is worth planning at least 2-3 hours of walking here to fully appreciate its beauty and diversity. Another must-see is the Pena Palace, which with its fairy-tale architecture and colorful facade draws the eye from afar. The gardens surrounding the palace are as impressive as the building itself. Here you'll find a maze of alleys, fountains, ponds with swans and numerous sculptures and statues hidden among the lush vegetation. Ticket prices are similar to Parque da Pena, and a visit to the palace and gardens is a great idea for a day trip. For those looking for a slightly less crowded but equally charming place, we recommend the Monserrate Palace. This neo-romantic palace is surrounded by a beautiful botanical garden that combines elements of an English landscape park with exotic plant species from around the world. Particularly noteworthy is the impressive collection of ferns, palms and camphor trees. Admission tickets cost about 8 euros for adults (as of 2023), and the park is much less crowded than Pena, allowing for a more peaceful visit and relaxation. All of these places offer excellent conditions for family recreation - you'll find picnic areas, benches for resting, and spacious alleys suitable for strolling with a baby stroller. Keep in mind, however, that due to Sintra's hilly terrain, some paths can be steep and challenging. It's a good idea to bring comfortable shoes and plan for frequent breaks, especially if you're traveling with small children.

Let's now move on to Sintra's lesser-known but equally fascinating gardens, which hold many secrets and surprises. One such place is the Quinta da Regaleira, a neo-Mauellan estate whose gardens are a veritable maze of symbolism and esoteric meanings. This is a place that is sure to spark the imagination of adults and children alike. The main attraction here is the famous Well of Initiation, a spiral tower descending deep underground, which, according to legends, was the site of secret rituals. The Regaleira Gardens are full of hidden passages, grottoes and tunnels that can be explored for hours. Admission tickets cost about €10 for adults (as of 2023), and children under 9 get in for free. It's worth setting aside at least 3-4 hours to explore this fascinating complex. For those looking for a quieter place to relax, we recommend Freedom Park (Parque da Liberdade). Located in the center of Sintra, this urban park offers shade and coolness on hot days. Here you'll find beautiful alleys planted with exotic trees, children's playgrounds and picnic areas. Admission to the park is free, making it an ideal place to relax while exploring the city. Another of Sintra's hidden treasures is Parque das Merendas, a picturesque picnic park located on a hillside. It's the perfect place for a family picnic overlooking the surrounding hills and valleys. The park is equipped with tables and benches, and admission is free. It's a great option for relaxing after a busy tour of the palaces and gardens. For lovers of nature and active recreation, Sintra-Cascais Natural Park offers extensive areas for hiking and wildlife watching. This national park stretches from the mountains of Sintra to the Atlantic coast, offering a variety of landscapes from dense forests to rocky cliffs. Admission to the park is free, but it's a good idea to take a guide to discover the most interesting trails and viewpoints. Remember to bring appropriate footwear and a supply of water, especially on warm days. Comparing the sites, it's worth noting that while Quinta da Regaleira offers a fascinating journey through symbolism and history, Freedom Park and Parque das Merendas are ideal for families looking for a quiet place to relax and have fun. Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, on the other hand, is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. Each of these places has its own unique character and atmosphere, so there's something for everyone.

At the end of our green tour of Sintra, we'd like to introduce some lesser-known but equally charming places and share some practical tips to help you fully enjoy your visit to these magical gardens. Let's start with the Quinta da Alegria Garden - it's an intimate, private garden that delights with its intimate atmosphere and abundance of vegetation. Although less well-known than the royal parks, it offers a peaceful space to contemplate and admire the local flora. There is a fee to enter the garden, but prices are affordable and the number of visitors is much lower than at popular attractions. Another hidden treasure is the Jardim das Sesmarias, a small city park, perfect for a short rest while exploring Sintra's center. Here you'll find shady alleys, benches and a small playground for children. Admission is free, making it a great option for families looking for a moment of respite at no extra cost. For those who want panoramic views of Sintra, we recommend a visit to Jardim da Vígia. This small garden offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area, including the Pena Palace and the Moorish castle. It's the perfect place to take souvenir photos and enjoy sunsets. Admission is free, but it's worth remembering that access can be quite steep. When comparing all the parks and gardens discussed, there are several aspects worth noting. In terms of prices, the cheapest option is the free city parks, such as Freedom Park or Jardim das Sesmarias. In contrast, the most costly, but also offering the most attractions, are palace complexes like Pena or Quinta da Regaleira. In terms of accessibility, city parks are the easiest to visit with children or those with limited mobility, while natural parks and palace gardens can be more challenging due to the hilly terrain. In terms of sightseeing time, it is advisable to reserve a full day for palace complexes, while smaller gardens can be visited in 1-2 hours. Practical tips for visitors: 1) The best time to visit is in spring (April-May) or early autumn (September-October), when the weather is mild and the gardens are in full bloom. 2. It's a good idea to buy tickets online in advance, especially for popular attractions like the Pena Palace or Quinta da Regaleira, to avoid long queues. 3) We recommend bringing comfortable footwear, water and snacks, especially if you plan to visit for a full day. 4) Many parks have audio guides or mobile apps with tour routes - it's worth using them so you don't miss the most interesting places. 5. Remember your camera - Sintra's gardens offer countless opportunities to take beautiful photos. In conclusion, Sintra is a true paradise for lovers of nature, architecture and history. Whether you choose the royal palace gardens, the wilderness of the national park or the intimate city parks, you are sure to find something to delight the whole family. The green lungs of Sintra are waiting to delight you with their beauty and magical atmosphere!