Cruz Alta Viewpoint

Religious Building and Viewing point in Sintra

Cruz Alta, Sintra, Portugal
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Rick McCharles

Rising 529 meters above sea level, this viewpoint stands as the tallest peak in the Sintra Mountains. Situated in the heart of Pena Park, 4 km away from the historic centre, it offers a breathtaking view of the Sintra Mountains in all their glory.

With a panoramic landscape and the ocean on the horizon, visitors can take in the entirety of the Sintra municipality to the north and behold the vast expanse stretching to Lisbon and the River Tagus to the south.

Visiting Cruz Alta Viewpoint

Hours:

24 Hours


Price:

Free

Address: Cruz Alta, Sintra, Portugal
Duration: 20 minutes

Tours and Activities from Sintra

Monte da Penha

Religious Building and Viewing point in Guimarães

Monte Da Penha
CC BY-SA 4.0 / RaquelRosa7

About 7km southeast of Guimarães, accessible by a winding, cobbled road or a short ride on an old cable car, is the forested peak of Penha (617m). It offers a breathtaking view of Guimarães and the surrounding areas, as it is the highest point for kilometers. The cool woods provide an excellent refuge from the city and the summer heat. Children will enjoy exploring the enormous boulders, many of which have steps, flowers and crosses, and secret grottoes.

On the lower slopes of the hill, 1.5km east of Penha’s center, lies the Mosteiro de Santa Marinha da Costa. Dona Mafalda, the wife of Afonso Henriques, commissioned it in 1154 to fulfill a vow she made to the patron saint of pregnant women. It was rebuilt in the 18th century and is now the flagship Pousada de Portugal.

To reach the top of Penha easily and comfortably, take the Teleférico de Penha, which departs from Parque das Hortas, 600m east of Guimarães’ old center. Alternatively, you can take a taxi for around €10. If you’re traveling to Guimarães from Porto for a day trip, you can buy a combined ticket for the train and cable car from Porto’s São Bento railway station, which will save you a few euros.

Visiting Monte da Penha

Hours:

Winter: Open Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays 10 am – 5:15 pm


Price:

Adults €7.50, Children €3.50.

Address: Penha, Guimarães, Portugal
Duration: 20 minutes

Tours and Activities from Guimarães