Penha Longa Resort

Penha Longa Resort is one of the best-known luxury stays in the Sintra area, set in extensive grounds in the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, roughly midway between Sintra and Cascais. The resort grew up around a fourteenth-century monastery, and the old buildings, cloister and chapel still give the property a sense of history, while the hotel itself offers modern rooms and suites with views over the gardens, the golf course or the hills. It is known for golf, with championship-standard courses laid out among the pines and cork oaks, and for a large spa, indoor and outdoor pools and a choice of restaurants and bars that range from relaxed lunches to more formal dinners. The atmosphere is quiet, spacious and resort-like rather than historic-boutique, which suits travellers who want to unwind between sightseeing days. Families are welcome, and there are usually activities for children in season, while couples can enjoy the walking paths, the gardens and the cool pine-scented air. For those planning a Sintra and Cascais trip with a rental car, it offers an easy base for both the palaces and the coast.

Location and getting around. The resort lies in a rural part of the natural park, a short drive from Sintra village, about a quarter of an hour from Cascais and a little further from Cabo da Roca and Guincho Beach. That makes it a superb base for exploring by car, because you can reach Pena or the coast without driving through the busiest parts of Sintra's centre.

It is a poor choice if you plan to rely on public transport, since there is no train station nearby and you would depend on taxis. Check the transfer options when you book, and plan your timed Pena slot first so you can calculate the drive and the walk from the car park.

Rooms and facilities. Expect large, comfortable rooms with a calm resort style, many with balconies or terraces, and a range of suites for families and special occasions. The spa and pools are major features, and the grounds include walking routes through the woodland and gardens. Dining is a strength, with several restaurants and bars on the property, so you can eat on site without driving, which is a real benefit after a day of sightseeing.

Check what is included in your rate, such as breakfast, spa access and parking, and look at the seasonal opening of the outdoor pool and of individual restaurants. Weekends and holidays are busier, and the property hosts weddings and events, so ask about the quietest rooms.

Who it suits. Penha Longa is best for golfers, couples seeking a restful retreat, families with a car and anyone who wants a high level of service with space to spread out. It is less suited to travellers who want to wander out of the hotel into a lively old town in the evening, because the setting is secluded and the nearest villages require a drive or taxi.

Rates sit at the upper end of the market and vary by season, so book early for spring and autumn and consider midweek stays. Combine a night or two here with a night in Sintra village or Cascais if you want both atmosphere and convenience.