Casa das Xaras
In the heart of the charming Sintra Natural Park
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SERRA de SINTRA
Sintra and its mystical hills (Serra de Sintra) dotted with fairytale palaces and extravagant villas have bewitched visitors for centuries. The Romans made it a cult place for moon worshiping and were followed by the Moors who also fell in love with the lush vegetation and built a hilltop castle, a palace, and several fountains around the town. Later it became the summer residence of the Portuguese royal family and attracted a number of wealthy aristocrats who built huge mansions and villas. Since 1995, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (the first European Cultural Landscape).
Worth visiting are the National Palace, with a mix of architectural and decorative styles, the romantic Pena Palace and its surrounding park, a precursor of the Bavarian romantic palaces, the Moorish Castle with breath-taking views, the Freemasonry inspired Regaleira Palace, or the Monserrate Palace with its Botanical garden. A visit Serra de Sintra should not ignore its end in Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point in continental Europe, with its dramatic cliffs.
THE VILLA
Casa das Xaras is a spacious estate (10000 square meters) in the heart of the rural area of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, where a calm and relaxing stay can be enjoyed in complete quietness.
The villa consists of a large living room with fireplace and TV, one kitchen, six rooms and five bathrooms. One of the rooms is provided with a double bed, while all the others have two single beds that can be joined to form double beds. A sofa bed in the living room can accommodate two extra guests, allowing a maximum occupancy of 14 guests. Three of the rooms, with private bathrooms, can be detached from the rest of the house.
The garden includes several yards where large groups can gather, as well as a charming and relaxing lawn by a sizeable swimming pool (13 x 6.5 mt). A terrace by the pool, equipped with a BBQ and supported by a small kitchen and a bathroom, allows extra area for taking meals in a relaxing environment.
A backyard lawn area is ideal for outside activity, children games or body fitness activities, such as body pump, yoga, or tai chi.
WHERE TO GO - WHAT TO DO
A staying in Casa das Xaras can be complemented with several activities, namely:
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Hiking in the mountains, in the countryside or along the sea the cliffs, following a number of signposted trails,
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Biking in the countryside roads or mountain biking in Serra de Sintra (bike rentals available)
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Horse riding (and lessons) organised by a few nearby equestrian centres (Paddock, Fontanelas, Quinta da Beloura);
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Surf with several surf schools available in the main beaches (Praia das Maçãs e Prai Grande)
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Golf in nearby world-class courses (Penha Longa, Beloura, Quinta da Marinha, Oitavos Dunes Cascais, Estoril Golf Course, Fine)
In the nearby villages (Colares, Almoçageme, Azenhas do Mar) and beaches (Prais das Maçãs, Praia Grande and Praia da Adraga) a number of restaurants provide excellent fresh fish, seafood and local specialties.
