April in Portugal

I have mentioned in my earlier posts how much I enjoyed the dry, cold winter.  Naturally, February was supposed to rain quite a lot, but it didn't.  Not at all.  We enjoyed warm, sunny afternoons, had lunch on the balcony and the garden was blooming.  That was supposed to happen in April - and now we are having the February weather in April.  And it seems like we will in May as well.  Temperatures are below the historical average, and contrary to other years, we are still heating the rooms.

Of course there is nothing we can do about the weather. What we can do, is prepare for it so no matter what the weather, there are things to do.  So here are my suggestions to a great holiday in Sintra, for every weather.

 1st - Pack accordingly.  Remember that no matter what the weather, Sintra is on the mountain and has a micro climate. Though we have beautiful beaches, Sintra is not primarily a beach destination.  Even in the heat of the summer, the nights are cool.  And it is always a bit humid in the mountain, a light rain-proof coat is handy year around, and good steady shoes that will keep your feet warm and dry, especially if you decide to go on the footpaths.   Remember that we can dry your wet clothes if necessary, and we also have a laundry service.


2nd - Check the weather report.  Daily.  It does change a lot as the winds move faster and slower.  In the computer of the clients we have the site of Accuweather saved in the favourites so you can check what the weather promises.  Normally, if it rains, it does not rain the whole day, morning to night.  Our normal rains are the passing kind, and the weather report tells you quite accurately the part of the day that you can expect rain.




3rd - Plan your activities according to the weather.   The National Palace is an inside tour.  Pena Palace is an inside tour.  The museums such as Anjos Teixeira, Modern Art Museum, Toy Museum, Science Museum... are  inside.  Quinta da Regaleira, the Moorish Castle and the parks of Pena and Monserrate are, on the other hand outside attractions and are best seen without the rain.

4th - Take advantage of the typically Portuguese long, lazy lunches, and wait out the rain.  Go shopping.   There are lots of shops in town and 3 shopping centres in the radiance of 10 kms - with shopping, movies, restaurants...


5th - Stay in and watch a movie in your room.  Order in from the service of No-Menu.com or order our cheese&ham platter and a bottle of wine.  And a chocolate fondue for a dessert.  If you decide to walk to town inspite of rain, do use the umbrellas that we provide in the rooms.





6th - Take lots of photographs!  Sintra is magical right after rain with the mist rising - the colours are deeper, the air is fresh and clear.


AND NO MATTER WHAT - come with the attitude that you cannot change the weather.  You can only chance the way you react to it!