How long does it take to walk the Hermit's Path?

Expect to spend between 2 to 3 hours. This includes roughly 90 minutes of active walking and an hour to explore the Capuchos Convent and enjoy the views from Pico do Monge.

Can I visit the Capuchos Convent for free?

No, there is an entrance fee to access the convent grounds. It is managed by Parques de Sintra, and it is recommended to check their website for current pricing.

What is the best time to visit Pico do Monge?

Early morning is best to see the forest mist clearing, or late afternoon for sunset views over the Atlantic. Avoid visiting during heavy fog as visibility will be zero.

Is the Cork Convent actually made of cork?

Not entirely. The structure is built into natural granite boulders, but the friars used cork extensively to line doors, ceilings, and cells for insulation and damp-proofing.

How do I get back to Sintra center from Pico do Monge?

The most reliable way is to walk back to the Capuchos Convent entrance and take the 1253 bus. Alternatively, you can hike back toward the Moorish Castle via the forest trails.

Are there places to eat along this route?

There are no restaurants in the deep forest. There is a small coffee shop at the Capuchos Convent entrance, but you should bring water and snacks for the hike to Pico do Monge.

Is this route suitable for children?

Older children who enjoy hiking will find the 'tiny' doors of the convent and the rock formations at the peak exciting, but the steep climbs may be tiring for younger children.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Escape the opulent palaces and bustling crowds of central Sintra to discover the raw, spiritual heart of the Serra de Sintra. This self-guided walk, known as The Hermit's Path, invites you on a journey from the town’s civic memory into the deep, misty silence of the ancient forest. Your walking route begins at the edge of the historic center, where a monument to fallen soldiers marks the transition from the human world to the mystical wilderness. As you ascend toward the hills of Capuchos, the atmosphere shifts. The air grows cooler, scented with damp earth and eucalyptus, setting the stage for the most humble religious site in Portugal. The centerpiece of this audio walk is the Convento dos Capuchos, famously known as the 'Cork Convent.' Built in 1560, this Franciscan retreat stands in stark contrast to the nearby colorful Pena Palace. Here, monks lived in tiny cells carved directly into the granite boulders, lined with cork for insulation against the mountain’s biting humidity. Exploring independently allows you to feel the weight of their silence and the extreme austerity of their lifestyle. It is a place where nature and architecture are indistinguishably merged, offering a profound look at the Franciscan ideal of poverty and harmony with the earth. The final leg of your neighborhood stroll takes you further upward to Pico do Monge. This is the second-highest point in the Sintra mountain range and serves as a natural lookout over the Atlantic coastline and the rolling green hills below. Far from the typical tourist trails, this path offers a chance for reflection and a deep connection with the landscape that has drawn mystics and hermits for centuries. Whether you are interested in the historical layers of the Great War or the spiritual isolation of 16th-century friars, this walking tour Sintra provides a unique perspective on the 'Mountain of the Moon.' Prepare for a moderate hike that rewards the curious traveler with breathtaking views and a rare sense of peace.

Highlights

The poignant Homenagem aos Combatentes monument in Sintra's center

The tiny, cork-lined cells of the 16th-century Capuchos Convent

Stunning 360-degree views of the Atlantic from Pico do Monge

Ancient granite boulders and lush Mediterranean forest trails

The stark contrast between Franciscan poverty and Sintra's royal opulence

Peaceful, off-the-beaten-path atmosphere away from palace crowds

Tour Stops (3)

Homenagem de Sintra aos seus Combatentes da Grande Guerra

Start exploring at this solemn monument located on the Volta do Duche. Erected to honor the local soldiers who fought in World War I, this stone tribute stands at a symbolic gateway. Behind you lies the bustling town of Sintra with its cafes and boutiques, while ahead of you rise the steep, forested slopes of the Serra. This monument reminds us of the human cost of global conflict and the deep patriotism of this mountain community. As you begin your self-guided adventure, notice the transition in the landscape. The manicured gardens of the town center soon give way to the wild, untamed woods that have sheltered hermits and outcasts for over a thousand years.

Capuchos Convent

Enter the 'Convent of the Cork,' a place where man and mountain become one. Founded in 1560 by Dom Álvaro de Castro, this Franciscan monastery was designed to be as humble as possible. Unlike the golden altars of Lisbon, the friars here used the materials provided by the earth: granite and cork. The cork was harvested from local trees to line the walls and doors, providing the only protection against the mountain's pervasive dampness. As you explore independently, look for the tiny cells—some so small you cannot stand upright—and the 'Seven Sleepers' cave. It is a hauntingly beautiful reminder of a life dedicated to silence, prayer, and the rejection of worldly vanity.

Pico do Monge

Continue your ascent to Pico do Monge, the 'Peak of the Monk.' Standing at 491 meters above sea level, this is the second-highest point in the Sintra range. The climb rewards you with a panoramic view that stretches from the Cabo da Roca cliffs to the Tagus River estuary. Near the summit, you may find the ruins of the Tholos do Monge, a prehistoric tomb that suggests this peak has been a sacred site for millennia. The friars from the convent below often climbed to these heights for meditation. Take a moment to breathe in the salt-tinged air and appreciate the vastness of the Atlantic horizon before beginning your descent.

Frequently Asked Questions

The route is considered moderate. While the paths are well-defined, there is a significant elevation gain between the town center and the mountain peaks, and the terrain at the convent is uneven.