Sun Spring, Sintra, Portugal

## Overview Nestled in the enchanting hills of Sintra, Portugal, Sun Spring (Fonte do Sol) is a public drinking fountain that captures the mystical spirit this UNESCO World Heritage town is famous for. Sintra has long been celebrated for its lush microclimate, dense forests, and abundant natural water sources — and Sun Spring is one of the charming historic fountains that dot the winding streets near the town's iconic palaces and estates. The spring is adorned with a distinctive tile painting depicting two water spouts and a sun motif, making it both a functional water source and a small piece of Sintra's rich artistic heritage. Visitors have described the water as beautifully sweet and refreshing, with one noting it felt like "a sudden surge of energy" — a fitting description for a spring in a town long associated with Romanticism and magic. Sintra's natural springs have historically supplied the town and its royal estates with fresh water for centuries. The region's granite geology and Atlantic-influenced rainfall create ideal conditions for cool, mineral-filtered spring water to emerge throughout the hillsides. While the water has traditionally been used as a drinking source by locals and visitors alike, water quality can vary, and visitors should use their own discretion. ## Directions 1. Make your way to the historic center of Sintra, heading uphill toward **Pena Palace** (Palácio da Pena). 2. As you walk along the road, you will see Pena Palace on your right-hand side. 3. **Do not turn toward the palace.** Instead, continue straight ahead for approximately 4 to 5 blocks. 4. Look for the fountain's distinctive tile artwork — a painted panel depicting **two water spouts and a sun** — which marks the spring. *GPS coordinates: 38.787777, -9.391252 — these can be entered into Google Maps or a GPS device to help guide you to the approximate location.* ## What to Expect Sun Spring is a traditional public street fountain, accessible 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The fountain features two spouts and is set into a wall decorated with a painted tile panel showing the sun — a lovely example of the azulejo tradition found throughout Portugal. The surrounding area is steeped in atmosphere: Sintra's narrow, cobblestoned streets wind through dense vegetation, past mossy walls and historic estates. The spring sits along one of the routes leading toward Pena Palace, so it makes a perfect refreshment stop while exploring the town's famous hilltop landmarks. Sintra's streets can be steep and uneven, so wear comfortable walking shoes. The area around the spring can be busy during peak tourist season (spring and summer), but the fountain itself is easy to miss if you're not looking for the distinctive sun tile painting. Early mornings or late afternoons tend to be quieter times to visit. The water has been historically used as a drinking source by locals, and visitors have reported it tastes clean and sweet. However, as with any natural or public water source, conditions can change, and no guarantees of water quality can be made.