Sintra

Portugal

Mission minded city
National Mission Ecosystem Portugal
Population 377k
City Area 319 km²
City active since April 2025

Located just northwest of Lisbon on Portugal’s Atlantic coast, Sintra is known for its forested hills, historic towns and dramatic natural landscapes. Part of the wider Lisbon metropolitan area, the municipality combines densely populated urban areas with protected natural parks and coastal zones. Sintra has a Mediterranean climate influenced by the Atlantic Ocean, with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. In recent years, rising temperatures, drought and wildfire risk have become growing concerns, particularly in forested and peri-urban areas.

Climate action in Sintra is shaped by the need to balance urban growth, tourism and environmental protection. The municipality faces pressure from car dependency, expanding residential development and the vulnerability of natural ecosystems to heat and water stress. Its approach focuses on integrating climate adaptation into land-use planning while protecting biodiversity and reducing emissions from transport and buildings.

A key priority is strengthening resilience through greener public spaces, water management and landscape protection. Sintra is also promoting more sustainable mobility and energy efficiency, while working with local communities and institutions to support climate awareness and participation. The city’s approach stands out for the close connection it draws between climate action, heritage preservation and the management of its unique natural environment.

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