At the top of the mountain range outside Sintra is Pena Palace, built in the 19th Century by king Fernando of Saxe-Coburg Gotha. In the foothills you’ll find small palaces such as Monserrate and the Quinta da Regaleira, surrounded by exotic parks and estates.

Strolling through Sintra you can see the Neolithic burial site of Tholos do Monge, marvel at the skyline from the Moorish Castle, experience the austere atmosphere of the Capuchos Convent, and enjoy the romance of Pena Park. In the historic old town, take a walk into the past through a maze of little streets, steps and archways.

Towards the middle of town, you’ll see the enormous chimneys of the National Palace, the most fascinating royal construction in Portugal, a combination of numerous tastes that give it a strange beauty. It was here in the National Palace that King Manuel heard of the discovery of India and Brazil, and the great author and playwright Luís de Camões recited the “Lusíadas” poems to King Sebastião. It’s here that you’ll also see the best and largest collection of Mudejar ceramic tiles in the Iberian Peninsula.