Start the day by listening to the trotting rhythm of horse-pulled carriages at the Volta do Duche. Then walk among the centuries-old gardens of the Quinta da Regaleira with its symbols and practices of initiation ceremonies.

Afterwards, relax and find a seat on the Café Paris’ esplanade. Have a coffee and treat yourself to a queijada de Sintra cake. Or check out the Piriquita pastry shop and savour one of its famous travesseiros cakes.

The Palácio de Sintra’s two conical chimneys can be seen from afar. Built at the end of the 14th century, it has been used throughout the history of Portugal by kings as a summer residence.

It is also home to Europe’s largest collection of 15th century tiles.

If you come to Sintra, you must visit the most romantic palace in all of Portugal, Palácio da Pena, which was built on the orders by King D. Fernando II. And take a deep breath in the Parque da Pena as you admire what is now a World Heritage site.

Meanwhile, during July and August, classical music and dance events take place on stages at the Palaces of Sintra and Pena and the Centro Cultural Olga de Cadaval (Olga de Cadaval Cultural Centre).