Sintra

Described by Byron as “Glorious Eden”, Sintra was the summer residence of Muslim lords and Portugal royalty, and has for centuries been a romantic getaway for travellers from all around the world. Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, this magical town is characterised by steep mountains and cozy pastelarias serving local sweet delicacies. The 45-minute journey through 15 stations, from the carefully restored Arabesque Rossio train station will take you to the mythical hilltop town of Sintra that has a humid and comfortable microclimate which is generally cooler than the lower lying areas.

Covered in ancient deciduous woodland and Mediterranean scrub, it contains mysterious rambling old mansions and dilapidated palacetes. The lower part of Sintra has one of Portugal’s most distinctive royal palaces, the Palácio Nacional de Sintra, which has two enormous conical shaped chimney stacks where the vast kitchens were once housed. Higher up, you can visit the fairytale Pena Palace and the old Moorish battlements of Sintra’s castle. On the way to Sintra from Lisbon, you’ll pass by Queluz, where you can visit Portugal’s National Palace. Other attractions in Sintra include the Museu de Arte Moderna, which is well worth a visit, Quinta da Regaleira, Monserrate, the spartan Convento dos Capuchos and the Museu do Brinquedo (Toy Museum).