At only a 40 minute train ride from Lisbon, Sintra makes the perfect day trip. However, one thing to note, the weather may not be the same once you get there! We left a 32 degree heat in Lisbon, disembarking 40 minutes later in a cold and damp Sintra (and dressed completely inappropriately).

Having got an early train we were able to head up into the town on the first tourist bus, avoiding the crazy queues we saw later in the day. Sintra is a rich mans playground, where the wealthy go to build their summer houses and run crazy with their imagination. Pena Palace is a riot of colour and texture, perching on a hill overlooking the town. On the opposite peak, the 11th century Moorish Castle demonstrates the power of the moors in the area; their influence can be seen throughout the region; through the tiles, the architecture and the decoration.

After exploring the National Palace (nice, but not the best thing in Sintra) we headed to Quinta da Regaleira, a quirky house with a bizarre and amazing garden. You need to go, find the well, and head down it – trust me. The gardens include a network of tunnels, fountains and sculptures, makes you wonder what you would do with unlimited funds and a patch of land!

Sintra is amazing, be prepared to walk and dress for the actual weather!