Lisbon

1. The Pena Palace

The Pena Palace is the most iconic castle located on a mountain top on the Sintra Mountains. On a clear day the palace can be seen all the way from Lisbon! It's placed on the UNESCO World Heritage List and it's considered one of the seven wonders of Portugal. This amazing display of Romanticism through the architecture and interior decoration is accompanied by an amazing park, called the Pena Park, which spreads over 200 hectares (2 km squared) around the Pena Palace. This park is decorated with the same style and enthusiasm as the palace, as the king wished to have different tree varieties planted here from all around the world.

2. The Palace of Sintra

Another sight under the protection of UNESCO, the Palace of Sintra is one of the best-preserved sights from the middle ages in Portugal. This is mostly due to the fact that the palace was continuously inhabited up until the late 19th century by the contemporary rulers. It's situated in the town of Sintra and it's now an open museum. Being the home of many kings and queens throughput centuries, this monument holds many interesting stories giving you insights of the contemporary lifestyle and historical events.

3. The Castle of the Moors

The third palace in the same region under the protection of UNESCO, the Castle of the Moors was built by the Moors in the 8th century. It's located just on a hilltop about 500 meters from the Pena palace and it was an important strategic point during the famous period of the region know as the Reconquista, which lasted from 8th century until the end of the 15 century. The castle was built as a military outpost and not being inhabited for a long time, the castle now lies in ruins but a very interesting sight nonetheless.

4. Cabo da Roca (Roca Cape cliffs)

The Cabo the Roca is the west-most land part of Europe. This part of the west coast of Portugal is characterized by cliffs of over 100 meters in height and by sand beaches situated between the cliffs. It's really an amazing lookout point. On the cliff you can find a lighthouse and a monument where the geographic coordinates are inscribed, marking the westmost extent of the Eurasian land mass.

5. Guincho beach

Guincho beach, or locally know as the "Praia do Guincho", is probably the most famous beach on the Atlantic ocean. It's a sand beach 800 meters wide and its position and climate conditions makes it an ideal place for surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing. Many local championships, but sometimes even world championships, are being held here. Due to the big waves and strong winds its not suitable for smaller children.

6. Boca do Inferno

Boca do Inferno, or translated "Hells mouth" is a cave on the Atlantic coast that its famous for the chaotic atmosphere which is created by the huge waves entering the crevices and loudly breaking against the surrounding cliffs.

7. Cascais

Is a popular touristic destination near Lisbon. Many tourists come to stay in Cascais to enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere of a smaller town and take advantage of the beautiful beaches, and other activities such as golf. The stop here usually includes a stop at the lookout over the Cascais bay and if time permits a walk along the bay.

8. Sintra-Cascais Natural Park

The tours to Sintra should actually be called tours to the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. Most of the attractions mentioned above are a part of this park which covers an area of over 145 km squared. The park is one of the 14 Natural parks of Portugal and it is under the protection of the Portuguese Government.