Sintra is a small town located 30 kilometres north-west of Lisbon. Sintra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Portugal and is considered one of the country's fairytale destinations, with the ornate Quinta da Regaleira and funky-coloured Pena Palace hidden amongst dense forest.
It's easy to do a day trip from Lisbon to Sintra by train - just prepare yourself for the tourist crowds, particularly if visiting in summer.
For a quieter alternative, head for the nearby hiking trails through the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park and clamber down the mountain to the peaceful beach Praia da Ursa.