Lisbon is a beautiful city, but nearby Sintra is simply on another level. Views of and from Castelo dos Mouros (Castle of the Moors) and Palácio Nacional da Pena (Pena National Palace) are astounding, with the historic town below equally as picturesque. Wow!

View over the walls of Castelo dos Mouros (Castle of the Moors).View over the walls of Castelo dos Mouros (Castle of the Moors).Painted sign pointing to ‘Castelo’ (left) and ‘Palácio’ (right).Couryard within Palácio Nacional da Pena (Pena National Palace)A ghoulish sea monster (strone relief) below a protruding window.Light from a stained glass window reflected on a stone floor.The historic center of Sintra with Moors Castle on hilltop above.Derelict yet colourful wall on a Sintra backstreet.