Amazing! This was the highlight of my trip to Setubal. It was easy to get to and it's free to get…read morein. Why wouldn't you just go. The views are spectacular! There are no teal words to describe it. You can see the coast line, the seaside town, all the red roofs. The photos you take from than fort are just amazing. Highly recommend everyone go here if you are in Setubal. Shout. Go here if you have come to Portugal in general.

UNESCO World Heritage Site…read more The palace is also known as "The Palace of Monteiro the Millionaire." The exterior is a sight to behold. Beyond the palace, there is an extensive park that features lakes, grottoes, wells, fountains, etc. The initiation well is a must. It consists of a spiral staircase with 9 platforms. I enjoyed our visit here, but wished I had more time exploring the grounds.

This was an enchanting and somewhat otherworldly property with mystical grounds, initiation wells…read moreand hidden paths. This quinta, or manor house, is considered a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its cultural homage to freemasonry, the Knights Templar, and Gothic/Roman/Renaissance architecture. We weren't entirely sure what to expect, but I felt like this could be the setting for a new Dan Brown novel. The four-hectare grounds included the palace, a chapel, a 9-story initiation well (apparently used by free masons for ritualistic purposes, and also meant to represent Dante's 9 levels of hell?), and other mystical oddities. We spent the next two hours exploring the ins and outs of the forest, walking down the well and doing our own sort of initiation, exploring underground tunnels and grottos, and walking through the manor house. It was a unique experience and would definitely recommend as one of the attractions to do on a Sintra day trip

Cabo Da Roca is the westernmost point of mainland Europe. It looks out into the Atlantic Ocean…read more There is also a lighthouse and hiking trails. The place was crowded with tourist buses. We had about 20 minutes here, so no hiking along the cliffs for us. We spent half that time in the bathroom line (.50€).

This place almost has a mythic quality to it - being it's the westernmost point of continental…read moreEurope and all. It's a little bit of a schlep to get here but it's worth the effort once you arrive. As I just described, this is basically where you stand and look at the ocean - the same ocean where people sailed hundreds of years ago west with no idea where they were headed other than the promise of a new land. That's the kind of feeling you get when you stand here. Or if you're not nostalgic or into history - you're going to stand here take nice photos and complain nonstop about how windy this place is because it will literally blow your hats off the second you walk to the ocean side area. There are a few monuments and memorial areas that you can take photos at, but the real draw here is the sense of vastness before you as you stand there and take in the vibes. Again it is WINDY as hell here - so if you're wearing very little clothing or lots of loose clothing, you've been warned. Plus, the weather here changes fast and it's not unusual to see rain just sweep in which is what I encountered when I was there. Take the wind and rain together and it's not a lot of fun so just be mindful of what you're wearing.

UNESCO World Heritage site…read more The tower was completed in 1519. It served as a fortress and a ceremonial gateway for explorers, customs point, a lighthouse, and a political prison. Unfortunately, it was being renovated when we were there.

This is one of many monuments on the riverside that pays homage to Portugal's history and their…read moreexplorers as well. It's a nice area and the tower was majestic though sadly we were part of the many who visited recently during renovations so the scaffolding covered most of the structure as my photo indicates. However, the area was pleasant with plenty of tourists and a little marketplace nearby that you can buy some modestly priced but mediocre quality souvenirs. I was told by our local tour guide to be careful with our belongings here as there were reports of pickpockets I was was somewhat neurotic when I was walking around but I didn't see anything during my visit - but just flagging here as an FYI.

One of Portugals must see day trips! You can't complete a Portugal trip without visiting the fairy…read moretale castle: National Palace of Pena. Beautiful and easy to get to. I took a tour option of the palace to avoid lines. But you can easily get here by train or bus. When I came here the inside was still under construction, so my tour guide recommended that we just tour the outside since inside would only be about 15 minutes. I love how you can see the three ways this building was made, definitely worth taking a tour to understand this place importance. However, you can still appreciate the tile work, views, intention, and colors of this historic palace.

Pena Palace, the more tourist-friendly name for Parque e Palácio Nacional da Pena, is a UNESCO…read moreWorld Heritage site a 45-minute train ride from Lisbon. It's one of Portugal's most popular attractions even if getting there is a bit of a slog. The palace sits high atop a steep hill and getting to it takes much more than just a train ride. The train takes you to the town of Sintra but busses take you to the ticketing windows and more busses take you to and from the castle entrance. Other palaces and castles are present in the expansive park but they require separate entrance fees and other busses to access, which pretty well explains why I visited only Pena Palace during my time in Sintra. Lots of folks advance-book tours of the palace (including transportation) and other park attractions which, though more expensive than the DIY mode is certainly easier. Still, if you're handling things on your own, the number of guides trying to sell you on a tour when you get off the train in Sintra will give you a chance to reassess. I did it on my own, bypassing all of those who were offering tours. Pena Palace itself, once inside, was easy to navigate. It's a quirky and colorful place, somewhat Disney-esque, and you'll walk though it in a long line of other tourists doing the same. The one place where you can escape the lines is out on the terraces, worth experiencing for the breathtaking views. And, if you've planned nothing more than getting back to Lisbon, do make time to enjoy the views from the castle's outdoor cafe (with rather lousy food). I was encouraged to bus back down to a certain spot then walked from there back to the town of SIntra and its train station. This is a worthy plan as the park itself is filled with beautiful sites, statues, and nature. Even if you've planned to see only Pena Palace this is a good way to see a bit more of what the park holds.

Beautiful piece of Portuguese history to check out!…read more Such a beautiful monastery to check out. You can buy tickets there at the kiosk, online, or through a tour group to skip the line. They have timed entrances and let in at least 800 ppl per time slot. There is a bathroom in upper level and the bottom near the exit. There is a free chapel to check out to the right of the entrance to the monastery. Not a place to miss!

One of the great landmarks of Lisbon and there's a reason why there are along longs congregating…read morefrom early in the day. The monastery is an ornate architectural marvel with incredible artworks and a beautiful courtyard that is an incredible testament the building prowess of that time. There are plenty of sights to see within and again the courtyard was the real highlight. There is a majestic sense of history that really surrounds you as you walk through the hallways and grand rooms that adorn this very large building. It is recommended to arrive early as I mentioned, the lines will get very long. The other aspect to be aware of is that people will harass you outside to buy things, it wasn't clear if they were gypsies or locals but it got a little annoying when a bunch of them swarm you and you really have to be on the lookout for your belongings. This place is also within walking distance of various other notable sights near the river so it's a great place to make as the centerpiece of your Lisbon walking tour.

Beautiful example of 1500's architecture. The inside is splendid and the statues on the side altars…read moreare magnificent. Make sure you take the time to see each of the side altars as they each are an example of an event in time. There is no charge to visit unless you want to see the museum next door.

Just beautiful... From the inside and outside. Tram line…read morenumber 28 starts right in front of it. And do not forget to visit the park on the other side of the street, it is very nice!

Cool spot to watch the sunset. You'll pass rural houses and an occasional rich man's mansion. As…read moreyou near the lighthouse, the road will be unpaved. Be very careful if you venture behind the lighthouse. It is a sheer drop off the cliff. There are no barriers.

This is such a great place to go and visit, it is a gem that most people no longer go there. When I…read morewas younger I remember going there a lot with my parents. After being there 2 years ago for the last time I found it deserted, and I must say that it makes it more dramatic and with a great character! This location is really on the edge of a cliff, with views of the Atlantic Ocean, and it is famous for the Santuário de Nossa Senhora do Cabo Espichel, from which the church is still in use after more than 700 years. Around the church there used to be housing, which now only houses stray cats and some really really old shops (if they are still there, that is). Actually when you reach Cabo Espichel you will find a toponomy with a U shape, where the church stands the farthest away, you then have to passages to pass through the church and it is there that the magic really kicks in! You have to be careful though, there isn't any way of protecting you from falling from a very steep cliff. It has even featured in some Hollywood movies. If you have rented a car and your nearby, do take the opportunity to visit this pearl, you can even visit the lighthouse or dinosaurs trail that stand just a short walk from the site itself. Unfortunately that is the only way to get there since the buses don't go there that often (or at all). P.S.: I would suggest that after this walk you would drop by Sesimbra for a true view of a traditional fishing port with some awesome food and beach!

Our visit to the Santuario de Cristo Rei was great. The monument is a smaller version of the…read moremonument in Rio, Brazil. To get there from Lisbon, you have to take a short and affordable ferry to the city of Almada. Almada is a cool, much slower city, and more affordable. After arriving at the Almada port, you can get to the monument via taxi, tuk tuk, or walk. We chose to walk. Although it took us about 40 minutes, we were able to see the city. It should be noted the walk is hilly. Regarding the monument itself, it was very nice with excellent views of Lisbon, the bridge, and the waterway. For a fee (around $9 euros) and a several minute wait, you can also go to the top of the monument for an even better view.

It took us almost an hour of waiting and 75 steps to get to the top. There are bars for your…read moreprotection. Purchase tickets before you wait in line on a separate building right when you park . There are steps to get to the aouvenir shop where there's an elevator to get you down. Despite the waiting (-1 star) - it was worth the wait.