One of the most spectacular buildings in the town is the Convento De Santa Clara, which was a school for delinquent boys a long time ago; it now houses the tombs of the convent’s founders Dom Afonso Sanches (son of King Dinis) and his spouse. Also of particular interest is the fountain in the cloister which is fed by an eighteenth-century aqueduct (a 99-arches-long structure which originates in the hills).

Also visit the Renaissance-styled Misericordia Church and the dominating Fortress of St. John the Baptist. To soak up the Portuguese sun, head to the Guia and Forno beaches, which attract quite a crowd in the summer. Nearby, you can sample exquisite Portuguese specialities like Bacalhau (dried codfish), Caldo verde (spicy sausage soup), and a wide range of tasty Barrigas-de-freiras (sweetmeats).

If you’re visiting during June or July, you can witness the Vila do Conde International Short Film Festival.

Terreiro da SéConstructed in the 12th century in the Romanesque style, it shows influences of the Limousin region of France and the Coimbra school. The vestry, the cloister...

Sintra’s palaces and museums have enthralled many a visitor who has entered its domain.
Two of the most famous are the Quinta da Regaleira, which has been given the...