Sin(tra)sational

Sintra near Lisbon is a life highlight. The whole area is a UNESCO World Heritage site with the main highlight being an old hilltop monastery converted into a royal palace (pictured) with stunning grounds and views. Walking up to and down from it was fantastic with crumbling churches and convents, winding lanes enclosed by high walls, that semi-arid Southern European vegetation, the atmosphere of ancient religion and tradition and steps snaking between the historical centre of the old town.

We passed a natural spring built into a water fountain towards the bottom of a hill. We filled our bottles up for refreshment but decided it would take too long to cleanse our sins without taking a week-long bath. We scurried on.

Such a worthwhile day trip from the capital. Not to be missed if ever in Lisbon.