Sintra

Located about 20 miles west of central Lisbon, Sintra's praises have been sung in literature by the likes of British poet Lord Byron and Portuguese poet Luis Vas de Camões; Byron described it as a "glorious Eden." A veritable heaven on earth, the small city's rolling hills are dotted with fragrant flowers and fairytale villas like the Palácio Nacional de Pena and the Palácio Nacional de Sintra. They also recommend spending a day or two to adequately enjoy all its charms. To get from Lisbon to Sintra, you can take the train from the Estação do Rossio station. You could drive as well (though parking will be a nightmare), or take one of the local buses.