Things to do in Dois Portos e Runa

An icon of the region, the striking orange-and-yellow Pena Palace stands out amid the lush forest-covered Sintra Mountains. Inspect the eclectic architecture and ostentatious interior of this former royal summer retreat and stroll through the pretty surrounding park, where you’ll find temples and other follies hidden among the trees and flowers.

From the Moors to the nation’s first imperial dynasties, Sintra has always been one of the preferred places for Portugal’s rulers to build their royal palaces. And this one has to be one of the most impressive examples.

The Lisbon Oceanarium is the largest indoor aquarium in Europe and houses more than 8,000 fish, birds, mammals and invertebrates. Bring the family to be entertained while learning about conservation and ocean habitats around the world.

The Gulbenkian Museum houses about 6,000 pieces of mostly ancient artifacts and artworks. Discover Greek vases and coins, Roman glass, eastern Islamic tiles and carpets and sculptures by European masters.

The property has changed ownership a number of times over the years. The Barons of Regaleira from Portom who owned it since its constructions, sold it to the millionaire, Carvalho Monteiro, in 1892. With the help of the Italian architect Luigi Manini (architect of La Scala Milan), he then remodelled the palace by adding buildings with enigmatic symbols, related to alchemy, Masonry and the Knights Templar. Later the Palace was sold to Waldemar d'Orey, who confined its usage to that of a private residence.