A magical garden to explore for people of all ages. With lush undergrowth, underground caves and tunnels that can lead you to the bottom of a well with a spiral ascending staircase - you can lose yourself there in more ways than one.

Quinta da Regaleira, R. Barbosa du Bocage 5, 2710 Sintra, Portugal
+351 21 910 66 56
www.cultursintra.pt/
Google map: bit.ly/eiIju7

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We now have dog called Chance and on our walks across the headland we often see a beautiful sight in the skies above, the Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus brookei).
We never get tired of watching these amazing birds of prey, they can reach speeds of more than 320km/h in a stoop, making it the fastest animal on the planet. Adults have blue-gray wings, dark brown backs, a buff colored underside with brown spots, and white faces with a black tear stripe on their cheeks. It has long, broad, pointed wingspan and a relatively short tail and they have hooked beaks and strong talons. Their name comes from the Latin word peregrinus, which means "to wander".
Sometimes we see one close up perched on a telegraph pole at the side of the road.
They were on the endangered species in many areas in the 1970s and now thankfully the populations have recovered.
One of the many species of wildlife you can see on the walks in Sintra.

www.ramblersramble.blogspot.com

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Azenhas do Mar ("Watermills by the sea"), in the region of Sintra, is a charming village of whitewashed houses, trimmed in blue, built on the slopes of the cliff and a small river with waterfalls running down through gardens to the sea.

There are Interesting rock formations and natural seawater pools, plenty to keep the kids amused.

The watermills were a popular seaside retreat in the 1950s. They have recently been carefully restored, offering a restaurant, bar and swimming pool arranged on different levels.

The restaurant has a stylish seaside wood panelled interior with magnificent views to the Atlantic Ocean. It offers a great selection of fresh fish and seafood caught locally by one of the owners, and is complemented by an excellent wine list.

The snack bar, Terraço da Azenha, situated above the restaurant and swimming pool, has a series of small terraces with great views. Inside the bar, through a glass section in the floor, you can see the old workings of the mill. It offers a good selection of snacks including sweet and savoury crêpes.

Well worth a visit, and you will find great walks that will take you along the cliffs to the beaches of Praia das Maças and Praia Grande.

Off the N247.
www.lookgofind.com/

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The beaches of Sintra in Portugal - only a short trip down the coast from Lisbon - have been a popular destination for British tourists since the Christian crusaders first sailed to the region in 1147, yet most visitors remain completely unaware of the easily-accessable delights of the area.

Praia da Adraga - wild and wonderful, Praia Grande - great surfing and body boarding, and Praia das Maças - body boarding and good for families, are some of the best. Lifeguards are on duty from mid June to mid September.

If you like walking, there is a walk that takes you to all the beaches along the cliff tops, with spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean.

www.lookgofind.com/

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