I would highly recommend Maria's place to anyone visiting the Sintra area. The accommodations are quaint and well maintained, but what really makes this place shine is the hostess herself. Aside from her extensive knowledge of the area and suggestions of where to go, she has one of the biggest hearts of anyone I have ever met. In her guestbook are several pages of past travellers paying compliments to her hospitality, humor, and experience and ours was no different. You would be hard-pressed to find another host who makes you feel genuinely welcome into their home and reluctant to leave it. The next time I find myself in Portugal I will definitely check if her place is available, and to make sure I stay longer the next time!