Sintra
Just a 30-minute drive from Lisbon, nestled in the foothills of the Sintra Mountains, lies a town that looks like it came straight from a storybook. Leafy streets shade cafe tables and quaint shops on your way to the colorful Palácio da Pena (Pena Palace). Here you can explore on your own, or with guided tours, to see where Portuguese kings and queens called home for hundreds of years.
Lagos
Situated in the Algarve region, and about 2.5 hours south of Lisbon by car, Lagos is an ultimate beach getaway where you can kayak, go paragliding, and take relaxing boat cruises where you might even see dolphins. In the old town, enjoy historic architecture, wine tastings, and small bites.