Mafra

Mafra is a pretty little Portuguese town that’s home to one of the most magnificent buildings in the country. Outdone perhaps only by the castles of Sintra, Mafra’s main attraction is the colossal Mafra National Palace, an extravagant 1200 room convent-palace hybrid. You’ll marvel your way around the palace’s immense grounds and interiors — just make sure to get your tickets beforehand, as the number of visitors can be quite high, especially in the summer. When you’re finished imagining royal life, head across the street to the Praça da República, a quaint square lined with cafes and restaurants where the people watching is almost better than the food. Restaurant Fiel às Raízes is a crowd pleaser, and if you’ve got a sweet tooth, don’t forget to grab a pastel de nata at the pastelaria Polo Norte before heading off.
Next, take a blanket and a book to the Tapada Nacional de Mafra. This lovely former royal park was once private hunting grounds for the royal family and is still teeming with wild animals and plants. It’s the perfect place to laze away a summer afternoon, or enjoy a bottle of delicious local wine and a picnic.
Escape the crowds at Quinta do Brejo, a lovely B&B where you’ll enjoy a traditional country breakfast, horseback trails, and clean country living, just a short drive out of town.