Casa Miradouro

Sintra, a colorful town nestled in the hills near Lisbon, is without a doubt one of the most charming places in Portugal. We highlight several superb places to stay in the surrounding countryside, but for those who prefer to be right in town, the Casa Miradouro makes an excellent choice. In fact, you would not even need a car because you can take a taxi from the train station and the heart of town is only a ten-minute walk away. The home dates back to the end of the 19th century. Before it opened as a b&b the house was in a sad state of disrepair. Now it is totally restored, even the exterior has returned to its original glory, gaily painted (as it was originally) in horizontal zebra stripes of pink and creamy yellow—a popular motif in its heyday. The gardens, too, have been meticulously restored and there is a pretty terrace at the front of the house. Inside, guests are made to feel at home and relax in the comfort of the attractively decorated lounges. There are six individually decorated guestrooms whose beds have luxurious Egyptian cotton sheets, and each has a brand-new bathroom. Although the Miradouro is in town, there are lovely views of the countryside.