Things to do in Azoia

Marquis of Pombal Square (Praça Marquês de Pombal) is a scenic roundabout in central Lisbon. It takes its name from the notable and progressive statesman Sebastião José de Carvalho e Melo, 1st Marquis of Pombal. Come here to admire an artistic monument, explore a picturesque park and witness the buzz of a city on the move.

Belém Tower is an impressive structure on the shore of the Tagus River in Lisbon. The ornate fortification was built here over 500 years ago to fight off any hostile craft that came up the river. Gaze straight across the river from the top of the Tower Terrace to see St. Sebastian’s Fort, another fortification on the opposite shore. With the two towers in place, enemy warships could not achieve success in attacking the city.

Guincho Beach (Praia do Guincho) is a large sandy beach along the Atlantic Ocean. James Bond movie fans may recognize these shores from the opening scene of On Her Majesty's Secret Service. While far less hazardous than portrayed in that 1969 action movie, Guincho Beach does offer a more adventurous experience than the sheltered beaches of nearby Cascais and Estoril.

An icon of the region, the striking orange-and-yellow Pena Palace stands out amid the lush forest-covered Sintra Mountains. Inspect the eclectic architecture and ostentatious interior of this former royal summer retreat and stroll through the pretty surrounding park, where you’ll find temples and other follies hidden among the trees and flowers.

Immediately identifiable by its two white cone-shaped chimneys, the spectacular Sintra National Palace is part of the UNESCO-listed cultural landscape of the town. Explore the lavish interior and learn about the palace’s fascinating history, which stretches back to Moorish times.