4 Best Hotels in Sintra, Sintra, the Estoril Coast, and the Setúbal Peninsula

The oldest lodging on the Iberian peninsula, this 18th-century grande dame has hosted such illustrious guests as Lord Byron and, more recently, Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands. It's easy to see the appeal: the intimate rooms with beamed ceilings and wood floors are bathed in light from French windows. The ambience channels British high society from centuries past, right down to the five-o'clock tea with scones and jam. In the old-world restaurant, braised meats with berries and other local specialties are often served, alongside good plant-based options. A more informal restaurant-bar next door is a pleasant spot for late afternoon cocktails after a day's sightseeing.

With its own winery on-site, chic boutique hotel Quinta Vale Da Roca will delight fans of Portugal's excellent vinhos. It's tucked away in the hills between Sintra and Cascais, and makes a relaxing retreat for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts as well as city-weary Lisboetas arriving by car. The eight spacious, stylishly appointed suites all have living areas and terraces with sweeping sea views, and even the fitness room and jacuzzi have been positioned to make the most of those panoramic vistas. A large outdoor infinity pool completes the picturesque scene, and there's a tasting room where the enthusiastic owners will introduce you to the estate's highly regarded wines.

Each of the eight suites in this candy-striped building dating from 1890 is named for a different palace (you might spot photos of your room's namesake on the walls). All have wrought-iron beds, polished tile floors, and have grand views of the countryside. The downstairs breakfast room opens onto a terrace. It's a little out of town, but you can pour yourself a drink from the honor bar and soak up the peaceful ambience.

A 20-minute stroll from the historic center of Sintra, this beautifully restored 19th-century estate sits among carefully maintained gardens with a pool shaded by fruit trees. The slightly remote location means it is wonderfully quiet at night, when the crowds of tourists in the town center feel a million miles away. Although it feels like taking a step back in time, Villa das Rosas offers modern must-haves such as Wi-Fi access and flat-screen TVs.