Lisbon and around

The winding, tree-lined approach to Sintra's old centre via Rua Bernardim Ribeiro. There aren't many houses along this stretch that don't have any architectural flourishes and this villa with its turret is no exception.

Another lovely, quirky corner of Sintra. This one features a particularly nice blue house and cobbled stairway.

Not sure what the exact architectural style is here, but as it's Sintra anything seems to go as long as there is a dash of "fairy tale".

Rua Padarias is in the heart of Sintra's old town. Lined artisanal stores offering handcrafted goods, including ceramics and textiles, it is best known for Casa Piriquita, a family-owned bakery since 1862.

The Torre do Relógio, or Clock Tower, is located just across the way from the National Palace in Sintra. It dates back to the 16th century when it was part of the palace complex. Originally just a bell tower, the clocks were added in the 19th century.

Standing at almost 30 metres tall, the tower offers views over Sintra and it is possible to climb the spiral staircase the top.

Terreiro da Rainha Dona Amélia is the square which lies at the heart of the old part of Sintra. To one side is the National Palace and , in the direction we're looking, the Cafe Paris and clock tower. Beyond this is the Serra de Sintra (Sintra Hill) where you will find the Pena Palace and Moorish Castle, high above the town.

Looking up a cobbled street in Ericeira. Not sure which this one is, except it's the one with cobbles and lined with blue and white painted cottages - so, pretty much every street in the old part of this fishing village!

Looking northwards from the hill that rises high above Sintra. I think this was probably taken from the ramparts of the Moorish Castle.

In the foreground is the National Palace, with its distinctive chimneys. You can also make out the tower of the town hall to the right.

This incredible example of a Manueline doorway belongs to the Igreja da Conceição Velha in Lisbon. It's easy to miss as the building is sandwiched between two others in a fairly narrow street just off Praca Comercio.

The church dates back to around 1500 and was once the second largest in Lisbon. What you see today is very much a shadow of the former building as it was devastated by the great earthquake of 1755. 

Built in the 16th century as a merchants house the Casa dos Bicos is one of the most unique buildings in Lisbon. Translating to "House of the Beaks (spikes)" it is defined by the unusual pattern of raised pyramids on its facade. Beyond the spikes it is still quite an interesting building with its Manueline features and flourishes.

Praça dos Restauradores is the fine square which sits at the southern end of Avenida de Liberdade in Lisbon's Downtown district.

The monument is known as the Obelisk and is to celebrate Portugal's independence from Spain in 1640. To the right is the Foz Palace; built in the 18th century it was bought by the Marquis of Foz in the 1890s and the façade modified.

In the middle, behind the Obelisk is the old Eden Theatre, much renovated, and now a hotel.