The Villa is ideally situated as central point to visit many places of interest and the following is a guide to “some” of those within a 50-mile (80 km) radius that, subject to traffic conditions, should be within an hour’s drive away. It is recommended that to make the most of your visit you buy a good travel guide to find out more about the places mentioned and also other places to visit, as this guide is simply to give a flavour of what there is to see.

1.      Obidos: The beautifully preserved medieval town of Óbidos is without doubt one of Portugal's most classic walled settlements, and one of the main historic jewels of the country.

2.      Caldas da Rainha: Caldas da Rainha means “the queen’s baths” and has the oldest thermal hospital in the world. Caldas is also renowned nationally for its locally-produced cakes and pastries.

3.      Peniche: Is Portugal’s largest fishing port and a 16th century wall partly encloses the town and there is a 16th century fort. Enjoy the many harbour-side restaurants serving fresh fish.

4.      Baleal: A small community with gorgeous beaches and an idyllic fishing cove across a causeway.

5.      Foz do Arelho: Situated at the mouth of the north side of the lagoon Foz do Arelho has been a much-loved destination for the jaded Lisbon city-dweller.

6.      São Martinho do Porto: The charming shell shaped bay of São Martinho do Porto offers calm waters ideal for family activities and is the main resort along the coast between Peniche and Nazare.

7.      Nazare: Known as one of the most picturesque fishing villages in all of Portugal and that's saying something in a country of countless picturesque fishing villages.

8.      Alcobaça: The magnificent and austere Cistercian Abbey at Alcobaça dominates the centre of the town, which is now a World Heritage Site.

9.      Batalha: Offers an example of the baroque and elaborate Manueline architecture which is the Abbey of Santa Maria da Vitória and which is now a UNESCO world-heritage site.

10. Sintra: The world famous town of Sintra nestles in beautiful green hills with fairytale castles, palaces and numerous country houses.

11. Lisbon: Not to be missed it is a beautiful city with a richly deserved reputation for the warmth of its welcome and is recognised as one of the most sophisticated capital cities.

12. Cascais: The residential area for the Lisbon jet-set and a favourite nightspot for young people. Just outside the town there is a lively nightlife and casino.

13. Ericeira: A fishing port that has retained many of the turn-of-the-century characteristics. Sample the gastronomic delights of the restaurants overlooking the sea.

14. Fatima: Fatima welcomes millions of devotees a year who come to pray at the site of a miraculous apparition of the Virgin Mary here in 1917, now a vast white Basilica and esplanade.

15. Loures: It is proud of the lovely Palacio do Correio-Mor, one of the finest pieces of Architecture on the outskirts of Lisbon.

16. Mafra: Dominated by the majestic monastery constructed by King Joao V the town is well known for it's Sunday carillon concerts and traditional cakes.

17. Queluz: With one or two country houses of note one of these, which led to the town’s development, was built by the future King Pedro III, a royal residence from 1794.

18. Santarem: Situated on a slope on the north bank of the River Tagus, Santarem is the centre of the rich agricultural plains of the Ribatejo.

19. Tomar: A beautiful city steeped in the history of the Templar movement, the old quarters preserve all their traditional charm, with whitewashed, terraced cottages lining narrow cobbled streets.

20. Torres Vedras: The town, on the left bank of the River Sisandro, is well known for the Lines of Torres Vedras which, in 1810, played a decisive role in the defence of Lisbon against Napoleonic troops.

21. Berlenga Islands: Stunningly located a few miles offshore from Peniche the archipelago offers beautiful fauna & wildlife, there is lots to explore a 17th century fort, reefs and marine grottoes.

22. Porto de Mos: Originally a Moorish fort and rebuilt over the centuries by successive Christian kings, the rather fanciful castle perches on a hill above the small town of Porto de mos.

23. The Parque Natural de Serras Aire e Candeeiros: Widely known for its cathedral-like caves, guided tours take you through garishly illuminated caves with all sorts of stalagmite and stalactite formations.

24. Leiria: In addition to a medieval castle, the city has a cobbled old quarter full of charm, with tiny dwellings over archways, graceful arcades and the small 12th century church of Sao Pedro.

25. Pombal: Small town of whitewashed houses is overlooked by the stately and well preserved castle founded in 1161 by the Knights Templar.

26. Lourinha: The Museum of Lourinha near the coast has Portugal's most impressive collection of fossils and a fossil treatment lab.

27. Castelo de Almourol: The Almourol Castle is dramatically situated on a small rocky island, in the middle of the Tagus river.

28. Wine Route: Quinta dos Loridos is a magnificet 16th century manor house that produces some of the best sparkling wine in Portugal. Also close by are other wineries to visit for both reds & whites.