Palacio da Pena

Portugal's very own Disneyland palace crowns the highest peak of the Serra de Sintra mountain range and is one of the most distinguished landmarks in the region. The 19th-century wonder conjures up an image of a child's Lego-brick toy with its turrets and domes and colourful pastel facades. Indeed, it's a hotchpotch of different architectural styles. Commissioned by Queen Maria II for her husband Ferdinand Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, the multi-roomed palace is crammed full of rare and priceless antiques and curios collected from all over the world. Opulent furnishings are found throughout the salons, and the décor is especially lavish in the Ballroom. The Arab Room is another contender for the richest and most extravagant home decoration award. Enchanting and romantic in equal measure, this is a place to let the imagination run wild and live like royalty for a couple of hours. Note that interior photography is forbidden.