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The National Palace of Queluz was built in 1747, in the late Baroque and Rococo styles, by order of the future king Pedro III, married to queen Maria I. It was conceived as a Summer residence, becoming the royal family's favourite place for leisure and entertainment. Following a fire in the National Palace of Ajuda, Queluz became their permanent residence, until 1807, when the royal family had to flee to Brazil to escape the French Invasions. Despite being much smaller, the palace is sometimes dubbed the Portuguese Versailles. In 1908 it became the property of the State. It was extensively restored after a fire destroyed it in 1934. The complex makes a pleasant half day excursion from Lisbon. Opening hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Entrance fee: €10 How to get there: From Lisbon, the easiest way is to take the train, at Oriente, Entrecampos or Rossio, to Queluz or Monte Abraão. It's a 30 min. ride plus a 15 min walk to the palace. Charge your card with €5 for the roun...

Quarteira was founded in the pre-Roman period when it was successively a Phoenician and a Carthaginian post designated Carteia. It was later occupied by the Romans, and remains of this period can be visited in nearby Vilamoura. In these periods the main activities were the trade of salt, fish and dried fish. The Romans also mined copper and iron.  The town was later occupied by other peoples, namely the Muslims in the early 8th century. It was conquered by the Christian armies, under the reign of King D. Afonso III, in 1250. King D. Dinis gave it a charter letter in 1297 but as a mainly fishing town, there are few important remains from the past. The Church of Nª Srª da Conceição was built in the 17th century.  Quarteira became a civil parish in 1916. With the development of tourism, it gained importance and became famous for its beaches and fishing market. How to go: You can take bus n. 87 from Loulé or bus n. 9 from Faro; more information  here . ...

Quinta do Lago Beach is located in Peninsula of Ancão, one of the two small sand peninsulas, part of the Ria Formosa Natural Park, that, along with five barrier islands, protect the lagoon from the ocean. This beach is about 3.6 km long and is accessible by a boardwalk. While crossing the boardwalk to the beach you can enjoy watching the fauna and natural flora. You can park your car before crossing the 300 m long boardwalk, for a fee.

Quinta da Regaleira Palace and Chapel were built between 1904 and 1910, according to plans laid down by Italian architect Luigi Manini. Besides the Palace and Chapel, the estate includes a luxurious park that features lakes, grottoes, wells and fountains. The wells- never intended as water sources- and grottoes are said to have been used for ceremonial rituals. Opening hours : 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (6 p.m. Feb., Mar. and Oct.; 5 p.m. Jan., Nov. and Dec.) Closed on the 24th and 25th of December. Entrance fee : €6