Getting to Quinta da Regaleira: A Comprehensive Guide & Tips
- Pedro Ferreira
- Nov 21, 2023
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 4

To embark on a mystical journey at Quinta da Regaleira, travelers must first navigate to Sintra. Most adventurers start their quest from Lisbon, a mere hour away. Whether by train, bus, or car, the voyage from Lisbon to Sintra promises an enchanting passage.
Lisbon to Sintra by Train: An Affordable Odyssey The train ride from Lisbon to Sintra, priced at €4.40 for a round trip, is both efficient and comfortable. Departing every half hour from Rossio Station in Lisbon, this 40-minute journey culminates at Sintra Train Station. Read our full article on train to Sintra here.
Lisbon to Sintra by Bus: A Scenic Path Awaits Embrace a direct bus journey departing from Marquês de Pombal in Lisbon to Sintra Train Station. Running hourly, this 27-minute voyage reveals stunning views of the Portuguese landscape. Ticket prices range from €1 to €10.
Lisbon to Sintra by Car: Crafting Your Path For those preferring the autonomy of a car, the 30-minute drive from Lisbon to Sintra unfolds a picturesque route. Parking in Sintra, mainly on the outskirts, offers spaces near Portela de Sintra train station and below Sintra village.
Navigating from Sintra to Quinta da Regaleira: Unveiling the Enigmatic Palace Alight at Sintra train station and board Bus 434 bound for Largo Ferreira Castro, followed by an 8-minute stroll to the palace entrance. Alternatively, embrace a 22-minute walk from Sintra train station or a 15-minute walk from Sintra town. Opting for a cab presents a quicker, albeit pricier, journey to the estate. Read our complete guide on BUS 434 here.
Before Your Quest: Essential Insights for the Journey
Opening Hours and Ticket Procurement: Quinta da Regaleira opens daily at 10:00 AM, with varied closing times based on the season. Securing online tickets in advance (available on the official website) avoids waiting in line for admission.
Navigating the Estate: Quinta da Regaleira offers facilities such as restrooms, a gift shop, and a coffee shop serving light meals. While most areas are wheelchair accessible, the palace's interior might pose challenges.
Time Well Spent: An Odyssey of 2-3 Hours To fully immerse in the estate's 4-hectare expanse, plan to spend 2-3 hours. Highlight areas include the palace interior and exterior, Chapel of Holy Trinity, Promenade of the Gods, Portal of the Guardians, and the Initiation Well.
Accommodation Options
1. Tivoli Palácio de Seteais
Once an 18th-century retreat for Dutch consuls and Portuguese nobility, Tivoli Palácio de Seteais is Sintra’s crown jewel—a 5-star palace hotel dripping in regal splendor. Imagine waking up in a grand double room or a suite with frescoed ceilings, sipping coffee on a terrace framed by Pena Palace views. Prices hover around $300–$400 per night, and special features include a serene spa, an outdoor pool nestled in manicured gardens, and bathtubs fit for royalty. It’s a 10-minute walk to Quinta da Regaleira—book now on Trip.com to live like nobility!
2. Penha Longa Resort
Tucked into the rolling hills of the Sintra-Cascais Nature Reserve, Penha Longa Resort began as a 14th-century monastery before evolving into a luxurious 5-star estate. Today, it offers plush doubles and suites with private balconies overlooking golf courses and pools, averaging $250–$350 per night. With two Michelin-starred restaurants, a sprawling spa, and an infinity pool, it’s a haven 4 km from Sintra’s center—perfect for a post-hiking soak. Secure your spot on Trip.com for a slice of paradise.
3. Sintra Boutique Hotel
Steps from the National Palace in Sintra’s historic heart, this modern boutique gem opened in 2012 with a chic nod to the town’s heritage. Its airy doubles and themed suites—some with clawfoot tubs and palace views—range from $140–$200 per night. The on-site restaurant dazzles with local flavors, and its prime location means you’re 30 minutes from Moorish Castle treks or cozy café evenings. Don’t wait—check availability on Trip.com for an unbeatable stay.
4. Lawrence’s Hotel
Claiming the title of the Iberian Peninsula’s oldest hotel since 1764, Lawrence’s Hosted famous guests like Lord Byron, its country-style doubles and suites exude vintage charm with bathtubs and antique furnishings, costing $150–$220 per night. A library and elegant restaurant with French windows add to the allure, while its spot near Quinta da Regaleira (a 5-minute walk) makes it a history lover’s dream. Book via Trip.com to step back in time.
5. Vila Galé Sintra
Built in 2018 as a wellness-focused retreat just north of Sintra’s center, Vila Galé Sintra offers a modern escape with doubles and family suites averaging $120–$180 per night. The standout? A panoramic indoor pool, sauna, and Turkish bath in its Satsanga Spa—plus an outdoor pool for sunny days. Snag a deal on trip.com and relax in style.
6. Sintra Marmòris Palace
This 19th-century manor, revamped in 2017, sits a 7-minute walk from Sintra’s historic center and oozes romance with its palatial vibe. Luxurious doubles and suites—some with marble bathtubs—cost $180–$260 per night, while a heated outdoor pool with Moorish Castle views steals the show.
Guided Expeditions: Embracing the Quinta's Magic
If wandering independently isn't your quest, consider joining small-group tours from Lisbon. These tours offer skip-the-line entry, audio guides, and curated explorations of Quinta da Regaleira and Sintra's historical wonders.