Pena Palace or Quinta da Regaleira: Which is Better? 2024 Honest Review
Are you deciding between Pena Palace or Quinta da Regaleira?
Sintra’s magic offers a tough choice between the Pena Palace or Quinta da Regaleira.
If you’re juggling time or budget constraints, deciding between these two marvels can feel like a real puzzle.
We’ve traveled throughout all of Portugal’s fairytale landscapes for over a month in 2023 and visited both of Sintra’s crown jewels. Our visit brought us face-to-face with Pena’s bold colors and Quinta’s mystical gardens.
Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or someone looking for that perfect Instagram shot, we’ve got the scoop to help you choose in order to make every moment count.
Dive into our guide, and let’s unlock the secrets of Sintra together!
Which is Better – Pena Palace or Quinta da Regaleira? Overview
Honestly, we really enjoyed exploring both as they each have really unique qualities about them.
That being said, we also known that timing can make it hard to visit both Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira so we’ve broken down what to expect at both in several categories.
Below is a quick overview – you can click on the category to skip down to that section to see it in more detail.
Category | Winner |
---|---|
๐ฐ Activities | Both! Pena Palace or Quinta da Regaleira |
๐๐ถโโ๏ธ Ease of Getting To | Quinta da Regaleira |
๐ธ Pictures | Pena Palace |
๐งโ๐คโ๐งCrowds | Quinta da Regaleira |
๐ฒCost | Quinta da Regaleira |
Pena Palace or Quinta da Regaleira: ACTIVITIES
Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira offer two distinct experiences for visitors.
Pena Palace is a colorful historic site that invites visitors to explore its interiors, while Quinta da Regaleira is a mystical garden with underground tunnels that adventurers can unravel.
The contrast between the two sites offers a delightful experience for tourists.
Pena Palace Things to Do
Admire the Exterior Faรงade
If you’ve heard of the Pena Palace before, it is probably for its bright colors.
Pena Palace’s exterior is a masterpiece of Romanticism, with its vivid colors and intricate architectural details.
The terraces and ramparts offer panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, while the mix of Moorish, Manueline, and Gothic styles creates a stunning visual impact.
Walking around the palace, we found ourselves constantly reaching for our camera to capture its many unique and photogenic angles.
Explore the Palace Interior
What we did not expect in our visit to Pena Palace was the experience on the inside! You can take a tour through the palace where each room has a unique purpose and design.
The lavish staterooms are adorned with exquisite furniture and decorations that reflect 19th-century tastes.
Kelsea really loved seeing the kitchen (she loves to cook) while Nicholas found the office to be pretty epic!
Stroll Through the Pena Park
Surrounding the palace, Pena Park is a vast and green landscape filled with plants and hidden paths.
The park’s design reflects King Ferdinand II’s passion for exotic and wild landscapes, making it a delightful escape into nature.
We enjoyed searching for the “secret” waterfalls and relaxing in the nature.
Take in the Views from the Queen’s Terrace
The Queen’s Terrace is perhaps the best spot at Pena Palace to soak in the sweeping vistas of Sintra and beyond.
The terrace offers a breathtaking panoramic view that stretches to the Atlantic Ocean on clear days.
It’s a perfect place to grab *the* photo – we saw many visitors having full-on photo shoots here!
Visit the Chalet and Garden of the Countess of Edla
This charming chalet, located within Pena Park, was a romantic retreat for King Ferdinand II and his second wife, Elise Hensler, the Countess of Edla.
The chalet exemplifies the 19th-century trend of creating picturesque and intimate spaces amidst natural surroundings.
While you can’t visit the interior, the surrounding gardens are a testament to the Countess’s love for botany.
Quinta da Regaleira Things to Do
Descend the Initiation Well
The Initiation Well of Quinta da Regaleira is probably the best-known thing to do at Quinta da Regaleira and it most certainly lives up to the hype – it is SUPER cool!
The well spirals downward, leading visitors towards the depths of caves.
This well was allegedly used for Templar Knight initiation ceremonies but the full history of the well is a mystery.
We really loved the experience of descending the stairs – it was a unique opportunity.
๐ก PRO TIP: You only have to walk *down* the stairs, not up. You will exit another way. Be careful though! The stairs are slippery.
Wander Through the Labyrinthic Gardens
The gardens of Quinta da Regaleira are a sprawling, enchanting network of paths, flora, and hidden symbols referencing the Knight’s Templar.
As you walk through, you’ll encounter fountains, grottoes, and intricate constructions that all hold mystical meanings.
It really feels like you are wandering through an ancient and magical world – we both commented that it felt a bit like we were in Alice in Wonderland or something!
Explore the Regaleira Palace
The main house, or the palace, is a good example of Romantic architecture, filled with Gothic, Manueline, and Renaissance influences.
Inside, you can explore some of the find rooms which are decorated with frescoes and and lavish furnishings. The attention to detail in the ornate woodwork wowed us the most.
Each room tells a part of the history of the Carvalho Monteiro family, who were the visionaries behind Quinta da Regaleira’s unique design.
Visit the Chapel
The Regaleira Chapel is a small, yet intricately detailed structure located on the grounds.
Inside, the chapel is adorned with frescoes, stained glass windows, and the symbols of the Knights Templar.
While you can’t go all the way inside, you get a good view from the entryway.
Uncover the Underground Tunnels
Beneath the grounds of Quinta da Regaleira, there is an epic network of tunnels and caves. This was probably our favorite part!
These mysterious paths connect the wells, lakes, and various other constructions, allowing for an adventurous exploration.
If you can remember, we recommend carrying a flashlight to light your way through the dimly lit tunnels. We were using our phone flashlights from time to time!
We could have spent hours exploring these caves – there seemed to be a surprise around every corner.
Pena Palace or Quinta da Regaleira: EASE OF GETTING TO
When choosing between Pena Palace or Quinta da Regaleira, you must think about how hard it is to get to both of these amazing sites.
Sintra is not the easiest city to navigate. Before you go, you need a plan for getting around Sintra.
Reaching Pena Palace can be a bit of a challenge due to its higher elevation and distance from the main part of Sintra, while Quinta da Regaleira offers a more accessible experience for travelers exploring Sintra’s magical sites.
Getting to Pena Palace
Getting to Pena Palace presents a bit of a challenge, as its towering position atop the Sintra hills makes it hard to get to.
The steep and winding path to the palace isn’t considered walkable for most, due to the considerable distance and elevation from Sintra’s main city and train station.
Unless you are an avid hiker and have given yourself enough time, we would strongly advise against hiking to Pena Palace.
However, you have several other options:
- Frequent local buses
- Taxis or tuk-tuks are available for hire
- Uber (note: we found that you are likely to have a long wait time and be canceled on)
Since we took the train from Lisbon to Sintra, we took a local bus from the train station to the Pena Palace ticket entrance.
However, there still is a good walk from the park entrance to the actual Palace. For this reason, we highly recommend you pay the extra fee when purchasing your Pena Palace ticket for the shuttle bus – it is worth it!
Whichever way you choose, we suggest giving yourself 45 minutes to an hour to make it to Pena Palace from the main area of Sintra.
Getting to Quinta da Regaleira
Reaching Quinta da Regaleira is considerably more accessible than its hilltop neighbor, Pena Palace.
Nestled closer to the historical center of Sintra, Quinta da Regaleira is approximately 1.6 kilometers (or about 1 mile) away.
The walk is flat to slightly uphill but is totally walkable from the main area.
For those looking to save time or energy, local buses service the route regularly, and taxis or tuk-tuks can whisk you to the entrance in no time.
Pena Palace or Quinta da Regaleira: PICTURES
Both Quinta da Regaleira and Pena Palace have stunning places to take photos – we can’t choose a clear winner.
We’d say if you love viewpoints and bright colors then Pena Palace is the best place for photos for you.
If you love landscapes and cool angles, Quinta da Regaleira is the best photo place for you!
Pena Palace Pictures
Pena Palace is a photographer’s dream, with its vivid hues of red, yellow, and purple standing proudly against the lush greenery of the Sintra hills.
The vibrant colors and intricate architectural details make every angle picture-worthy.
For the best shots, many visitors head to the terraces, where you can capture the palace’s fairy-tale faรงade against a panoramic backdrop of the countryside and ocean.
The Queen’s Terrace, in particular, is a favorite spot, offering sweeping vistas that highlight the palace’s unique design and surrounding beauty.
Because of the crowds, it is hard to get photographs without a ton of other people in them. You just have to get patient to get the shot you’re looking for.
๐ท ๐กPRO TIP: Early morning or late afternoon light bathes the palace in a soft glow, making for a great photo!
Quinta da Regaleira Pictures
Quinta da Regaleira offers a mystical setting for photography, with its lush gardens and interesting caves.
The challenge of capturing the perfect photo at Quinta da Regaleira often lies in the lighting, especially within the shadowy realms of the caves.
The well presents a particular challenge for photographers, with its long, spiraling descent and dim lighting making it difficult to capture in its entirety, not to mention the crowds that often gather in this popular spot.
Outside, the gardens provide a more forgiving light and a variety of captivating angles, from ornate fountains to hidden grottos.
To truly do justice to Quinta’s unique charm, patience and creativity are key, as well as a readiness to embrace the unpredictable lighting conditions of this magical estate.
Pena Palace or Quinta da Regaleira: CROWDS
Pena Palace tends to draw larger crowds, especially during peak tourist seasons, while Quinta da Regaleira has more areas to explore so even when it is crowded, you do not notice it as much.
Pena Palace Crowds
Pena Palace is one of Sintra’s most visited attractions, often bustling with tourists, especially during peak seasons (April-September).
To manage the flow of visitors and enhance the experience, timed entry tickets are used, allowing entry at specific intervals throughout the day.
Despite this, we still found the interiors and terraces can get quite crowded.
If you’re looking to escape the crowds, the surrounding gardens and parklands offer a quieter retreat.
Quinta da Regaleira Crowds
Quinta da Regaleira’s alluring gardens and enigmatic structures draw a steady stream of visitors, making some areas, especially the famous Initiation Well, prone to crowding.
It’s not uncommon to find a line of eager visitors waiting to descend into the well’s mystical depths, particularly during peak tourist seasons.
However, the extensive grounds offer numerous quieter spots where one can explore away from the bustling hotspots.
Pena Palace or Quinta da Regaleira: COST
The price for Pena Palace or Quinta da Regaleira is about the same but Quinta da Regaleira tends to be a bit cheaper.
Pena Palace Tickets and Cost
The cost of the ticket for the Pena Palace and Park is โฌ14.
If you want to add a transfer from the park entrance to the Pena Palace, you can add that to your ticket for โฌ3. The trek by foot uphill from the entrance to the park to the entrance of the palace is around 30 minutes.
Additionally, you can purchase an online audioguide for Pena, Sintra, Queluz, Monserrate Palaces & Capuchos Convent.
You need to buy your tickets in advance because you will be choosing a timeslot of when you can enter the Palace. They take the timeslots VERY seriously and will not let you in if you are late.
You can buy your tickets online here.
Do not plan on showing up and there still be timeslots available, especially in peak season.
The other cost will be to get up the mountain to the park entrance either by taxi, bus, tuk-tuk, or Uber. (The extra shuttle for โฌ3 does NOT get you from town to Pena Palace, just from Pena Palace’s entrance to the castle).
Quinta da Regaleira Tickets and Cost
The ticket for Quinta da Regaleira is โฌ11 for adults and โฌ6 for children.
There will be a line when you arrive to buy tickets, so we highly recommend you buy them online in advance HERE.
Unlike Pena Palace, the ticket for Quinta da Regaleira is for the whole day, not a certain time slot.
All-Inclusive Tour from Lisbon with Tickets Included
If you would rather take an all-inclusive tour from Lisbon with tickets included, you can book an 8-hour Sintra Tour here!
With this tour, you won’t have to choose between Pena Palace or Quinta da Regaleira, because you will have an informative driver taking you to both in an air-conditioned vehicle.
Pena Palace Is Right for You Ifโฆ.
You’re a Lover of Grand Architecture
Pena Palace is right for you if your idea of a perfect day includes marveling at extravagant, colorful buildings and ornate interiors.
The palace’s Romanticist design and panoramic views are a feast for the eyes and a dream for lovers of grand architectural wonders.
You’re Seeking Stunning Scenic Views
If you’re someone who chases breathtaking vistas, Pena Palace won’t disappoint.
Its high perch in the Sintra mountains offers sweeping views of the surrounding landscape, making it a must-visit for photographers and nature enthusiasts alike.
You Appreciate Royal History
Pena Palace is ideal for history buffs interested in the lives and luxuries of 19th-century royalty. The palace’s rich history as a summer residence for the Portuguese royal family offers a glimpse into a bygone era of opulence and artistry.
Quinta da Regaleira is Right for You Ifโฆ
You’re an Adventurer at Heart
If you love exploring hidden tunnels, mystical wells, and enchanting gardens, Quinta offers a playground of mystery and discovery that’s sure to satisfy your inner explorer.
You Appreciate Symbolism and History
Those with an interest in the mystery surrounding the Knights Templar will love Quinta da Regaleira.
You’re a Photographer Seeking Unique Shots
If your camera is always by your side, looking for that perfect, unique shot, the varying light and shadow play in the wells and the intricate designs of the estate provide ample creative opportunities.
Portugal 8 Day Itinerary
Sintra is a part of our recommended 8-day itinerary in Portugal. We have all the transportation, accommodation, restaurant, and activity tips here!
FAQs for Pena Palace or Quinta da Regaleira Which is Better
Is Quinta da Regaleira worth visiting?
Yes, Quinta da Regaleira is absolutely worth visiting. We loved every moment there, especially walking down the Initiation Well and exploring the mysterious caves.
Is it worth seeing Pena Palace?
Yes, it’s definitely worth visiting Pena Palace. The vibrant colors and unique design make it stand out, and the interior is just as impressive with its ornate decor and historical richness. It’s a truly cool and memorable experience.
How long do you spend at Quinta da Regaleira?
At Quinta da Regaleira, you’ll likely spend around 2-5 hours. There’s a lot of ground to cover with extensive walking, and the caves feel almost endless as you explore their depths, making every moment an adventure.
How much time do you need at Pena Palace?
At Pena Palace, you can spend 1-2 hours marveling at the colorful exteriors and intricate interiors of the palace itself, and allocate an additional 1-2 hours to wander and explore the expansive surrounding park and gardens.
Can you walk from Sintra Station to Quinta da Regaleira?
Yes, you can walk from Sintra Station to Quinta da Regaleira. It’s a manageable and scenic 1.6 kilometers (about 1 mile), and the route takes you through the charming town of Sintra.
Does either the Pena Palace or Quinta da Regaleira have food?
Both Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira have cafes. Pena Palace offers a cafeteria with snacks and light meals, while Quinta da Regaleira has a small cafรฉ serving refreshments and local bites (we ate there and it was pretty good!).
Which is better Sintra National Palace or Pena Palace?
Choosing between Sintra National Palace and Pena Palace depends on your interests. Sintra National Palace is in the main town area and boasts historical significance with its Moorish and Manueline styles, while Pena Palace offers a vivid, Romanticist escape with stunning views and vibrant architecture.
If you prefer lavish, colorful designs and panoramic vistas, Pena Palace is the better choice.
How to get from Pena Palace to Quinta Regaleira?
To get from Pena Palace to Quinta da Regaleira, you can take a short taxi, Uber, or tuk-tuk ride, which is the most direct method.
Alternatively, you can catch a local bus back to Sintra’s historic center, then either walk or take another short bus or taxi ride to Quinta da Regaleira.
In Conclusion: Pena Palace or Quinta da Regaleira Which is Better
We hope this guide sheds light on the enchanting choices between Pena Palace or Quinta da Regaleira. While it’s tough to choose, we genuinely hope you can experience the wonder of both!
Nicholas found the mysterious caves of Quinta irresistible, while Kelsea was captivated by the vivid colors and unique architecture of Pena Palace. Both offer their own slice of magic!
Whichever you choose, or if you’re lucky enough to visit both, we’d love to hear about your adventure. Let us know which one stole your heart or provided that unforgettable moment in your journey. Happy exploring!
We wish you the best travels and donโt forget to set your โOut of Office!โ
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Portugal Travel Planning Guide
๐๐จ Is it safe to rent a car in Portugal?
Yes โ Renting a car is a necessity in most of Portugal if traveling between cities!
If you want to go on day trips or adventures outside of the major cities, you can use public transportation, but we recommend renting a car. Discover Cars is our go-to choice for car rentals in Portugal.
๐ฒ Will my phone work in Portugal?
Maybe, but it will be expensiveโ Depending on your provider, plans can charge you $10 per day while in Europe.
To use your phone in Portugal and save money, we recommend an eSim with Airalo. Airalo simplifies the steps and provides you with all the necessary data for convenient travel.
There is not a lot of free WIFI in Portugal, so youโll need your phone for navigating.
๐ Do I need a VPN when on the internet in Portugal?
While abroad, we consistently prioritize our online security by using a VPN to appear as if we’re streaming from the US and protect ourselves from cybercrime.
NordVPN serves as an incredibly convenient solution for both mobile phones and laptops, effortlessly ensuring our safety while browsing or streaming.
๐ฉ Whatโs the best way to book my Portugal accommodations?
Our go-to for Portuguese hotels is Booking.com. They offer the widest range of choices, and their filtering system simplifies the process of discovering the perfect accommodation for your needs.
โ๏ธ Whatโs the best site to buy flights to Portugal?
For finding cheap flights to Portugal, we recommend Kayak. Their awesome multi-city flight search and handy price notifications help us save big, allowing us to splurge on other adventures once we arrive.
TAP Air Portugal is usually our airline of choice while in Portugal.
๐ Should I book tours in Portugal? Do the guides speak English?
We LOVE taking tours in Portugal.
We prefer to book our tours on Viator and GetYourGuide for easy searching, trusted reviews, and transparent pricing. We always filter for the tours that are offered in English.
For free walking tours in English, we always book through GuruWalk.
๐ Should I buy Portugal travel insurance?
100% YES! โ Portugal has a publicly funded healthcare system known as the Serviรงo Nacional de Saรบde (SNS), which provides universal healthcare coverage to all Portuguese citizens and legal residents!
Foreigners visiting need travel insurance in case anything happens on their visit. We recommend Safety Wing โ they provide general travel coverage as well as medical!
๐งCan you drink the water in Portugal?
Sometimes โ In many areas of Portugal, the water is safe to drink. However, there can be variations in water quality from one location to another.
In some rural or remote areas, or in older buildings with outdated plumbing systems, water quality might not be as high.
For an extra layer of protection, we recommend always using a LifeStraw Go Series to stay safe and hydrated.
๐ซ Do I need a visa for Portugal?
Likely Not โ US passport holders donโt need Portuguese visas for travel less than 3 months. If you plan to stay for more than 3 months, you will be considered a resident and must have an entrance visa.