Sintra: National Palace & Quinta da Regaleira Skip-the-Line Entry

Two Palaces, One Day: Skip the Lines at Sintra's Moorish & Medieval Masterpieces

You get skip-the-line entry to both the National Palace of Sintra and Quinta da Regaleira, avoiding the queues that can stretch an hour or more in peak season. Your tickets arrive by email, so you walk straight in without a meeting point or guide. Expect substantial walking, including a 200–300 metre uphill section at Quinta da Regaleira, and plan for a full morning and early afternoon to see both sites properly.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Sintra National Palace2h
2. Quinta da Regaleira3h

Visit National Palace and Quinta da Regaleira

• Enter National Palace of Sintra
• Explore palace architecture and courtyards
• Visit Quinta da Regaleira estate
• See Lion Sculpture and Holy Trinity Chapel
• Explore Fountain, greenhouse, and aquarium

The Experience

The moment you see the National Palace of Sintra rising above the town center, you realize why people queue for hours to get inside. The white stone, the twin chimneys, the way it sits in that garden. It's not what you expected from a Portuguese castle. This combo pass cuts straight past the line. You walk in with your skip-the-line ticket, and the palace opens up: courtyards with Manueline arches, walls covered in hand-painted tiles, rooms that layer seven centuries of architecture on top of each other. The first fortress here was Moorish, built in the 7th century, then the first Portuguese king expanded it in 1147, and every king after that left their mark. You're not rushing through. You're reading the walls.

After the National Palace, you head to Quinta da Regaleira, a 16th-century estate that feels less like a palace and more like someone's obsessive dream carved into a hillside. The gardens are enormous. There's a Lion Sculpture that stops you, a Chapel of the Holy Trinity tucked into the stone, Leda's Grotto, a Fountain of Abundance, even a greenhouse and an old aquarium. The walking is real. There's an uphill stretch of 200 to 300 metres, and the paths wind through trees and stone. Wear shoes that grip. The combo pass gets you into both places without the morning negotiation with the ticket booth, which matters because Sintra fills up early and the queues move slow.

The tickets arrive via email or Viator Chat before you go. There's no meeting point. You just head straight to the National Palace with your pass in hand. Public transport runs nearby if you need it, and the whole day is yours to move at your own pace between the two sites. The palace interiors have stairs and uneven ground, so it's not wheelchair accessible, and the uphill sections at Quinta da Regaleira are steep enough to notice.

What’s included

• Your pass includes entry tickets to the National Palace of Sintra and entry tickets to Quinta da Regaleira.
• Tickets are sent via email or Viator Chat before your visit.
• There is no guide, meeting point, or group arrangement.
• You visit both sites at your own pace.
• Public transport is available nearby if needed.

Days and timesDaily · 17 departure times, from 09:00 to 17:00

Ages18 to 64 years · Seniors (65+) · 6 to 17 years · Under 6 — Free

Meeting point and pickupNo pickup · ends where it starts

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 15 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Tourrr.com

Is this one for you?Right for anyone who wants to see Sintra's two main palaces in one day without standing in entry queues. The skip-the-line access is what makes both sites feasible in a single visit. Requires comfortable walking shoes and tolerance for uphill terrain, especially at Quinta da Regaleira.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

6 to 17 years; under 6, free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

Do I need to book a specific time to enter?

The tickets are subject to availability, and you'll receive them via email or Viator Chat. There's no fixed entry time or meeting point. You go directly to the National Palace when you're ready.

How long does it take to see both palaces?

The itinerary doesn't specify a total duration, but both sites are substantial. Plan for several hours to explore the National Palace's rooms and courtyards, then additional time for Quinta da Regaleira's gardens and structures.

Is there a guide included with the tickets?

No. The pass is entry only. You explore both sites independently, though Quinta da Regaleira's descriptions mention "comprehensive research and unique storytelling" available on-site to enhance your visit.

Can I visit the palaces in any order?

The itinerary describes the National Palace first, then Quinta da Regaleira, but the tickets don't specify a required sequence. Confirm with the provider if you prefer to reverse the order.

Is there an uphill walk?

Yes. Quinta da Regaleira has an uphill walkway of 200–300 metres. Wear walking shoes with good grip. Wheelchairs are not accessible on this terrain.

What if I can't use stairs or walk long distances?

The National Palace has stairs and uneven ground. Quinta da Regaleira is not wheelchair accessible and includes significant uphill sections. The provider notes it's not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or pregnancy.

How do I get the tickets?

They're sent via email or Viator Chat. Print them or show them on your phone at the entrance. No meeting point is required.

Is public transport available?

Yes, public transportation options are available near both sites.