Quinta da Regaleira Tours and Activities

Quinta da Regaleira which includes heritage architecture
Sintra showing heritage architecture and a castle
Quinta da Regaleira
Quinta da Regaleira
Quinta da Regaleira showing heritage elements as well as a small group of people


Marvel at the unique and unconventional design of this elaborate and whimsical folly-filled estate created by Italian set designer Luigi Manini.

The fantastical villa and gardens of Quinta da Regaleira encompass elements of Roman, Renaissance and Manueline styles. Explore the property and soak up its otherworldly atmosphere. With its offbeat architecture, mysterious follies and network of underground tunnels and caves, the site seems to more closely resemble a movie set than it does a real-life abode.

The villa and gardens were the result of efforts by two men: opera-set designer Luigi Manini and wealthy Brazilian businessman António Carvalho Monteiro, who commissioned Manini in 1904. The elaborate property remained in private hands until 1997, when Sintra authorities purchased it. Shortly thereafter, it opened to the public.

Upon first approach, notice the ornate stone façade of the main house, which is adorned with gothic-inspired features including gargoyles and turrets. Venture inside the house for a closer look at the building’s unexpected and often intricate decorations. The interior, which spreads across five floors, is adorned with various carvings, frescoes, glass mosaics and other whimsical design elements.

Take a guided tour around the gardens. The atypical grounds are said to be rich in symbolism and include several unusual structures including statues, water features, caves, towers and an underground labyrinth of tunnels. Knowledgeable guides will help explain the symbolic significance of the garden’s weird and wonderful features, which are said to reference everything from ancient mythology to the Knights Templar.

Don’t miss the garden’s most famous attraction, the 100-foot-deep (30-meter) Initiation Well, which somewhat resembles an inverted tower. Enter the bottom of the well via the network of underground tunnels and climb up the spiral staircases of the well to reach the light.

Reach Quinta da Regaleira on foot from Sintra in just 15 minutes. The estate is open daily. Opening hours change depending on the season so check ahead before your visit. An entrance fee applies and guided tours of the property are available for an additional cost.

Plan a trip to see Quinta da Regaleira

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Blue Tide - Two Bedroom Apartment
Pestana CR7 Lisboa
Lux Lisboa Park

Tours & day trips

See all 310 activities

Private & custom tours

See all 182 activities

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 25 activities

Water activities

See all 15 activities

Holiday & seasonal tours

See all 4 activities

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Quinta da Regaleira

NH Sintra Centro

NH Sintra Centro

4 out of 5
Praca da Republica, Sintra
NH Sintra Centro
Valverde Sintra Palácio de Seteais - The Leading Hotels of the World

Valverde Sintra Palácio de Seteais - The Leading Hotels of the World

5 out of 5
Rua Barbosa do Bocage, 8, Sintra, Lisbon
Valverde Sintra Palácio de Seteais - The Leading Hotels of the World
Casa da Pendôa

Casa da Pendôa

4 out of 5
Rua da Pendôa nº 17, Sintra
Casa da Pendôa
Lawrence's Hotel

Lawrence's Hotel

5 out of 5
Rua Consiglieri Pedroso, 38-40, Sintra
Lawrence's Hotel
Palácio de Sintra Boutique House

Palácio de Sintra Boutique House

4 out of 5
Rua Consiglieri Pedroso, 23, Sintra
Palácio de Sintra Boutique House
Villas de Cintra

Villas de Cintra

3 out of 5
Rua Conde Ferreira, 11 A, Sintra
Villas de Cintra
Casa do Vinho Sintra Guest House

Casa do Vinho Sintra Guest House

4 out of 5
Rua Consiglieri Pedroso, 17, Sintra
Casa do Vinho Sintra Guest House
Villa Bela Vista

Villa Bela Vista

3.5 out of 5
R. Mal. Saldanha 17, Sintra, Lisboa
Villa Bela Vista
Sintra 1012 Boutique Guest House

Sintra 1012 Boutique Guest House

3 out of 5
Rua Gil Vicente, 10-12, Sintra
Sintra 1012 Boutique Guest House
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Quinta da Regaleira

When visiting Quinta da Regaleira, don't miss the chance to explore its enchanting gardens and fascinating architecture. Engage in ceremonial rituals that add a mystical touch to your experience. For golf enthusiasts, Sintra Golf offers a scenic course nearby. Additionally, take the time to discover the charming town of Sintra, rich in history and culture, making it a perfect complement to your visit.

Shopping

If you're up for a drive, Colombo Shopping Centre offers a vibrant atmosphere with family and entertainment vibes, located 19.3km away. For closer options, check out Cascais Municipal Market and CascaisVilla Shopping Centre, both just 11.3km away, featuring a mix of local goods and family-friendly experiences.

Recreation

Pena Longa Golf Course, located 3.2km from Quinta da Regaleira, offers a scenic outdoor experience for golf enthusiasts. For tennis lovers, Clube de Tenis do Estoril, situated 9.7km away, provides vibrant sports vibes. Meanwhile, the Estoril Wellness Center, also 9.7km distant, focuses on relaxation and rejuvenation.

Adventure

For thrill-seekers, the Estoril Racetrack offers exciting motor racing experiences, located 4.8km from Quinta da Regaleira. For family-friendly adventure, the Telecabine Lisbon Cable Car, 19.7km away, provides stunning views. The Adventure Park, 14.5km away, features exhilarating zip lines and ropes courses amidst the outdoors.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Quinta da Regaleira by visiting Estoril Casino for a romantic evening filled with city vibes. For family-friendly entertainment, head to Calouste Gulbekian Planetarium, or enjoy some fun at Bowling Playcenter, both just a short drive away.

Find the best attractions near Quinta da Regaleira

Quinta da Regaleira in Sintra offers a unique blend of culture and outdoor experiences, featuring a historic palace and tower along with nearby beaches. Explore the renowned interior of the Regaleira Palace, perfect for a Sintra getaway. With its captivating architecture and lush gardens, it's a must-visit for those seeking a rich cultural encounter while enjoying the scenic landscape of the Lisbon District.

  • Pena Palace: Nestled 1.1km from Quinta da Regaleira, this vibrant, Romanticist castle enchants visitors with its colourful turrets and breathtaking views. Its lush gardens and rich history provide a unique cultural experience, transporting you to a fairytale setting.
  • Guincho Beach: Located 9.7km away, Guincho Beach boasts stunning waves and golden sands, perfect for sunbathing, surfing, or simply taking in the scenic beauty. The beach vibes here create a relaxed atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for unwinding by the ocean.
  • Belém Tower: Situated 19.3km from Quinta da Regaleira, this iconic fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its intricate architecture and historical significance offer a captivating glimpse into Portugal's maritime past, enriching your cultural journey.

Best time to go to Quinta da Regaleira

Visitor numbers around Quinta da Regaleira is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Quinta da Regaleira can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Quinta da Regaleira falls in August, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Quinta da Regaleira falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January54.0°F (12.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February54.5°F (12.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
March57.0°F (13.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April59.9°F (15.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May64.8°F (18.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June68.2°F (20.1°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
July71.1°F (21.7°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighAverage
August72.0°F (22.2°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighAverage
September70.3°F (21.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
October66.9°F (19.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November59.9°F (15.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
December55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Quinta da Regaleira

When visiting Quinta da Regaleira in Sintra, save money by exploring nearby free attractions like Guincho Beach and Adraga Beach. The best time to visit is between December and February for lower accommodation rates. Book your hotel about a month in advance or check Expedia for last-minute deals. Tuesdays are generally cheaper for stays, while Fridays tend to be pricier. Consider booking a package that includes flights and activities for added savings. Don't forget to use promo code tripbest8 for great rates!

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Quinta da Regaleira are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to June and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Quinta da Regaleira is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Quinta da Regaleira is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Quinta da Regaleira is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. For the best prices and deals, make sure to sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by booking an Expedia package that combines your hotel stay at Quinta da Regaleira with your flights and activities.