Getting to the Seteais Palace Grounds

Learn more at Visit Sintra.

To plan your trip, review Câmara Municipal de Sintra.

The palace sits on the road leading out of the old town. It is very close to the famous Quinta da Regaleira gate. If you have a bus pass, take the 435 line.

If you prefer exercise, walk from the main town office. The uphill walk takes about fifteen to twenty minutes. Consult an old town walking itinerary for the best scenic route.

How to Visit Seteais Palace Gardens

Accessing the gardens is relatively simple if you know the entry points. The main entrance is marked by a massive stone neoclassical arch. You do not typically need a ticket for the outdoor areas.

Follow the signs that lead along the main paved road. Many people use the walk from Sintra station to get here. Be mindful that the interior palace is a luxury hotel.

Once inside the arch, you will see wide grass lawns. The atmosphere here is much calmer than at Pena Palace. Respect the quiet nature of this historic and working property.

Take time to view the lemon orchards on the side. They provide a classic scent to the entire garden area. The garden layout follows a formal and very elegant design.

1. Step 1: Arrive at the Sintra historical center
   • Time: 10 minutes
   • Cost: Free
   • Where: News museum area
   • Mistake: Staying at the station
   • Tip: Grab a local map
2. Step 2: Walk toward the Regaleira palace entrance
   • Time: 15 minutes
   • Cost: Free
   • Where: Rua Barbosa du Bocage
   • Mistake: Turning toward the moorish
   • Tip: Stay on the pavement
3. Step 3: Reach the white stone Seteais arch
   • Time: 5 minutes
   • Cost: Free
   • Where: Palace entrance road
   • Mistake: Missing the photo spot
   • Tip: Look through the arch
4. Step 4: Walk through to the back lawns
   • Time: 10 minutes
   • Cost: Free
   • Where: Behind the main arch
   • Mistake: Entering the hotel lobby
   • Tip: Use the gravel paths
5. Step 5: Locate the garden terrace viewpoint
   • Time: 5 minutes
   • Cost: Free
   • Where: Far edge of garden
   • Mistake: Skipping the valley view
   • Tip: Find the Pena view
6. Step 6: Exit via the side orchard gate
   • Time: 5 minutes
   • Cost: Free
   • Where: Near the lemon trees
   • Mistake: Going back same way
   • Tip: Smell the citrus blossoms

What Focus to Have While Exploring

The gardens are part of the free walking trails in Sintra system. Your main focus should be the viewpoint through the arch. It perfectly frames the valley and the Atlantic Ocean.

Turn around to see the Pena Palace on the hill. This is one of the best angles for palace photography. The contrast between the white Seteais and yellow Pena is striking.

Look for the hidden stone benches along the perimeter. These spots offer a quiet place to sit and reflect. The gardens are rarely crowded during the late afternoon hours.

Visitor Etiquette and Luxury Dining

The Tivoli Palácio de Seteais operates as a high-end hotel. Visitors should keep their voices low near the main building. Only guests may enter the private rooms and lobby areas.

You can book an afternoon tea to see the interior. This is a great way to experience the lavish decor. Check the easy walks in Sintra for nearby lunch spots.

Dress appropriately if you plan to enter the restaurant. Smart casual attire is usually expected for non-hotel guests. Ask the concierge before taking photos inside the palace halls.

Essential Preparation and Problem Solving

Preparation is the key to a stress-free garden visit. The weather in Sintra can change very quickly in 2026. Always carry a light jacket even on sunny morning walks.

Many visitors get lost trying to find the garden path. The entrance is much further than the main tourist square. Use a map to stay on the correct road westward.

If the main gate is closed, look for signs. Private events occasionally restrict access to the inner lawns. You can always see the arch from the street side.

• What to Prepare for Your Visit
  • Comfortable walking shoes are required.
  • Water bottle for the uphill walk.
  • Camera with a wide-angle lens.
  • Light sweater for ocean breezes.
  • Sunscreen for the open lawns.
  • Small amount of local currency.
  • Fully charged mobile phone battery.
  • Offline map of the Sintra area.
• Common Visit Issues to Avoid
  • Arriving during a private wedding.
  • Walking in the hotel lobby area.
  • Forgetting to check bus times.
  • Missing the back garden view.
  • Wearing high heels on gravel.
  • Touching the historical statues.
  • Losing the path during fog.
  • Parking a car on narrow hills.