Sintra - How to avoid steep uphill walking
 

What method do you recommend for reaching Pena Palace with the least uphill walking?
I have read trip reports about the steep climb , and would like to know the best way to avoid it. My husband and I are older, and want to save our feet and knees for touring the palace itself. If we take the hop on-hop off bus, does it take us to the top? or is there still a steep walk up to the palace after we get off the bus? Can we get a taxi in town that will take us up higher? Are there tours, or private guides, who can take us closer to the top?

The hop on hop off bus will take you right to the Pena Palace. However, there are a lot of steps inside the actual palace. The steps are manageable and spacious. You can arrange for a private guide at the hotel you are staying in. We did not use one and we think we still got to appreciate the palace just as much because there were adequate explanations of the history of the palace and its residents throughout.

And don't miss the historic National Palace in the center of Sintra.

Thanks! We can manage inside steps but not if already worn out from climbing a hill to get to the palace.! Does the bus drop you off closer to the palace than a taxi would? I read that private cars drop you off some distance away, and then you can take a minibus the rest of the way. Is that right?

We got on a bus in the town center and it took us up and later down the hill. Easy.

big bus leaves from the TI in the center of Sintra across from the National Palace, delivers you uphill close to the Pena Palace where a mini-bus is waiting to take you up to the entrance. Easy. The "Disney-esque" Palace offers some great views of the ocean...and an inteesting interior. Decent terrace restaurants and ywo within the palace.

If you're seeking lodgings in Sintra, I can highly recommend the in-town Tivoli, also across from the National Palace which is worth a look-see if only for the tile work. The pointed chimneys are referred to as "Madonna's Breasts"..who says the Portguese are prudes!

The <b>Tivoli</b> is a fine property, balcony rooms offer a view of the Morro ruins above and the valley below...on a clear day, the ocean comes into view if I recall. The rates are very fair and there is a secure internal parking garage and elevator. A full service hotel with excellent dining choices including breakfast and large, airy rooms.

I'll post some pics of the hotel and the Pena and National Palaces, below. Enjoy friendly Portugal!

https://picasaweb.google.com/stuarttower/Portugal

Nancy the Nice (love that name):
If you wish, Scroll down to the Sintra section toward the end, for all the pics on the vicinity (Palaces and hotel Tivoli).

We took a Mercedes taxi to Pena Palace and back.

I couldn't imagine taking that crowded bus.

When we were waiting for our taxi to whisk us down to Sintra after touring Pena Palace we noticed at least 70 people (some with baby strollers) waiting for the bus!

Can you imagine?

Thin

Thin

Thin - Where did you reserve your private taxi from? From Lisbon? or once you got down to Sintra by train? And how much does it cost?

There is a taxi queue near the Palacio Nacional in Sintra.

You can hire a taxi here. The driver will ask you if you want him to wait outside Pena Palace for a return trip.

I can't remember the cost, but it was expensive.

You can always try to flag down a taxi outside Pena Palace, but it will be difficult if crowded.

Thin