sgsg

I have a dilemma on visiting Sintra during our up coming trip to Portugal at the end of June. We plan to drive from Lisbon to Sintra (on a day trip) either on a Sunday or Monday (these are the only days we have in our tight schedule). The dilemma is as follows:

If we drive to Sintra on Sunday, we were told that traffic is terrible, and there were big crowd at the Sintra Palace and Pena Palace. If we drive on Monday, the traffic will be much better, but the Pena Palace would be closed.

My question is: is it worthwhile to brave the traffic and the crowd to visit Sintra on a Sunday just to be able to visit Pena Palace (in addition to Sintra Palace) which would otherwise be closed on Monday?

Any insights in this matter would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

sgsg

namaka

One of the last places I remember before leaving Portugal 30 years ago was visiting Pena Palace. I still even have my entrance ticket. I would brave the crowds on a Sunday instead of bypassing the crowds and missing it, but that's just this one girls opinion.

susieq22

I spent the summer near Sintra in 1986 and visited the Pena Palace and it was worth the visit. Have you considered taking the train to Sintra and then walking & using a taxi. Sintra is fairly small and a taxi should not be too costly. I did a search on Portugal trains, www.cp.pt is the site and it can be translated into English by clicking on the British flag at the top of the screen. The tickets are cheap, but it looks like you can not search to far in advance.

By taking the train, you don't have to fight the traffic and you can rest while you see the countryside.

Have a great time!

sgsg

Thanks very much, namaka & susieg22. Will certainly adjust our achedule to include the Pena Palace.

sgsg