I visited Regaleira during a second visit to Portugal, this time I went to see Sintra with my husband. We walked the entire state and explored every corner.
It is worth getting the audio guide but I don’t think the paid guide at around 50 euros is worth it as the audio is well detailed and the staff is able to give info in English. The map helps the visitors to get through as well, even though the day we visited there were no maps in English or Portuguese, so we had to use the one in French! Things sometimes do not work as they should in Portugal, not the most organised in what tourism is concerned, despite being one of the most beautiful countries in Europe. We experienced problems in the train from Lisbon to Sintra, in Lisbon itself and in Cascais, but part of travelling, right?
Regaleira is an amazing place and worth it paying to go in. Full of symbolism, tunnels, beautiful gardens and towers. Really great to all ages and families. There is a lot to walk, steps and tunnels, so might not be entirely ideal for really elderly people, even though they can still enjoy the gardens.
Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Make sure to arrive in Sintra early in the morning, as the city gets really busy. Do not bother with the tourist packages they try to sell at the station. Regaleira is from a walking distance of the station and you can get the bus pass to visit the other places as well. You need at least 3 hours to see Regaleira properly!
After Regaleira go to the Moorish fortress (get the bus) and then Palacio da Pena.
Get the tickets at the station and for Palacio da Pena get the tickets only for the gardens, I went inside in my first visit to Portugal with my parents and I don’t really think the money is worth it. The beauty of Palacio da Pena is its architecture, the outside. I only did the gardens with my husband this second and I had a better experience. Walk all around the the gardens and let the Palacio itself for the sunset time!