Portugal is a country full of history, culture, and along with this, stunning palaces. At Xtracars we want you to know each one of them, so we bring you an itinerary with 12 palaces spread across Portugal, so you can get to know one in each month of the year. Plan your visit by region and decide which one to start with.  Both in the North, then passing through Lisbon and Sintra, as well as in the Alentejo and the Algarve, there are unmissable palaces. Discover the country with our regional itineraries and Xtracars flexible car subscription. Shall we get started?

 

Famous for its connection to Mateus Rosé wine, this baroque palace is an eighteenth-century masterpiece. The building, surrounded by magnificent gardens and a mirrored lake, invites you to explore its exquisite interior, where you will find antique furniture, paintings, and an impressive library that holds books published in the sixteenth century. 

 

Tip: Stroll through the gardens and start for a visit to the region's vineyards, accompanied by a tasting of Douro wines. And to make the most of every moment, you can add the Additional Driver to your booking and pass the wheel whenever you want. 

 

Located in the heart of Porto, Palácio da Bolsa is a true neoclassical gem. Featured is the splendid Arab Hall, with walls and ceilings filled with golden arabesques. And the grandiose Patio of Nations, with the entire mosaic floor covered by a glass dome. A visit that transports you to when Porto was the center of international trade. 

 

Tip: After the visit, venture out on a walk along the Ribeira do Porto, one of the most important places when it comes to getting to know the historic center.

 

 

With its vibrant blue façade, Palácio do Raio stands out as one of Braga's most iconic buildings. Unlike the others, this eighteenth-century building offers a unique insight into the local history, currently the Interpretive Center of the Memories of Mercy.

 

Tip: Take the opportunity to visit other nearby monuments, and drive your all-inclusive car to the Cathedral of Braga and the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus.

 

Inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, the National Palace of Mafra is one of the greatest monuments in Portugal. This architectural ensemble includes a convent, a basilica, a garden, a tapada, and one of the most impressive libraries in the world.

 

Tip: Try to synchronize the visit with a carillon concert, composed of 92 bells that create an unforgettable melody.

The grandiose and magnificent palace where the heart of Sintra beats, was a royal residence for centuries. Keeper of memories and witness to exciting events in the history of Portugal, it is one of the best preserved in Portugal.

 

Tip: Explore the narrow streets of Sintra. It is worth parking to taste the delicious queijadas and travesseiros from the local pastry shops. Better, just a car subscription with a fixed monthly fee.

 

 

An icon of Portugal, the Pena Palace rises at the top of the mountain with its vibrant colors, the maximum exponent of romanticism in Portugal, and a mixture of architectural styles. This monument offers panoramic views that make glances lose their charm and a unique experience inside. 

 

Tip: Spend the rest of the day exploring Pena Park, a vast garden with plant species from all over the world.

 

Classified as a Property of Public Interest since 1978, the Palace of Monserrate is an excellent example of Portuguese romanticism. The lush gardens that surround it, with exotic species from the four corners of the world, offer an environment of pure tranquility.

 

Tip: Take a book and stroll through the gardens, take the opportunity to relax by the waterfall.

 

Known as the "Portuguese Versailles", this palace enchants with the grandeur and exuberance of its architectural details. Its luxurious interiors and decorated halls are an invitation to stay and also get to know the gardens where sumptuous parties were organized. 

 

Tip: End the day in an uncomplicated way, like the Xtracars car subscription, with dinner in one of the traditional restaurants of Queluz, and try the typical dishes.

 

The official residence of the President of the Republic, the Belém Palace is a milestone in the political history of Portugal. Overlooking the Tagus River, this palace stands out for its elegant architecture, with its checkered marble floor and ceilings decorated with paintings and reliefs, and for its proximity to the iconic Jerónimos Monastery.

 

Tip: Don't miss the famous pastéis de Belém at the neighboring pastry shop.

 

With a history dating back to the eighteenth century, the Palácio das Necessidades is a symbol of the monarchy and today houses the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Designed by an Italian architect, its understated exterior contrasts with its interior halls decorated with paintings and eye-catching chandeliers. 

 

Tip: Take the opportunity to explore the riverside area of Lisbon, with incredible views over the Tagus.

 

Former residence of the House of Bragança, this Renaissance palace is one of the greatest treasures of the Alentejo. Its interior houses a vast collection of art, tapestries, and furniture that tell the story of Portuguese royalty. 

 

Tip: Be sure to try the regional cheeses and wines in the nearby restaurants.

 

In the heart of the Algarve, the Estoi Palace surprises with its pink tones and the way its owner mirrored in the house all his aspirations and dreams. Currently converted into a luxury hotel, visitors can explore the outdoor spaces and decorative details that reflect the grandeur of Portuguese architecture.

 

Tip: End the day with a pleasant outdoor dinner and enjoy the mild climate of the Algarve.

 

 

 

Subscribing to a car at Xtracars is good for any time, but when you want to have more flexibility and zero maintenance costs, it's extraordinary. Walk through the palaces of Portugal calmly, with a subscription of 1 to 12 months. You have all the time in the world. To improve your experience, add the GPS add-on product to go straight to the palace, and more protection for children, with the seats we have available. Now yes, everything is ready.