Best Queluz National Palace Day Trips & Things to Do

This pink Royal Palace is another of the magnificent castles in the Sintra region. Originally it was built as a manor but converted into a palace in the 18th century. Queen Maria I used it as a retreat after her son died of smallpox in 1788, causing her to go mad with grief. Today the palace is Portugal’s finest example of Rococo architecture and provides a lovely setting for classical music concerts in summer. If you want to grab a bite to eat, visit the palace’s kitchen, which has now been converted into a restaurant.