Car Hire in Portugal: Lisbon to the Palácio de Queluz
Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is a fantastic holiday destination and has something for everyone. You can explore the city’s museums and galleries, visit Lisbon Zoo, and see the world-famous Statue of Christ the King and the Monument of Discoveries.
You can shop for designer clothes in the Bairro Alto and for traditional goods in the Baixa Quarter, or have a fun family day out at the Parque das Nações, which includes an Oceanarium, an interactive science centre, the Vasco de Gama Tower and beautiful water gardens.
However, if you hire a car, you can really make the most out of your Lisbon holiday. Hiring a car will allow you to explore the area at your own pace and in comfort, and you won’t need to rely on public transport.
Car Hire Portugal
The Palácio de Queluz
One of the attractions that you can visit if you hire a car in Lisbon is the Palácio de Queluz. This palace was constructed during the 17th century and was used as a summer residence for Portugal’s royal family. It is still sometimes used for State occasions.
The building stands in the cobbled Largo do Palácio square, and is an excellent example of Rococo architectural style. Its pink exterior walls are striking, and it is set within extensive formal gardens, where you will find attractive fountains and statues.
Once you’ve parked, you can take a tour of the palace. Highlights include: the mirror-lined Throne Room, with its chandeliers and statues; the Ambassador’s Room, which was used to receive foreign dignitaries during the nineteenth century; and the Royal Bedroom, which features murals depicting scenes from “Don Quixote”.
The building which used to house the Royal Guard of the Court has now been converted into a hotel (the Pousada Dona Maria I), so you can spend a day or two here if you fancy a break from your hire car. The old kitchen is now a restaurant (the Cozinha Velha), which serves French-Portuguese style cuisine and is particularly well-known for its desserts. There is also a café in the palace.
If you visit the Palácio de Queluz on a Wednesday morning during May, June, July, September or October, you will be able to see a display of Portuguese horsemanship in the grounds, and the palace also stages events during the Sintra Music Festival, which is held during June and July each year.
Portugal Car Hire – Getting to the Palácio de Queluz
Once you’ve found your Car Hire Lisbon depot it’s easy to reach the Palácio de Queluz. Head out of Lisbon on the Auto-Estrada da Costa do Estoril and take exit 3 to merge onto the N117, heading for Sintra.
Use the ramp to merge onto the IC19 and follow this road for 2.3km. Take the exit signposted for Quelez and merge onto the N117. Turn right to get onto the R. Conde de Almeida Araújo, and then turn left to reach the Largo do Palacio de Queluz. The journey from Lisbon to the Palacio de Queluz will take you about 20 minutes in your hire car.
If you want to book a hire car for your Lisbon holiday, visit easyCar is a low-cost online car hire specialist, with hire car offices in more than 2,400 locations, including Lisbon
