Audio Guide of Quinta das Lágrimas

The gardens are usually open to the public from Tuesday to Sunday, generally from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and closed on Mondays. Access is via the hotel's side entrance, where you will find a dedicated ticket office for visitors who are not staying at the Quinta.

The ticket price for visiting only the historic gardens is around €2.50 per person, although guests of the Hotel Quinta das Lágrimas have free and unlimited access. Reduced rates are available for children and seniors, making it a very affordable visit.

To fully enjoy the romantic atmosphere, walk through the woodland, and pause at the legendary fountains, we recommend setting aside between 45 minutes and one hour. It is the perfect amount of time to stroll at an unhurried pace and take in the history of the place.

This is the setting of the tragic love story between Prince Pedro and Inês de Castro; legend says that the "Fountain of Tears" was born from Inês's weeping when she was murdered here. The reddish algae visible in the water are said to represent the blood spilled in this Portuguese historical drama.

Spring is spectacular for seeing the botanical garden in full bloom, although autumn gives it a melancholy atmosphere that suits the legend perfectly. To avoid tour groups and take better photos, try to go early in the morning on a weekday.

The terrain is mostly flat, but there are gravel and dirt paths that can make it difficult to use standard wheelchairs without assistance. Much of the site can be visited, but it is recommended to go with someone who can help navigate the more uneven areas.

You are in a strategic location: right next door is the famous theme park Portugal dos Pequenitos, and very close by is the impressive Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha. You can comfortably visit all three places in the same morning or afternoon.

Wear comfortable shoes, as you will be walking along nature trails, and make sure you know the story before entering or use an audio guide. The beauty of the place grows immensely when you understand the meaning of the "Fountain of Love" and the canal of love that connects to it.