Tickets Sintra
Explore
About
Visit

Pena Palace Tickets & Tours

4.6(85,216)

Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction.

Pena Palace in Sintra, Portugal, with colorful towers and lush surroundings.
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌

From happy customers

Loved by 45 million+
Paul Gunn
AU

Paul

Australia
Oct 2025
5/5
‌
review-image
Ease of public transport from Lisbon to Sintra and return. Incredible nature of the construction of Pena Palace. Well signposted tourist attractions at Pena Palace.
Bailey Kew
CA

Bailey

Canada
Oct 2025
5/5
‌
review-image
‌
review-image
‌
review-image

+1 more

We did a tour of the inside of the palace and the grounds. It was absolutely stunning! If you want to see everything it could easily take 5-6 hours. Our highlights was the palace and the chalet. As we were walking back from the chalet we stumbled across a horse barn and learned we could have gone for a horseback ride around the property. If I had known I absolutely would have done it! Unfortunately we were out of time so we could do 2 palaces in one day. I recommend booking in advance!
Gary Darrah
CA

Gary

Canada
Oct 2025
4/5
‌
review-image
Our guide Carlos was great. He managed to deal with a few major issues really well. The first of which the tour bus was more than 90 minutes late stuck in rush our traffic. 10 people left but 18 of us stayed. The late departure disrupted the entire day's schedule for entering the two palaces but Carlos worked with company staff to maintain our preferred entry. He even treated us to free pastry. Most importantly his knowledge of the sites and local history was really thorough and his English is very good and easy to understand.
Dianne Robyn Mitchell

Dianne

Oct 2025
5/5
‌
review-image
‌
review-image
‌
review-image

+2 more

Everything went very smoothly. My recommendation would be to book the entry late in the afternoon.... the crowds go home around 5:30, so hardly anyone around.
María Naiara Rodríguez Jiménez
ES

María

Spain
Sep 2025
4/5
‌
review-image
It is worth visiting both palaces, if there is a but it is in the audio guide of the palace it is a pity, because when you walked through the castle there were audios that were not in the audio guide.
Maria Van Elderen
US

Maria

United States
Sep 2025
5/5
‌
review-image
‌
review-image
‌
review-image

+2 more

The excursion from Lisbon to Sintra and Cascais was the best day of our vacation in Portugal! Our tour guide Catarina Palma knows so much about the history of Portugal and she had great recommendations for restaurants in Sintra and Cascais. She was also funny and made our day extra special! Sintra and Cascais are both gorgeous. Not to be missed when you go to Lisbon.
Diana Zalozna
UA

Diana

Ukraine
Nov 2025
5/5
Tour was excellent, we have seen a lot Portuguese nature and sightseeings within one day. Recommend it if you don't have enough time to explore the country by yourself. Tour Gide was amazing, he told us a lot of history and facts.
Amalan Tharumagulasingam
CA

Amalan

Canada
Nov 2025
5/5
Tour guides were friendly, rich with information and the whole setup and the tour was seamless and smooth for my friends and I who wanted to learn more about the history of Portugal. We have recommended this tour to our other friends who are visiting Portugal next month!

TL;DR

A whimsical mix of colors, turrets, and towers perched high above Sintra, Pena Palace is Portugal’s most visited attraction and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With multiple ticket types and upgrades, knowing what to book can save time, money, and effort. Here’s a quick overview before you choose your tickets.

  • Ways to explore: Choose between standard timed entry, skip-the-line access, self-guided audio tour, or guided tours of Pena Palace and Park. 
  • Additional access: Upgrade your ticket to include the round-trip shuttle between the park entrance and palace gate. A smart choice if you’d rather skip the steep 30-minute uphill walk.
  • Unique experiences: Combine your visit with nearby landmarks like the Moorish Castle or Quinta da Regaleira for a full Sintra experience.
  • Queues and access: All tickets include timed entry, but standard tickets require waiting in line for ticket validation. Skip-the-line tickets let you bypass that queue and head straight to the entry point. However, all visitors must still clear a mandatory security check, which can take longer during peak hours.
  • When to book: Tickets sell out fast, especially on weekends and holidays. Reserve at least one to two weeks ahead for your preferred slot.
  • Good to know: Even if palace tickets are sold out, you can still access Pena Park and admire the palace from outside. 
  • Best upgrade: Go for the combo with the Lisbon Card + Pena Palace, it covers the palace, park, shuttle, plus 50+ Lisbon attractions and public transport for the best value.

​Know your ticket options

Which Pena Palace & Park tickets should you choose?

Pena Palace in Sintra, Portugal, with colorful architecture and tourists exploring.

Entry tickets

Duration: Timed entry, flexible duration

Why go for it?

  • You get to explore the Pena Palace & Park at your own pace. 
  • You can upgrade your tickets to include a multilingual audio guide in English, Spanish, French, or Italian.
  • You can even choose a shuttle service from the park’s entrance to the palace, eliminating a 30-minute uphill walk. 

Recommended tours:

  • Pena Palace & Park tickets
Tour group inside Pena Palace, Sintra, observing ornate ceiling details.

Guided tours

Duration: 1.5-2 hours

Why go for it?

  • You’ll meet your guide right at the park gate, they’ll help you breeze through entry without confusion.
  • Pena Palace is huge, and having an expert guide by your side makes exploring so much easier. Your English-speaking guide knows all the best spots, stories, and photo stops!

Recommended tours:

  • Pena Palace guided tour
Quinta da Regaleira and Pena Palace in Sintra, Portugal, showcasing unique architecture and lush gardens.

Combo tickets

Duration: Flexible duration

Why go for it?

  • Combine your Pena Palace & Park visit with another key Portuguese attraction like Moorish Castle or the Quinta da Regaleira.
  • Choose a combo with the Lisbon card that gets you a 48 or 72-hour pass with access to 51 attractions, public transportation in Lisbon, and round-trip transfers from the park entrance to the Pena Palace. 

Recommended tours:

  • Pena Palace & Park and Moorish Castle tickets
  • Pena Palace & Park and Quinta da Regaleira tickets
  • Pena Palace and Lisbon Card Combo
Tourists walking along the path near the lighthouse at Cabo da Roca, Portugal.

Day trips

Duration: 8 hours

Why go for it?

  • See it all in one day—from Sintra’s fairytale palaces to Cabo da Roca’s dramatic cliffs and the seaside charm of Cascais, every detail is planned for you.
  • Forget the logistics! Enjoy smooth transfers, skip the planning stress, and explore with a friendly expert guide in your chosen language, English, Portuguese, Spanish, French, German, or Italian.

Recommended tours:

  • Day trip to Lisbon, Pena Palace, Cabo da Roca, and Cascais
  • Day trip to Sintra, Pena Palace, Cabo da Roca, Cascais and Quinta de Regaleira
  • Day trip to Sintra, Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira

What to expect at Pena Palace

Pena Palace in Sintra, Portugal, with colorful towers and lush surrounding park.
Aerial view of the colorful National Palace of Pena surrounded by lush greenery in Sintra, Portugal.
Pena Palace's colorful towers and intricate architecture in Sintra, Lisbon, Portugal.
Luxurious interior of Quinta da Regaleira with ornate chandeliers and red leather seating, Sintra, Portugal.
Pond and small tower in the gardens of Pena Palace, Sintra, Portugal.
Moorish Castle ruins with steps and flags, Pena Palace in background, Sintra, Portugal.
1/6

Begin your visit inside Pena Park

Your ticket is first validated at the park entrance. From here, you can either wander through the forested gardens or head straight uphill toward the palace, then return later to explore the park’s trails, lakes, and viewpoints at leisure.

Walk or ride up to the hilltop palace

The path to Pena Palace climbs steadily for about 30 minutes through winding roads shaded by tall trees. To save time and energy, you can take the shuttle that runs between the park gate and the palace entrance.

Step into the palace’s royal interiors

Only tickets that include palace access grant entry inside. Explore the lavish royal apartments, the Manueline cloister, and the King’s private study, where every room reflects the eccentric vision of King Ferdinand II. Balconies and terraces reveal dazzling views over Sintra and the Atlantic coast.

Add depth with a guided or audio tour

Choose a guided tour for rich storytelling about King Ferdinand II’s vision and the palace’s construction, symbolism, and blend of architectural styles. Audio guides are a flexible alternative for exploring at your own pace.

Discover hidden gems inside Pena Park

Beyond the palace walls, follow quiet trails to find the Chalet of the Countess of Edla, the romantic retreat built by Ferdinand II for his second wife. The park’s ponds, exotic plants, and lookout points make it a destination worth lingering in.

Complete your Sintra experience

End your visit with nearby sites like the Moorish Castle or Quinta da Regaleira, both easily reachable, to uncover more of Sintra’s royal history and fairytale scenery.

Things to know before you go

  • Timed entry guarantees access to the palace: All tickets include a reserved entry time for the palace. This ensures you get in at your chosen hour, even during peak seasons.
  • Skip-the-line access saves hours: Regular queues can stretch across the park entrance and palace gates. Skip-the-line tickets let you bypass ticketing lines and head straight to security, saving up to an hour or more.
  • Audio guide vs. guided tour: Upgrade your experience with a multilingual digital audio guide to explore at your own pace, or choose a guided tour in English for expert-led storytelling and local insights into the palace’s architecture and royal past.
  • Shuttle service for easier access: The palace sits at the top of a steep hill inside Pena Park, around a 30-minute walk from the gate. Opt for tickets with a round-trip shuttle service for convenience and to save energy for exploring the interiors.
  • Palace tickets sold out? Visit the park instead: Even if palace tickets are unavailable, you can still enjoy the stunning Pena Park. Wander through its fairytale gardens, lakes, and sculptures, and admire the palace’s colorful exterior from scenic viewpoints.
  • Combine nearby attractions for a full day in Sintra: Pena Palace is just 2.2 km from the Moorish Castle and 2.8 km from Quinta da Regaleira. You can easily bundle these sites together with combo tickets or visit them on separate days. Many options also include self-guided audio tours for added insights.
  • Prefer a day trip from Lisbon? Skip transport planning and join a full-day guided tour from Lisbon. Most tours cover Pena Palace, Sintra, Cabo da Roca, and Cascais, with optional stops at Quinta da Regaleira. It’s a stress-free way to see multiple highlights in one go.
  • Save more with the Lisbon Card: The Lisbon Card offers free entry or discounts to 50+ attractions and unlimited public transport across the city, but it doesn’t cover Pena Palace. This combo fills that gap, combining the Lisbon Card with entry to Pena Palace and Park, along with a round-trip shuttle between the park entrance and the palace gate for added value and convenience.

Pena Palace map for easy navigation

Pena Palace map showing routes to Cruz Alta, Chalet of Countess of Edla, and Pena Farm.

#

Explore Pena Palace

Stone bridge over stream in lush greenery at Park of Pena National Palace, Sintra.

Pena Park

Begin your visit in this vast forested park surrounding the palace. Wander through hidden trails, serene lakes, and exotic plants collected from around the world,  a peaceful prelude to the grandeur above.

Access: Only with Pena Park entry tickets

Table with books and lamp in a decorated room, Pena Palace, Portugal.

Pena Palace Interiors

Step inside King Ferdinand II’s Romantic masterpiece. Discover royal bedrooms, a chapel, ornate dining rooms, and azulejo-covered corridors that showcase 19th-century opulence and charm.

Access: Only with Pena Palace entry tickets

Queen's terrace at Pena Palace with red and yellow walls, overlooking scenic views.

Terraces and viewpoints

Marvel at the colorful domes, watchtowers, and stone battlements up close. From the Queen’s Terrace, take in panoramic views over Sintra’s forests and the distant Atlantic.

Access: Only with Pena Palace entry tickets

Chalet of the Countess of Edla surrounded by trees, Pena Palace, Sintra.

Chalet of the Countess of Edla

Hidden deep in Pena Park, this Alpine-inspired retreat was built by King Ferdinand II for his second wife, Elise Hensler. Its cork-framed windows and romantic design echo their love story.

Access: Only with Pena Palace entry tickets

Swan on a serene lake surrounded by lush greenery in Pena Palace Park, Sintra.

Valley of the Lakes

At the park’s lower level, stroll past mirror-like ponds dotted with ducks and swans. The picturesque setting is a tranquil spot often missed by hurried visitors.

Access: Only with Pena Palace entry tickets

Stone cross at Cruz Alta viewpoint near Pena Palace, overlooking Sintra landscape.

High Cross (Cruz Alta)

Hike or ride to the park’s highest point for the best view of Pena Palace’s colorful silhouette against the Sintra hills. It’s a picture-perfect finale to your visit!

Access: Only with Pena Park entry tickets

What to look out for at Pena Palace

Triton sculpture at Pena Palace, Sintra, Portugal.
Queen's terrace at Pena Palace with red and yellow walls, overlooking scenic views.
Manueline cloister with tiled walls and arches at Pena Palace, Sintra.
Stained glass window inside Pena Palace, Sintra, Portugal.
Ornate sitting room in Pena Palace with carved wooden furniture and blue upholstery.
Dining room with ornate chairs and table set in Pena Palace, Sintra.
Pena Palace in Sintra with tourists exploring the colorful architecture.
Pathway through lush forest near Pena Palace, Sintra, Portugal, part of Combo: Quinta da Regaleira + Pena Palace Tickets.
1/8

Triton Archway

Location: Palace façade, between the cloister and terrace

A mythic guardian— half-man— half-fish bursts from coral and vines, symbolizing harmony between land and sea. Its sculpted detail, catching both shadow and sunlight, sets the tone for the palace’s fantasy-like design.

Queen’s Terrace

Location: South-facing terrace

From this sweeping balcony, the Sintra hills roll toward the Atlantic. Turrets glow in red and ochre, the Moorish Castle crowns a nearby peak, and mist drifts through the forest, a quintessential Pena view.

Manueline Cloister

Location: Central courtyard

Step into calm symmetry surrounded by Gothic arches and azulejo tiles. Once part of a 16th-century monastery, this cloister blends Portuguese faith, artistry, and the quiet echo of monastic life.

Chapel

Location: Palace interior

Inside the former monastery’s chapel, shafts of colored light spill through stained glass, illuminating gilded carvings and a marble altar. A moment of silence in a palace alive with color and sound.

Arab Room

Location: Upper palace

Walls shimmer with hand-painted arabesques, and every curve recalls Moorish design. The dim, golden light and geometric patterns create a hushed, dreamlike space inspired by Granada’s Alhambra.

Dining Room

Location: Palace interior

Laid as if awaiting royal guests, the table gleams with silver, crystal, and porcelain. Intricate ceiling moldings and velvet drapery recreate the quiet elegance of 19th-century courtly life.

Triton Balcony

Location: Western façade

Sea motifs twist around this stone balcony, where you can gaze across forest canopies to the distant coast. It’s one of the most photogenic corners of Pena, a mix of sculpture and sky.

Hidden Paths of Pena Park

Location: Winding through the park’s forested slopes

Wander through fern-filled trails and shaded clearings designed for royal solitude. Each turn reveals new angles of the palace—sometimes just a flash of red or yellow through the mist.

Plan your visit to Pena Palace

Pena Palace in Sintra with colorful towers and a winding path lined with greenery.

Pena Palace welcomes visitors daily, with the following timings:

  • Pena Palace: 9:30am to 6:30pm
  • Pena Palace Gardens: 9am to 7pm
  • Last entry: 5:30pm
  • Closed: January 1st and December 25th
  • Best time to visit: Spring (April to June) is ideal for your visit, with mild weather and gardens in full bloom.
Detailed Pena Palace hours

Address: Estrada da Pena, 2710-609 Sintra, Portugal | Find on Google Maps

  • Getting to Pena Palace from Sintra: The palace is about 2 km from Sintra Railway Station, but the steep terrain makes walking a challenge. Save your energy by taking the bus nº 434 (€4.55) or opting for a fun tuk-tuk ride (~€10 per person, negotiable). Taxis are also an option, costing approximately €8 for a 12-minute ride.
  • Driving to Pena Palace from Lisbon: The fastest route is a 40-minute drive via the A37, but the scenic N6 coastal road offers breathtaking views (and maybe even dolphins!). Remember that vehicles aren’t allowed inside the park complex, and parking near the entrance is limited. Arrive early to secure a spot, but note there’s a 30-minute uphill walk to the palace.
Getting to Pena Palace
Children washing hands in a public washroom sink.
  • Parking: Two options are available. One is at the bottom of the park (a 30-minute uphill walk to the palace), and the second is next to the entrance, offering easier access.
  • Dining: On-site restaurants and cafes serve meals, snacks, and beverages.
  • Restrooms: Conveniently located throughout the complex.
  • Wi-Fi: Available in designated areas.
Pena Palace parking
Girl in a wheelchair holding a smartphone on a city sidewalk.
  • Disabled parking: The Pena Palace has two parking spaces for visitors with disabilities. These are located at the park’s main entrance.
  • Wheelchairs: You can also get manual wheelchairs with prior reservation at all the park’s entrances. 
  • Shuttle transfers: The shuttle between the park’s entrance and the Pena Palace can accommodate a wheelchair. Visitors with disabilities also receive a discount on the shuttle service. 
  • Restrooms: The palace also has accessible restrooms and an elevator that connects all the floors.
  • Nau Palatina: This restaurant serves Mediterranean and Portuguese cuisine. Some of the favorites are the chard stew with chickpeas and spiced lentils with rice.
  • Fatto da Claudio Coelho: This restaurant offers Italian, Mediterranean, European, pizza, and international dishes. ​The Alla Burrata Pizza and Caprese di Burrata are long-time favorites. 
  • Tira-Tapas: Tira-Tapas specializes in European, Portuguese, Mediterranean, and healthy cuisine. ​Their vegetarian tapas are a must-try.
  • Bacalhau na Vila: This restaurant offers healthy, Portuguese, international, and contemporary dishes. The traditional codfish dishes are a key highlight on the menu. 

Note: All these restaurants are located within 1km of the Pena Palace.

About Pena Palace

Beyond Pena Palace

National Palace of Sintra with unique chimneys, part of Lisbon full-day tour.

National Palace of Sintra

  • Distance from Pena Palace: Approximately 2 kilometers.
  • Travel time: About 10 minutes by car or a 20-minute walk.

Nestled in the heart of Sintra, the National Palace is Portugal's oldest royal residence, showcasing a captivating blend of architectural styles. It's a must-visit for those interested in the nation's rich history.

Visit the National Palace of Sintra
Quinta da Regaleira palace with ornate facade and lush gardens in Sintra, Portugal.

Quinta da Regaleira

  • Distance from Pena Palace: Approximately 2.7 kilometers.
  • Travel time: Roughly 6 minutes by taxi, 33 minutes by bus, or a 32-minute walk.

Famed for its romantic architecture, elaborate gardens, and symbolic structures, such as the enigmatic Initiation Well, Quinta da Regaleira offers visitors a mystical experience.

Visit Quinta da Regaleira
Jernimos Monastery front view with gardens in Lisbon, Portugal.

Jerónimos Monastery

  • Distance from Pena Palace: Approximately 30 kilometers.
  • Travel time: Around 1 hour and 34 minutes by public transport, including transfers.

Located in Lisbon, the Jerónimos Monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its stunning Manueline architecture. It houses the tombs of notable figures such as Vasco da Gama and Luís de Camões.

Visit Jerónimos Monastery

Tips for visiting Pena Palace

  • Arrive early and plan ahead: Morning (before 10 AM) or late afternoon (after 3 PM) slots are less crowded and have better light for photos. Always arrive at least 20 minutes before your time slot.
  • Check your ticket type carefully: Entry times apply either to Pena Park or the Pena Palace. It takes 25–30 minutes of uphill walking (or a short paid shuttle ride) from the park gate to the palace entrance. So, plan accordingly.
  • If booking combo tickets (with Quinta da Regaleira or Moorish Castle), allow enough time. Exploring Pena Park and Palace comfortably takes 2–3 hours, not counting transfers between sites.
  • Wear sturdy shoes and bring layers. Sintra’s steep paths, slippery stones, and misty weather can surprise even seasoned travelers.
  • Download tickets and audio guides in advance, as the mobile signal is often weak within the park.
  • Photography is permitted, but no flash, tripods, or drones are allowed anywhere on the premises.

Frequently asked questions about Pena Palace tickets

What is the best way to book Pena Palace tickets?

You should ideally book your Pena Palace tickets online a few days before your visit, especially during the peak season. Ticket availability on the day of your visit will be subject to availability.

Are there guided tours available to the Pena Palace?

Yes, you can book a guided tour of the Pena Palace. This gets you the benefit of having a local expert help you navigate the palace and its gardens while offering nuanced insights into its history and architecture.

Can you book combo tickets with the Pena Palace?

You have three combo ticket options to choose from - one with the Moorish Castle, another with the Quinta da Regaleira, and the third that gets you the Lisbon Card. This card gets you a 48 or 72-hour pass to 51 attractions across Lisbon and free access to the city’s public transport, besides entry to some of its most notable landmarks.

Is Pena Palace accessible for visitors with mobility challenges?

The palace's hilltop location and historic architecture present some accessibility challenges, including uneven surfaces and stairs. While efforts have been made to accommodate all visitors, those with mobility issues may find certain areas difficult to navigate. It's recommended that you contact the palace in advance to discuss specific accessibility needs.

Is there a shuttle service within the palace?

Yes, you can use the shuttle service to transport you from the park’s entrance to the palace. It runs every 15 minutes and is ideal if you’d prefer to avoid the 30-minute walk uphill. These shuttles also have space for a wheelchair if needed.

Can you explore the Pena Park without entering the Pena Palace?

Absolutely! The best way to do this is to buy yourself a Pena Park ticket. This lets you explore the lush 200 hectares of greenery that surround the vibrant palace.

What are the Pena Palace opening hours?

The Pena Palace is open every day from 9:30am to 6:30pm. The Pena Park remains open from 9:30am to 7pm. Keep in mind that the last entry is at 5:30pm.

What is the benefit of booking a day trip to the Pena Palace?

A day trip is ideal for those who want a day-long journey exploring some of Portugal’s best landmarks and urban centers, including the Pena Palace. The key highlight is that they include round-trip transfers in an AC coach, eliminating the need to navigate the public transport infrastructure.

Can you choose a day trip in a language of your choice?

Absolutely! All day trips to Pena Palace have four language options, based on which your guide will offer key insights into the different attractions covered. These include English, Spanish, Portuguese, and French.

Do the day trips also include transportation?

Yes, all the day trips offer round-trip transfers in an AC coach from a common meeting point in Lisbon, so you don’t have to worry about getting from one attraction to another yourself.