The Moorish Castle dates back to the 10th century and offers a rare chance to explore a real fortress built during the Muslim occupation of the Iberian Peninsula. Its age and history give it an atmosphere unlike any other site in Sintra.
Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.
Pena Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a castle located on the Sintra Mountains in Portugal. It is known for its multicolored façade and 19th-century Portuguese architectural style. The Moorish Castle is an ancient fortress located next to Pena Palace, it showcases Moorish architecture and is known for its strategic position and formidable medieval wall. Learn all about how you can visit these two historically significant attractions with one ticket!
Heads up: Expect a short wait of about 15-20 minutes at security for both attractions.
Yes, both landmarks are located within the Sintra hills and can comfortably be visited on the same day. They're within walking distance of each other through scenic forest trails.
The Moorish Castle is just a 10–15 minute walk from Pena Palace through the park, with well-marked trails connecting the two
No, you can visit them in any order you prefer, as long as you follow the entry time slot assigned for Pena Palace.
Timed entry applies to Pena Palace only. You must enter at your designated time slot. Entry to the Moorish Castle is generally more flexible.
The Moorish Castle has limited accessibility due to its terrain and historic structure. Pena Palace has some accessible areas, though pathways may be uneven.
Parking near the sites is limited. It’s recommended to park in Sintra’s town center or use public transport. Private vehicles are not allowed up to the entrance.
Yes, it grants full access to Pena Palace, including its interior rooms, terraces, and expansive gardens. Some tickets may include only access to the park, so check carefully before booking.
On average, visitors spend 2–3 hours exploring the palace, its colorful facades, and the gardens. If you enjoy photography or detailed sightseeing, plan for 3+ hours.
I really enjoyed this visit Sintra palace is really as I imagined it would be it is currently being renovated inside and out the gardens are also a marvel for the eyes at the vagaries of the paths we discover the splendor of the place
Amazing, beautiful n surreal..a must visit if you are in Lisbon, beautiful picturesque architecture with gorgeous royal interiors...
The ticketing experience was clear and easy to use the app. The castles were fabulous. I think we sam the two most beautiful castles and it was enough for one day.
We have a good experience for visiting at Pena Palace & Quinta da Regaleira. Because we had good atmosphere at these places. Also We had many good view points around there. Espetially instagramers are suitable here.
The palace is absolutely beautiful. It is truly unique like nothing I have ever seen. They are working diligently at their restorations.
The castles were absolutely stunning! Remarkable architecture, craftsmanship, artistry. We came with two boys soccer teams ages 13 and 16 and to leave an impression on 30 boys is a tall order indeed! Would come again to explode more of the area
Pena palace was a treat. The structure is grande and rich in history. I would highly recommend taking a tuk tuk on the way up as we watched a lot of people hiking - I'm sure it's an hour all uphill to walk. Sintra below us also charming. Book tickets ahead. Even a few days in advance if possible to get a good time slot to enter as they allow 300 people every half hour.
Exploring Pena Palace felt like stepping into a vivid dream—its colors, towers, and hilltop views were pure magic. At Quinta da Regaleira, I wandered through secret tunnels and mystical gardens that whispered tales of mystery and imagination. Together, they offered a journey through fantasy, history, and wonder—a truly unforgettable experience.
Kids loved exploring! We had the best time! It was completely foggy when we arrived but it lifted before we left. We got great photos !
Pena Palace and gardens are one of my favorite places in Sintra. Having purchased our tickets through headout was a simple process and we especially enjoyed the skip the line feature. Highly recommended.
We enjoyed the park very much. It was interesting to explore the castle, see artifacts from the past, and hear stories around them.
All round amazing experience! I must admit I was sceptical about not buying tickets through the official palace website - but we had no issues what so ever! We were even 30mins late due to a public transport delay. They were very accommodating and it was no drama at all! I had read prior that the inside of the palace wasn't worth visiting but I completely disagree, we are on the final leg of our 6week Europe trip and have been inside many many castles, we agree that this was the best one so far! Both inside and out and we are glad we did both the park and the palace! 100% will be booking with headout again. Cannot recommend enough.
The palace and surrounding area were great. I was really impressed by the palace. The views are so amazing. I'm very happy that we bought the ticket for the team/bus from the park entrance to the palace. The incline of the hill to the palace is substantial. Also, you have 30 minutes from entry time on your ticket to get into the palace. So, if your ticket says 1pm... You must make it into the palace by 1:30. If you arrive at 1:10, go to the front of the line that is likely formed waiting to get in, because most of the people in that line are probably there for a 2pm entry. Just go to the front of the line and ask the ticket taker if you can go in. Don't wait in the line and miss your time slot. Also, we nearly got scammed, so do fall for this... There is a road that winds through Sintra, up the mountain, to the park. That road goes all the way to the park entrance and there is parking there. About 75% of the way up the road it comes to a T. There was a guy there telling people that private cars aren't allowed to go left (to the park) and they must go right. Don't go right! It's a scam. Going right routes you down a one way road away from the park and the scammers try to park you on the side of the road and con you into paying $20 a person to take a tuk tuk up to the park entrance. Don't fall for it.
So simple and easy to use. Would definitely recommend this tour for anyone. However, be aware must be in semi-shape as there is alot of walking and hills to climb.
Buying tickets online was so easy! And it's really helpful. Because it's an amazing place and many people want to visit this palace every day. I think this place is magical. It's a really good idea to visit Pena Palace and Park.
Amazing This castle looks like it came straight out of a fairytale – absolutely enchanting!” ✨🏰
Tickets worked smoothly online. The palace is very beautiful, but very tourist crowded. To get into the palace there are time slots and long lines.
Bought tickets to Pena Palace while in Lisbon and taxied to the town. Once there found that there were too many add ons once at the site. Ie; extra bus rides, other tour sites. There were many visitors there the day we went and found the interior tour boring due to length of time shuffling people through the two floors. Would skip that tour the next time. The old town visit part way down the hill after the castle was a highlight for us. Took the train back to what we thought as Lisbon but due to no visitor help at the station ended up on the wrong train.
Had no problems with the tickets. Something came up for our group so we got there later than planned and couldn't enter the actual palace. It was still a great experience just enjoying the terraces and taking lovely photos. We actually wished we'd paid for the park only as we didn't feel like we'd missed much, not entering the palace.
The castle is beautiful and very original, park a haven of peace very nice day without hitch.transport very well organized
An enjoyable day in the company of Paulo SILVA who is a very professional guide and ensures that everyone gets the most out of the tour. I gave 4 stars because the description of the visit to the castle gardens is ambiguous. In fact, the most beautiful gardens don't belong to Pena Palace, but to other castles not included in the tour.
Nice trip We hadskip the vie rocket, That was good Will organiced, the trip inside the castle Lita of nice rooms with good info plates, with just the Essentials Text. Aldo Nice suvenir shop and cafeteria and restaurant. The outside castle trip was ok, nice view. Good organized the route. Not to many people when we were there in the morning. Can see it could be more difficult if there were more people. A little confusion regatding the return transport, but we walked down to Sintra....
It was a wonderful visit to Pena Palace. The weather was perfect. The time we went was less crowded. We took advantage of the shuttle.
I was amazed by all of Sintra. The castles are wonderful but also the village itself is so beautiful and there are very nice places omnto eat.
The ticket process was easy. The palace was nice, but the walk up and the gardens are stunning 🤩 If you are fit enough I highly suggest taking the hike up in the morning.
Explore Sintra’s most famous palace with skip-the-line access, convenient shuttles, and audio guides.
Inclusions
Entry to Pena Park
Skip-the-line access to Pena Palace (as per option selected)
Audio guide in Portuguese, French, English, and Spanish (as per option selected)
Entry to the Chalet of the Countess of Edla (as per option selected)
Shuttle service between the main entrance of the Palace and the Park (as per option selected)
Giulio
María
Theresa