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Pena Palace | Visitor information at a glance
What are Pena Palace opening hours?
Pena Palace is open every day of the week from 9:30am to 6:30pm. The park is open from 9am to 7pm. The last entry for both is at 6pm.
Where is Pena Palace located?
Estrada da Pena, 2710-609 Sintra, Portugal. Find on Map.
How many entrances does Pena Palace have?
There are two entrances at Pena Palace. One is at the main gate, while the other is from the park.
How many number visitors does Pena Palace see per year?
More than 1.5 million visitors go to Pena Palace every year.
About Pena Palace
Book tickets to Pena Palace
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What's the best time to visit Pena Palace?
Weekdays vs. Weekends
- Weekdays: If your schedule allows, plan your visit on a weekday. These days are generally quieter, even during peak season. You’ll have more space and time to take in the palace’s interiors and the views.
- Weekends: Weekends, particularly in the summer, attract both tourists and locals. The palace can get quite crowded, making it harder to explore at your own pace or find peaceful spots for photos or rest.
Peak Season vs. Low Season
- Low Season (Late September to April): This is the ideal time for a peaceful visit. With fewer crowds, you can explore the palace and its surrounding parklands at a leisurely pace.
- Peak Season (May to August): While the gardens are at their most vibrant during the summer months, this is also when the palace sees the highest footfall. Expect longer lines, higher ticket prices, and limited availability—especially if you haven’t booked in advance.
Where is Pena Palace located?
Address: Estrada da Pena, 2710-609 Sintra, Portugal
Pena Palace is located approximately 30 kilometres northwest of Lisbon, Portugal. Its location offers beautiful views of the surrounding landscape and the Atlantic Ocean.
Getting to Pena Palace
By Train
- Closest station: Sintra Station
- Time taken: Approx 40 minutes
Take a train from Lisbon's Rossio Station to Sintra Station. Trains run frequently—approximately every 15–30 minutes—and the journey takes around 40 minutes. Once you arrive at Sintra Station, head outside and board the Scotturb tourist bus 434, which loops through the main attractions including the Moorish Castle and Pena Palace.
By Bus
- Closest station: Palácio da Pena
- Time taken: Approx 60 minutes
Alternatively, you can take a direct bus from Lisbon to Palácio da Pena, such as the Scotturb 35, which departs from Praça Marquês de Pombal. This option is slightly longer than the train (around 60 minutes) and less scenic. Once you arrive in Sintra town, transfer to bus 434, which is the most convenient link between Sintra's train/bus stations and Pena Palace.
By Car
- Travel Time: Approximately 45 minutes from Lisbon, depending on traffic.
Route from Lisbon:
From Lisbon, take the A37 (IC19) highway northwest toward Sintra. Stay on the A37, and take the exit toward N9/Sintra/Colares, merging onto IC19. Follow the signs directing you to Sintra town and then to Pena Palace. Once in Sintra, you'll navigate narrow, winding mountain roads, so drive cautiously.
Know before you go to Pena Palace
Facilities
Accessibility
Shop
Eat
Tips
- Dining: A restaurant and cafeteria inside the palace offer a selection of traditional Portuguese dishes, drinks, and light snacks-perfect for a midday break.
- Restrooms: Clean and conveniently located restrooms are available throughout the palace complex.
Pena Palace has two parking areas for visitors:
- Lower parking lot (base of the park): This lot typically has more available space, but it requires a 30-minute uphill walk through the park to reach the palace.
- Upper parking lot (near palace entrance): Located closer to the main gate, this smaller lot fills up quickly, especially during peak hours.
While efforts have been made to enhance accessibility, Pena Palace has some limitations due to its historic architecture:
- Wheelchair access: A limited number of manual wheelchairs are available for reservation through the palace shop. A motorized option is being tested.
- Accessible facilities: The site includes accessible toilets, elevators, and ramped areas in public spaces like restaurants and terraces.
- Interior limitations: Due to multiple staircases and uneven floors, the interior of the palace is not fully accessible for visitors with mobility impairments.
- Improved signage: Recent upgrades include clear, high-contrast signage with pictograms for easier navigation around the complex.
Palace Store: Step into the Palace Store, where you can discover a wide array of unique products and publications that celebrate Portuguese culture and heritage. From beautifully crafted souvenirs and jewelry to books and art inspired by the palace and Portugal’s rich history, the store offers something special for every visitor to take home.
Park Store: Located near the entrance to Pena Palace Park, the Park Store is a treasure trove of items inspired by the natural beauty and heritage of Parques de Sintra. Here, you’ll find practical outdoor gear such as walking sticks, hats, and water bottles, as well as detailed guides, maps, and suggested routes to help you explore the park’s stunning trails.
PizPalace Restaurant: Situated on the upper floor of the neo-Indian-styled Room of Arches. This charming restaurant offers breathtaking views of the palace and surrounding gardens. The menu features traditional Portuguese cuisine with options, including:
- Açorda à Alentejana (traditional Portuguese bread soup with garlic, coriander, olive oil, and eggs)
- Vegetarian Cataplana (a flavorful stew of seasonal vegetables cooked in a traditional copper pot)
- Salada de Grão-de-Bico (chickpea salad with tomatoes, onions, and fresh herbs)
Garden Cafeteria: For a more casual and relaxed dining experience, the Garden Cafeteria offers a peaceful terrace overlooking the beautifully manicured Garden of Queen Amelia. You can enjoy
- Fresh Caprese Salad with ripe tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil
- A variety of fresh fruit juices, herbal teas, and pastries
- The grounds of Pena Palace involve a lot of walking, including uphill paths, cobblestones, and stairs. Comfortable shoes are a must.
- The palace is stunning, but the surrounding Pena Park is equally enchanting. Allocate extra time to stroll through the gardens, lakes, and hidden viewpoints.
- Pena Palace sits atop a hill and is often misty or rainy. Carry a light jacket or umbrella, and check the forecast before your visit.
- Make the most of your trip to Sintra by combining your visit with Moorish Castle or Sintra National Palace. Combo tickets are available and can save you money.
- Grab a map at the entrance or download one beforehand to help navigate both the palace and the vast park grounds without missing key highlights.
See these other attractions
National Palace of Sintra
Step into the past at the National Palace of Sintra, a former royal residence renowned for its majestic architecture, intricate azulejo tilework, and richly decorated rooms that reflect centuries of Portuguese history.
Visit National Palace of SintraQuinta da Regaleira
Discover the magical world of Quinta da Regaleira, a romantic estate filled with hidden grottoes, mythological symbols, and the iconic Initiation Well, all set within beautifully landscaped gardens and winding pathways.
Visit Quinta da RegaleiraMoorish Castle (Castelo dos Mouros)
Perched high above Sintra, the Moorish Castle offers stunning panoramic views and a glimpse into Portugal’s early medieval past. Walk along ancient stone walls, explore historic battlements, and imagine the lives of the Moors who once defended this stronghold.
Visit Moorish Castle (Castelo dos Mouros)Frequently asked questions about visiting Pena Palace
How long does a visit to Pena Palace take?
Plan to spend 2 to 3 hours at the site—around 1 hour inside the palace and another 1–2 hours exploring the surrounding park and viewpoints.
Is Pena Palace accessible to people with mobility issues?
Accessibility is limited. While there are accessible paths in parts of the park and some facilities like lifts and adapted restrooms, the palace interior has many staircases that are not wheelchair-friendly.
Can I take photos inside the palace?
Yes, photography without flash is generally allowed inside the palace. However, tripods and professional equipment may require prior permission.
What is the best time to visit?
Early mornings (right after opening) or late afternoons are ideal to avoid large crowds. Weekdays are usually less busy than weekends.
Are there restaurants or cafes on-site?
Yes, there is a Palace Restaurant and a Garden Cafeteria, both offering refreshments and light meals. Vegetarian options are available.
Is there parking at Pena Palace?
Yes, but parking is very limited. One lot is located near the entrance (often full), and the other is at the base of the park, requiring a 30-minute uphill walk.
How do I get to Pena Palace from Lisbon?
Take a train from Lisbon’s Rossio Station to Sintra Station, then transfer to Bus 434, which goes directly to Pena Palace.