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Pena Palace opening hours & timings

Today

Open 09:30–18:30

Last Admission

18:00

Best time to visit the National Palace of Pena

Weekday vs Weekend

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Pena Palace is open daily for visitors. There are fewer tourists around during weekdays than at weekends, making weekdays the best time to visit the palace and its gardens. Also, visit Pena Palace early in the morning or late afternoon due to fewer visitors. You can avoid tours arriving between 10am to 3pm.

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

Pleasant
Crowded
Very Crowded
Closed

Peak season vs low season

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July to August is the peak season in Sintra. Pena Palace is also busy during this time, with many tourists covering the palace along with National and Moors palaces between 10am and 4pm. The weather is fantastic and better than hot summers, where walking to the palace and exploring the gardens may feel like a torcher. However, prices are lower during the low season, making it the perfect time for budget-friendly trips

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Off Season
Moderate Season
Peak Season

How long to spend at Pena Palace

To fully enjoy everything Pena Palace has to offer, plan to spend about 2 to 3 hoursat the site. Here's a quick breakdown:

  • Palace Interiors (45–60 minutes): The richly decorated staterooms, royal chambers, and chapel take around an hour to explore. If you're using an audio guide, give yourself extra time to absorb the stories and historical details.
  • Terraces & Views (15–30 minutes): Don’t rush through the terraces—these are some of the most iconic photo spots in Sintra, offering panoramic views of the region and the Atlantic Ocean.
  • Pena Park (60–90 minutes): The surrounding forested park is vast and filled with hidden pavilions, lakes, and exotic plant life. If you want to visit the Chalet of the Countess of Edla, budget additional time.
  • Getting to the Palace (15–30 minutes): From the main entrance of the park, it's a steep uphill walk of about 30 minutes to the palace. If you're taking the shuttle, it's faster, but still plan for some wait time.

Tip: If you're combining your visit with the Moorish Castle or other Sintra attractions, aim for a half-day in this area, especially during peak tourist seasons.

​Pena Palace & Moorish Castle combo tickets

Nearby attractions and timings

Moorish Castle

Opens at 9:30am and closes at 6:30pm. Combine your visit to Pena Palace with a trip to this historic fortress for a full day of exploring Sintra's cultural heritage.

Moorish Castle timings

National Palace of Sintra

The National Palace of Sintra is open daily from 9:30am to 6:30pm, with the last entry at 6pm. It remains closed on December 25th and January 1st. For a smoother visit, early mornings or late afternoons are ideal to avoid crowds.

National Palace of Sintra timings

Quinta da Regaleira

Opens at 10am and closes at 6:30pm. Known for its mystical gardens and architectural marvels, this nearby attraction offers a fascinating complement to your visit to Pena Palace.

Quinta de Regaleira timings

Frequently asked questions about Pena Palace opening hours

To enjoy a more relaxed experience, consider visiting on weekdays, either early in the morning or late in the afternoon, as weekends tend to be busier.