Perched high atop a hill in the Sintra Mountains, overlooking the picturesque town of Sintra, sits a palace that defies description – the Pena National Palace. With its vibrant colors, Romanticist architecture, and breathtaking views, it looks less like a historical building and more like something plucked straight from the pages of a fairytale.

If you’re planning a trip to Lisbon, a visit to Sintra and its crown jewel, Pena Palace, is an absolute must. But, navigating this popular site requires a little planning. Here’s your guide to touring Pena National Palace. The town itself is lovely, nestled in the hills with historic buildings and winding streets. But our ultimate destination, the iconic Pena Palace, sits high above it all.

Why Visit Pena Palace?

Beyond its sheer visual spectacle, Pena Palace offers a unique blend of history, art, and nature. Built by King Ferdinand II in the 19th century on the ruins of a monastery, the palace is a remarkable expression of Romanticism, incorporating Gothic, Moorish, and Manueline styles.

• The Colors: The bold reds, yellows, and purples painted on the palace walls are instantly recognizable and incredibly photogenic.
• Architectural Mash-up: Explore intricate carvings, mythical creatures, and eclectic details at every turn.
• Incredible Views: From its privileged position, the palace terraces offer panoramic vistas of the surrounding Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, the town below, and even the Atlantic Ocean on a clear day.
• The Park: The sprawling park surrounding the palace is just as enchanting, filled with winding paths, hidden fountains, exotic plants, and serene lakes.

Pena Palace is unlike anything we had ever seen. Perched dramatically on the hilltop, it’s a riot of vibrant colors – bright yellow, fiery red, deep blue – with fantastical turrets, domes, and battlements that look like they were dreamed up by a truly imaginative architect. It’s a romanticist masterpiece, blending styles from Gothic to Moorish to Manueline. It absolutely lives up to its reputation as a “Fairytale Castle.”

Planning Your Visit: Getting Tickets

Pena Palace is one of Portugal’s most visited attractions, so going in with a plan is essential to make the most of your time and avoid disappointment.

• Buy Online, Ahead of Time: This is arguably the most important tip. Purchase your tickets on the official Parques de Sintra website before your visit. You can choose timed entry slots for the palace interior, which helps manage crowds.
• Ticket Types:
  • Palace and Park access: Includes entry to the palace interior and the surrounding park. This is the full experience most visitors want.
  • Park access only: Allows you to explore the park grounds, terraces, and exterior viewpoints of the palace, but not go inside the rooms. This is a good option if you’re short on time or budget but still want the incredible views and photos.
• Entry Times: Be mindful of your chosen entry time slot for the palace interior. You usually have a specific window (e.g., 30 minutes) to enter the palace building itself, though you can enter the grounds/park earlier.

Our tour operator had wisely booked our tickets online ahead of time. We saw the line for tickets at the gate, and we were so glad we didn’t have to wait! Heading inside the palace grounds, we were immediately drawn to the terraces and balconies that wrap around the building.

Getting up to the palace is part of the adventure! We saw people walking, and trust us, it’s a serious climb. There are several options for getting up to the palace:

• Bus: This tourist bus loop runs from the bottom of the mountain to Pena Palace. It’s convenient but can get very crowded during peak season.
• Ride-Sharing/Taxi: This can be a quicker option, but confirm the price beforehand. Traffic around the palace can be heavy.
• Tuk-Tuk: A fun, albeit pricier, option for getting up the hill.
• Walking: Only recommended if you are very fit and enjoy strenuous uphill hikes. It takes a good hour or more.

We saved our energy for exploring and hopped on one of the local buses that ferry visitors up the steep, narrow road. Whatever you choose, plan your transportation because it’s quite the ascent.

Exploring the Palace and Park

Allocate ample time for your visit – at least 2-3 hours, and easily half a day if you want to explore the park more extensively.

• The Palace Terraces & Exterior: Inside the palace grounds, start by walking around the colorful exterior. You are immediately drawn to the terraces and balconies that wrap around the building. The “Arcos Novos” (New Arches) and the Triton terrace offer stunning viewpoints and iconic photo spots.
  • We could see the town of Sintra below, the ancient walls of the Moorish Castle snaking across the opposite hill, and on a clear day, even the Atlantic Ocean glinting in the distance.
  • We spent a lot of time just taking in the panorama and trying to capture the palace’s vibrant exterior from every angle.
  • The architectural details are fascinating – strange creatures, intricate carvings, and unique tile work.
• The Palace Interior: The inside is preserved largely as the Portuguese royal family left it after the monarchy was abolished in 1910. Tour the King’s and Queen’s chambers, the dining hall, the chapel, the kitchens, and the grand hall. While not as flamboyant as the exterior, the interior offers a glimpse into the lives of the royals and the decorative styles of the period. Be prepared for potential queues inside, especially during peak times.
  • While the exterior is pure fantasy, the interior was the actual summer residence of the Portuguese royal family in the 19th century. The rooms are furnished and decorated much as they would have been, offering a glimpse into the daily lives of the monarchy.
• The Park (Parque da Pena): Don’t skip the park! It’s a Romantic landscape designed to complement the palace. Wander through lush forests, discover hidden lakes (like the Valley of the Lakes), find viewpoints like the Cruz Alta (High Cross) – the highest point in the park with unparalleled views – or simply get lost on the shaded walking paths.

Timing is Everything: Beating the Crowds

Pena Palace is incredibly popular, leading to significant crowds, especially during the summer months (June-August), weekends, and public holidays.

• Early Morning: Arrive right when the park opens (usually 9 or 9:30 AM) or book the first entry slot for the palace. This is your best chance for fewer people and better photos.
• Late Afternoon: Visiting in the last few hours before closing can also be less crowded, though you might feel rushed if you arrive too late.
• Off-Season: Consider visiting in the shoulder seasons (April-May, September-October) or even the winter (November-March) for significantly fewer crowds, though the weather can be less predictable.

Essential Tips for a Smooth Visit

• Wear Comfortable Shoes: You’ll be doing a lot of walking uphill and on uneven surfaces.
• Bring Water: Especially during warmer months. While there’s a cafe, having your own water bottle is convenient.
• Pack Layers: It can be cooler and windier up on the hill than down in Sintra town or Lisbon.
• Allow Enough Time: Don’t underestimate the size of the park or how long you’ll want to linger at viewpoints. Rushing through Pena diminishes the experience.
• Combine Wisely: While you can visit other Sintra sites in the same day, prioritize your time at Pena. Trying to squeeze too much in can be exhausting.
• Be Patient: Accept that you’ll be sharing this amazing place with others. Take a deep breath and focus on the beauty around you.

Touring Pena National Palace is an unforgettable experience. This vibrant, whimsical structure set against a backdrop of natural beauty truly embodies the magic of Sintra. With a little planning and these tips, you’re sure to have a fantastic visit to Portugal’s own fairytale castle.

Our Tips for Visiting Pena Palace

• Book Tickets Online: Seriously, do it. It saves you time and potentially disappointment.
• Plan Your Ascent: Walking is possible but very strenuous. Consider the bus, taxi, or ride-share options.
• Wear Comfortable Shoes: You’ll be doing a lot of walking and climbing stairs, both inside and out.
• Check the Weather: Sintra can be foggy, especially in the morning. While fog can add a certain mystery, it can also obscure those amazing views. The hilltop location also means it can be cooler and windier than in Lisbon. Layers are a good idea.
• Go Early: Pena Palace is incredibly popular. Arriving right when it opens (or shortly after) helps you beat the biggest crowds.
• Allow Plenty of Time: We spent several hours exploring the palace and some of the park. Don’t rush it.
• Bring Water/Snacks: There are places to buy food and drinks, but having your own is convenient, especially if you explore the park.

Was our visit to Pena Palace in October crowded? Yes, at times. Was it steep to get to? Absolutely. But was it worth every bit of effort? 100%, yes! Our day trip to Sintra, centered around the magnificent, colorful fantasy of Pena Palace, was an unforgettable experience. It truly felt like stepping into a fairytale, and we highly recommend adding it to your Portugal itinerary.