Pena National Palace (Palacio Nacional da Pena)

The basics

This Disney-like castle in the clouds is one of the most-visited attractions in Portugal and a popular day trip from nearby Lisbon. A shady, winding road leads travelers up through Parque das Merendas to the palace, perched 1,476 feet (450 meters) above sea level. Within the palace, it’s possible to walk the walls and see inside the turrets, marvel at the Victorian and Edwardian furnishings within, and explore the surrounding Pena Park and its spectacular landscaping. The most convenient and rewarding way to explore the complex is on a guided half- or full-day tour from Lisbon, which could include other stops such as Cascais, Quinta da Regaleira, Queluz Palace, or even a local winery for a tasting.

Things to know before you go

• Pena National Palace (Palacio Nacional da Pena) is a must-visit for history buffs.

• Free WiFi is available at several locations on the grounds, including at the main entrance, restaurant, and cafeteria terrace.

• Pena National Palace (Palacio Nacional da Pena) tours from Lisbon can last anywhere from 5 to 8 hours.

• Due to ongoing restoration, not all parts of the palace are always open.

• Nearly the entire Pena complex is wheelchair accessible.

How to get there

The town of Sintra is about an hour from Lisbon by train or 40 minutes by road. From the train station, Bus 434 continues on to the main part of town and then ascends the hill to Pena Palace. From the Sintra town center, it's also possible to make the hour-long climb to the palace on foot.

When to get there

Pena National Palace (Palacio Nacional da Pena) is generally open daily from 9:45am to 7pm, while the park grounds are open from 9:30am until 8pm. July and August tend to be the busiest months in Sintra, particularly between 10am and 4pm when many visitors from Lisbon come for a tour of the royal palaces and Moorish castle. Expect temperatures as high as 89°F during this time of year. To avoid the crowds (and the worst of the heat), the best time to visit is first thing in the morning, preferably on a weekday.

Other things to do in Sintra

If you’re in Sintra to see the Pena Palace, you’ll find a range of other attractions in the surrounding area to check out as well. Many visitors choose to make a circuit of the Sintra Mountains’ three royal palaces: the National Palace of Pena, the Sintra National Palace, and the Palace of Queluz. The Castle of the Moors, another part of the Cultural Landscape of Sintra UNESCO World Heritage site, is also worth visiting. If time allows, venture to the coast (17 km away) to see the cliffs and lighthouse at Cabo da Roca, mainland Europe’s westernmost point.

Ways to explore

This Disney-like castle is one of the most-visited attractions in Portugal and a popular day trip from nearby Lisbon. Half- and full-day tours from Lisbon to Sintra normally stop at the palace for 1.5–2 hours, and also visit Quinta da Regaleira and the Sintra historical center, before continuing on to Cascais on the coast.

Travelers finding their own way to Pena National Palace can book skip-the-line tickets to reserve a timeslot to tour the interior. Allow up to three hours to fully explore everything in Pena Park, from admiring the palace terrace views to finding the alpine Chalet of the Countess of Edla and climbing to the top of the Miradouro da Cruz Alta.

Accessibility

The interior of Pena National Palace is not wheelchair accessible, but the exterior is. Traction equipment is available to assist with steep sections, and visitors with a disability receive a discount on the shuttle from the park entrance.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera, water bottle, food/snacks

What to wear

Comfortable shoes, hat, layers when visiting in cooler months

Not allowed

Pets, tripods, drones

Amenities

Restaurant/cafeteria, restrooms, Wi-Fi (available at the main park entrance and around the palace)

Address

Pena National Palace is in the hills southwest of the town of Sintra, roughly 15 miles (25 kilometers) from Lisbon. The palace park has two entrances along the one-way street Strada da Pena, and is accessible by walking, taking a bus or car, or joining a tour from Lisbon.

Driving

From Lisbon, take the IC15 and A37 toward Sintra. Take the left branch outside the town, following signs to Conveto dos Capuchos until you see signs for Palacio Nacional da Pena. The first entrance you reach has much more parking available.

Public transportation

Travel an hour by train from Lisbon to Sintra Station, then take the 434 bus to the park entrance. Daily bus tickets can be purchased online or at the train station.

Best times to visit

The palace normally opens around 9:30am, and the ticket desk closes at around 5:30pm. Visit first thing or wait until mid-afternoon to avoid the midday rush.

Best days to visit

Weekends are often the busiest days at the palace, so go on a weekday to have more space to yourself.

Best months to visit

July and August is the peak tourist season for Lisbon and Sintra, and at Pena National Palace, you can tell. Instead, try spring or autumn, when the crowds should be lighter.

Special events

Evening musical performances and other events take place throughout the year, so check in advance.