Visit Pena Palace in Portugal: A Fairytale Castle Above the Clouds

Nestled in the misty hills of Sintra, Pena Palace is one of the most iconic and photogenic landmarks in Portugal. With its bold red, yellow, and blue façade, the palace seems straight out of a fairytale. It's a masterpiece of Romantic architecture, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a must-see for anyone visiting the Lisbon area.
 

Let’s step into a fantasy world of royal opulence, exotic design, and panoramic mountain views as we explore Palácio da Pena.

📍 Where is Pena Palace?

Location: Estrada da Pena, Sintra, Portugal

⛰️ Located within the Sintra Mountains, above the town of Sintra

🚆 From Lisbon: ~40-minute train ride to Sintra, then ~15-minute drive or hike

🗺️ Accessible by tuk-tuk, shuttle, or hiking trails from Sintra town

🏛️ A Brief History of Pena Palace

Pena Palace may look like a castle from a fantasy novel, but its story is rooted in real history.

🕍 Built on the site of a 16th-century monastery that was damaged in the 1755 Lisbon Earthquake

👑 Commissioned by King Ferdinand II in the 19th century

🎨 Designed as a Romantic retreat blending Neo-Gothic, Moorish, Renaissance, and Manueline styles

🌍 Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, along with the entire Cultural Landscape of Sintra

🌟 What to See Inside Pena Palace

1. The Colorful Exterior

🟥 Bold reds and yellows dominate the main façade

🏰 Features towers, battlements, and domes from various architectural influences

🌈 No two sides are the same—walk around for different perspectives and photos

📷 The Queen’s Terrace offers one of the most stunning photo ops in Portugal

2. The Courtyards and Arches

🪞 Admire the horseshoe arches reminiscent of Islamic architecture

🌿 Courtyards surrounded by azulejos (Portuguese tiles) and elaborate carvings

🌀 The Triton Gateway is a must-see, featuring a half-man, half-sea creature sculpture symbolizing the allegory of creation

3. The Palace Interiors

The interior rooms have been preserved or restored to reflect royal life in the 19th century.

🛏️ King’s and Queen’s chambers with original furniture

🍽️ Banquet halls and drawing rooms with elaborate décor

⛪ A small chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Pena

📸 Don’t miss the Arab Room with stunning Moorish-influenced ceiling

4. The Watchtower & Ramparts

Climb the towers and walls to experience Pena Palace’s spectacular panoramic views of:

🌄 The Sintra mountains

🌊 The Atlantic Ocean (on clear days)

🏰 Other Sintra landmarks like Moorish Castle and Palace of Monserrate

🌳 Pena Park: The Enchanted Forest

Surrounding the palace is Parque da Pena, a lush 200-hectare park filled with winding trails, exotic trees, and hidden treasures.

🌲 Forests planted with species from all over the world (North America, Japan, Australia)

💒 Hidden pavilions and lakes like Valley of the Lakes, Fountain of the Small Birds, and the Temple of Columns

🗼 Cruz Alta, the highest point in Sintra (528 meters), offers a sweeping view of the palace and coastline

🗓️ Best Time to Visit Pena Palace

🧭 Morning (before 10 AM) – Fewer crowds and best light for photography

🍁 Spring and Autumn – Lush greenery and mild temperatures

☀️ Summer – Beautiful but very crowded; purchase tickets in advance

❄️ Winter – Peaceful, with mist adding a mystical atmosphere

🎟️ Tickets and Visitor Info

🕒 Opening Hours:

Park: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Palace: 9:30 AM – 6:30 PM (last entry 5:45 PM)

🎟️ Tickets:

Palace + Park: ~€14 for adults

Park Only: ~€7.50

Children, seniors, and family discounts available

Buy tickets online to avoid long lines: parquesdesintra.pt

🚌 Transport:

Take bus 434 from Sintra station

Walking trail (~45 min uphill) for hikers

Parking is limited—avoid driving if possible

🧳 What to Bring

👟 Comfortable walking shoes (lots of steps and cobblestones)

🧥 Light jacket (weather can change quickly in the mountains)

🎒 Water and snacks (especially if hiking or exploring the park)

📸 A good camera or smartphone for panoramic shots

📸 Best Photo Spots

📷 The Queen’s Terrace (for that iconic wide shot of the palace)

📷 From the Moors Castle walls

📷 Cruz Alta viewpoint

📷 Inner arches and tiled courtyards

📷 The Palace reflected in the Lakes of Pena Park

🍴 Where to Eat Nearby

🍰 Café inside Pena Park – For a quick coffee or pastry

🍽️ Tascantiga (in Sintra town) – Traditional Portuguese dishes in a charming setting

🥗 Cantinho Gourmet – Budget-friendly local cuisine

🧁 Don’t miss travesseiros and queijadas, Sintra’s famous pastries

🏨 Where to Stay

In Sintra:

Tivoli Palácio de Seteais – Luxury stay with a view of Pena

Lawrence’s Hotel – Historic charm and romantic ambiance

Moon Hill Hostel – Affordable and centrally located

In Lisbon (day trip option):

Stay near Rossio or Cais do Sodré for easy train access to Sintra

🧠 Fun Facts About Pena Palace

🎨 Pena Palace was one of the first Romantic palaces in Europe—predating Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany

🌈 Its eclectic architecture includes Moorish domes, Gothic spires, and Manueline windows

🖼️ King Ferdinand II was called the “Artist King” for his deep involvement in the palace’s design

🎬 Featured in several films and travel shows due to its magical appearance

🗺️ Suggested Day Itinerary (Sintra)

Morning:

Arrive early at Pena Palace

Tour the Palace and Park

Midday:

Head to Moorish Castle (10-minute walk)

Lunch in Sintra town

Afternoon:

Visit Sintra National Palace or Quinta da Regaleira

Try local pastries and shop for souvenirs

Evening:

Return to Lisbon via train (~40 mins)

🛍️ Souvenirs to Buy

🎨 Pena Palace prints and postcards

🕍 Miniature replicas of the palace towers

🌿 Local products from Sintra like honey, liqueurs, and ceramics

❤️ Why You’ll Fall in Love with Pena Palace

Pena Palace is not just a castle—it’s a colorful celebration of art, imagination, and Portugal’s royal heritage. Perched high above Sintra in a dreamy forest, it captures the spirit of 19th-century Romanticism like no other place in the world.

Whether you're a history buff, a photographer, or a traveler chasing fairy tales, the Palácio da Pena will leave you spellbound.