Whether you're traveling to Pena Palace for the first time or you're returning to see the palace, there are a few things you should know. These tips will help you avoid the common pitfalls.
Time slots do sell out
Visiting the Pena Palace in Sintra is a bucket list worthy experience. The complex is huge. The lower level is closed to the public for good reason: Covid 19 regulations. Its time honoured namesake, the Pena Park, is a veritable cornucopia of botanical splendour. The palace is one of Portugal's biggest tourist draws, with an estimated 500,000 visitors per year. There are numerous ways to experience this stomping grounds, but it's recommended you book your tickets in advance for the best odds of success. The best time to visit is in the early morning hours. The area is also home to Portugal's best preserved medieval castle. Its most recent incarnation dates from the 14th century and boasts some of the best architecture in the country.
Getting there is a breeze, as Sintra has a train station on the doorstep of the palace. While you're at it, you can make a day trip out of it, and save yourself some time.
Parking spaces
Located on the second tallest peak in the Sintra mountains, the Pena Palace is a complex composed of two wings and a third architectural structure. A visit to this UNESCO world heritage site is not to be missed. It takes at least a couple of hours to fully appreciate the myriad aspects of the palace. The main draw is its opulent lawns and gardens.
There are numerous ways to get there, although driving is the obvious option. There are many one-way streets in the area, so it's a good idea to plan your route in advance. There are a number of taxis and tuk-tuks to be had. The cost will depend on the time of day and how far you're willing to travel, but expect to pay between 7EUR and 10EUR.
Architectural styles
Located on the Sintra Mountains, Pena Palace is considered one of the most romantic castles in the world. It is a blend of Neo-Gothic and Neo-Islamic architectural styles, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
During the 19th century, the city of Lisbon's elite built beautiful summer homes. The town of Sintra was a favourite location for these aristocrats. They would retreat to the mountains to escape the heat.
In 1839, King Consort Dom Fernando II of Saxe Coburg-Gotha bought the ruins of the Hieronymus Monastery of Our Lady of Pena, which had fallen into disrepair after an earthquake in 1755. He commissioned the building of a new palace.
The German architect Wilhelm Ludvig von Eschwege designed the National Palace of Pena, a building that was based on the abandoned monastery. He had input from King Carlos and Queen Maria.
Tuk-tuk tours
Taking a Tuk-tuk tour to Pena Palace is a great way to see the town of Sintra. This new form of transportation allows tourists to have a fun time while also seeing some of the town's most impressive sights. These tours have received good reviews from tourists.
If you're looking to take a Tuk-tuk tour to visit Pena Palace, you'll find plenty of them to choose from. You'll have a guide who can tell you everything about the palace and the city. You'll also have time to take pictures of the surroundings.
If you're planning to visit Pena Palace, you'll want to make sure you have some time to explore the area before catching your bus back to the city center. You'll also want to spend some time on the terraces of the Palace. These terraces are perfect for viewing the surrounding landscape.
Free hop-on hop-off transfer service
Visiting Pena Palace is a popular tourist destination. It's a huge complex consisting of a Park and a Palace. It's also home to a museum.
If you're looking to spend a day at Pena Palace, it's a good idea to arrive early. During peak times, the queues to enter the grounds can be long. It's best to arrive at least 30 minutes before the ticket office opens. It's also a good idea to buy a ticket online, as there are often cheaper options available.
Alternatively, you can opt for a guided tour from Lisbon. These tours include transportation and an explanation of everything you see. They're a great option if you don't know where to start.
If you want to avoid the lines at the ticket booths, you can take a shuttle bus or tuk-tuk. Tuk-tuks are available throughout Sintra, but it's a good idea to negotiate a good price before hopping on. They cost around EUR5 per person/way.
