Pena Palace

Pena Palace showing a castle and heritage elements


This exuberant construction, a former royal retreat set high in the hills of Sintra, features a colorful assortment of turreted towers and domes.

An icon of the region, the striking orange-and-yellow Pena Palace stands out amid the lush forest-covered Sintra Mountains. Inspect the eclectic architecture and ostentatious interior of this former royal summer retreat and stroll through the pretty surrounding park, where you’ll find temples and other follies hidden among the trees and flowers.

Learn about the history of the palace during a tour of the site. Commissioned by the art-loving Ferdinand of Saxe-Coburg and constructed in the second half of the 19th century, the palace was probably inspired by the more fantastical constructions of Germany, the homeland of the architect, Baron Eschwege. The result was a truly eclectic creation that borrows from different architectural styles, ranging from Arabian to Victorian.

Admire the unusual appearance of the exterior, which features bulbous onion domes and Moorish-style horseshoe arches and openings. Other highlights are the carved stone snakes around the entrance to the palace.

Take a tour of the lavish interior, which is decorated with an array of furnishings and artworks. Look for pieces of Meissen porcelain and other precious ornaments. Placards inside the house provide more information about the palace.

As you tour the palace, try to imagine what life would have been like for Portugal’s last royals. They used the palace as a summer holiday spot before fleeing the country after Portugal was declared a republic in 1910.

Follow the paths winding around Pena Park. Because of the park’s elevated position, the views around the surrounding hills are fantastic. Of particular note is the lookout point at Cruz Alta, a 16th-century stone cross located 1,782 feet (543 metres) above sea level.

Pena Palace is set at one of the most elevated spots in the Sintra Mountains at an elevation of about 1,560 feet (480 metres). Walk from the historic centre of Sintra only if you are prepared for a strenuous uphill hike. For an easier route up, take a bus from Sintra’s train station. The palace is open daily. Purchase a ticket to gain entry.

Plan a trip to see Pena Palace

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Eurostars Das Letras
Lisboa Carmo Hotel
Eurostars Lisboa Baixa

Reviews of Pena Palace

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
267
" "5 - Excellent 58.04347826086956%
4 - Good
162
" "4 - Good 35.21739130434783%
3 - Okay
21
" "3 - Okay 4.565217391304348%
2 - Disappointing
5
" "2 - Disappointing 1.0869565217391304%
1 - Terrible
5
" "1 - Terrible 1.0869565217391304%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

We went as a day trip with one of the Expedia "Things to Do" - had a great day visiting the Pena Palace, the town of Sintra and stops at a couple of coastal locations on the way back to Lisbon. The Palace is spectacular, but be prepared to do a bit of walking, lots of slopes (small shuttle bus is available within the site but infrequent from what I could see) - views are amazing from the top and you'll be blown away by the architecture - probably as close to a Disney castle as you could get :)

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Need a full day to enjoy it. Lots of steep walking!

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Definitely take a tuk tuk or jeep up to the palace from Sintra village and take another back as it is at least a 1 hour walk and then there is the walking around the palace and grounds.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Good tour but unfortunately the area was clouded in mist until we were leaving. Still worthwhile going to see the town and both palaces

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Expect a day of queuing

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Involved very long queues for everything. Apart from spectacular views, palace itself was disappointing

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

NH Sintra Centro
NH Sintra Centro
4 out of 5
Praca da Republica, Sintra
NH Sintra Centro
Sintra Bliss Hotel
Sintra Bliss Hotel
3 out of 5
Rua Dr Alfredo da Costa, 15-17, Sintra
Sintra Bliss Hotel
Quinta Das Murtas B&B
Quinta Das Murtas B&B
3 out of 5
Rua Eduardo van Zeller, 4, Sintra
Quinta Das Murtas B&B
Lawrence's Hotel
Lawrence's Hotel
5 out of 5
Rua Consiglieri Pedroso, 38-40, Sintra
Lawrence's Hotel
Casa do Vinho Sintra Guest House
Casa do Vinho Sintra Guest House
4 out of 5
Rua Consiglieri Pedroso, 17, Sintra
Casa do Vinho Sintra Guest House
Valverde Sintra Palácio de Seteais
Valverde Sintra Palácio de Seteais
5 out of 5
Rua Barbosa do Bocage, 8, Sintra, Lisbon
Valverde Sintra Palácio de Seteais
Sintra Boutique Hotel
Sintra Boutique Hotel
4 out of 5
Rua Visconde de Monserrate, 48, Sintra
Sintra Boutique Hotel
Villa Bela Vista
Villa Bela Vista
3.5 out of 5
R. Mal. Saldanha 17, Sintra, Lisboa
Villa Bela Vista
Eighteen21 Houses - Quinta Velha
Eighteen21 Houses - Quinta Velha
3 out of 5
30 Estrada da Pena, Sintra
Eighteen21 Houses - Quinta Velha
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.