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Best Time to Visit Pena Palace
The best time to visit Pena Palace is during spring, when the weather is pleasant, and the gardens are in full bloom. The crowds are also relatively low during this time, making it a perfect time to explore the palace and take pictures. It is the best time to just relax under the shade of the perfectly bloomed trees and plants in the park of the Pena Palace.
Summer is the peak season for tourism in Portugal, and Pena Palace is no exception. While the weather is warm and sunny, making it ideal for outdoor activities, it is also the busiest time of the year. However, if you're willing to brave the crowds, it can still be a great time to visit, as the sunny rays of the summer offer a perfect lighting setting to explore the palace’s interiors with your camera.
Fall is another best time to visit the National Palace of Pena, as the leaves change colours, the scenery surrounding the palace becomes even more stunning. The weather is cooler, making it a perfect time to explore the palace's interior. The crowds are also significantly lower than in the summer so you get more space and time to explore the palace at your own pace and click some aesthetically pleasing photographs.
Winter is the least busy time to visit Pena Palace, and the crowds are almost non-existent except during the festivals such as New Years and Christmas. While the weather is cold and rainy, the palace's interior is heated and comfortable which makes it perfect for an ideal day out tour. It is an ideal time to explore the Pena Palace's history and take advantage of the discounted prices on the Pena Palace tickets and other experiences offered by the palace.
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During the holidays and festivals, Pena Palace is a popular destination, especially during Christmas and New Year. The palace is beautifully decorated, and the festive atmosphere is enchanting, adding to the royal beauty of the palace. However, it is also the busiest time of the year, and you should expect long lines and crowds at the ticket counter of the palace. Plan ahead, book Pena Palace tickets online and arrive early to make the most of your visit.
As Pena Palace is the most visited palace in Portugal, which offers beautiful scenery with changing seasons, it is recommended to visit the place early in the morning after its opening, as it offers you more time to explore all the aspects of the attraction from the palace's interiors to its parks and surroundings. During early hours the crowd is also less and slow, as most of the tourists start coming by afternoon.
Know Before You Go Pena Palace
Timings:
Pena Palace is open every day except for certain holidays, with timings varying by season. Generally, it opens at 9:30 am and closes at 6:30 pm in the summer months and at 5:30 pm in the winter. The park timings are 9:00 am to 7:00 pm with last entry at 6:30 pm. It's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date timings.
Location:
Pena Palace is located in Sintra, Portugal, on a hilltop overlooking the town. It's about a 30-minute drive from Lisbon and can be reached by public transportation as well.
Must Checkout: Plan your visit to Pena Palace
To reach Pena Palace in Sintra, you can follow these steps:
By Car: Pena Palace is located in Sintra and to reach this historic town you can take the IC19 route if travelling from Lisbon (takes around 60 minutes drive), IC30 if travelling from Mafra (takes around 40 minutes drive) and EN9 via A5 if travelling from Cascais (takes around 50 minutes drive). There's a parking lot available, but it can get crowded during peak season. The distance and timing depends on the area you are visiting from.
By Train: Take the train from Lisbon's Rossio Station or Sintra Station to the "Sintra" stop. From there, take the 434 tourist bus or a taxi to Pena Palace.
By Bus: Take the 434 tourist bus from Sintra to Pena Palace. This bus departs from the train station and stops at various points of interest in Sintra. This is the direct bus which makes it easier to reach the palace in one go.
By Hiking: For a more adventurous experience you can reach the Pena Palace while hiking your way through three different and safe hiking trails. These trails are as follows-
Santa Maria Trail
- Starting point: “Info Parques de Sintra”, in S. Pedro de Sintra
- Distance: 1.770 metres
- Duration: 1 hour
Seteais Trail
- Starting point: Palace of Seteais
- Distance: 2.410 metres
- Duration: 1h30
Villa Sassetti Trail
- Starting point: Largo Ferreira de Castro
- Distance: 1.850 metres
- Duration: 45 minutes
Book Pena Palace Tickets
Experience the beautiful blend of 19th-century architecture and lush gardens at the Park and National Palace of Pena, a UNESCO World Heritage site offering breathtaking views and rich history.
Explore the royal and picturesque Neo-Islamic and Neo-Gothic architecture located on the top of the Sintra Mountains.
Admire the beauty of architectural buildings in Romantic, Renaissance, Manueline, & Moorish styles.
Get insights about the ‘Stateroom’, ‘Chapel’ and ‘The Queen’s Terrace’.
- ID proof is mandatory for each visitor at the time of arrival.
- Kids under 6 years old can get in for free. Adult tickets are applicable for visitors aged 6 and above.
- Please note that the attraction is not reachable by car. There is a paid transfer service available bringing visitors from the park entrance to the palace. The service runs every 15 minutes.
- No dogs are allowed in the park, except the guide dogs.
- Keep your ticket handy during the visit.
- This activity is wheelchair accessible.
- Please note that the time slots may be subject to slight variations, and we will allocate a time slot available within a 30-minute window before or after your initial selection.
Experience the beautiful blend of 19th-century architecture and lush gardens at the Park and National Palace of Pena, a UNESCO World Heritage site offering breathtaking views and rich history.
Explore the royal and picturesque Neo-Islamic and Neo-Gothic architecture located on the top of the Sintra Mountains.
Admire the beauty of architectural buildings in Romantic, Renaissance, Manueline, & Moorish styles.
Get insights about the ‘Stateroom’, ‘Chapel’ and ‘The Queen’s Terrace’.
- ID proof is mandatory for each visitor at the time of arrival.
- Kids under 6 years old can get in for free. Adult tickets are applicable for visitors aged 6 and above.
- Please note that the attraction is not reachable by car. There is a paid transfer service available bringing visitors from the park entrance to the palace. The service runs every 15 minutes.
- No dogs are allowed in the park, except the guide dogs.
- Keep your ticket handy during the visit.
- This activity is wheelchair accessible.
- Please note that the time slots may be subject to slight variations, and we will allocate a time slot available within a 30-minute window before or after your initial selection.
FAQ's About Pena Palace
What is the weather like during the peak tourist season at Pena Palace?
The peak tourist season at Pena Palace is during the summer months of June to September, when the weather is generally warm and sunny. The weather is perfect for outdoor activities and offers a lot more natural light on the interiors of the palace making it more beautiful and aesthetic. If you visit during this time, be prepared for long lines and crowds.
What are the benefits of visiting Pena Palace during the spring months?
One of the benefits of visiting Pena Palace during the spring months, from March to May, is that the weather is pleasant and mild, making it a comfortable time to explore the palace and its gardens. The flowers are also in bloom, creating beautiful and colourful scenery and the crowds are also fewer compared to the peak season, making it easier to enjoy the palace at a more relaxed pace which makes spring one of the best times to visit Pena Palace.
Read More: Pena Palace Facts
Is winter a good time to visit Pena Palace despite the cold and rainy weather?
Winter is not the best time to visit Pena Palace due to the cold and rainy weather. However, if you don't mind the weather, visiting during the winter months from December to February can be a unique experience, as the palace and its surroundings are covered in a layer of mist, creating a mysterious and magical atmosphere. You can see festival decorations during the Christmas week and New Years night, which offers a whole new experience. During January and February the crowds are extremely low and you can get extra discounts on the tickets.
What is the most popular time of year to visit Pena Palace?
The best time of year to visit Pena Palace is during the summer months, especially in July and August, when many tourists flock to the palace. During this time the weather is warm and perfect for outdoor activities. If you plan to visit during this time, be sure to book your tickets in advance and be prepared for long lines and crowds.
What are the advantages of visiting Pena Palace during the fall season?
During the fall season Pena Palace experiences a scenery change with its colourful surroundings changing shades day by day, adding a magical experience to your visit. During this time the crowd is also fewer compared to the peak season which makes it more comfortable for you to explore the palace at your leisure.
Read More: Lisbon: Pena Palace, Sintra, Cabo da Roca, & Cascais Daytrip
How does the scenery at Pena Palace change throughout the year?
The scenery at Pena Palace changes throughout the year, making it a unique experience to visit during different seasons. In the spring, the flowers in the gardens are in bloom, creating a colourful and vibrant scenery. In the summer, the palace is surrounded by lush greenery, and the sunny weather allows for beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. In the fall, the trees in the gardens change colour, creating a picturesque scenery. In the winter, the palace is covered in mist, creating a mysterious and magical atmosphere.
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