Although we didn’t know very much about Sintra, before our 3-day visit, we did know that Pena Palace was the attraction that visitors flock to by the millions. And, that the views from the hilltops were reportedly breathtaking. It was with those notions in mind, and the forecast of a clear day, we chose to visit Pena Palace on our last day in Sintra. Here’s how we did it.
How to Visit Pena Palace
- We bought all of our bus and palace(s) tickets the afternoon of our arrival in Sintra. This saved us from standing in line upon arrival. Be sure to purchase a “Palace & Park” ticket for Pena Palace.
- We caught circuit bus 434 just before 9:00 a.m. The bus stop is next to the train station. It was maybe a 20-minute ride to the Pena Palace.
- As soon as we stepped off the bus we made a beeline to the palace entrance, which is about a 15-minute walk up a fairly steep hill. This is when having our prepurchased tickets really paid off, that and not being with a group. Groups have to gather and wait for their guide, etc.
- We walked right in to the palace, which opens at 9:30 a.m. in the summer. Although there were a lot of people, we were able to take our time as we moved through the rooms.
- After viewing the state rooms, we visited the small 16th century chapel and took in the views from the palace balconies which were spectacular. Total time spent maybe 90 minutes.
- The next hour or so we explored the park gardens with the highlight being the stunning views from the High Cross.
- We caught the circuit bus 434 for our return to the city center. Buses drop off/pick up at the gates of Pena Palace.
An Eye for Color
Pena Palace served as the summer residence of King Ferdinand and family. Remodeling of the old monastery portion of the palace began in 1840 and those buildings were painted red. The new additions built in 1845 (approximately) were painted yellow under direct orders of the king. Seemingly, Ferdinand had quite the eye for color and style.
Daily Life at the Palace
The Pena Palace is fantastic. It’s definitely well-worth the time and effort to visit as long as visitors keep in mind the best tips for visiting. The tours through the palace state rooms are self-guided, although there were people walking with private guides. It might actually be interesting to tour with a private guide in that you’d glean a much more in-depth understanding of the history of the palace. Depending on the guide, of course.
The state rooms are furnished with time period pieces. Visitors get a good sense of daily life, in 1910 at the palace, which is when the royal family escaped to Brazil to avoid the revolution.
High Cross
Built by King Joao in 1522, High Cross sits atop the highest point in the Pena Palace Park. To get to the point we took a walk from the palace through the gardens along a paved path. Actually, there are miles of hiking trails, it just depends on your time and how much you want to experience. Our goal was to reach the High Cross, which of course is a replica of the original, in order to take in the views. It did not disappoint.
Timing is Everything
Just before we walked away from the palace to explore the beautiful gardens and to find High Cross, we captured this photo of the line of visitors waiting to enter the palace. We spent about an hour or so wandering the gardens and after, as we made our way back to the entrance gates, this same line of those waiting to enter the palace wound it’s way nearly all the way back down the hill to the gates. Most likely, they stood in line for two to three hours before gaining entrance. Timing is everything when it comes to visiting Pena Palace.
Sintra, More Than a Day Trip
If you Google search Sintra, you’re bound to find a lot of articles about how to spend just one day in Sintra. I suspect it’s because so many visitors, to Sintra, only take a day trip from Lisbon. To do it justice, I think Sintra deserves a three night stay, which allows for a travel day plus two full days of sightseeing. It would be a shame to make the trip and not visit the Palace of Monserrate and Quinta da Regaleira, plus so much more.
If You Go:
Instagram Feed
Great tips, we loved Sintra, those colourful buildings are beautiful on a sunny day. We also really enjoyed just walking through the forest to various viewpoints, despite the crowds!
Sintra really is very special, isn’t it Amy? It’s one of those places everyone should see once in their lifetime.
This is the one that got away from us. During our trip to Lisbon we met with a fellow blogger who described her trip there in such a way that Frank and I said OK let’s just forget about it. I think your post is great since it shows how beautiful it is (drat we should have sucked it up) AND how can be visited without one of us (me) having a nervous breakdown. I’m hoping there’s a next time for us and Portugal.
I had a friend/blogger tell me that Sintra is just one of those places that is always busy so just know it and deal with it. I hate crowds, I don’t do well at all but I really wanted to see Sintra. We were there the first 3 days of May and it was do-able. It’s well-worth it, just go in the shoulder season and have a game plan.
What an incredible looking palace, which leaves me wondering what the gardens were like? I imagine they were grand and lovely. But oh that line!!! No way would I stand and wait to go in with hundreds of others… It’s why we usually avoid tourist sights, as these days so many MORE people are travelling and everywhere is so crowded. As you say, timing is key.
We were in Lisbon for about six weeks, but never got to Sintra. We chose instead a small fishing village that was about an hour away by train and was very charming. So thanks for showing me the inside albeit virtually.
Peta
Yes, Peta, the line was crazy long! I was feeling quite smug that we managed to beat them all in. Ha! Ha! Sintra really is a fairy tale city and well- a visit … in the off season.
Helpful post because we’ll go one day..but definitely not in summer. 2 or 3 hours to wait in line…urgg. Forget it.
Did you also Castelo dos Mouros. I saw Pena Palace and Dos Mouros about 30 years ago when it wasn’t such a hassle. Actually it was September and there were few tourists. For me walking the walls of Dos Mouros was the highlight.
How times change huh Patti?
No, we didn’t go to Dos Mouros. It looked interesting but we only had time to see 4 sites and Dos Mouros didn’t make the cut. Sintra really is quite special and worth the effort to see once-in-a-lifetime. Off season is definitely the time of year to visit.
Patti, excellent guide and absolutely spot on. A one day visit to Sintra is just not enough to do it justice. I am glad you managed to spend 3 days there an sounds like you also got great weather.
Thanks for the kind feedback, Gilda.
This brought back nice memories of our day trip to Sintra from our home base in Estoril where Mr. Excitement was attending a conference. I wish we had had more time, so we could have taken your advice and stayed at least overnight. Your advice about prepurchasing entry tickets is very helpful.
Ah.. memories are always nice, glad we conjured up a good one for you. And, prepurchasing tickets is key to a successful visit to Sintra, definitely!