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Best Time to Visit Pena Palace
The Pena Palace is open for visits all around the week and the weekends are the busiest days of the palace. Most of the tourists plan their trip during weekends which leads to longer queues and crowded spaces. Therefore the best time to visit Pena Palace is during the weekdays as you will experience less crowd and a shorter waiting period.
Additionally, the best time of the day to visit Pena Palace is either during the early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds. In the morning or late afternoon, you will also be able to enjoy and explore properly due to comfortable temperatures.
The peak season to visit the Pena Palace starts from July to August, attracting the majority of the crowd. During these months, you will experience warm sunny days and mild temperatures. However, if you wish to explore the palace peacefully without the crowd then you should plan your visit between September and October.
During these months, you will experience cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, allowing you to explore the entire palace at your own pace and make the most of your trip.
Know Before You Go Pena Palace
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.
Opening Hours:
- Palace Gardens: The Palace Gardens are open for visitors from 9 AM till 6:30 PM, however, the last entry to the park is till 5:30 PM.
- General Timings: The opening hours for Pena Palace are 9 AM to 6 PM.
- Last Admission: The Palace gate closes at 6 PM and the last entry to the palace is allowed till 5:30 PM.
- Closed: The Pena Palace remains closed on 25 December and 1 January.
- Duration of Visit: It requires a minimum of 3 hours to cover the entire Pena Palace.
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
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FAQ's About Pena Palace
What is the weather like during the peak tourist season at Pena Palace?
The peak season for the Pena Palace starts from July to August and offers the most ideal weather to visit the palace. You will experience sunny and warm days that will be perfect for your outdoor activities.
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.
Is Pena Palace open every day?
Yes, the Pena Palace remains open for visits all the days of the week from 9 AM to 6 PM. The palace only remains closed on two days of the year, on the occasions of 25 December and 1 January.
What are Pena Palace's opening hours?
The Pena Palace opens early at 9 AM and closes at 6 PM. However, the last entry to the palace closes around 5:30 PM and visitors are not allowed to enter past this time.
When is the Pena Palace closed?
The Pena Palace remains closed on the occasions of 25 December and 1 January. Apart from these two days, the palace remains open for visits all the days of the year.
How long should I spend at the Pena Palace?
Ideally, you should take a minimum of 3 hours to completely explore the Pena Palace. There is a lot to explore at the palace and after your tour, you can spend some time admiring your scenic surroundings.
Do I need a tour guide to visit Pena Palace?
You can visit the entire Pena Palace even without a tour guide. However, the best way to enjoy your trip would be to opt for a guided tour. The guide will keep informing you about the necessary details as well as backside stories of the palace. A guide will be able to tell you exactly where to start and where to end so that you do not miss out on anything.
Is Pena Palace open on public holidays?
The Pena Palace only remains closed on two of the public holidays, 25 December and 1 January. The palace remains open on all the other days of the year, including other public holidays.
Can you click pictures at the Pena Palace?
Although photography is not allowed inside the Pena Palace, there are some outstanding outdoor locations for the photos. There are numerous spots from where you can get great views of the landscape and get a dozen amazing pictures.
Is Pena Palace wheelchair accessible?
The Pena Palace has recently been refurbished and made wheelchair accessible. A separate restroom and an elevator are going to the different floors of the palace, especially for the disabled.
Why is Pena Palace famous?
Situated on top of a hill of the Sintra Mountains, the Pena Palace is a romanticist castle that has been classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Its Neo-Gothic and Neo-Islamic architectural style is what makes it famous and one of the most visited tourist spots in Portugal.
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