Is Sintra Royal Palace the same as Pena Palace?


Is Sintra Royal Palace the same as Pena Palace? Pena Palace is the new Palace, built in 19th century. Sintra Palace was started in 11th century with major addition in 14th century. However, the best is to visit both palaces and just admire Pena Palace from outside, and visit the interior of Sintra Palace - the unique and old palace of Sintra.


Can you see Pena Palace from Sintra?

El Palacio da Pena is the most famous of all the castles in Sintra, and the one you'll see on all the Portugal guidebook photos. The brightly coloured red and yellow towers are visible from all around Sintra, as this castle is high on the hillside and the gardens include the highest point in Sintra.


Can you walk everywhere in Sintra?

Sintra is a hilly town and since some palaces and castles are located a bit far away from each other, it's not always possible to walk everywhere. For bigger distances, you can use local buses, tuk-tuks, and taxis.


How to get to Pena Palace from Sintra Town?

The 434 bus route is the best way to travel up the Pena Palace from Sintra train station. The bus follows a one-directional loop that departs from the Sintra train station and heads up the hill to the Moorish Castle and Pena Palace, before returning to the train station via the historic centre of Sintra.


What time of day is best to visit Pena Palace?

The best time to visit the Pena Palace is in the early morning (9 am) or late afternoon (after 4 pm), when it has fewer visitors. This is perfect if you want to avoid crowds and tours which usually arrive between 10 am to 3pm.


Why is Sintra so famous?

Even though magnificent royal residences in the Romantic style are often to be found in 19th and 20th century Europe, Sintra is a pioneer work of European romanticism, bringing together its incredible botanical richness and a diversity of monuments and buildings from a long period of history.


Which is better Sintra National Palace or Pena Palace?

In short: Pena Palace is more famous, but Sintra National Palace is more impressive inside. You still need to check out the Pena Palace from outside. The majority of the tourists arrive on a day trip and don't have enough time to visit all the palaces in Sintra.


How much is a tuk tuk from Sintra Station to Pena Palace?

Standard fare is 5 euros per person. They are slower than taxi but make for a very pleasant, open air ride up to Pena Palace. And no waiting for bus. There are tuk tuks waiting at the train station, at city center/National Palace, at Pena Palace and at Moorish Castle.


Where can I get a view of Pena Palace?

Alto do Cha (tea hill) – The third-highest peak of the Serra da Sintra provides the finest view of the Palácio da Pena. This boulder-strewn hill is far from the palace and offers a peaceful and calm atmosphere seldom found elsewhere in the park.


Why are there so many palaces in Sintra?

During the 19th century, Sintra was a popular destination for Europe's wealthy artisans and elite, who built elaborate mansions following the Romanticism style of architecture.


Can I do Sintra in half a day?

Sintra in half a day No matter what you've seen or read, half a day is not long enough to fully appreciate Sintra. Three hours is only just enough time to see the historic centre and the Quinta da Regaleira (or Palácio Nacional de Sintra).


How many palaces does Sintra have?

A major tourist destination famed for its picturesqueness, the municipality has several historic palaces, castles, scenic beaches, parks and gardens. Clockwise: Pena National Palace; Azenhas do Mar; Quinta da Regaleira; Seteais Palace; Praia da Ursa; Monserrate Palace.


What happens if you are late to Pena Palace?

If you arrive at the Palace of Pena after the time slot you booked, you will not be able to enter and your ticket cannot be refunded (see the general sales conditions here). Plan your trip ahead, to ensure you do not get late.


How long does it take to get through Sintra National Palace?

How long to spend in the Palacio da Pena? A visit to the Palacio da Pena will take at least two and half hours, and could be much longer. The staterooms and interior of the palace take 40 minutes to fully appreciate, while the terraces need another 30 minutes.


How to get from Sintra City Center to Pena Palace?

The 434 bus route is the best way to travel up the Pena Palace from Sintra train station. The bus follows a one-directional loop that departs from the Sintra train station and heads up the hill to the Moorish Castle and Pena Palace, before returning to the train station via the historic centre of Sintra.


What is the colorful palace in Sintra?

The stunning Palacio Nacional da Pena is one of the finest tourist attractions in Portugal. This beautiful palace is an outstanding example of the 19th-century Romanticism style of architecture, with its vividly painted terraces, ornamental battlements and statues of mythological creatures.


How long of a walk is it from the entrance to Pena Palace?

To reach the Palace of Pena, follow the signposted footpath as far as the main entrance to the Park of Pena and then climb to the Palace. This walk takes around 30 minutes.