Pena Palace & Sintra Tours

Pena Palace & Sintra Tours offer one of the most spectacular day experiences from Lisbon, combining magical palaces, lush forests and dramatic coastal scenery. Visitors explore the colorful Romantic-era Pena Palace, wander through Sintra’s charming historic center, stand at the westernmost point of continental Europe in Cabo da Roca and enjoy the seaside beauty of Cascais. This tour blends culture, architecture and nature into a perfect full-day adventure.
This experience is also included in select MegaPass city passes, making it easy to combine with other top attractions during your trip.

Pena Palace dates back to the 19th century and was designed as a Romantic dreamland by King Ferdinand II. Built atop a mountain, its vivid colors and eclectic mix of architectural styles make it one of Europe’s most iconic palaces. Sintra itself has been inhabited since ancient times and became a royal retreat, known for its mystical atmosphere and verdant hills. The surrounding region includes medieval castles, royal estates and historical coastal villages.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want to experience Lisbon’s most magical surroundings in a single day. Visitors enjoy skip-the-line palace entry (product dependent), scenic viewpoints, the charm of Sintra’s narrow streets and the dramatic ocean cliffs of Cabo da Roca. The combination of culture, history and natural beauty makes it one of the highest-rated experiences near Lisbon.

Prices vary based on inclusions such as transportation, palace entry, guided services or additional coastal stops. Peak seasons may have higher rates, and discounts are sometimes available for children or groups. Combination experiences that include multiple Sintra attractions often provide great value. Reviewing updated prices before booking is recommended.

Pena Palace & Sintra opening hours are 09.30 am and 06.30 pm, except for special and official days.

Tours generally depart from Lisbon in the morning and return in the late afternoon or evening. Pena Palace operates with timed entry slots, which are coordinated within the tour schedule. Seasonal changes, weather conditions or local events may affect timings. Tour providers usually confirm exact departure and arrival times in advance.

Most tours depart from central Lisbon, often near major metro stations or accessible meeting points like Praça Marquês de Pombal or Restauradores. Visitors can reach the meeting point by metro, bus, tram or taxi. Transportation during the tour is included, ensuring seamless travel between Sintra, Cabo da Roca and Cascais.

• Entrance to Pena Palace (with park access)
• Romantic architecture and vibrant palace colors
• Views from the mountaintop terraces
• Strolling through Sintra’s historic old town
• Cabo da Roca — Europe’s westernmost cliff viewpoint
• Scenic coastal drive to Cascais
• Free time for exploring cafés and local shops
• Beautiful forest landscapes and UNESCO scenery

• Wear comfortable shoes — there is uphill walking in Sintra
• Bring water, especially for warm months
• Dress in layers — Sintra is cooler than Lisbon
• Arrive early to the meeting point
• Bring a camera for palace terraces and ocean cliffs
• Book tours in advance during peak travel seasons
• Allow extra time for Sintra’s busy streets
• Choose morning departures for better lighting and fewer crowds

Most tours last between 7 and 9 hours, including transportation from Lisbon. Visitors typically spend 1 to 1.5 hours inside Pena Palace and additional time exploring the palace park and Sintra town. Stops at Cabo da Roca and Cascais add another 1 to 2 hours, depending on the itinerary.

Winter in Sintra is misty and atmospheric, making the forested hills even more magical. Bring warm layers — the mountaintop around Pena Palace can be chilly and windy. Rain is common, so waterproof shoes or a lightweight rain jacket are recommended. Fog often creates dramatic soft light, especially for photography. Shorter days mean morning or midday tours offer the best visibility.