Pena Palace Photoshoot Guide

Pena Palace (Parque e Palácio Nacional da Pena) is an epic and gorgeous place to have a photoshoot.

It is a popular spot for surprise proposals, couples portrait sessions, and family photoshoots.

Operating Hours & Admissions

Pena Palace Outdoors and Gardens: (9:00 AM – 7:00 PM) with the last ticket and last entry at 6:00 PM.

For photoshoots, the best light happens closest to sunrise and sunset, so for a majority of the year, the best times to photograph at Pena Palace are from (9:00am-10:00am) or (6:00pm-7:00pm).

Although Sintra is a short drive or train ride from Lisbon, the climate is typically cooler than Lisbon and the weather can be very different, with fog often playing a role in the fanciful experience of being in Sintra.

Foggy day in the gardens at Pena Palace.

It can often be a bit windy, so bring clothing layers to your photoshoot.

Comfortable walking shoes with traction are a must, as it is a bit of a steep walk from the ticket counter, through the gardens, to the entry of the Palace.

Lastly, Pena Palace, like many of the major sites in Sintra is an UNESCO World Heritage site and requires a photography permit to take professional photos there. Although you can find varying information online, in my personal experience photographing at Pena Palace, the permit is €150 and is paid at the desk where you get your tickets. The permit provides entry of up to 6 people and allows you to take photos around the outside of the grounds. No indoor photos.

Are you ready to book a photoshoot at Pena Palace? Send me a message, here!