The Pena Palace and Moorish Castle are two of the most famous landmarks in Sintra, Portugal. These historic sites are located on the lush, forested hills of Sintra, offering some of the most spectacular panoramic views in the region. One of the most iconic viewpoints is from the Moorish Castle, where visitors can enjoy a breathtaking view of Pena Palace standing proudly against the skyline.
This guide will take you through everything you need to know about the view of Pena Palace from the Moorish Castle, including the best time to visit, how to get there, and photography tips to capture the perfect shot.
1. Why the Moorish Castle Offers the Best View of Pena Palace
The Moorish Castle is a 9th-century fortress built by the Moors during their rule in the Iberian Peninsula. Perched on a rocky hilltop, this medieval stronghold offers a 360-degree panoramic view of Sintra’s landscape. One of the most stunning sights from the castle is the colorful and majestic Pena Palace, which appears almost like a fairy tale castle floating above the trees.
Here’s why the Moorish Castle is the best place to view Pena Palace:
✔ Elevated Position – The castle sits at a higher altitude, giving a clear, unobstructed view of Pena Palace.
✔ Unique Perspective – Unlike views from the palace itself, the Moorish Castle offers a distant, panoramic view that highlights the palace’s stunning architecture.
✔ Less Crowded – While Pena Palace can get extremely crowded, the Moorish Castle provides a peaceful and relaxed viewing experience.
✔ Incredible Photo Opportunities – From the castle walls and towers, you can capture the best shots of Pena Palace surrounded by the lush greenery of Sintra.
2. How to Get to the Moorish Castle
The Moorish Castle is located within the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, just a short distance from Pena Palace.
Address:
Estrada da Pena, 2710-609 Sintra, Portugal
By Car:
There is a parking lot near the entrance of the Sintra Parks area, but spaces are limited. It’s best to arrive early, especially during peak tourist seasons.
By Train:
Take the train from Lisbon’s Rossio Station to Sintra Station (approximately 40 minutes). From Sintra Station, you can take the Scotturb Bus 434, which stops near both Pena Palace and the Moorish Castle.
By Walking or Hiking:
For adventurous travelers, hiking up to the Moorish Castle is a rewarding experience. There are several trails leading to the castle, with stunning views along the way.
3. Best Time to Visit for the Perfect View
To fully enjoy the view of Pena Palace from the Moorish Castle, consider the best times to visit:
Morning (8 AM – 11 AM):
✔ Soft lighting for photography
✔ Fewer tourists for a peaceful experience
✔ Cooler temperatures, especially in summer
☀ Afternoon (12 PM – 4 PM):
✔ More crowds, but still a great time to visit
✔ Can be hot, especially in summer
Sunset (5 PM – 8 PM, varies by season):
✔ Golden hour lighting makes Pena Palace look magical
✔ Incredible sunset views over Sintra’s hills
✔ Less crowded than midday
Night (After 8 PM):
✔ Pena Palace is not illuminated, so visibility is limited
✔ However, Sintra at night has a mysterious charm
For the best photos, aim for early morning or late afternoon, when the light is soft and golden.
4. Best Viewing Spots at the Moorish Castle
The Moorish Castle has several strategic points that provide amazing views of Pena Palace. Here are some of the best spots to capture the perfect shot:
The Main Wall Path
✔ Offers a clear, elevated view of Pena Palace
✔ The best spot for panoramic photos
The Castle Towers
✔ Higher vantage points for a wider perspective
✔ Ideal for framing Pena Palace with the castle walls
The Southern Viewpoint
✔ A unique angle of Pena Palace, showing more of the forest and hills
✔ Less crowded compared to other spots
These locations provide stunning perspectives of Pena Palace, allowing you to capture different angles and compositions.
5. Photography Tips for Capturing Pena Palace from the Moorish Castle
To take stunning photos of Pena Palace from the Moorish Castle, follow these photography tips:
Use a Telephoto Lens – Since Pena Palace is far in the distance, a zoom lens (100mm+) will help capture details.
Visit During Golden Hour – The best light for photography is just after sunrise or before sunset.
Include the Castle Walls – Framing Pena Palace with parts of the Moorish Castle’s walls or towers creates a dramatic effect.
Experiment with Angles – Walk around to find the best perspective, including higher vantage points.
Use a Tripod for Stability – If shooting in low light conditions, a tripod helps keep the image sharp.
Capture the Surrounding Nature – Pena Palace is surrounded by lush forests, adding depth and color to your shots.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to capture breathtaking images of Pena Palace from the Moorish Castle.
6. Fun Things to Do After Enjoying the View
After taking in the stunning view of Pena Palace, there are plenty of activities to enjoy around the Moorish Castle and Sintra:
Explore the Moorish Castle Itself
Walk along the ancient fortress walls, discover hidden towers, and enjoy the panoramic views of Sintra.
Visit Pena Palace Up Close
If you haven’t visited Pena Palace yet, take a short walk or bus ride and explore its colorful architecture, luxurious interiors, and scenic gardens.
Hike Through Sintra’s Nature Trails
Sintra is full of beautiful hiking trails that lead to hidden viewpoints, lush forests, and charming villages.
☕ Enjoy a Café in Sintra’s Historic Center
Head down to Sintra’s Old Town and relax at a traditional Portuguese café with a pastel de nata (custard tart) and coffee.
7. Tips for a Great Experience
✔ Wear Comfortable Shoes – The castle walls and pathways can be steep and uneven.
✔ Bring a Jacket – Even in summer, Sintra’s high-altitude location can be chilly and windy.
✔ Arrive Early – To avoid crowds and get the best photo opportunities.
✔ Stay Hydrated – Bring water, especially if you plan to hike.
✔ Respect the Historic Site – Follow the rules and be mindful of preserving this ancient fortress.
A Must-See View in Sintra
The view of Pena Palace from the Moorish Castle is one of the most spectacular sights in Portugal. Whether you’re a history lover, a photographer, or simply a traveler looking for an unforgettable experience, this vantage point offers a magical and breathtaking perspective of Sintra’s most famous landmark.
With its rich history, stunning landscapes, and fairy tale atmosphere, Sintra is a must-visit destination, and this view alone makes the journey worthwhile!