How to Get from Pena Palace to Moorish Castle
The Pena Palace and Moorish Castle are the two most famous attractions in Sintra, Portugal.
One is known for its unique and colorful architectural style, while the other is known for its panoramic views and historical significance.
The two attractions are about 2 kilometers apart and can be covered in one day.
To clear all your doubts, here are all the ways to cover the distance between these two iconic attractions.
Pena Palace and Moorish Castle: A Brief Introduction
The Pena Palace, also known as Palácio da Pena, is known for its colorful architectural style with vibrant colors.
It is often recognized for its Romanticist design, combining elements of Neo-Gothic, Neo-Renaissance, Neo-Manueline, and Islamic architecture.
The Moorish Castle, also known as Castelo dos Mouros, has ancient architecture, including fortified walls, watchtowers, and battlements.
It is particularly renowned for its panoramic views of the town of Sintra, the lush landscape, and the Atlantic Ocean.
The Pena Palace is a Romanticist palace built in the 19th century, while the Moorish Castle is a medieval castle built in the 11th century.
The Connection Between Pena Palace and Moorish Castle
The Pena Palace and the Moorish Castle are not directly connected, but they are within walking distance.
The two attractions are often visited together, as they offer different perspectives on the history and culture of Sintra.
The Pena Palace is a popular tourist destination, while the Moorish Castle is a more secluded and atmospheric place.
As you explore Pena Palace and Moorish Castle, you’ll find different art and architectural styles from different periods of Sintra’s history.
If you are visiting Sintra, we recommend visiting the Pena Palace and the Moorish Castle together.
Here is a possible itinerary for visiting the Pena Palace and the Moorish Castle:
- Start your day by visiting the Pena Palace. Allow at least two hours to explore the palace and its gardens.
- In the afternoon, walk or take the bus to the Moorish Castle. Allow about an hour to visit the castle.
Distance from Pena Palace to Moorish Castle
The distance from Pena Palace to Moorish Castle is approximately 1.3 miles (2.2 km).
Pena Palace Address: Estrada da Pena, 2710-609 Sintra, Portugal
Moorish Castle Address: 2710-405 Sintra, Portugal
Pena Palace to Moorish Castle Map:
How to Reach from Sintra to Moorish Castle?
If you want to directly reach Moorish Castle from Sintra, then buses, taxis, and tuk-tuks are available from Sintra train station.
If you are on a day trip to Sintra, there are three ways to visit both locations.
Walk or Hike from Sintra to Pena Palace and Moorish Castle
The Caminho de Santa Maria footpath is a famous hiking or walking route.
The path leads uphill from the historic center of Sintra to the Moorish Castle and Pena Palace.
It is a very steep hill and a demanding 55-minute hike that covers Pena Park, Pena Palace, and Moorish Castle.
While the footpath is challenging, it is also an incredibly scenic route, offering phenomenal opportunities for taking photos.
It passes through the forests of the Sintra region and offers many incredible viewpoints.
You can see the Palace of Sintra and even the fantastic Quinta da Regaleira from up there.
Visitors claim the path looks like the Great Wall of China from the top.
Bus from Pena Palace to Moorish Castle:
You can take the 434-tourist bus service that departs from the Sintra train station.
This bus service is specifically designed for tourists visiting the various attractions in Sintra in one day.
The bus route costs €3 to €5 one way, covering the distance in about 15 minutes.
Taxi or Tuk-Tuk from Pena Palace to Moorish Castle
Tuk-tuks and taxis are more expensive to get from Pena Palace to the Moorish Castle.
The cost of a tuk-tuk ride is around €5, and the cost of a taxi ride is around €7.
It will take around 7 to 10 minutes to reach your destination.
How Much Time Does it Take to Reach Moorish Castle from Pena Palace
The Moorish palace is a short walk from Pena Palace on the Caminho de Santa Maria footpath.
It is the logical next stop after the Pena Palace, so the walk from the Pena Palace to the Moorish Castle is about 2.5 kilometers long and takes 30 minutes.
However, if you are in good physical condition, you can walk it in 10 to 15 minutes.
Pena Palace and Moorish Castle tickets
You can purchase a combo ticket for the Pena Palace and the Moorish Castle for €22 per person.
This will give you access to attractions and save you up to 6% on individual tickets.
You can take a paid shuttle bus to travel between the two attractions.
This is a convenient way to get between the palaces, especially if you are not up for walking.
FAQ’s
Can you walk from Pena Palace to Moorish Castle?
Yes, you can walk from Pena Palace to Moorish Castle.
The Moorish Castle is a short walk from Pena Palace or its entrance, making it a logical next stop after visiting Pena Palace.
Can you see Pena Palace from Moorish Castle?
Yes, you can easily see the beautiful Pena Palace from Moorish Castle, as they are only 2.2 km away.
The view from the Moorish Castle includes Pena Palace, with a great view of Sintra and the National Palace of Sintra in the backdrop.
How long is it from Pena Palace to Moorish Castle?
The walk from the Pena Palace to the Moorish Castle takes approx. 15-20 minutes, and vice versa.
If you are comfortable walking, it may take around 10 minutes.
What is the cheapest way to reach Moorish Castle Sintra?
The cheapest way to get from Sintra to Moorish Castle is by bus line 434, which costs €3 to €5 and takes approx. 15 minutes.
What is the fastest way to get from Sintra to Moorish Castle?
The fastest way to get from Sintra to Castelo dos Mouros (Station) is by taxi, which takes 7–10 minutes and costs €5–7.
Are there any Moorish castle tickets for entry?
How long do you need at the Moorish Castle in Sintra?
A 1-2 hour duration is good enough to explore Moorish Castle.
However, if you want to explore the nearby attractions, you can stay in Sintra for a whole day.
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