No, Pena Palace is not free; it is one of the most visited paid monuments in Portugal. In 2026, a standard adult ticket (ages 18–64) for the Palace and Park costs €20, which grants access to the interior rooms of the castle as well as the surrounding 200-hectare park. If you only wish to explore the exterior terraces, the colorful courtyards, and the extensive gardens without entering the royal apartments, you can purchase a "Park only" ticket for €10. Discounts are available for children (ages 6–17) and seniors (65+), who pay approximately €18 for the full experience. It is a "pro" tip to book your tickets online in advance via the official Parques de Sintra website, as this provides a 5% discount and is mandatory for securing a specific timed entry slot for the palace interior. Without a pre-booked time slot, you may be denied entry to the palace rooms during busy periods. Additionally, there is a small extra fee (around €4.50) if you wish to use the transfer shuttle that runs from the park entrance up the steep hill to the palace doors.