Last Updated on July 29, 2025
Biester Palace is one of Sintra, Portugal’s lesser-known attractions, but you don’t want to miss it!
Sintra, Portugal is a municipality of Portugal, just one hour from Lisbon and 3.5 hours from Porto. This region is known for its lovely small town center, and its many palaces and castles, which are designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
One of those famous palaces is Biester Palace. In 1910, Biester Palace was classified as a National Monument, but it continued to be kept as private property. Although it still is private property, the palace underwent a careful renovation so it could finally open to the public for the first time in 2022.
Whether you’re spending a few days, or just 24 hours in Sintra, this palace is worth adding to your itinerary. Read on to learn how you can wander Biester Palace’s historical halls, browse its impressive library, admire its interior decoration, and explore the palace’s beautiful gardens.
Biester Palace and Park History
Biester Palace, also known as Chalet Biester and Parque Biester, was built at the end of the 19th century. The palace was designed by Portuguese architect José Luiz Monteiro, in a neoclassical style.
The interior of Biester Palace, also done in the neoclassical style, was decorated by some of the best artists of the time in Portugal, including Luigi Manini and Leandro de Souza Braga.
Inside the palace are two floors of rooms, including a library, formal dining room, billiard room, and grand staircase. Surrounding the palace is a large park made up of pathways, botanical gardens, fountains and streams. It was designed by the French landscaper, François Nogré.
What to Do at Biester Palace in Sintra, Portugal?
A visit to Chalet Biester starts with a walk through the palace’s gardens. Since the palace is up on a hill, there are some hills to climb on this walk.
When you arrive at Biester Palace, you can wander the interior rooms and visit the palace’s chapel. Following the palace, you can visit the property’s teahouse that serves sandwiches, pastries, fresh fruit juice, wines, and tea and coffee.
As you wander the property, be sure to stop at the vantage points that give you lovely views of Pena Palace and Sintra Palace.
You can easily spend up to three hours exploring Biester Palace and gardens. This historical site is known for being less busy than others in Sintra, which makes for a relaxing visit.
How to Visit Biester Palace
Planning to visit Biester Palace in Sintra? Here is the basic information you’ll need to plan your day.
Biester Palace opening hours?
Biester Palace is open daily from 10:00 AM, and closes in the evening. Closing time varies according to the season, so it’s best to double check the closing hours ahead of your visit. Last entry into the palace is one hour before closing time.
How to get tickets for Biester Palace?
Tickets for Biester Palace can be bought online through their website or in person from the ticket office when you arrive. The entire property covers about 7 hectares, and so Biester Palace can receive many visitors every day. Given this, tickets rarely sell out. As of spring 2023, tickets are 10,00€ per adult.
How to get to Biester Palace?
Biester Palace is a 15 minute walk up the hill from Sintra town, and Sintra National Palace. There are two entrances to the property, one on Av. Almeida Garrett 1A, and one at Estrada da Pena 16, which is only open in the summer time (April to October).
If you would like to take public transit to Biester Palace, Bus 434 stops at Estrada da Pena 16. This entrance is only open in the summer time, but if you wish to use it during off-season, you can email Biester Palace in advance and they will ensure that gate is open for you. Alternatively, you can hire a taxi or tuk tuk to take you from Sintra town to the entrance of Biester Palace.
Biester Palace is a short walk from another popular site in Sintra, Quinta da Regaleira. If you plan to visit both, it makes sense to visit them on the same day because of their proximity to each other.
Are there private tours of Biester Palace?
Yes, it’s possible to book a private, 90 minute long tour of Biester Palace and Park. Tours require a minimum of 8 people to be run. To organize your guided group tour, you’ll need to email Biester Palace in advance.
Are there private tours of Biester Palace?
Yes, it’s possible to book a private, 90 minute long tour of Biester Palace and Park. Tours require a minimum of 8 people to be run. To organize your guided group tour, you’ll need to email Biester Palace in advance.
Where to Stay Near Biester Palace
While Sintra and Biester Palace can be visited as part of a day trip or tour from Lisbon, I recommend staying a night in Sintra.
Spending a night or two gives you enough time to see several famous Sintra sites, like Pena Palace and the Castle of the Moors. And, you’ll have time to explore Sintra town as well.
Here are 4 hotels near Chalet Biester:
$ MouraLua is a cozy budget option for your stay in Sintra. It’s a little further out from Sintra’s main sites, but if you don’t mind walking or taking the local bus, this isn’t an issue. This guesthouse has a social common room and kitchen.
$$ Casa da Pendôa is budget friendly, and well located in the historic center. Rooms in this guesthouse are simple, but comfortable, with views of the Sintra Mountains.
$$$ Sintra Bliss Hotel is a pricier option, in part because it’s conveniently located in the historic center. This hotel is just 100 meters from Sintra train station. All rooms include a TV, AC, and an ensuite bathroom.
$$$ Sintra 1012 Boutique Guest House is a charming B&B in a restored 15th-century building in the historic center of Sintra, a 13-minute walk from Sintra station. The rooms are homey and comfortable, and breakfast is included every morning.
Why You Should Visit Biester Palace in Sintra
Sintra is famous for the many palaces, castles, and other notable historic buildings in its region. The area has so many incredible sites because between the 18th century and the 20th century, Portuguese royalty as well as wealthy figures from throughout Europe gravitated to Sintra.
Nobility built palaces and summer residences in Sintra because of its gorgeous hills, cooler climate, and how close it is to Lisbon.
Because Sintra today is such a popular destination in Portugal, its sites are typically very busy with visitors. This is what makes Biester Palace so special. This newly opened palace tends to be quiet, giving you a moment to really take in the special beauty of the palace and grounds.
More on travel in Portugal:
- Your Essential 3 Days in Lisbon Itinerary
- 24 Hours in Sintra: Your Comprehensive Guide
- How to Visit Quinta da Regaleira (2023 Guide)
- Your Comprehensive Sintra, Portugal Guide (2023)
- 10 Reasons To Visit Portugal In Winter
