7 castles of Portugal for your next trip
Portugal is a country brimming with character and charisma, and its castles and historic monuments are no exception. These magnificent structures are like time capsules, transporting visitors back to a bygone era of kings and queens, battles and conquests, and intricate architectural marvels. Whether you’re exploring the ramparts of the Castelo de São Jorge in Lisbon, marvelling at the intricate carvings of the Convent of Christ in Tomar, or admiring the fairy tale-like Pena Palace in Sintra, castles of Portugal are sure to leave you awestruck and enchanted. If you get a chance, have a visit to an oldest castle in Portugal.
From towering medieval castles to majestic palaces and monasteries, Portugal’s historic landmarks are a testament to its rich cultural heritage and offer a glimpse into the country’s fascinating past. There are a lot of castles to visit in Portugal. For example, a lot of people wonder about the castles in Porti Portugal. All you need to do is to take a vacation for a while to experience them all.
7 best castles of Portugal
Here is the list of the best castles in Portugal that are must-visit for anyone interested in the country’s rich history and culture:
- Castelo de São Jorge – Lisbon
- Castelo de Guimarães – Guimarães
- Castelo de Óbidos – Óbidos
- Castelo dos Mouros – Sintra
- Castelo de Almourol – Vila Nova da Barquinha
- Castelo de Marvão – Marvão
- Castelo de Santa Maria da Feira – Santa Maria da Feira
These castles are popular tourist destinations, and the best time to visit them is typically during the spring and fall months when the weather is mild, and the crowds are smaller. However, some castles may have shorter opening hours or be closed during the off-season, so it’s always best to check before planning your visit. If you look around well and explore more, You will find the colorful castle in Portugal as well.
It’s possible to visit all these castles under one itinerary, especially if you plan to explore different regions of Portugal. Many of these castles are within a few hours’ drive of each other and can be included in a comprehensive tour of the country’s historic landmarks. All the castles of Portugal are waiting for you to get explored. Take a trip to these amazing destinations.
Here is how many castles in Portugal can be interesting and jaw dropping.
Castelo de Sao Jorge – Lisbon
Castelo de Sao Jorge, a majestic castle overlooking Lisbon’s historic center, is one of the most popular tourist attractions. This castle dates back to the Moorish period, and its towers and walls have been witness to the city’s turbulent past for many centuries. Built as a defense fortress, the castle served as a royal palace in Portugal’s golden age. The castle is beautifully restored today and gives visitors a glimpse into its rich history. The castle’s walls can be admired from the outside, as well as the breathtaking views. Visitors can also explore the museum which contains a fascinating collection archaeological finds.
Hours of operation: Everyday from 9 am to 9.30 pm. Price: EUR10 for adults, EUR5 to seniors and students. Children under 10 years old are free. Uniqueness: Castelo de Sao Jorge is easily accessible because it is located in the heart Lisbon. The castle’s strategic location on a hilltop offers breathtaking views of Lisbon and the Tagus River. Importance: The Castelo de Sao Jorge, Portugal’s cultural landmark, is a must-see. Its rich history shows Portugal’s past.
Castelo de Guimaraes – Guimaraes
The Castelo de Guimaraes in Guimaraes is an impressive medieval castle. It dates back to 10th century. It is one of Portugal’s most historic landmarks. The castle was home to Afonso Henriques, Portugal’s first King, and played a key role in Portugal’s founding. The castle’s towering walls, battlements and towers show its military value and preserved beautifully. From the castle’s ramparts, visitors can see the entire city. They also have the opportunity to explore the castle museum that contains exhibits on the castle’s history and its contribution to Portugal’s foundation.
Hours of operation: Everyday from 10 am until 6 pm. Closed Mondays. Price: EUR4 per adult, EUR2 per senior and student. Free for children under 12. Location: R. Conde, 4810-245 Guimaraes. Uniqueness. The Castelo de Guimaraes’s link to Portugal’s foundation as well as its preserved medieval architecture make it a fascinating historical landmark. Importance. The Castelo de Guimaraes was a key part in Portugal’s foundation.
Castelo de Obidos – Obidos
The Castelo de Obidos, a charming medieval castle is located in Obidos. It dates back to the 12th Century and is surrounded with picturesque walls and a moat. It was a royal palace that played an important role in the defense and growth of the town. The castle’s walls can be walked along by visitors, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside and the town. The castle’s interior was converted into a luxurious hotel that offers guests a rare opportunity to explore its rich history.
Before visiting any of these castles, make sure to check new travel regulations in Portugal. Starting in 2025, the European Travel Information and Authorization System, called ETIAS Portugal, will replace the existing visa-free travel system within the Schengen area. This will make safer for tourists around the world to visit Portugal.
Hours: Open daily from 9:30am to 6pm Price: EUR7 for adults, EUR4 seniors and students, and free for children below 13. Location: Rua Direita 2510-089 Obidos Portugal Uniqueness: The Castelo de Obidos’s beautiful setting and well-preserved medieval architecture make them a fascinating historical landmark. Importance: The Castelo de Obidos was an important part of the defense
Castelo de Almourol – Vila Nova da Barquinha
The Castelo de Almourol is a stunning castle located on a small island in the middle of the Tagus River. The castle dates back to the 12th century and served as a strategic defense point during Portugal’s Reconquista. Visitors can reach the castle by boat and explore its well-preserved walls, towers, and battlements. The castle’s location on a small island in the middle of the river adds to its unique charm and makes it a must-visit destination.
Opening hours: Daily from 10 am to 5 pm
Price: €2.50 for adults, €2 for seniors and students, free for children under 12
Location: 2260-040 Vila Nova da Barquinha, Portugal
Uniqueness: The Castelo de Almourol’s location on a small island in the middle of the Tagus River and its well-preserved medieval architecture make it a unique and fascinating historical landmark.
Importance: The Castelo de Almourol played an important role in the defense of Portugal during the Reconquista and is a significant cultural landmark in the country.
Castelo de Marvão – Marvão
The Castelo de Marvão is a magnificent castle located in the charming town of Marvão. The castle dates back to the 13th century and served as a strategic defense point during Portugal’s wars with Spain. The castle’s well-preserved walls and towers offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Visitors can explore the castle’s interior, which houses a fascinating museum featuring exhibits on the castle’s history and the town’s culture.
Opening hours: Daily from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm
Price: €1.50 for adults, free for children under 12
Location: 7330-205 Marvão, Portugal
Uniqueness: The Castelo de Marvão’s location on a hilltop and its well-preserved medieval architecture make it a unique and fascinating historical landmark.
Importance: The Castelo de Marvão played an important role in Portugal’s history and is a significant cultural landmark in the country.
Castelo de Santa Maria da Feira – Santa Maria da Feira
Santa Maria da Feira has the Castelo de Santa Maria da Feira. It is a beautiful castle. The castle dates back from the 11th Century and was used as a defensive point in Portugal’s wars vs Spain. The castle’s well-preserved walls and towers offer a glimpse into its rich history. The museum in the castle’s inner courtyard reveals the castle’s history as well as the town’s culture.
As mentioned above, everyone will need new ETIAS visa in order to travel to Portugal starting from 2025. Currently, the new ETIAS Application Portugal system is not yet active. The updated border security system will go live in 2025. So if you want to avoid these regulations, now is the best time to visit Portugal.
Opening hours: Everyday from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Price: EUR3.50 adults, EUR2.50 seniors and students, EUR1.50 children 5-12. Location: Rua Castelo. Santa Maria da Feira. Uniqueness: The Castelo de Santa Maria da Feira’s remarkable architecture and central location make them a fascinating historical landmark. Importance: The Castelo de Santa Maria da Feira is an important cultural landmark in Portugal. It played a vital role in Portugal’s defense against Spain during World War II. There is a myth, saying that people use some castles in Portugal for wedding.
Castelo dos Mouros – Sintra
The Castelo dos Mouros, also known as the Castle of the Moors, is a stunning castle located in the charming town of Sintra. Castles of Sintra Portugal are amazing. It dates back to the 8th century and was originally built by the Moors as a strategic lookout point. The castle’s walls and towers offer breathtaking views of the town and surrounding countryside. Visitors can walk along the castle’s ramparts and explore the castle’s archaeological museum, which features artifacts from the castle’s past.
Opening hours: Daily from 9:30 am to 6 pm
Price: €10 for adults, €8.50 for seniors and students, free for children under 6
Location: Estrada da Pena, 2710-609 Sintra, Portugal
Uniqueness: The Castelo dos Mouros’s location in the picturesque town of Sintra and its well-preserved Moorish architecture make it a unique and fascinating historical landmark.
Importance: The Castelo dos Mouros played a significant role in the history of the region and is an important cultural landmark in Portugal.
Conclusion
Portugal is a country with a rich history and a plethora of castles and historic monuments to explore. From the majestic Castelo de Guimarães to the stunning Castelo de Almourol, each castle tells its own story and offers visitors a unique experience. With their breathtaking architecture, beautiful locations, and fascinating histories, Portugal’s castles are a must-visit for any traveler. Whether you are interested in learning about the country’s medieval past or simply want to soak up the stunning views, there is something for everyone. So why not add a few of these castles to your travel itinerary and discover the magic of Portugal’s rich cultural heritage?
Those castles of Portugal represent the history and inspiring culture of the country.