SintraCascaisSesimbra.com

The best independent guide to Setubal

SintraCascaisSesimbra.com

The best independent guide to Setubal

Castelo de Palmela Castle, Portugal

The Castelo de Palmela is a huge fortified complex that stands atop the eastern edge of the Serra de Arrabida hills.

This high vantage point of the castle provides stunning views over both the Tagus and Sado estuaries and made it of strategic importance for early Portuguese dynasties but surprisingly the castle experienced very little actual fighting since the Christian conquest of the Moors in the 12th century.

Castelo de Palmela

The ancient Castelo de Palmela

Castelo de Palmela Details

The Castelo de Palmela is impressive from the distant lowlands and grows to dominate the skyline closer to the village of Palmela while the grander and imposing allure of the castle is not diminished on visiting the interior of the national monument.

Inside the castle’s walls is the Igreja de Santiago church, the espaços museum and the entire castle to explore which from the battlements provide fantastic panoramic views over the region.

Castelo de Palmela

The Posande hotel (white building) in the castle has amazing views over the Serra de Arrabida

Castelo de Palmela

The views from the battlements over the Alentejo region

Part of the reason for the immaculate conservation of the castle is that old convent wing has been transformed into a luxury hotel. Castelo de Palmela is a great day trip for visitors who are based within the Setubal region and even better place to stay for those visitors who can afford it.

Castelo de Palmela

The view over Setubal from the castle

Castelo de Palmela Tourist Information

Castelo de Palmela is on the edge of the town of Palmela which is 9km north of Setubal, 28km from Sesimbra or 42km from Lisbon. The castle can be clearly seen from both of the expressways heading south from Lisbon. The castle is open every day and as part of the hotel complex the main gates never close and there is no entrance fee.

Castelo de Palmela

The castle is high above the town of Palmela

The Igreja de Santiago is open Tuesday to Sunday (closed Monday) from 10:00 to 12:30 and then 14:30 to 18:00 and the entrance fee €5/3 (adult/child). Typical visits to the castle range between 1.5 hours to 2 hours and most visitors combine the trip with the pretty town of Palmela further down the hill.

Palmela portugal

The town centre of Palmela

Palmela church

Palmela church

Our most popular guides to the Setubal region

Setubal
Setubal day trip
Setubal sights and activities
setubal hotel
Setubal beaches
Serra da Arrabida
Troia Peninsula
sesimbra Portugal
Cabo Espichel
Lisbon Day Trips

Discover more of Portugal with our guides

Lisbon portugal
sintra Portugal
Cascais Portugal
Evora Portugal
Obidos Portugal
Nazare Portugal
Tomar Portugal
Vila Nova de Milfontes
Ericeira Portugal
Batalha Portugal

SintraCascaisSesimbra.com

The best guide to Setubal

Setubal
Setubal day trip
Setubal sights and activities
setubal hotel
Setubal beaches
Serra da Arrabida
Troia Peninsula
sesimbra Portugal
Cabo Espichel
Lisbon Day Trips
Lisbon portugal
sintra Portugal
Cascais Portugal
Evora Portugal
Obidos Portugal
Nazare Portugal
Tomar Portugal
Vila Nova de Milfontes
Ericeira Portugal
Batalha Portugal
Setubal
Setubal day trip
Setubal sights and activities
setubal hotel
Setubal beaches
Serra da Arrabida
Troia Peninsula
sesimbra Portugal
Cabo Espichel
Lisbon Day Trips