Portugal's landscape is dotted with stunning castles that tell tales of Moorish rulers, Christian conquests, and royal romances. As someone who's explored these magnificent structures, I'm sharing my comprehensive guide to help you plan your Portuguese castle adventure.
São Jorge Castle: Lisbon's Crown Jewel
Best Time to Visit: Early morning (9-10 AM) or late afternoon (4-5 PM) to avoid crowds and harsh midday sun Getting There: Take Tram 28 from downtown Lisbon, or walk up through the charming Alfama district Visit Duration: 2-3 hours
Perched atop Lisbon's highest hill, São Jorge Castle is often visitors' first stop in Portugal's castle tour. The uphill journey might seem daunting, but trust me – the views alone are worth it. Pro tip: if walking isn't your thing, grab a tuk-tuk from Rossio Square (around €10).
What makes this castle special is its accessibility from central Lisbon. The castle grounds include peaceful gardens where peacocks roam freely, and the walls offer 360-degree views of the city and the Tagus River. Don't miss the Camera Obscura in the tower for a unique 10-minute show about Lisbon.
Entry costs €10 for adults, and I recommend booking online to skip the queues, especially during summer months.
Pena Palace: Sintra's Colorful Wonder
Best Time to Visit: First thing in the morning on weekdays Getting There: Take the train from Lisbon's Rossio Station to Sintra (40 minutes), then Bus 434 Visit Duration: 3-4 hours
Pena Palace is the stuff of fairytales. This 19th-century marvel sits atop a hill in Sintra, sporting vibrant yellow and red walls that pop against blue skies. It's Portugal's most visited castle, and for good reason.
Plan to arrive when it opens (9:30 AM) to beat tour buses. Buy a combined ticket that includes both the palace interior and park access (around €14). The palace gets incredibly busy between 11 AM and 4 PM, especially during summer months.
A word of caution: Sintra's microclimate means mornings can be foggy. If you're mainly interested in photos, check the weather forecast and plan accordingly. Sometimes, afternoon visits offer clearer skies.
Óbidos Castle: Medieval Charm
Best Time to Visit: Spring (March-May) or Fall (September-October) Getting There: Take an express bus from Lisbon's Campo Grande station (1 hour) Visit Duration: 2 hours for the castle, half day for the town
The castle of Óbidos is unique because it's now a luxury hotel (pousada), but the real charm lies in the perfectly preserved medieval town surrounding it. While you can't tour the castle interior unless you're a guest, walking the town walls offers spectacular views.
Visit during spring to see the town decorated with flowers, or in July during the Medieval Fair when the entire town transforms into a medieval market. The winter months bring the chocolate festival, making it another appealing time to visit.
Entry to the town is free, and wall walks cost €2. Try the famous Ginjinha (cherry liqueur) served in chocolate cups from street vendors.
Castelo dos Mouros: The Moorish Fortress
Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon for sunset views Getting There: Same as Pena Palace - train to Sintra, then Bus 434 Visit Duration: 2 hours
Often overlooked in favor of Pena Palace, the Moorish Castle offers equally spectacular views with fewer crowds. The serpentine walls along the mountaintop create incredible photo opportunities.
Wear comfortable shoes with good grip – the castle walls can be steep and slippery. Consider visiting after Pena Palace, when the morning crowds have dispersed. Entry costs around €8, and combination tickets with Pena Palace offer savings.
Guimarães Castle: Birth of a Nation
Best Time to Visit: Any time of year Getting There: Train from Porto's São Bento station (1.5 hours) Visit Duration: 1-2 hours
Less touristy than its Lisbon-area counterparts, Guimarães Castle offers a more authentic experience. The birthplace of Portugal's first king, it's a must-visit for history buffs.
The castle is remarkably well-preserved and offers great views of Guimarães city. Entry is a modest €2, making it the most budget-friendly castle on this list.
Planning Your Castle Tour
Best Season to Visit
The ideal time to visit Portuguese castles is during shoulder season (April-May or September-October). You'll enjoy pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Summer brings intense heat and crowds, while winter can be rainy but offers the benefit of lower tourist numbers.
Transportation Tips
Consider buying a Viva Viagem card if staying in Lisbon
The Lisbon-Sintra train runs frequently and costs about €5 round-trip
Renting a car gives you more flexibility, especially for visiting multiple castles
Many castles are accessible by organized tours from Lisbon or Porto
Money-Saving Tips
Look for combination tickets when visiting multiple monuments
Many castles offer student and senior discounts
Some castles are free on the first Sunday of each month
Consider the Portugal Heritage Pass if visiting multiple sites
What to Bring
Comfortable walking shoes (you'll be doing lots of climbing)
Water bottle (many castles have fountains for refills)
Light jacket (even in summer, castles can be windy)
Camera (the views are incredible)
Cash for small towns like Óbidos
Planning a last-minute trip to Portugal or realized your passport is expiring soon? Don't worry! For U.S. travelers who need to get their passports quickly, RushMyPassport offers expedited passport services that can be a real lifesaver. They can help you get your passport renewed or obtain a new one in as little as 1-2 business days. While it's always best to check your passport well in advance, life doesn't always go as planned. If you find yourself in a passport pinch, check out RushMyPassport here to explore their speedy options and ensure you don't miss out on your Portuguese adventure!
Final Thoughts
Portugal's castles offer something for everyone – from the romantic Pena Palace to the robust Moorish Castle. While you can see the major ones in a week, I recommend spacing them out to avoid castle fatigue. Take time to explore the surrounding towns and immerse yourself in the local culture.
Remember that these aren't just tourist attractions but important historical monuments. Each tells a unique story about Portugal's rich history, and understanding these stories will make your visits more meaningful.
