Almourol Castle: How to Get Here and What to Expect Once You’re Here
I learned about Almourol Castle when researching things to do near Tomar for our trip to Portugal. It sounded like a great castle to visit since we’d be in the area, so I quickly added it to our itinerary.
However, I soon found out that actually getting to the castle would be a bit tricky. That’s not because Almourol Castle itself is difficult to get to, but because reliable practical information on the castle is somewhat scarce on the internet. Considering Almourol Castle is one of Portugal’s most beautiful castles, I think that issue needs to be rectified.
In this post, I’ll provide you with my firsthand experience visiting Almourol Castle, as well as other ways to get here. I’ll also provide a bit of history on this attraction and what to expect during your visit.
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I will earn a small commission. This occurs at no added cost to you.
Almourol Castle Summary
| Hours: | *Mar – Oct Daily 10:00 – 1:00, 2:30 – 7:00 Nov – Feb Daily 10:00 – 1:00, 2:30 – 5:00 |
| Length of Visit: | 30 – 60 minutes |
| Cost: | €4 for boat ride to the castle |
| Highlights: | Stunning castle on an island in the middle of a river, views of the surrounding landscape |
Highlights of Visiting Almourol Castle
Your visit to Almourol Castle starts when you first turn into the small parking lot where boats pick up visitors. This spot is the best chance to get close-up views of the castle from this angle. It’s also kind of funny to see just how close the islet is to the mainland after seeing photos online where it looks like the castle is in the middle of a wide river.
For some of the best views from the mainland, head away from the parking lot and past the small overlook (it was closed during our visit). You’ll see a dirt path that goes along the river towards some boulders. It’s a quick walk for more good views of the castle.
After snapping your photos and taking in the view, you’ll board a small boat that takes you over to the islet. The ride only lasts a few minutes, but it’ll likely be the highlight of your visit. That’s because the views from the boat are the best you’ll get of Almourol Castle.
Once you land on the islet, it’s about a 5-minute walk up to the castle’s entrance. Along the way are some more views of the castle, this time from the bottom up through the foliage. You’ll also come across a couple signs detailing Almourol Castle’s history.
The castle itself is a bit bland. You’ll see some more informational signs, but other than those, there isn’t much of the actual castle worth seeing. If you want more history on the Templars in the region, you can visit the Almourol Templar Interpretation Center in nearby Vila Nova da Barquinha.
The real highlight from the castle is the view of the Tagus River and the surrounding region from the top of the keep. It’s quite lovely up here as the views seem to stretch on for miles past each bend of the river.
Brave souls can also climb the steps up to Almourol Castle’s ramparts for more views. The stairs are a bit uneven and there’s not much protection on the walkway to keep from falling. Because I was carrying our daughter, my wife told me it was probably a good idea to skip that.
While not a highlight, Almourol Castle has a cafe and bathrooms available for guests. These are especially helpful since the castle is a bit out of the way from other major stops.
How to Get to Almourol Castle
Getting to Almourol Castle is actually fairly straightforward as long as you know where to go. The problem is being sure you’re going to the right dock because I found it wasn’t always clear when trying to find that information online.
There are two different piers relatively close to the castle. One of the piers runs more elaborate types of tours that need to be reserved ahead of time. This pier is near the small town of Tancos.
The easiest way to visit is from the other pier right next to the castle. If that’s where your GPS shows as your destination, then you’re good to go. You should see signs for Almourol Castle pointing you in the right direction.
Have €4 in cash ready to go. Upon boarding the boat, an employee will take your entrance fee and provide you with a ticket that can also be used for the nearby Almourol Templar Interpretation Center.
History of Almourol Castle
Some type of fortification is thought to have stood here since at least the 1st century B.C., when ancient Romans conquered the region. No one knows for sure when the current castle in a primitive form was built, but historians believe different civilizations, including the Alans, Visigoths and finally Arabs, contributed to its remodels and design.
During the Christian Reconquista of Portugal, Almourol Castle was reconquered by Portuguese forces in 1129 and given over to the Knights Templar under the leadership of Gualdim Pais. Starting in 1171, the Knights Templar began the process of restoring the castle.
The Knights Templar continued to maintain Almourol Castle as a fortress until their order was dissolved in 1312. Between this event and the region losing its strategic importance, the castle was eventually abandoned.
It wasn’t till the 19th century that it was rediscovered during the Romantic movement sweeping through Europe. Almourol Castle was restored and had idealized medieval flourishes added, like the crenellations seen today. Renovations continued through the 20th century, during which time it became a popular tourist attraction and was also used for official government functions.
Other Options for Visiting Almourol Castle
Tritejo sails out of Tancos and offers several different experiences for people who want to visit Almourol Castle. Tritejo offers various options, like a sunset cruise or a tour aboard a silent solar-powered boat. You can also include extras on your tour, such as regional wines and appetizers.
Something I would have loved to do if we had had enough time would have been a kayak tour to Almourol Castle. Aventur is a local company that offers just that. Visitors can choose from four different kayak and canoe tours.
You could also do a day trip tour from Lisbon that includes other sights in the region. Most tours seem to focus on the region’s Templar history, with tours visiting Almourol Castle and other sights in and around Tomar. Below is a link to one of the more highly rated tours from GetYourGuide.
Frequently Asked Questions About Almourol Castle
Is visiting Almourol Castle worth it?
Yes, but only if you have a car and will be visiting other sights in the area. Without both of those things, it isn’t worth going out of your way despite how pretty it is. Similarly, I wouldn’t take a tour to see the castle unless it includes other things to do.
As far as actually going into the castle, I think it’s worth it for the views of the river from its keep. However, the best part of our visit was just seeing the castle from the boat. If walking around castle ruins isn’t your thing, you may want to consider a separate river boat tour.
When is the best time to visit Almourol Castle?
Seeing Almourol Castle at sunset is supposed to be an incredible experience, so much so that sunset boat tours are offered by a nearby company.
Crowds shouldn’t be too much of a concern at any time of year. Because Almourol Castle is somewhat remote, it doesn’t ever get too busy. The limited capacity of the ferry keeps crowds in the castle itself at manageable levels, too.
Where is a good place to stay near Almourol Castlel?
Tomar is the nearest touristy town from Almourol Castle. It has plenty of cafes, restaurants, lodgings and just enough things to see to make it worth a stopover during your time in Portugal.
We stayed in Thomar Boutique Hotel, a place I highly recommend. The hotel itself is very nice and sits on the opposite side of the river from Tomar’s old town with quick access to a charming little park. Its highlight is the rooftop bar with great views of the old town and Convent of Christ above town.
What else is there to do near Almourol Castle?
This region of Portugal has quite a bit to do, if you’re willing to spend some time on the road. Like we did, you could make your way to the medieval town of Tomar, famous for its association with the legendary Knights Templar. Tomar’s most important sight is the Convent of Christ, well worth a visit even if you aren’t staying in town.
Some other important and popular attractions in the area are the Sanctuary of Fátima, Batalha Monastery, the Monastery of Santa Maria in Alcobaca, and the cutesy town of Obidos. You also aren’t too far from the beach at Nazare.
Thank you for reading this post. Paul Passing Through is a labor of love to which I’ve dedicated a lot of free time. If you’d like to show your support for my blog, you can Buy Me a Coffee to help fund the future of Paul Passing Through. I appreciate any contributions!
Book Your Trip to Portugal
Whether you’re looking for tours, hotels or flights, here are some tools to help get you started planning your trip to Portugal!
Look for activities and tours offered through GetYourGuide or Viator!
Search Flights
Still can’t find what you’re looking for? Check out my travel essentials pages for more of my recommendations.
Pin This Post!
