Almourol Castle, in Portugal

Almourol Castle: General Details

Here’s a quick overview of what you need to know about Almourol Castle, including highlights, activities, entrance prices, and opening hours:

• Highlights: Almourol Castle, Tagus River, Almourol Templar Interpretation Center (CITA).
• Entrance Price: 4-6€ (details below)
• Boat Tour Duration: Less than 1 hour.
• Activities: Boat Tour, Kayak/Canoe, Stand-Up Paddle.
• Opening Hours: February: 10:00 - 13:00 | 14:30 - 17:30 / March-October: 9:30 - 13:00 | 14:30 - 18:30 / November-January: 10:00 - 13:00 | 14:30 - 17:00 - (Closed on Mondays from 1st October to 28th February)
• Agencies for Activities (operators I found while researching; I have not used them): Tritejo, Aventur.

For more information please get in touch with the local tourism board on their official website or through the following contacts:

Useful contacts:

Almourol Templar Interpretation Center (CITA)

• Location: Centro Cultural de Vila Nova da Barquinha, Largo 1.º Dezembro, 2260-403 Vila Nova da Barquinha.
• Winter Hours (October - February, closed on Mondays):
  • Tuesday to Friday: 09:00 - 12:30 | 14:00 - 17:30
  • Saturday, Sunday, and holidays: 10:00 - 13:00 | 14:30 - 17:30
• Summer Hours (March - September, open daily):
  • Monday to Friday: 09:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 2:00 PM to 5:30 PM
  • Saturday, Sunday, and holidays: 10:00 - 13:00 | 14:30 - 18:00
  • Contact: T (+351) 249 720 353

Tourism Office in Vila Nova da Barquinha

• Location: Centro Cultural de Vila Nova da Barquinha, Largo 1.º Dezembro, 2260-403 Vila Nova da Barquinha.
• Contact: T (+351) 249 720 353 / 249 720 358.

Almourol Castle: History & Curiosities

Name Origin:

• The name “Almourol” likely derives from the Arabic Al-morolan (“high stone”). Variations include Almoriol, Almorol, Almourel, and Almuriel. Other theories connect it to terms like “Moron” or “Muriella.”

Location:

• Situated on a small granite islet in the middle course of the Tagus River (Rio Tejo), the castle is located in Praia do Ribatejo, Vila Nova da Barquinha, Santarém District, Portugal.
• Often attributed to Tancos, the nearest town, due to visibility from there.

Construction Date:

• Taken from the Moors in 1129 and rebuilt from 1171 (the date is on an inscription over the main gate), in the time of Gualdim Pais.

Architectural Style:

• The castle is an example of Templar military architecture, featuring a quadrangular layout, high walls with nine circular towers, and a central keep (torre de menagem).
• Built in granite and mortar masonry, the structure showcases elements from Roman to medieval times, with modern decorative elements added during the 19th-century Romanticism movement.

Historical Significance:

• Pre-Portuguese Era: Before the Portuguese conquest, there were likely Moorish fortifications or a castle on the site, part of the Muslim control in the region.
• Conquered in 1129 during the Christian Reconquest, Almourol became a Templar stronghold.
• After the Templars were dissolved, the castle passed to the Order of Christ.

Legends and Mysteries:

• D. Ramiro’s Tragedy: A Christian knight who killed two Moorish women and later captured a Moorish youth. The prisoner poisoned the knight’s wife, but fell in love with his daughter, escaping with her. The legend claims the couple’s spirits are seen atop the tower on St. John’s Night.
• The Emir and His Daughter: An Arab lord and his daughter leaped from the castle walls into the Tagus River, preferring death over capture by a Christian knight who betrayed them.
• Palmeirim’s Adventure: In literature, the giant Almourol is a character guarding a princess in the castle, leading to legendary duels and victories by noble knights.

Topography:

• Perched on a granite outcrop, 18 meters above water level, the island is about 310 meters long and 75 meters wide, making the castle’s positioning highly defensible and visually striking.

Strategic Role:

• During the Reconquista, the castle was part of the “Linha do Tejo,” a defensive line protecting the newly-formed Portuguese kingdom from southern incursions.

Evolution Over Time:

• Sources describe damage in the 1755 earthquake and a Romantic-era restoration in the 19th century that added crenellations and battlements to give the castle a more medieval look.
• Around 1940 to 1950, parts of the castle were adapted as an official residence of the Portuguese Republic.
• Used by the Portuguese army under the command of the Engineering School of Tancos.

Cultural Status:

• Declared a National Monument in 1910.
• One of the 21 finalists for the “7 Wonders of Portugal” in 2007.

Restoration and Tourism:

• The only way to reach the castle is by boat.

How to visit Almourol Castle

You can explore on your own by taking a public boat to the castle or just spend time in the area in front of it. You can also head to the other side of the Tagus River, where you can visit the beach or the Miradouro do Almourol.

Alternatively, you can join a tour from Lisbon, combining the Knights Templar Tour in Tomar and Almourol, or visit other popular spots like Fátima, Batalha, Nazaré, and Óbidos.

I only saw the castle from the shore and did not go inside, but the setting made the stop worth it, and I want to go back to see the inside.

Making the Most of Your Almourol Castle Trip

What Can I See at Almourol Castle?

Visitors see the Templar military architecture, with high granite walls, nine circular towers and a central keep. I did not go inside, so I cannot describe the view from the top. The Templar Interpretation Center (CITA) in Vila Nova da Barquinha covers the castle’s history and legends.

How much does it cost to visit Almourol Castle?

Prices vary with the type of tour or activity. I did not take any of these tours. The prices come from the operators’ published information when I researched this page, so check them before you go.

Public Boat Departures

From the Castle’s Dock:

• Includes: Entrance to the island and the castle, plus admission to the Almourol Templar Interpretation Center (CITA).
• Price: €4 per person.
• Capacity: Boats hold up to 20 people.

From the Castle’s Dock:

• Includes: Scenic river tour starting from Cais D’El Rei in Tancos, with a stop for visiting the island and castle, and entry to the CITA.
• Pricing:
  • €6 per person for groups of up to 5.
  • €5.50 per person for groups of 6 to 14.
  • €4 per person for groups of 15 or more.
• Capacity: Boats hold up to 50 people.
• Reservations: Can be made through Junta de Freguesia de Tancos at T (+351) 249 712 094 or [email protected].

Tours with Tritejo Agency:

Solar-Powered Boat Tour:

• Duration: About 1 hour and 45 minutes (including the castle visit).
• Price: €10 per person.
• Extras:
  • Castle Entrance: €4 per person.
  • Onboard guided tour: €2.50 per person.
  • VIP treatment (local wine or liqueur with snacks): €3 per person.
• Capacity: Limited to 12 people per tour.

Traditional Boat Tour:

• Duration: About 1 hour and 45 minutes (including the castle visit).
• Price: €6 per person.
• Castle Entrance: €4 per person.
• Capacity: Limited to 12 people per tour.

Epic Sunset Boat Tour:

• Duration: Approximately 2 hours (timing to be confirmed).
• Price: €24 per person for groups of up to 2; €20 per person for groups of 3 to 8
• Capacity: 8 to 10 people per tour.

Tours with Aventur Agency:

Stand-Up Paddle:

• Program 1 - Almourol à Vista:
  • Start: Tancos.
  • Duration: 1.5 hours.
  • Price: From €35 per person (for 2-4 participants).
  • Includes: Castle Visit.
• Program 2 - Raid to Almourol:
  • Start: Constância.
  • Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours.
  • Price: €40 per person (for 2-4 participants).
  • Includes: Castle Visit.

Canoeing:

• Descida do Almourol:
  • Start: Constância to Tancos or Vila Nova da Barquinha (6-8 km).
  • Price:
    • Up to 5 participants: €15 per person.
    • 6 participants or more: €12 per person.
    • Afternoon descents: €10 per person.
    • Canoeing with meal options available.

Payment and Reservations

• Payments are typically made at the time of boarding. Reservations are required and can be made via email or booking forms provided by the agencies.

Where to Park near Almourol Castle

There is a large parking lot next to the Almourol Castle dock, where we parked on our visit. It has a clear view of the castle.

Amenities at the Almourol Castle

Right by the castle parking lot, the Bar do Castelo restaurant offers food and drinks, along with restroom facilities (WC).

The nearby villages of Tancos, Constância and Vila Nova da Barquinha have restaurants, ATMs and pharmacies.

Where to Stay near Almourol Castle

You can either sleep at Constância, Tancos, or Vila Nova da Barquinha.

If you prefer larger towns Tomar, Entroncamento or Abrantes are other options.

If you’re just on a day trip from Lisbon then you might find these articles useful:

How to get to Almourol Castle:

From Lisbon:

By Car: It takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach Almourol Castle. Start by taking the A1 highway for approximately 100 km, then exit onto the A23 towards Abrantes/Castelo Branco/Torres Novas. After about 20 km, take the N3 exit towards Fonte Santa – Castelo de Almourol. DiscoverCars is a partner of this site and I have never used it.

By Public Transport:  There are several trains and buses available to reach the castle. From Santa Apolónia station, take the CP Alpha Pendular or Regional Train towards Porto Campanhã and get off after approximately 1 hour at Entroncamento. From there, catch the Regional Train to Badajoz and get off after two stops (about 10 minutes) at Almourol. The castle is a 17-minute walk from the station.

You can also take a Rede Expressos or Alsa bus to Abrantes or Torres Novas, and then get off earlier or transfer to a local bus to Almourol.

Each way should cost around 10-11€ - You can buy your train or bus tickets directly at Omio - I have booked with Omio several times, including from Lisbon to San Sebastian. Omio is a partner of this site.

Other Attractions near Almourol Castle

Here is a short list of other places near Almourol Castle. I saw Torres Novas Castle on the same trip.

Cultural & Religious:

Convent of Christ in Tomar

Aqueduct Convent of Christ

Castles and Fortifications:

Torres Novas Castle

Abrantes Castle

Castle of Belver

Nature Reserve - Animal Observatory:

Boquilobo Bog Natural Reserve

Roman Ruins:

Villa Cardilium - Roman Ruins

Ruínas da Cidade Romana de Escora

Ruínas Romanas de Alcolobre

Roman Bridge of Choca Palhas

Swimming/Beaches:

Porto das Mulheres Beach

Neolithic Remains:

Dolmen Foz do Rio Frio

Anta do Penedo Gordo

What clothing should i bring to Almourol Castle?

This is a general gear list with partner links. These are suggestions, not products I have tested.

It really depends on what activity you’re doing there. If you’re just visiting by public boat and taking some photos then:

• Sunscreen - Ensure you have a minimum of SPF 20/30.
• Camera - Don’t forget to bring your camera, phone, or a GoPro to take photos of the castle.
• Outfit - Depends on the weather

If you’re doing Kayak or Stand-Up Paddle then you might want to consider some of these items:

• Tshirt: Breathable Tshirt (Tech or Merino), or a Lycra
• Jacket: Waterproof Jacket
• Shorts: Swimming Clothes
• Shoes: Hiking Shoes, and Flip Flops
• Hat: Cap
• Sunglasses
• Dry-fast Towel
• Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
• Change of Clothes

Check out my complete guide on What’s in My Backpack - From photography gear, and clothing for Hiking, Mountaineering, Scuba Diving, Rainforest, and City-Street Photography.

My Experience on the Almourol Castle

We visited Almourol Castle on a one-day trip from Lisbon. We first drove to Torres Novas to see its castle, and what a treat that was! I was eager to try flying my drone there and capture a bird’s-eye view. Luckily, despite concerns that it might have been damaged during our trip to Greece earlier this summer, after a proper calibration, it worked flawlessly. The plan was to visit Torres Novas Castle, check out the Villa Cardilium Roman ruins, and then head to Almourol Castle at sunset for some epic shots. However, we ended up skipping the Roman ruins to have lunch and relax a bit. We dined in Torres Novas’ main square in front of the castle, then went straight to Almourol.

We arrived about an hour before sunset, parked at the lot near the dock, and were amazed by how beautiful and scenic the castle was. It was my first major photography goal in Portugal. We scouted around, found some great compositions with the castle’s reflection in the river, and finally, I decided to fly my drone.

I was initially worried that I wouldn’t be able to fly it due to the nearby Tancos Military Airfield, but after going through some authorization steps via my phone and drone controller, I managed to get DJI clearance. Hopefully, one day I’ll get the necessary Portuguese ministry authorization, so I don’t have to deal with these issues, but for now, it’s what we have to do. Once in the air, I joined another guy who was piloting his drone from his canoe, and the shots were absolutely stunning.

This is one of those places where the aerial perspective alone makes the trip worthwhile. The setting was so remarkable, you can easily imagine how strategically important it was as part of the Templars’ Linha do Tejo defense system against the Moors during the Reconquista.

After a while, I brought the drone back down, and we went to the nearby bar to grab a drink. Then, we drove back to Lisbon. What a day! It really makes me wonder how many other amazing places there are to visit. I’m definitely looking forward to returning to Almourol, both to visit the castle’s interior and see the view from the viewpoint on the other side of the river. I’d also love to try kayaking from Constância to Tancos or maybe even some stand-up paddleboarding—sounds like a fun adventure!

Have you been to Almourol Castle before? I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

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