8 Amazing Castles to Visit in Portugal

Portugal is a country of history, culture and beautiful architecture. The country has something to offer to every traveler, whether it is golden beaches or medieval towns. Travelling across Portugal through its magnificent castles is one of the most interesting things to do as each of them is a story about kings, queens, battles, and ancient times. These castles offer the right mix of history, beauty, and adventure whether you are taking the leisure packages to travel through Portugal or you are exploring on your own. Portugal is a country of amazing Castles to Visit and in this guide, we will uncover eight of them that will make your trip truly memorable.

Here are the Amazing Castles to Visit in Portugal

1. Pena Palace, Sintra

Pena Palace is usually one of the first Castles to Visit in Portugal. The colorful palace is one of the masterpieces of Romanticism architecture located in the fairytale town of Sintra. The Pena Palace is decked out in its colorful red and yellow walls, beautiful tile work and overlooks the hills of Sintra, which is what makes this place feel like it was plucked out of a fairy tale. You cannot skip the amazing interiors, the royal apartments, dining halls, and the intricate ceilings that depict the splendor of the royal past of Portugal.

2. Castle of the Moors, Sintra

A nearby attraction is the Castle of the Moors, which presents a very different experience to the visitor. The fortress dates back to the 8 th century and was constructed by the Moors and offers spectacular views of the surrounding area. It is as though one is back in time as you walk along its huge stone walls. The battlements and towers here are what makes it one of the most unique Castles to Visit in Portugal especially to those who love history.

3. Guimarães Castle

Guimarães Castle is also known as the birthplace of Portugal, as the first king of the country, Afonso I, was born there. This 10 th century castle in northern Portugal is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must see to any one interested in the origins of the country. The castle boasts large towers and a beautiful courtyard and gives the visitor an idea of what it would have been like to live during the medieval times. As a traveller to northern Portugal, this castle is one of the attractions you cannot afford to miss.

4. Óbidos Castle

The castle of Obidos is ideal in a romantic retreat. The town of Óbidos is encircled by the still-intact medieval walls and has cobblestone streets, whitewashed homes and colorful flowers all around. The castle, which has been turned into a luxury hotel (Pousada), enables visitors to feel the history in the most comfortable way. Although you do not have to spend the night, a walk on the walls and the picturesque city of Óbidos makes it one of the best Castles in Portugal to visit.

5. Castle of Almourol

The Castle of Almourol is one of the most picturesque castles of the country since it is situated on a small island in the middle of the Tagus River. The remote setting contributes to the intrigue and beauty, and it is a paradise to a photographer. This castle was constructed by the Knights Templar in the 12 th century to illustrate the Portuguese military history during the medieval period. Only accessible by boat, it gives the visitors a very unique experience not far away from the hustle and bustle.

6. Castle of Bragança

Situated in northeastern Portugal, the Castle of Bragança stands out with its 33-meter-tall keep and well-preserved medieval walls. Inside the citadel, you’ll find charming houses, a church, and a small military museum. The castle also provides breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and countryside. For travelers looking to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations, this is one of the most rewarding Castles to Visit in Portugal.

7. Castle of Évora Monte

The Castle of Evora Monte sits on a hill in the Alentejo region and is well known to be of a unique Gothic and renaissance architectural style. It was also a major part of the history of Portugal, such as the signing of the Convention of Evora Monte, which concluded a civil war in 1834. The surrounding region is quiet and beautiful, so it is an excellent rest stop both to history fans and nature lovers.

8. Castle of Marvão

Last but not least, the Castle of Marvão offers some of the most spectacular views in all of Portugal. Located near the Spanish border, this 13th-century fortress sits high above the charming village of Marvão. From the walls, you can see rolling hills, olive groves, and even Spain on a clear day. The castle’s strategic position and remarkable preservation make it one of the most fascinating Castles to Visit in Portugal.

Planning Your Trip

Visiting these eight castles is a memorable experience in terms of getting acquainted with the Portuguese history and culture. To make the travel comfortable, many travellers prefer to use Portugal leisure packages provided by such companies as Go Kite Travel. Such packages are usually accompanied by guided tours, transportation, and accommodation so that you do not miss any of these landmark attractions.

Conclusion

The castles in Portugal are not mere stone structures, they are a part of history that you can travel in time with. The colorful Pena Palace, the romantic 0bidos Castle and the scenic Castle of Almourol, each destination provides a different experience. To organize your next vacation, you can use the services of Go Kite Travel and take a tour of the most beautiful Castles to Visit in Portugal on the trip that you will never forget.