Castro Marim Algarve Portugal tips, sights, activities

Castro Marim: mini village with a beautiful castle in the corner of the Algarve

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Castro Marim sights & holiday tips

Castro Marim is one of the last villages in the Algarve before you reach the Spanish border. With less than 7000 inhabitants, the pace of life here is a lot slower than in larger places, but that is good for the atmosphere. The village has a beautiful old church and is surrounded by salt pans, but the two absolute highlights are the ancient castle and the fortress!

The surprisingly well-preserved Castelo de Castro Marim is a Portuguese national monument and dates back to the 8th century. The fortress was added later, in the 17th century, on the orders of King D. João IV.

As a resident of the Algarve, I regularly go out to discover new places. On this page you can read my tips for a visit to Castro Marim.

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Castro Marim Algarve holiday tips and information — Castro Marim and in the background the Forte de São Sebastião.

Top 5 Sights in Castro Marim

Castro Marim is not a big place and most visitors come only to visit the castle and the fortress. Both are absolute musts thanks to the rich history and the beautiful view you have from the walls. However, there is more to discover in the area, so you can easily spend half a day on an adventure in the Castro Marim area!

These are the top 5 sights in Castro Marim:

1. Castelo de Castro Marim + visitor information

Not to be missed is the impressive Castelo de Castro Marim , located on the highest point of the town. Park at the free Estacionamento Castro Marim car park and walk a short 250 metres until you reach the gate of the castle. The entrance fee is only €1.10 per person and gives you access to all the buildings, ruins and castle walls.

History of Castelo de Castro Marim :
The castle has a rich history dating back to pre-Roman times. Expand the menu below if you want to read more about the history of the castle.

📖 The history of Castelo de Castro Marim (Click to open)

Early History

Pre-Roman and Roman Period: The location of Castro Marim was already inhabited during pre-Roman times. The area was strategically important due to its proximity to the Guadiana River, which formed a natural border. During the Roman period, it was a significant hub for trade and military activities.

Middle Ages

Moorish Period: During the Moorish domination of the Iberian Peninsula (8th to 13th centuries), the area was of great importance due to its strategic location. The Moors built a fortified settlement on the hill where the castle now stands.
Reconquista: After the reconquest by the Christian kings in the 13th century, the castle of Castro Marim was further fortified and expanded. King Dinis I of Portugal played a crucial role in strengthening the castle, especially in the early 14th century.

Order of Christ

14th Century: In 1319, Castro Marim became the headquarters of the Order of Christ (the successor to the Templars in Portugal), which contributed to the further reinforcement and importance of the castle. This period marked the castle’s golden age as a military stronghold.

Modern Era

17th and 18th Centuries: The castle underwent further fortifications during the Restoration Wars against Spain (1640-1668) and the Spanish War of Succession (1701-1714). The fortifications were adapted to the modern requirements of warfare with artillery.
Decline: Throughout the 19th century, the castle lost its military significance and fell into disrepair. The strategic role of Castro Marim declined due to changing political and military situations in Europe.

Present Day

Restoration and Tourism: In the 20th century, the castle was restored and opened to the public. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction that offers visitors insights into the region’s rich history and provides a beautiful view of the surrounding area, including the Guadiana River and nearby salt pans.

The Castelo de Castro Marim is a fascinating example of the diverse historical influences that shaped Portugal, from the Roman and Moorish eras to the medieval Christian kingdoms and modern times. The castle remains an important symbol of the cultural and historical heritage of the Algarve.

Castelo de Castro Marim Algarve tips events medieval festival — There are still many walls and buildings standing in Castelo de Castro Marim and medieval festivals are held here every year.

The Torture Museum in Castelo de Castro Marim :
An interesting (and I believe temporary) exhibition is the Torture Museum in one of the restored buildings. Here you can see various torture instruments that were used on criminals at the time… or at least those suspected of being one. With a little imagination you can see that it was no fun to end up in one of those very creative constructions… Information is given in Portuguese and English.

Events in Castelo de Castro Marim :
One of the most popular events is the annual Feira Medieval de Castro Marim (Medieval Fair), usually held in August. This event attracts visitors from all over the Algarve and offers a lively reconstruction of medieval life.

Visitors can enjoy medieval music, theatre, knightly tournaments, craft demonstrations and traditional food. The castle and the surrounding streets are decorated and transformed into an authentic medieval setting.

On the (Portuguese) website https://diasmedievais.cm-castromarim.pt/site/ you can read more about the event and when the next edition will take place.

medieval festival Castro Marim Algarve — The banner of the 2023 medieval festival in Castelo de Castro Marim. Check the website for this year’s dates!

Visitor information for Castelo de Castro Marim :
– Wear closed shoes as the castle walls and floor are very bumpy and uneven.
– Bring a bottle of water, especially in the summer months.
– Entrance is only €1.10 per person
– Location on Google Maps

2. Fort de São Sebastião

Across from Castelo de Castro Marim is another enormous structure on a hill. The huge walls you see belong to the Forte de São Sebastião . This 17th century fort is named after a chapel that used to be there, dedicated to São Sebastião. It is one of the best preserved examples of how the town’s defenses were renewed in the mid-17th century.

One of the most striking features of the 17th century construction is the close relationship with the castle of Castro Marim. The new defense system integrated the old castle into the new structure, creating an interesting mix of old and new.

Unfortunately, the fortress is not open to visitors, so you will have to admire it from a distance. The only time the doors open is during the medieval festival I mentioned above.

Forte de São Sebastião, seen from the castle walls of Castelo de Castro Marim

3. SPA Salino, Salinas de Castro Marim

For an afternoon of natural wellness, you should visit the saltwater pools of Salino Spa . Not only can you float in super-salty water (up to 14 times saltier than the sea) here since 2008, you can also get a mud mask and other treatments. There is a small kiosk on site serving sandwiches and drinks.

The entrance fee is just under ten euros, but if you want a mud treatment you pay a little extra.

SPA Salino, Salinas de Castro Marim, Algarve — The saltwater pools of Spa Salino

4. Medieval enjoyment at Velho Cavalinho Taverna Medieval

Complete your medieval experience with a visit to the Velho Cavalinho Taberna Medieval. At the entrance, don optional medieval costumes and sit down at a candlelit table for traditional snacks and home-brewed beer. Check the opening times in advance , as they vary depending on the season!

5. Igreja Matriz Castro Marim

The Igreja Matriz Castro Marim church is located on the Praça 1.º de Maio square at the foot of the castle. This Catholic church was built in the 18th century on the site of an old 16th century chapel. Originally, the parish centre of the city was located in the Santiago church within the medieval walled city. However, during the Lisbon earthquake of 1755, the church was destroyed and the parish centre was moved to its current location.

When the doors are open you are welcome to take a look inside at the decorations and the altar.

Igreja Matriz Castro Marim, Algarve holiday tips. — The Igreja Matriz Castro Marim at the head of the Praça 1.º de Maio square

Affordable car rental in the Algarve

The best way to discover all the beauty in the Algarve is with a rental car. By renting a car for a few days you can much more easily reach the sights and activities that are not always accessible by public transport.

By renting a car from Luzcar, you are helping a local family business run by Portuguese entrepreneurs. This way you support the local economy and you also get top service, which is often a stark contrast to the large corporations. Luzcar is based in Lagos, but they also offer cars at the airport in Faro. This way you can pick up the car immediately upon arrival and return it at the airport upon departure.

Luzcar’s reputation speaks for itself. Almost 5 out of 5 on Google Maps.

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Photo gallery in Castro Marim (Algarve)

As a hobby photographer I like to take my camera and drone with me when I leave the house. Also during my visit to Castro Marim I was able to shoot some nice pictures. Below you will find some of my favorites that are not above on the page. Click on a picture to enlarge it.