Castelo de Palmela
Castelo de Palmela
4.5
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- dangilMontreal, Canada54 contributionsExcellent stop.Authentic castle. Magnificent view. Very comfortable rooms. Very quiet place. Very attentive and helpful staff. Clearly beyond expected standards. Excellent place to stop for the first night after a transatlantic flight if you want to avoid the rush of Lisbon. I recommend without hesitation after 3 stays, each as pleasant as the next.Visited February 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten March 14, 2024
- LacobrigenseLagos, Portugal6,368 contributionsAn incredible experience!!An incredible experience!!! Breathtaking 360 degree view!!! It has the Castle and the Church! Too bad the Church was closed and we couldn't visit it! But, the views from there are really wonderful!!! The day was hot, but very sunny, allowing a wide view of Palmela, Setubal, Tróia, Serras, and even Lisbon!!! The Castle is medieval and very fortified!!! Free entrance!!! Worth knowing!!! Next door there is an inn with the same name.Visited April 2024Traveled with friendsWritten April 15, 2024
- Dan340 contributionsCastle of Palmela PortugalQuick visit, you can visit the entire castle in 2 hours. Very interesting to see the structure and see how the military used mirrors and Morse Code to communicate. The history of the castle and the invasions also draw attention. The view is also impressive! As it is a smaller castle and is outside the center of Lisbon, it was empty when I went. It is well worth the visit. Great experience! I recommend!Visited December 2024Traveled soloWritten January 11, 2025
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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Revista Hotéis
Sao Paulo, SP2,941 contributions
Feb 2024 • Family
The construction of Palmela Castle dates back to the Middle Ages and was classified as a National Monument. Due to its geostrategic position, it suffered several invasions, as it allowed control of space in the region between Lisbon and the South, between the Tagus and Sado rivers. The Castle in Palmela, very close to Setúbal, has already undergone several restoration processes and is home to the ruins of the Church of Santa Maria do Castelo. Café, restaurant and souvenir shops can be found in the castle which has free access. It has a telescope at the top of the tower that for a few cents of euros can see the city of Setúbal, Palmela and the region. Unmissable visit to the region.

Written February 6, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MlissH
Northern Neck, VA51 contributions
Apr 2023
The Castelo has been lovingly restored as a Pestana hotel. First off, all hallways had a subtle but very pleasant atomizer scent wafted in, a smart and pleasant addition to an old space. The room was pleasant and very comfortable, with twin beds and a couch and a chair. We asked for a sea view room and the view was indeed amazing! The breakfast was amazing, not a single option omitted, and the breakfast and reception service were impeccable! We enjoyed a glass of wine in the top courtyard, but did not dine in the restaurant or visit the bar area. We stayed two nights and had plenty of time to visit the fantastic Mercado do Livramento, some great restaurants in Setubal, and all surrounding parks in Setubal, about 15 minutes away by car.
Written April 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
2Dogs2Girls2Dads
Porto, Portugal39 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
Such a magical experience! We loved everything about our visit to this beautiful castle!
We stayed with our 4 year old twin daughters and 2 dogs. (It’s also pet friendly!) I just cannot say enough about how happy we were with our choice to stay here.
The dogs are accustomed to hotel living in the USA, and felt right at home and really enjoyed themselves. Everyone was so friendly to them, staff and other guests as well! The pet amenity was THE BEST ONE I’ve ever received at a hotel and the dogs have stayed in hotels for about 300 room nights across the USA and now Portugal.
The twins loved staying in the castle and still talk about it. The room (we had a suite) was very spacious and perfect for our family of 4 and two dogs. We never had to ask for anything because the hotel just put things where you expected to find them at every turn.
The breakfast was absolutely wonderful. The selection was great and everyone had something to eat regardless of their dietary needs or wishes. Dinner was amazing too. The twins had octopus and loved it! The servers were all so friendly and accommodating!
The reception staff were all so friendly and helpful. They really made sure we loved every part of our visit.
The views are amazing, the castle is amazing, and the staff is the best I’ve encountered so far in Portugal.
We stayed with our 4 year old twin daughters and 2 dogs. (It’s also pet friendly!) I just cannot say enough about how happy we were with our choice to stay here.
The dogs are accustomed to hotel living in the USA, and felt right at home and really enjoyed themselves. Everyone was so friendly to them, staff and other guests as well! The pet amenity was THE BEST ONE I’ve ever received at a hotel and the dogs have stayed in hotels for about 300 room nights across the USA and now Portugal.
The twins loved staying in the castle and still talk about it. The room (we had a suite) was very spacious and perfect for our family of 4 and two dogs. We never had to ask for anything because the hotel just put things where you expected to find them at every turn.
The breakfast was absolutely wonderful. The selection was great and everyone had something to eat regardless of their dietary needs or wishes. Dinner was amazing too. The twins had octopus and loved it! The servers were all so friendly and accommodating!
The reception staff were all so friendly and helpful. They really made sure we loved every part of our visit.
The views are amazing, the castle is amazing, and the staff is the best I’ve encountered so far in Portugal.
Written August 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GreatTrip
Boston, MA85 contributions
Mar 2023
Too bad there is not more detail on the history of the property. We tried to find a guide for more information (including at the tourist info site on the property) but were unsuccessful. The Castle is a massive property in a beautiful location. I am sure there are lots of stories, just wish we could have learned some of them.
Written March 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tiziana M
1 contribution
Dec 2023 • Couples
A real surprise!
Value for money, excellent.
Large room and comfortable bed.
Extremely wide view of the Atlantic Ocean, Setubal, the Troia Peninsula, the Arriba Natural Park and the castle towers.
Elegant and well-kept pousada with a well-kept open-air courtyard surrounded by a portico on all four sides.
Attentive and omnipresent elderly waiter, both at the super romantic dinner with good food and good wine, and at the abundant breakfast with excellent hot bread and sweet and savory food.
Value for money, excellent.
Large room and comfortable bed.
Extremely wide view of the Atlantic Ocean, Setubal, the Troia Peninsula, the Arriba Natural Park and the castle towers.
Elegant and well-kept pousada with a well-kept open-air courtyard surrounded by a portico on all four sides.
Attentive and omnipresent elderly waiter, both at the super romantic dinner with good food and good wine, and at the abundant breakfast with excellent hot bread and sweet and savory food.

Written December 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peter M
Charneca da Caparica, Portugal7 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
Great morning spent walking around the Castle. 25 minute drive from Lisboa for a castle visit that is free of charge. A must do for anyone thinking of crossing the Tejo rover ( with a car)
Written August 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sos_kss
Sesimbra, Portugal109 contributions
Oct 2019
Really easy castle to walk. Lots of open space for large groups. The inclines aren't that steep, so it's good for kids and stroller/wheelchair access. Not as slippery and narrow as other castles. Has a rather fancy hotel/restaurant attached. Ample parking. Free activity.
Written February 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joontns
Lisbon764 contributions
Apr 2017 • Friends
The castle has great views over Setúbal and Arrábida natural park.
Inside the castle you have the old convent now a hotel, the national monument Church of Santiago, the ruins of the Santa Maria Church, post office, stores, several spaces of the municipal museum and a restaurant (Bobo da Corte with nice tapas).
Situated 240m above sea level the occupation of this area is quite old from Neolithic times and the first signs of fortification are from Roman times. In the XII century the castle was conquered to the Moors by the first king of Portugal adn throughout the centuries has been improved and enlarged.
Entrance: Free
Inside the castle you have the old convent now a hotel, the national monument Church of Santiago, the ruins of the Santa Maria Church, post office, stores, several spaces of the municipal museum and a restaurant (Bobo da Corte with nice tapas).
Situated 240m above sea level the occupation of this area is quite old from Neolithic times and the first signs of fortification are from Roman times. In the XII century the castle was conquered to the Moors by the first king of Portugal adn throughout the centuries has been improved and enlarged.
Entrance: Free
Written April 23, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Valter Morete Tavares
Pinhal Novo, Portugal23 contributions
Aug 2017
Beautiful castle and the view is amazing. We can see the two rivers Tejo and Sado and the two cities, Lisbon and Setúbal.
Written December 22, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
katheniff
Lisbon, Portugal63 contributions
Jul 2017 • Family
There are lots of castles in Portugal. This one is fairly easy to find if you are already in the area. There is a Pousada on the property as well. It is a large castle, great for children (8 and up) to explore. I mention the age because the surfaces are irregular and of course there are few barriers, so kids need to be old enough to be careful and aware. You can see the ocean, Setubal, some local old former windmills, and in the distance, Lisbon! A good stop for sure.
Written September 11, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
O castelo estará aberto o dia todo, contudo a igreja tem um horário mais específico, que será de terça a domingo, das 10h ao 12:30 e depois das 14:30 às 18h!
Written June 6, 2017
Is parking near the castle free of charge and are there more free parking in the area if it is full?
Written June 27, 2015
There is an ~30 free places parking lot just before you reach the castle to the left and is well indicated. You can also park just to the gates of the castle, there are several unmarked places. This information is accurate as for June 2015.
Written June 29, 2015
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