A medieval fortress town in eastern Algarve, known for its salt flats, bird sanctuary, and 13th-century castle overlooking the Guadiana River and Spanish border.
Castro Marim rises above the eastern Algarve, where a 13th-century castle overlooks white salt pans and wetlands. In August, knights clash swords and archers demonstrate their skills during the medieval festival. You can swim in mineral-rich salt pools, watch flamingos feed in the nature reserve's marshes, or climb the stone steps of the 17th-century Fort of São Sebastião.
Exploring the Medieval Castle
The castle of Castro Marim sits atop a hill, with four cylindrical towers at its corners. Inside the castle walls, you'll find a small museum displaying archaeological finds from the region, with an entrance fee of €1.10. The cobbled pathways lead you through various defensive structures, though some sections might be challenging for visitors with mobility issues. From the castle walls, you can see the Guadiana River, the bridge to Spain, and the extensive salt pans below.
Salt Spa Experience
The salt pans around Castro Marim have been transformed into a wellness destination. At Spa Salino, run by Água-Mãe, you can float in mineral-rich salt pools surrounded by salt flats. A typical session lasts 45 minutes and costs €15. The facility includes sunbeds for relaxation between salt pool sessions, and you don't need to make advance reservations. Remember to bring your swimwear and towel.
Annual Medieval Festival
During the last weekend of August, Castro Marim transforms into a medieval town. The festival fills the castle grounds and surrounding streets with performers, including medieval musicians, archers, and swordsmen. Local craftspeople set up stalls selling traditional goods, while blacksmiths and weavers demonstrate their skills. The event begins with a procession from the town center to the castle and ends with a return journey five days later.
Reserva Natural do Sapal
The 2,000-hectare nature reserve stretches from Castro Marim to the Guadiana River. Walking trails through the wetlands lead you past salt marshes where flamingos often feed during their migrations. White storks and black-winged stilts make regular appearances throughout the year. The reserve represents Portugal's first protected wetland area, maintaining its ecological significance.
Igreja de Nossa Senhora dos Mártires
The main church of Castro Marim stands with its white walls and distinctive dome. Built in the 16th century and rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake, the church contains several religious artifacts. Inside, you'll find three statues: the 16th-century Archangel Gabriel, an 18th-century Santa Luzia, and a 16th-century Nossa Senhora da Encarnação e dos Mártires.
Getting to Castro Marim
From Vila Real de Santo António, Castro Marim is a 10-minute drive. Public buses (routes 34 and 119) run limited services on school days only. If you're staying in Tavira, the drive takes about 25 minutes. Without a car, using Uber provides the most reliable transport option, costing around €5 from Vila Real de Santo António.
Historical Background
The strategic location of Castro Marim shaped its role in Portuguese history. After the Moors' five-century occupation ended in 1242, King Afonso III captured the town. The Military Order of Christ established their headquarters here in 1332 before moving to Tomar two years later. During the Portuguese Restoration War in the 1640s, the construction of Fort São Sebastião made Castro Marim the main military base in Algarve.
