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A former convent set within a medieval castle with a fine cloister, 27 miles south east of Lisbon.
The Pousada de Palmela is nestled within the imposing remains of a magnificent medieval castle built by the Moors. Located on top of an imposing hill, it affords one of the most impressive panoramic views in the area.
The castle was captured by the first king of Portugal, Dom Afonso Henriques, during the reconquest of Portugal and it was gifted to the Knights of St James who had helped to besiege it. A convent was later established in the castle in the 15th century.
This is a charming, small Pousada with 29 rooms, a bar and restaurant. Enjoy a drink in their Patio bar and take in the stunning views across the hills and coastline, and an elegant dinner in their restaurant.
All the bedrooms are en-suite and are beautifully styled with a classic approach to their decor.
The historical town of Palmela takes its name from its Roman founder, Cornelius Palma, and the fortress was taken from the Moors by the Portuguese in the 12th century. The Pousada boasts excellent wines and superb cuisine and is also the perfect centre for exploring the sandy beaches of the Costa Azul and the magnificent Arrábida Natural Park. The Sado estuary is a popular point of interest nowadays with the sizeable estuary (you can take in the scenery on foot but it is also accessible by boat and by kayak, trips are arrange locally) and the Troia Peninsula alongside.
Bottlenose dolphins can be seen here, you can enjoy a half-day boat trip and watch them swim and play in the Sado estuary, and there are beautiful and extensive sandy beaches along the Atlantic coast of the peninsula.
Roman archaeology can be explored here, with the ruins of the Roman structures still visible and open to visit. Considerable fishing and salting took place for centuries and the Roman baths can still be seen.
The Phoenicians brought grapes to this region around 800 BC and with further development and disbursement by the Romans, vineyards have flourished (producing some red wine, but often white wine and Moscatel dessert wine). Palmela celebrates their annual wine festival in early September.
Palmela can be reached by a regular train service from Lisbon and the Pousada is a 5 minute taxi ride from Palmela station.
Breakfast: 7:30am - 10:30am (weekdays), 8:00 am - 11:00am (weekends and public holidays)
Dinner: 7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
From Lisboa Airport:
For a worry-free stay, Pousada Castelo de Palmela offers free private parking. Located within the castle walls, the car park provides safety and convenience.
Learn more about Lisbon and the Tagus valley, home to Portugal's capital city and some of the country's most important historical and cultural sites.
