Palmela Castle: Views and Moscatel Wine

Palmela Castle stands on a hilltop south of Lisbon with views over the Arrábida hills, the Sado estuary and, on clear days, Lisbon itself. The castle once belonged to a military religious order, and today it houses a pousada. The surrounding area is famous for Moscatel wine.

Quick answer: Palmela is about 40 minutes south of Lisbon, 15 minutes from Setúbal. Walk the castle walls and keep for the views, see the ruined church and the convent, and taste Moscatel de Setúbal and local wines. Combine it with Setúbal and the Arrábida beaches. See places to stay in Palmela.

Things to do

• The castle: walls, a keep and the ruins of a church destroyed in the 1755 earthquake.
• The views: over Arrábida, the Sado estuary and Tróia.
• The convent: now a pousada, with a restaurant.
• Wine: Palmela and nearby Azeitão are known for Moscatel and reds. See Setúbal wine tours.
• The wine festival: a harvest festival in early September.

Nearby

• Setúbal: see Setúbal and Arrábida.
• The Arrábida beaches: see the Arrábida beaches.
• Sesimbra: see Sesimbra.

More: castles in Portugal and the best pousadas.

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