Almourol Castle: The Island Fortress on the Tagus

Almourol is one of Portugal’s most romantic castles: a small medieval fortress on a rocky island in the middle of the River Tagus. It’s linked to the Knights Templar, and you reach it by a short boat crossing.

Quick answer: Almourol is about 1 hour 30 minutes north-east of Lisbon, near the village of Tancos and about 20 minutes from Tomar. Take the short boat ride to the island (it depends on river levels and opening times), climb the keep, and admire the views along the Tagus. Combine it with Tomar.

Why go

Few castles look as much like a storybook as Almourol. Granite walls rise straight out of the rocks of a tiny island, with the river flowing past on both sides. It’s small, so the visit is short, but the boat ride, the climb and the views make it a memorable stop, and it pairs perfectly with the Templar town of Tomar.

A little history

Work on the castle began in 1171 under Gualdim Pais, master of the Knights Templar in Portugal, who also founded Tomar. It guarded the Tagus line during the Christian reconquest, on a site that had earlier been a hill fort and was later used by the Romans. The castle drew romantic interest in the 19th century, was adapted as an official residence in the 1940s and 1950s, and has been restored several times since. It is a National Monument.

An inscription over the main gate records the building work and names Gualdim Pais. The first king, Afonso Henriques, had taken the site in 1129, and he then gave it to the Templars to defend and settle. When the Templar order was dissolved in the early 14th century, Almourol passed to its Portuguese successor, the Order of Christ. It was declared a National Monument in 1910.

What to see

• The castle: two walled enclosures on an irregular plan, with nine round towers set into the walls, all rising from the rocks of the island.
• The keep: a three-storey tower. Climb it for views up and down the river.
• The riverbank: the classic photo of the castle on its island is taken from the pier and the bank opposite.
• Templar interpretation centre: the Centro de Interpretação Templário de Almourol (CITA) in nearby Vila Nova da Barquinha explains the Templars’ role in the region. It opened in 2018, and entry has been included in the castle ticket. Check this when you buy.
• Legends: tales of knights, Moorish princesses and lost love have gathered around the castle over the centuries.

The island itself is only about 310 metres long and 75 metres wide, so everything is close together. Look for the Templar cross above a window on the keep.

Getting there

• By car: about 130 km from Lisbon. Take the A1 north, then the A23 towards Praia do Ribatejo and Tancos. Allow about 1 hour 30 minutes. There is a large car park by the Almourol pier. The A1 is tolled, but the A23 has been toll-free since January 2025.
• By train: take a CP train from Lisbon (Santa Apolónia or Oriente) to Entroncamento, then a regional train on the Beira Baixa line to the small Almourol stop, just over 1 km from the pier, or to Tancos, about 2 km away. Allow 2 to 2.5 hours depending on connections.
• The boat: small boats cross from the Almourol pier in a few minutes. You usually buy the ticket at the boat, with no booking needed. Longer river trips with a stop at the island also leave from Tancos; these usually need booking.

Tickets and opening times

One ticket, about €4 per person from age seven, has covered the boat, the castle and the CITA centre. Young children usually go free. From March to September the castle usually opens from 9:30am to 1pm and 2:30pm to 6:30pm. From October to February it usually opens from 10am to 1pm and 2:30pm to 5pm. The last boat leaves about 40 minutes before each closing time, morning and afternoon. Check before you go, as times and prices can change.

How long to spend

Allow about 1 to 1.5 hours including the crossing and time on the island. Add an hour for the interpretation centre.

Suggested one-day route

Drive from Lisbon in the morning and visit the Convent of Christ in Tomar while you are fresh. Have lunch in Tomar, then head to Almourol for the afternoon crossing and the late light on the river. Drive back to Lisbon in the early evening.

Food

There is little to eat on the island itself, so plan lunch in Tomar or Vila Nova da Barquinha. This is the Ribatejo region, so look for river fish, grilled meats and hearty bean dishes. Tomar is known for its convent sweets. See what to eat in Portugal.

When to go

Spring to early autumn is best. In the main season (March to September) the castle usually opens daily, morning and afternoon, with a break at lunchtime, and the last crossing leaves about 40 minutes before closing. Winter hours are shorter. Nearby Tomar’s Festa dos Tabuleiros, a colourful procession held every four years in early summer, is a good reason to plan a trip. In April 2026 Tomar voted to hold the next one in July 2027; check the exact dates nearer the time.

Tips

• Boats: crossings can be suspended when the river is high, so check before you go.
• Lunch break: the boats stop at lunchtime, so time your arrival around it.
• Footwear: paths on the island are rocky and the keep stairs are steep.
• Combine with Tomar’s Convent of Christ. See Tomar.
• Photos: late afternoon light is lovely.
• Weather: visits can be stopped at short notice if the river becomes unsafe, so have a backup plan in Tomar.

FAQ

Can you walk to Almourol Castle?

No. There is no bridge, so the only way onto the island is by boat, from the Almourol pier or, for groups, from Tancos.

How much does it cost to visit Almourol Castle?

About €4 per person from age seven, covering the boat, the castle and the Templar centre in Vila Nova da Barquinha. Check current prices before you go.

Is Almourol Castle worth visiting?

Yes, especially combined with Tomar. The visit is short, but the boat ride, the keep and the river views make it one of the most memorable castles in Portugal.

When is the next Festa dos Tabuleiros?

It’s planned for July 2027 in Tomar, about 20 minutes from Almourol.

More: castles in Portugal and Santarém.

See also: the Festa dos Tabuleiros.

Prices and details change, so please double-check before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us in the groups.