Castle Museu da Musica Mecanica Great tours of Palmela Top hotels of Palmela Best restaurants of Palmela Palmela DOC wines Visit a Winery Karting Arrábida Natural Park Costa Azul Getting to Palmela

Palmela

Discover Palmela, a historic gem located in the scenic Arrábida National Park, just 27 miles south of Lisbon. Despite its medieval castle towering over the landscape, Palmela remains a hidden treasure for many tourists. The castle, perched atop a 1200-metre cliff, offers breathtaking views and a glimpse into Portugal's rich history.

Renowned for its fertile vineyards, Palmela hosts the vibrant Festa das Vindimas (Grape Harvest Festival) each September, a lively celebration featuring traditional attire, street dances, and grape-treading festivities.

Wander through the charming old quarter with its narrow cobbled streets and whitewashed houses, though some buildings await renovation. Don't miss the Praça Duque de Palmela, home to a 17th-century pillory and the Baroque-style Igreja de São Pedro, adorned with exquisite azulejos depicting the life of Saint Peter. Experience the allure of Palmela, where history, culture, and natural beauty converge in an unforgettable setting.

The Castle

Excavations between 1992 and 2005 have unearthed artefacts from the entire length of the Islamic period in Portugal's history. Its advantage point on the highest peak of the Serra da Arrábida made the castle an essential prize during the struggle between the opposing Christian and Moorish armies. During the Christian reconquest in the 12th century, led by Portugal's first King Afonso Henriques, Palmela became part of a line of defences built south of the Tejo (Tagus) river. Soon after the lands of Palmela, Almada and Alcácer were handed over to the Order of Santiago and later the castle became their headquarters. Work began in the early 15th century on a monastery to house the monastic order yet during the 1940's it was converted into a Pousada (stately hotel) after extensive restoration. The defences have evolved over the years to keep up with the advances of war technology however the site remains an impressive piece of military architecture that gifts any visitor to spectacular views over the plains below. The castle walls also contain a number of handicraft shops selling azulejos, cheese and the fine Palmela wine. Here too is a café and a museum.

Tuesday – Friday 10h00 – 12h30/14h00 – 17h30, Saturday & Sunday: 10h00 - 13h00/15h00 – 17h30
2950- Palmela, Setubal, Portugal. | 38º 31" 33.1' N | 08º 53" 43.1' W
+351 212 332 122

Museu da Musica Mecanica

Five miles north of Palmela in the town of Pinhal Novo is the quirky museum that celebrates the craft of mechanical music boxes. With over 600 pieces, mainly from the late 1800s to 1930 and all in full working order, spread over five galleries. The exhibit is the result of the lifetime obsession of Luis Cangueiro. The different looks, feel and sounds are showcased through various instruments, from the oldest wooden or metal cylinder music boxes to the latest and most popular gramophones.

Adjoining the Igreja de Jesus and 17th Century Arrábida marble cloister of the Convento de Jesus can be found in an art museum, the Museu de Jesus , with pictures by 15th and 16th century Portuguese, Flemish and Catalan artists. The rest of the collection consists of local archaeological finds, historical coins, old documents and books. Another part of the museum is dedicated to Manuel Maria Barbosa du Bocage, the famous 18th-century poet from Setúbal. | Tusesday - Sunday 14h30 – 18h00, Monday: CLOSED
Adult: €5.00, OAP: €4.00, Child: €3.50, Family: €14.00

Contact Details:
Rua dos Alegrias | Quinta do Rei, Pinhal Novo 2955-281, Portugal. | 38º 37" 19.1' N | 08º 51" 39.1' W
+351 212 381 083 | 960 080 044 | museudamusicamecanica@gmail.com | Website

TOP TOURS OF PALMELA

Setúbal Peninsula Private Wine Tour

Feast your senses on the fine wines and natural splendour of Portugal on a private full-day tour from Lisbon. With a knowledgeable private guide, travel through beautiful countryside to idyllic beaches and quaint fishing villages like Sesimbra, Azeitão and Palmela. Descend to Portugal’s oldest wine cellar to sample fine Portuguese wines in Azeitão and capture arresting views from a viewpoint in Arrábida. Receive undivided attention from your expert guide on this enriching tour. Hotel pick-up from Lisbon.

(4) | 8 Hr | ✔ Free Cancellation

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Arrabida, Sesimbra and Azeitao and Setubal

Arrabida: Sesimbra, Azeitao & Setubal

If you want something different during your days in Lisbon, this is an excellent option. In one of the most beautiful nature parks in Portugal, this is your best option. This Sesimbra Azeitão and Setúbal tour offers so many places to visitand experience, from wineries to Serra da Arrábida Natural Park. Private transportation in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle. Stops at the Cristo Rei statue before heading south to Arrábida.

(57) | 9 Hr | ✔ Free Cancellation

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Arrábida Jeep Full Day

Serra da Arrábida is a Natural Park with diverse fauna. Spend the day with us and dicover places like Portinho da Arrábida and Cabo Espichel. Onboard a Jeep you will have the opportunity to go through dirt tracks, penetrating the park's vegetation and reaching hidden places where you can enjoy fabulous panoramic views. Enjoy a guided tour at a Regional Winery and taste its wines. In this lively trip, you will have the opportunity to learn a little more about the Arrábida, its traditions, convents and palaces. Visit the village of Azeitão and Sesimbra.

(1) | 8 Hr | ✔ Free Cancellation

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WHERE TO STAY IN PALMELA

Pousada Castelo de Palmela - Historic Hotel ★ ★ ★ ★ 9.2/10 Wonderful (285 verified customer reviews) Located in the historic Castelo de Palmela, this hotel offers panoramic views of Palmela's countryside. Pousada Castelo de Palmela features air-conditioned rooms and a restaurant. A cable TV and a minibar are in Pousada’s individually designed rooms. A bathrobe and a hairdryer are in modern bathrooms. A traditional Portuguese breakfast is served daily. Local wines and a variety of local dishes are available at the restaurant. Room service, including breakfast, is provided by the 24-hour staff. Guests can relax in the bar, which features oversized lounge chairs and large chandeliers. They can also enjoy a drink on the terrace while admiring the view. Castelo de Palmela, 2950-317 Palmela, Portugal. \| 38º 33" 58.7' N \| 08º 54" 03.5' W Check Availability
Amazonia Palmela Apartamentos Turísticos ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 7.8/10 Very Good (120 verified customer reviews) Located just outside historic Palmela and near the Auto-estrada do Sul, Amazónia Palmela Apartamentos Turísticos offers relaxing, apartment-style accommodations perfect for extended stays or weekend getaways. Each bright studio and apartment features floor-to-ceiling windows, private balconies, and seating areas. The kitchenettes are equipped with an electric cooktop and microwave/oven. Free cable internet is available in all rooms and Wi-Fi in public areas. Guests can unwind by the outdoor pool, surrounded by a spacious sundeck with loungers, or enjoy light snacks and drinks at the on-site snack bar. The property is three km from Palmela Castle and the town centre. Natural attractions like Arrábida Natural Park and Estuary do Sado are nearby, with Setúbal Harbour offering boat links to Troia just 11 km away. Estrada Nacional, 379-2 Sítio de Poços – Vale de Touros, 2950-425 Palmela, Portugal. 38° 35' 13.2" N \| 08° 55' 06.3" W Check Availability
Quinta do Tio Viagem ★ ★ ★ 10/10 Fabulous (1 verified customer reviews) Quinta do Tio Viagem in Palmela is a superb countryside villa that offers rural charm and modern ease. Nestled in Palmela’s scenic hills, this boutique retreat features air-conditioned rooms with fully equipped kitchens, free Wi‑Fi, Smart TVs with Netflix, and private terraces overlooking the seasonal outdoor pool and garden. Guests enjoy the warm hospitality, spacious layouts, and pet-friendly atmosphere—perfect for families or couples. Located just a short drive from Palmela Castle, Arrábida Natural Park, and local wineries, it’s ideal for wine lovers and nature enthusiasts. With complimentary private parking, barbecue facilities, and laundry services, Quinta do Tio Viagem blends self-catering comfort with serene countryside views. Experience authentic Portuguese relaxation and rural luxury at this top-rated Palmela villa. Rua Duque de Palmela 50, Palmela, 2950-717, Portugal. \| 38° 33' 42.5" N \| 08° 56' 31.2" W 2' W Check Availability

WHERE TO EAT IN PALMELA

Taverna o Bobo da Corte Small yet homely taverna found within the castle walls serves good ol' homely food and very reasonable prices. The choice on the menu may be small but the portions are very generous. The food is cooked to perfection from fresh ingredients. Popular with the local inhabitants which is always a good recommendation. The establishment and amazing views add to the dining experience made perfect by the friendliness and joviality of the staff. Wednesday - Sunday 12h00 - 15h00/20h00 - 23h00. Monday & Tuseday: CLOSED Castelo de Palmela, Palmela 2950-317, Portugal. 38º 33'56.4" N \| 08º 54' 06.6" W \| +351 210 884 441 Facebook
Culto Café Modern and lively this swanky joint lies just outside the castle's ramparts and offers a range of dishes for variable appetites and tastes. But check out their range of gourmet burgers mmmm. The views are impressive over Palmela, especially when the sun dips below the horizon. Daily: 15h00 - 00h00 4 Av. dos Cavaleiros de Santiago e Espada, 2950, Palmela, Portugal. 38º 34' 01.8" N \| 08º 53' 55.7" W \| +351 926 578 578 Website \| Facebook
In Sado - Sabores Locais This popular restaurant located in the heart of Palmela serves tapas or "petiscos" and whole dishes from locally sourced produce. The restaurant is a celebration of what the great fertility of the region can precipitate. Although they have a large selection of crockery they insist on serving some dishes on roof tiles and other gimmicky objects. Tuesday – Sunday: 12h00 - 23h00, Monday: CLOSED 1 Rua Marquesa do Faial, Setubal 2900-359, Portugal. 38º 31'29.5" N \| 08º 53' 31.4" W \| +351 265 229 212 insado.saboreslocais@gmail.com

Palmela DOC wines

Whilst visiting the area it's obligatory to sample the wines. Viniculture was introduced to this region way back to about 2000BC by the Tartessians and then later traded with the Phoenicians and ancient Greeks. The demarcated region covers Montijo, together with part of the municipalities of both Palmela and Setúbal. The red wine is full-bodied, deep in colour, with a full spicy flavour. The white wine is fruity with aromatic flavours. DOC Palmela reds have to contain at least 67 per cent of the Castelão grape variety, which ripens very well in this regions climate and sandy soils. Other grapes used are Aragonez, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Trincadeira that lead to fresh, fruity wines with moderate alcohol and ripe tannins. They evolve with age to a complex, cedary, cigar-box character rather reminiscent of fine, mature Cabernet.

Alongside the plentiful red Palmela, white Palmela is in shorter supply, but can be appealingly dry and fragrant. Blends include scented Fernão Pires and Moscatel de Setúbal grapes. There are a number of vineyards where you're able to visit and enjoy sampling the local produce.

VISIT A WINERY

Adega Cooperativa de Palmela	Rua da Adega Cooperativa, 2950-401 Palmela Website	BOOK
Adega de Pegões	1 Rua Pereira Caldas, 2985-158 Pegões Velhos Website	BOOK
ASL Tomé Winery	11 Rua 25 de Abril, 2955-209 Pinhal Novo Website	BOOK
Casa Agrícola Horácio Simões	10 Rua João de Deus, 2950-731, Palmela Website	BOOK
Casa Ermelinda Freitas	Rua Manuel João de Freitas, Fernando Pó 2965-595 Águas de Moura \| Website	BOOK
Fernando Pó	2965-545 Águas de Moura \| Website	BOOK
Filipe Palhoça	Quinta da Invejosa, EN 5, 2965-213 Poceirão, Palmela Website	BOOK
Quinta do Monte Alegre	Rua Francisco Pato, Fonte da Barreira, 2965-550 Águas de Moura Website	BOOK
Quinta do Piloto	Rua Helena Cardoso, 2950 - 131, Palmela \| Website	BOOK

KIP - Kartódromo Internacional de Palmela

Located in the beautiful foothills alongside Palmela, the racetrack is distinguished by excellent facilities, some of the best in Europe in fact if not the most scenic. The course runs for an impressive 1,270 metres with a constant width of 10 metres. The International Karting Palmela is located within the Herdade de Algeruz, which retains its farming practices on the same 200-acre estate. Over 200 carts are available for rent and race events can be organised by appointment. The on-site restaurant has a capacity for 300 guests and serves local cuisine from regional products, much of which is sourced within the farm.

Contact Details:
Herdade de Algeruz, Palmela, Setúbal, 2950-051 Palmela, Portugal.
38° 34′ 43.9″ N | 09° 49′ 44.4″ W
+351 265 538 500 / +351 539 400
geral@kip.pt | Website

Arrábida Natural Park

Founded in 1971 and covering 42 square miles (108 square kilometres) between Setúbal and Sesimbra, Palmela to the north and terminating at the Tejo estuary. Arrábida has a varied landscape from valleys surrounded by limestone mountain ridges, dramatic coastlines and the Arrábida mountain, Alto do Formosinho (499m) which stands guard over most of the park. This Nature Park contains vast amounts of Mediterranean shrubland biome and a large number of microhabitats. Perched on the slopes overlooking the sea is a whitewashed 16th-century Franciscan monastery and alongside are five circular chapels which once were used for solitary meditation.

Where the park meets the sea one finds the crystal-clear waters of the beaches of the Costa Azul which, warm waters are popular with divers and bathers alike. It was along this stretch of coastline where Tracy Bond (played by Diana Rigg) was shot dead by Irma Bunt (Ilse Steppat) in a drive-by shooting at the end of the James Bond film On Her Majesty's Secret Service, 1969. See More [ ► ]

Beaches of the Costa Azul

To the west of Setúbal, where the Arrábida Natural park meets the sea, one can find a series of beaches, most of which have Blue Flag status. Often marketed as Portugal's Dream Coast or Costa Azul this dramatic and beautiful coastline offers white sands, warm clear waters and stunning views. Take the coastal road off the N10-4 marked Praias and pass the cement works. There are buses from central Setúbal to most of these beaches:-

Praia Figueirinha, Outão

With the Arrábida Hills as the backdrop Figueirinha Beach extends over a great expanse of sand, at low tide a sandbank is exposed. Due to it's easy access, it's proximity to Setúbal (only five miles west), calm waters, size and amenities this Blue Flag beach can be quite popular, especially with those who have young families. 723

Praia de Galápos

Approached via a staircase, the sheltered cove of the Galápos beach has crystal clear waters that are favoured by divers and bathers alike. With a calm swell, it's ideal for children and popular with windsurfers. Good ample parking and has a restaurant with facilities, who hire marquees, and serve good coffee. There's a lifeguard at hand. The architectural record of the area indicates the richness of marine life here that have been harvested since Neolithic times.

Separated from Praia de Galápos by a few rocks is Praia Dos Galapinhos and offers the visitor a more tranquil and secluded spot to bathe. A little further along still is Praia dos Coelhos (Arrábida) . Coelho's beach is a small cove surrounded by forest at the foot of the Arrábida Natural Park and consists of soft white sand, with clear and calm waters. Small and quiet it has a bar which can be accessed via Galapos beach or by boat.

Portinho da Arrábida

Fourteen miles East of Sesimbra, in the direction of the Convento da Arrábida and down a meandering road is the tranquil little beach of Praia Portinho da Arrabida which is on the turn off after the road leading to the village of the same name. The water here is warm and crystal clear. It is a great spot both for divers and bathers. There's a 17th-century fort close to the village. It is now an oceanographic museum (Museo Oceanografico). It houses live and preserved local marine animals. There's a small restaurant on the beach and more further along the coast in Portinho da Arrabida village.

HOW TO GET TO PALMELA

	25 miles (45.5km) south east of Lisbon Portela Airport. Website
	From Lisbon take the A12 across the Vasco da Gama bridge and head south. Latitude - 38º 33' 56.4" \| Longitude - 08º 54' 06.6"
	The nearest train station is in Setúbal from where you can catch a bus to Azeitão, details below. Urban train services (comboios urbanos) from Barreiro train station, south bank of the tejo river (reached by ferry from Lisbon: Timetable • Linha do Sado line Timetable Trains of Portugal Website
	Sul do Tejo buses service Palmela and the surrounding area: Website • 565: Lisboa - Palmela (via Pte Vasco Gama & Pinhal Novo) Rapid service (via 25 Abril bridge) • 768: Setúbal - Azeitão (Via Palmela.

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