Perched on a small rocky island in the middle of the Tagus River, in the municipality of Vila Nova da Barquinha, Almourol Castle is one of the most striking symbols of the Knights Templar’s presence in Portugal. It is one of the country’s most photogenic monuments, offering breathtaking scenery. There is only one way to get there: by crossing the river by boat, since there is neither a bridge nor a footpath leading to the island.
A castle with roots dating far back before the Knights Templar
Almourol’s origins are older than its Templar fame would suggest. Some argue that the island may have been occupied by a Lusitanian or pre-Roman fort, and Roman remains found on the site suggest an even earlier presence.
After its reconquest, the area was handed over to the Order of the Knights Templar, the warrior monks founded in 1118 to protect pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem. It was this order that rebuilt the fortress, giving it the typical features of Templar architecture (a quadrangular layout, a keep), with construction completed around 1171. At this stage, Almourol played a key strategic role: helping to protect Coimbra, then the capital of the kingdom.
With the dissolution of the Order of the Knights Templar in the 14th century, the castle passed to the Order of Christ and was gradually forgotten—a neglect exacerbated by the 1755 earthquake. It wasn’t until the 19th century, with the Romantic movement, that Almourol regained attention, being designated a National Monument in 1910. In the 20th century, it was converted into the official residence during the Estado Novo, following renovations carried out between the 1940s and 1950s.
The legend of love and betrayal that spanned centuries
Like any good medieval castle, Almourol also has its own legend. It is said that the daughter of a Moorish emir fell in love with a Christian knight and revealed to him the secrets of how to gain access to the castle. He betrayed that trust, using that information to launch a surprise attack. Facing defeat, the father and daughter chose to throw themselves from the ramparts rather than surrender to the enemy. It is this kind of story that still fuels the island’s mysterious auratoday .
How to visit Almourol Castle
The crossing departs from Almourol Pier, right next to the castle; no advance reservation is required, and tickets are purchased directly on the boat. There is also the option to board at Cais D’El Rei, in Tancos, for a longer river cruise along the Tagus, with a stop on the island; this alternative usually requires advance booking, especially for groups.
Summer hours (March through September): daily, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Last crossing: 40 minutes before closing
The admission ticket also grants access to the Almourol Templar Interpretation Center (CITA) in Vila Nova da Barquinha, dedicated to the history of the Knights Templar associated with the castle.
Because it is surrounded by flowing water, access to the castle always depends on weather and river conditions and may be suspended at any time for safety reasons.
Useful Information
Location: Islet on the Tagus River, Vila Nova da Barquinha, Santarém district Distance from Lisbon: about 1 hour and 30 minutes by car
Access: by boat only, from the Almourol Pier (no reservation required) or the D’El Rei Pier in Tancos (advance reservation required for groups)
Hours (summer, March–September): 9:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.–6:30 p.m., daily
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