Medieval fairs are events that manage to transport you to a distant time, full of history, culture and many traditions, where there’s no shortage of that special cuisine from another era.
In Lisbon, but especially around the country’s capital, there are several medieval fairs that every year bring thousands of people interested in having an experience worthy of the Middle Ages.
These fairs are a unique opportunity to take a trip back in time, learn about how people lived back then, get to know the customs and cuisine of each area by recreating the past in a very captivating and even educational way.
In this guide, we’re going to show you the best-known medieval fairs in the country, especially those held in and around Lisbon.
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Templar Festival
Tomar, 1.5 hours from Lisbon, is the next destination for a medieval fair in early summer.
There you’ll find a recreation of a scene from the time of the Knights Templar, visits, markets and camps, among other activities that will evoke the history, legends, secrets and myths of the richest and most powerful medieval institution, the Order of the Knights Templar.
Dates: from July 10th to 13th
Tickets: free
Sintra Medieval Market
The palaces and breathtaking landscapes make Sintra one of the most romantic and incredible towns in Portugal, and also take us back in time with this Medieval Market, which recreates a period market.
In this event, the streets and squares are filled with medieval music, dances, crafts and gastronomy, in a magical atmosphere that adds even more charm to the town and makes this fair an unforgettable experience.
Dates: from July 10th to 13th
Tickets: free
Óbidos Medieval Market
Given that Óbidos is a town surrounded by walls, the Óbidos Medieval Market is clearly one of the most famous and visited near Lisbon. This year, the theme will be “Love between D. Pedro and Inês de Castro”.
This fair transforms the entire town into a living stage of history, with visitors able to enjoy horse tournaments, falconry shows, markets and even medieval banquets, where you can sample typical dishes of the time.
Dates: from July 17th to 27th
Tickets: from free to €15
Marvila Medieval Fair
The Vale Fundão Urban Park will once again host the Marvila Medieval Fair later this summer, from September 19 to 21, for another vibrant celebration of the medieval era, where there will be no shortage of street theater, snake dances, medieval parades, sword fights, falconry and circus arts.
This fair offers a wide variety of activities and entertainment for all families, including medieval games, and is well attended by local schools.
Dates: September 19-21
Tickets: free
Palmela Medieval Fair
Palmela is hosting one of the most incredible medieval fairs you can visit, full of excitement and a huge respect for the ancestral traditions of those times, where you’ll find an authentic recreation of medieval life, with markets, shows, tournaments, music, dance and typical gastronomy of the time.
The 2025 edition will take place between September 26 and 28, at Palmela Castle, for three days that celebrate the historical figure of King João II, under the theme “A Knight of Santiago for Mayor of Palmela”.
Dates: from September 26 to 28
Tickets: on request
Other medieval fairs near Lisbon
You can put the following medieval fairs near Lisbon on your agenda for 2024 and beyond:
- Aldeia Galega Medieval Fair, in Alenquer: from June 13 to 15
- Paio Pires Medieval Market: from June 13 to 15
- Lourinhã Templar Days: June 28th
- Beato Medieval Fair: June 28-30
- Lumiaris Medieval, in Lumiar: July 4 to 6
- Reenactment of the Battle of Vimeiro: July 18-20
- Loures Period Fair: from July 18 to 20
- Coina Quinhentista Fair: from September 5 to 7
Medieval fairs in Portugal
There are many other medieval fairs throughout the country that are well worth a visit. If you happen to be passing through these towns these days, take a trip back in time:
- French Invasions, in Vila Nova da Barquinha: from June 10 to July 6
- Pirate Festival in Leça da Palmeira: from July 10 to 13
- Leiria Medieval: from July 17 to 20
- Coimbra Medieval Fair: July 18-20
- Buarcos Pirate Festival: July 23-27
- Belmonte Medieval Fair: from August 14th to 17th
- Aljubarrota Medieval Fair: from August 14 to 17
- Castro Marim Medieval Days: from August 27 to 31
- Recreation of the Siege of Almeida: from August 29th to 31st
- Leça do Balio Medieval Fair: from September 10 to 15
- Santiago do Cacém Medieval Alvalade: September 19 and 20
- Walls with History, in Sortelha: from September 19 to 21
- Medieval Ceyceyra, in Tomar: September 20 and 21
- Canas de Senhorim Medieval Fair: October 3rd to 5th
Want to take part in a medieval fair?
There are many events of this kind where you can take part, but be warned that many of them require you to wear the clothes of the Middle Ages so that the recreation is as faithful as possible.
If you’re interested in being one of these characters, take a look at the official websites of these fairs of yesteryear and get in touch with their organizers to find out more.
These medieval fairs are an authentic window into the past and will allow you to have a very intense immersive experience, where the life, culture and traditions of the Middle Ages are “shown” as accurately as possible.
From Marvila to Palmela, as well as many other ancestral markets across the country, these are unmissable events that are very affordable: the food and drink are usually very cheap and tasty.
If you like history-related events or if you’re looking for educational activities, then you really must take the whole family to one of these medieval fairs in Portugal.
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