Medieval fairs are events that transport you to a distant era, full of stories, cultures, and many traditions, where the special cuisine of days gone by is also in abundance .
In Lisbon, but mainly in the areas surrounding the country’s capital, there are several medieval fairs that attract thousands of people every year, all eager to experience the Middle Ages firsthand.
These fairs are a unique opportunity to take a trip back in time, learn how people lived back then, and discover the customs and cuisine of each region through a captivating and even educational reenactment of the past.
In this guide , we’ll introduce you to the country’s most famous medieval fairs, with a focus on those held in Lisbon or its surrounding areas.
Templar Festival
Tomar, located 1.5 hours from Lisbon, is the next destination for a medieval fair at the start of summer.
There you’ll find a reenactment of a scene from the time of the Templars, take tours, explore the markets and encampments, and enjoy other activities that will evoke the history, legends, secrets, and myths of the richest and most powerful medieval institution, the Order of the Templars.
Sintra Medieval Fair
The palaces and breathtaking landscapes make Sintra one of the most romantic and incredible towns in Portugal, taking us far back in time at this Medieval Market, which recreates a market from that era.
At this event, the streets and squares fill with medieval music, dance, crafts, and cuisine, in a magical atmosphere that adds even more charm to the town and makes this fair an unforgettable experience.
Óbidos Medieval Market
Given that Óbidos is a walled town, the Óbidos Medieval Market is clearly one of the most famous and visited near Lisbon.
This fair transforms the entire town into an authentic living stage of history, with visitors able to enjoy jousting tournaments, falconry shows, markets, and even medieval banquets, where you can sample typical dishes of the era.
Marvila Medieval Fair
The Vale Fundão Urban Park will once again host the Marvila Medieval Fair at the end of this summer.
As always, it will be another vibrant celebration of the medieval era, featuring street theater, snake dances, medieval parades, sword fights, falconry , and circus arts.
This fair offers a wide variety of activities and entertainment for the whole family, including medieval games, and is very popular with local schools.
Palmela Medieval Fair
Palmela hosts one of the most incredible medieval fairs you can visit, full of entertainment and a deep respect for the ancestral traditions of those times.
Here you’ll find an authentic reenactment of medieval life, featuring markets, shows, tournaments, music, dance , and cuisine typical of the era.
This edition will once again take place at Palmela Castle, for three days that promise to be an adventure into the past.
Other medieval fairs near Lisbon
You can already mark the following medieval fairs in the Lisbon area on your calendar to visit in 2026 (according to the website feirasmedievais.pt):
- Porto Salvo Rural Fair, in Oeiras: May 8–10
- Odivelas Medieval Fair: May 22–24
- Alhos Vedros Medieval Fair, in Moita: June 10–14
- Aldeia Galega Medieval Fair, in Alenquer: June 12– 14
- Beato Medieval Fair, in Mata de Madre Deus: June 26–28
- Azambuja Medieval Fair: July 4
- Avenidas Novas Medieval Fair, at Jardim do Arco do Cego: July 14–17
- Reenactment of the Battle of Vimeiro: July 17–19
- Canha Medieval Fair, in Montijo: July 24–26
Medieval Fairs in Portugal
Throughout the country, there are many other medieval fairs worth visiting. If you happen to be passing through these towns during these days, take a trip back in time to visit them:
- Penela Medieval Fair (Coimbra): May 16 and 17
- Roman Days (Belmonte): June4– 10
- Medieval Leiria: July17– 19
- Medieval Aljubarrota: August13– 16
- Medieval Days of Castro Marim: August 26– 30
- Reenactment of the Siege of Almeida: August 28–30
- Alvalade Medieval (Santiago do Cacém): September18 and 20
- Ceyceyra Medieval, in Tomar: September20 and 21
Would you like to visit a medieval fair?
There are many events of this kind where you can participate, though be warned that many of them “require” you to wear medieval clothing so that the reenactment is as authentic as possible.
If you’re interested in becoming one of these characters, check out the official websites of these fairs of yesteryear and contact their organizers for more information.
These medieval fairs are a true 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” with the utmost accuracy possible.
From Marvila to Palmela, passing through many other historic markets across the country, these are unmissable events at a very low cost: the food and drinks are usually very cheap and delicious.
If you enjoy history-related events or are looking for activities with an educational aspect, then you really must take the whole family to one of these medieval fairs in Portugal.