Castro Marim Guide: The 5 Best Things to Do

Nestled near the Guadiana River, which forms the natural border between Portugal and Spain, Castro Marim is a serene escape from the busier resorts of the Algarve. It’s a town where history is both a backdrop and a prominent storyteller, as seen in its well-preserved medieval castle, the heart and soul of the town, offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding marshlands, river, and beyond. This fortress, which once played a pivotal role in Portugal’s defence against both Moorish invaders and later, the Spanish, today silently oversees the day-to-day life of this tranquil town. Today, fears of Spanish invasions are gone and you can actually take a boat between the two countries. 

The labyrinth of Castro Marim’s streets, though quiet, tells tales of yesteryears. Traditional whitewashed houses with ornate chimneys and wrought-iron balconies stand side-by-side with more contemporary structures, offering glimpses of the town’s evolution. As you wander these streets, the Church of São Tiago stands as an architectural marvel, reminiscent of the area’s religious significance and craftsmanship of a bygone era.

However, Castro Marim isn’t just about diving deep into history. Modern comforts and amenities abound. Stay in one of its charming bed and breakfasts or boutique hotels, and you’re likely to be greeted with warm hospitality that’s characteristic of smaller towns. Many visitors are drawn to the nearby Castro Marim Nature Reserve, a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. Moreover, while the town is peaceful, it’s never too far from the livelier hubs of the Algarve, making it an ideal base for those who desire tranquility after a day of exploration.

Featured Accommodation in Castro Marim

There are an increasing range of accommodation options available in Castro Marim, particularly guesthouses and small, boutique hotels. Alternatively, you could stay at the nearby beach resort town of Monte Gordo or the riverside town of Vila Real de Santo António.

• Monte Do Malhao – Rural boutique accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool and gardens to relax in. 
• Espargosa Monte de Baixo – Stylish rural accommodation with an outdoor pool, hot tub, and a garden with hammocks and a sundeck. 
• Quinta de São Gabriel – Guesthouse-style accommodation on a farm surrounded by vineyards, this property has an outdoor swimming pool with views of the surrounding countryside. 

Is Castro Marim right for me?

Castro Marim is an incredibly small, quaint and peaceful town. There are only a handful of restaurants here, and even less bars, which may be too quiet for some. If that’s you, you might want to consider the nearby riverside town of Vila Real de Santo António. It’s also 6.5 km from the nearest beach: Praia de Monte Gordo in Monte Gordo. 

If quaint and quiet is what you’re looking for, however, Castro Marim could be perfect for you. Although most of the town’s attractions can be seen in a day or even half a day, it is surrounded by a beautiful nature reserve, and its location on the far eastern side of the Algarve is ideal for exploring both Portugal and parts of the SouthWest corner of Spain like the town of Ayamonte and the Marismas de Isla Cristina natural park.

As well as Vila Real de Santo António, other towns in this part of Portugal that are worth visiting include Tavira, São Brás de Alportel, and Faro. The Alentejo, and the Parque Natural do Vale do Guadiana, are also just an hour by car from Castro Marim.

Although there are a lot of places around Castro Marim that are easiest to reach with a car, the town has a train station so it’s one of the Algarve towns that you can explore without a car. From here, you can easily get to Vila Real de Santo António, Tavira, Olhão, and Faro, and then onto the Central and Western Algarve as well. You also don’t need a car to get into Spain: there’s a ferry between Vila Real de Santo Antonio and Ayamonte.

What to Do

Despite its small size, there are quite a few things to do in Castro Marim. 

The Castelo de Castro Marim stands testament to various periods of construction and historical significance. The fortress is essentially divided into two major sections: the Castelo Velha, often referred to as the keep, and the Castelo de Fora. The Castelo Velha boasts a square design flanked by four cylindrical towers. Although believed to have Moorish origins, this section of the castle underwent considerable enhancements during the reign of Afonso III.

The larger, more encompassing structure that visitors see today is the Castelo de Fora, an extension that winds around the hill, embodying the castle’s prominence. It was around this time that Castro Marim established itself as an essential stronghold in the Algarve. Its strategic importance was further recognised in 1332 when the entire town was gifted to the Military Order of Christ, the successors of the Knights Templar in Portugal. Their possession, however, was short-lived. By 1334, the order shifted its headquarters to the now-renowned Tomar, bequeathing the Castro Marim settlement and its formidable defenses to the Order of Santiago. This order’s legacy is evident within the castle walls, most notably in the construction of the Igreja de Santiago, a church that remains a significant site for visitors today.

Today, the castle serves as not only an intriguing historical site but also as a cultural symbol of Castro Marim. The site often hosts medieval-themed events and fairs, rekindling the spirit of the past and offering visitors a dynamic and immersive historical experience.

Forte de São Sebastião

For those who are truly enamoured with the historical tapestry of Castro Marim, a visit to the Forte de São Sebastião is a must. Perched on a hill opposite the Castelo de Castro Marim, this 17th-century fort stands as a testament to the strategic importance of the town during the Portuguese Restoration War in 1640. Under the watchful eyes of King João IV, and with the dawn of the gunpowder and cannon age, the fort was erected to counteract the vulnerability the large hill posed to the original castle, especially as tensions heightened with Spain, placing Castro Marim once again on the frontier of Portugal’s adversaries.

In the face of imminent conflict, the town underwent a significant defensive transformation. Firstly, walls were constructed to envelope the entire village, linking the castle to the opposing hillside and effectively turning Castro Marim into a fortress. Secondly, Forte de São Sebastião was built on the highest peak of the opposing hill, serving as a more compact and fortified outpost within the greater fortress structure. Though it might be challenging to envision this intricate defense system today, especially with the original connecting walls gone and the village expanded, a glance at the 1720 map offers a detailed representation of the fortress and castle during that era.

As part of the town’s military enhancements, the Castelo de Castro Marim also underwent significant modifications. Its walls were reinforced and thickened, with the addition of new towers and bastions to withstand potential sieges. Furthermore, the Revelim de Santo António was established. While often labeled as a fort, it’s more apt to describe it as an outpost when compared to the imposing structures of the castle and the fortress. Yet, despite its smaller stature, it played a pivotal role in the town’s layered defensive strategy.

Explore the Town Centre

After absorbing the castle’s history and marvelling at the sweeping vistas of the village, the Guadiana river, and even glimpses of Spain, a pleasant diversion awaits. In the heart of the village, a charming praça (square) beckons. Lined with several cozy coffee shops, this square serves as a perfect spot to unwind, reflecting on the town’s history over a cup of aromatic Portuguese café. The ambient sounds of local chatter and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee complete the authentic Castro Marim experience.

Spa Salino Água Mãe

Nestled amidst the old salt ponds, Spa Salino Água Mãe offers a unique wellness experience that harmoniously combines traditional salt production methods with modern spa treatments. In the balmy seasons from spring to late autumn, guests are invited to submerge in these ancient ponds, transforming their day at the beach into a therapeutic retreat. While a range of treatments awaits – from calming massages to invigorating yoga sessions – the crowd-favourite remains the trio of salt exfoliation, nurturing clay mask, and a rejuvenating soak in the mineral-rich salt pond.

Beyond its spa services, Água Mãe is also revered as a traditional producer of both the classic sea salt and the coveted Flor de Sal. Those shimmering ponds dotting the landscape aren’t merely aesthetic; they’re active hubs of salt production. After a refreshing spa day, visitors can meander into their on-site shop to procure a selection of high-quality sea salt and Flor de Sal.

For detailed information, including their seasonal operating hours, a visit to their website or a quick glance at their frequently updated Facebook page is recommended. 

Reserva Natural do Sapal 

For those with an inclination towards nature and its mesmerising wonders, Castro Marim unfurls a splendid treat. The Reserva Natural do Sapal de Castro Marim e Vila Real de Santo António is a sprawling 2000 hectares nature reserve, stretching majestically from the heart of Castro Marim to the serene banks of the Guadiana River. This ecological treasure trove brims with a vibrant array of birdlife. Iconic inhabitants like the graceful white stork, the striking greater flamingos, and the poised black-winged stilt make this reserve a cherished destination for ornithologists and enthusiasts alike.

Eager explorers can truly immerse in the reserve’s beauty by undertaking hikes or cycling tours. The Interpretation Centre is a fantastic starting point, providing itineraries and guided routes that will take you on an enlightening journey. As you follow the educational signs, the trail introduces you to the landscape’s diverse facets: the shimmering salt pans reflecting the sky’s hues, the rich marshlands that breathe life, intricate channels crisscrossing the land, and serene water bodies leading to the majestic Guadiana river. If you’re keen on knowing every detail of the journey, in-depth guidebooks and maps await your perusal.

For those who might be pressed for time or prefer shorter excursions, the reserve offers alternatives. Take a leisurely stroll around the crystalline salt ponds, which play a crucial role in the region’s ecosystem and economy, or make your way to a quaint bird watching hide, where the world slows down as you observe the avian residents in their natural habitat. 

Getting Here

• Flying: Faro Airport, the Algarve’s regional airport, is situated 62 km from Castro Marim or around 40 minutes by car. Several companies, including Welcome Pickups, offer airport transfer services at Faro Airport. This is normally cheaper than taking a taxi when you arrive, and you have the added benefit of the driver meeting you inside the arrivals terminal.
• Train: There is a direct train between Faro and Castro Marim. Tickets can be booked on cp.pt, and discounts are available when booked in advance.
• Bus: Long-distance buses to Castro Marim are available from many cities in Portugal, and tickets can be booked on rede-expressos.pt or Flixbus.pt. Local buses are operated by Vamus.pt
• Car: The area around Castro Marim is quite rural and, although you can get around by public transport, it’ll be much easier to see all of the attractions if you rent a car. If you do rent a car, Castro Marim is very easy to get to: either take the A22 toll road or the N125 non-toll road (see: renting a car at Faro Airport). The journey from Faro Airport takes around 40 minutes by car.