LOCATED IN THE MIDDLE OF ARRÁBIDA’S NATURAL PARK, PALMELA OVERWHELMS. CLIMB UP TO THE CASTLE, CROSS TRAILS AND SCENERIES OF VINEYARDS, ENJOY UNMISTAKABLE FLAVOURS AND PRIZE-AWARDED WINES.
At the impressive site of what was for five hundred years the headquarters of the Military Order of Saint James of the Sword stands Palmela’s Castle. Get inspired by the vastness of the scenery and start a visit to the picturesque historic centre. The narrow streets are a good sign of its medieval origins, hosting a serene place, with its people, occupations, memories and monuments that blend with the urban life. Traverse alleys and labyrinths, and notice the evolution of the architecture, with decorative elements in forged iron, and the azulejos (Portuguese tiles) depicting scenes of everyday life, such as grape picking, well represented in the Art Nouveau architectural style.
Palmela’s Castle
Whistler cork oak tree
The strong rural tradition, the extensive agricultural setting – rich in vegetables, vineyards, cereals and grazing fields – and the abundance provided by the fertile soils, are the perfect ingredients to attain the genuine and unique flavours of this region’s gastronomy. Quinta do Anjo is a small hamlet made famous for its production of Azeitão Cheese, wines and regional confections, that can be purchased directly from the producers themselves. The community cheesemakers and artisanal bakers also serve the best-quality and tastiest bread, topped with their own sheep milk butter. The Caramelo Market at Pinhal Novo evokes the Caramelo culture, found among the rural workers originated from Central Portugal, and the remembrances of a life associated with the railway line, that marked the development of this Parish throughout many decades. It’s also an excellent opportunity to taste the rich and traditional Soup Caramelo. Poceirão and Marateca are places known internationally for their wine cellars, where one can savour the most noble wines, as well as other high-quality regional products, namely the locally grown Riscadinha Apple (Malus domestica Borkh species), with its own Protected Origin Denomination. The Poceirão Commercial and Rural Fair is one of the main events in the region, fully dedicated to agriculture and the rural world, while the Feasts of St. Pedro at Marateca serve for the yearly display of the local traditions.
Two sites of required visit for Nature lovers are the Arrábida Natural Park and the Sado Estuary Natural Reserve, that allow all the enjoyment of outdoor experiences, in full harmony with the local fauna and flora.
To its Natural and Historic Patrimony, Gastronomy and Wine Tourism, Palmela adds an intense calendar of festivities and cultural events, quality lodging, golf courses and wonderful beaches nearby.
Medieval Fair
Palmela Wine Jazz
