About Palmela - presentation, information, photos and recommendations

Another link in the ancient Portuguese defence system, Palmela is a charming small town centred around a fortified castle at an altitude of 1200 metres at the edge of the Arrábida mountain range. Its past strategic importance is evident given that the views from here are astounding, taking in vast expanses of farmland, the Sado estuary to the south and even Lisbon to the north.

Originally a Moorish stronghold, the castle as was constructed following the reconquest in the 12th century and remains a solid example of fine military architecture of the time. Apparently the Bishop of Évora died a painful death in the dungeon here, punishment for his part in a conspiracy against the 15th century King João II. A monastery was also added to house the faithful of the Order of Santiago, and it is this part that has been painstakingly transformed into possibly Portugal’s most desirable pousada.

Although not a million miles away from the capital, Palmela lies at the heart of one of Portugal’s richest wine growing regions, often growing the Periquita variety of grape. This is reflected in the lively local festivities, the Festa das Vindimas, which take place in September to celebrate the wine harvest.

Palmela is also an excellent base for exploring the natural assets of the Arrábida National Park where ancient forests contain much wildlife and the odd secluded monastery.


Palmela | Palmela is a traditional Portuguese town that is situated high in the hills of the Serra da Arrabida. From this commanding position stands the Castelo de Palmela, a mighty fortification as well as the historic religious centre for the Order of Santiago

Information source 

Top hotels in Palmela

Pousada Castelo De Palmela Historic Hotel, Palmela

Pousada Castelo De Palmela Historic Hotel

Palmela, Lisboa Region, Portugal

    • Airplane (07/02 - 07/01/2026)
    • No transport provided
    Montado Hotel Golf Resort, Palmela

    Montado Hotel Golf Resort

    Palmela, Lisboa Region, Portugal

    • Hotel with wi-fi Internet  
    • Airplane (07/04 - 07/03/2026)
    • No transport provided
    Hotel Aldeamento Turistico De Palmela, Palmela

    Hotel Aldeamento Turistico De Palmela

    Palmela, Lisboa Region, Portugal

    • Hotel with children playground  
    • Airplane (07/04 - 07/03/2026)
    • No transport provided
    Amazonia Palmela Apartamentos, Palmela

    Amazonia Palmela Apartamentos

    Palmela, Lisboa Region, Portugal

      • Airplane (06/28 - 06/27/2026)
      • No transport provided
      Casa De Atalaia Turismo De Habitação, Palmela

      Casa De Atalaia Turismo De Habitação

      Palmela, Lisboa Region, Portugal

        • Airplane (07/02 - 07/01/2026)
        • No transport provided
        Pousada Castelo De Palmela, Palmela

        Pousada Castelo De Palmela

        Palmela, Lisboa Region, Portugal

          • Airplane (06/11 - 06/10/2026)
          • No transport provided
          Arrabida Resort Golf, Palmela

          Arrabida Resort Golf

          Palmela, Lisboa Region, Portugal

            • Airplane (07/02 - 07/01/2026)
            • No transport provided
            Halma - Nature Sea, Palmela

            Halma - Nature Sea

            Palmela, Lisboa Region, Portugal

              • Airplane (07/01 - 06/30/2026)
              • No transport provided
              Porta Da Arrábida Hostel Suites, Palmela

              Porta Da Arrábida Hostel Suites

              Palmela, Lisboa Region, Portugal

                • Airplane (07/02 - 07/01/2026)
                • No transport provided
                Pousada Castelo Palmela - Historic Hotel, Palmela

                Pousada Castelo Palmela - Historic Hotel

                Palmela, Lisboa Region, Portugal

                  • Airplane (06/11 - 06/10/2026)
                  • No transport provided
                  Huge 5-Bedroom Villa With A Swimming Pool 15 Mins From The Sea!, Palmela

                  Huge 5-Bedroom Villa With A Swimming Pool 15 Mins From The Sea!

                  Palmela, Lisboa Region, Portugal

                    • Airplane (07/02 - 07/01/2026)
                    • No transport provided
                    Casa De Atalaia Turismo De Habitacao, Palmela

                    Casa De Atalaia Turismo De Habitacao

                    Palmela, Lisboa Region, Portugal

                      • Airplane (06/11 - 06/10/2026)
                      • No transport provided
                      Luxury Golf Villa For 10 W Private Garden Pool, Palmela

                      Luxury Golf Villa For 10 W Private Garden Pool

                      Palmela, Lisboa Region, Portugal

                        • Airplane (07/02 - 07/01/2026)
                        • No transport provided
                        Quinta Do Tio Viagem, Palmela

                        Quinta Do Tio Viagem

                        Palmela, Lisboa Region, Portugal

                          • Airplane (07/02 - 07/01/2026)
                          • No transport provided
                          Biovilla Sustentabilidade, Palmela

                          Biovilla Sustentabilidade

                          Palmela, Lisboa Region, Portugal

                            • Airplane (06/12 - 06/11/2026)
                            • No transport provided
                            Lh Palmela Apartamentos, Palmela

                            Lh Palmela Apartamentos

                            Palmela, Lisboa Region, Portugal

                              • Airplane (06/12 - 06/11/2026)
                              • No transport provided
                              Acc Apartamento T1 Palmela Village, Palmela

                              Acc Apartamento T1 Palmela Village

                              Palmela, Lisboa Region, Portugal

                              • Hotel with parking  
                              • Airplane (07/02 - 07/01/2026)
                              • No transport provided
                              Your Portuguese Home, Palmela

                              Your Portuguese Home

                              Palmela, Lisboa Region, Portugal

                                • Airplane (07/02 - 07/01/2026)
                                • No transport provided
                                Casal Dos Cantos, Palmela

                                Casal Dos Cantos

                                Palmela, Lisboa Region, Portugal

                                  • Airplane (07/02 - 07/01/2026)
                                  • No transport provided
                                  Hotel Apartamento De Palmela, Palmela

                                  Hotel Apartamento De Palmela

                                  Palmela, Lisboa Region, Portugal

                                    • Airplane (07/02 - 07/01/2026)
                                    • No transport provided
                                    Quinta Do Vento By Behome, Palmela

                                    Quinta Do Vento By Behome

                                    Palmela, Lisboa Region, Portugal

                                      • Airplane (07/01 - 06/30/2026)
                                      • No transport provided
                                      Arrábida Resort Golf Academy, Palmela

                                      Arrábida Resort Golf Academy

                                      Palmela, Lisboa Region, Portugal

                                        • Airplane (07/02 - 07/01/2026)
                                        • No transport provided
                                        Casa Santa Terezinha, Palmela

                                        Casa Santa Terezinha

                                        Palmela, Lisboa Region, Portugal

                                          • Airplane (07/02 - 07/01/2026)
                                          • No transport provided
                                          Quinta Serena Holiday Homes, Palmela

                                          Quinta Serena Holiday Homes

                                          Palmela, Lisboa Region, Portugal

                                            • Airplane (07/02 - 07/01/2026)
                                            • No transport provided
                                            Adega Hostel, Palmela

                                            Adega Hostel

                                            Palmela, Lisboa Region, Portugal

                                              • Airplane (07/02 - 07/01/2026)
                                              • No transport provided

                                              Map of hotels Palmela

                                              Travel map Palmela

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