8 Medieval Old Town Tours in Portugal Worth the Trip

1.Walking Tour with Palace, Castle, and Old Town Visit

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 66 reviews · 4 hours · from $47Our pick

Meet guide João Varanda, or another Greenwalk guide, at Sintra station for a private four-hour hike through forests, gardens, and steep hill paths. Visit the Moorish Castle, Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, or the National Palace based on your interests. Monument tickets, food, and water cost extra.

“Excelente tour! Lidia went far and beyond to make sure we have a good time. Thank you Lidia!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Schist Villages and medieval castles tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 41 reviews · 4.5 hours · from $129

Travel from Coimbra with Mónica, a local guide who speaks English, Portuguese, and Spanish. Visit atmospheric Schist Villages, two medieval castles, and a natural river pool while learning about Portuguese customs and mountain life. The private format allows a relaxed pace, with traditional lunch available on request.

“Everything was excellent! Monica was our guide and exceeded every hope and expectation. She was friendly and offered to pick us up at our hotel which made things start very easy. She brought water and fruit for us if we needed it as well. She obviously knew the roads as some of the way was very hilly and I wouldn't have wanted to be driving myself. She answered all of my questions ( which I had many) and was patient despite my poor understanding of Portuguese language. She did very well conversing in English. She had extensive knowledge of the Schist Villages, their history, and historical relativity. Her insight into…”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Schist Villages and Medieval Castles Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 30 reviews · 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $120Top rated

Travel from Coimbra with Mónica on a private half-day tour through Castelo de Arouce, Candal, three more schist villages, and Penela Castle. Expect local stories, village walks, castle history, and flexible help with walking needs. Transport takes up much of the 4.5-hour outing, and lunch is not included.

“The Schist Villages tour was really great and a nice change of pace from the other experiences we have had in Coimbra, Lisbon, Nazare, etc. Our guide, Monica, was the absolute best and was very knowledgeable about each of the villages that we visited. We walked through four villages and in each one Monica was pointing out interesting things and talking with local residents that she is friends with. As a part of our group, we were traveling with an older family member and Monica was very attentive to their needs and comfort with the walking paths. Highly recommend this tour if you are looking for something a little different…”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.From Albufeira: Benagil Tour, Bones & Medieval Silves Castle

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 29 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $60

This four-hour van tour links the Algarve’s best-known coastal views with Silves Castle and a fresh orange juice stop. You’ll visit Nossa Senhora da Rocha, Praia da Marinha, Benagil, Carvoeiro, Algar Seco, and Silves. Guides may include Cody, Joanna, Jamie, or Arthur. Pickup and drop-off are included, with groups capped at 16.

“Christopher and rocky were absolutely fantastic! The catamaran was lovely with adequate space for our small group! We had a splendid gay on the water! The dingy was great for going into the caves! Highly recommend this tour!”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Medieval Castles from Porto – Private All‑Inclusive Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 10 reviews · 10 hours · from $204

Travel from Porto by comfortable car or van to Leça do Balio, Faria, Barcelos, Guimarães, and Arnoia. You’ll tour castles, a monastery, medieval streets, and the Duke’s Palace, with entrance tickets, lunch, drinks, coffee, and local sweets included. Rui is one of the guides praised for his warmth and strong grasp of Portuguese history.

“Eu gostei muito dessa experiência , meu guia, Rui é uma pessoa inteligentíssimo, paciente e muito gentil, me levou nos castelos e me contou toda a história que os envolvia, o que poderia ser uma experiência cansativa, passou a ser muito interessante. Conheci também doces da culinária portuguesa e almocei num restaurante bem antigo com comida típica. Enfim, fiquei muito feliz e satisfeita com o passeio.”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Sines: Tour of the historic center, museum & castle of Sines

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 8 reviews · 2 hours · from $16Best value

Meet Luciana at Sines Castle for a gentle two-hour walking tour through the old center. You’ll see the birthplace of Vasco da Gama, Roman remains, museum pieces from several eras, castle walls, and views over the bay and beach. The tour includes an espresso at a traditional pastry shop and local tips in Portuguese or English.

“Luciana was very smiley, friendly and welcoming. She had good rapport with other people we encountered in the town. she was knowledgeable about the things she showed us in the museum and the town. we found it interesting to hear about the history of Sines , as well as the town as an important maritime site today.”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.Castro Marim Medieval Trip: Visit Castle + Medieval Tavern

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · 3 hours · from $53

Meet at Velho Cavalinho Taberna Medieval and spend three hours touring Castro Marim with a guide such as Carlos. Optional costumes, the castle, Archaeological Museum, torture instruments, Templar sites, Casa da Ordem, Senescal Brewery, and a small medieval banquet are included. Tours run in English, French, Portuguese, or Spanish for up to eight people.

“De l'arrivée à la Taverne en passant par la visite du château, avec un détour par un producteur de bière, puis par une boutique des plus originales, nous clôturons ce voyage hors du temps par une dégustation de mets et breuvage d'époque. Un grand merci à Carlos, notre cher guide qui a rendu ce moment unique, riche, mais surtout inoubliable. Aux personnes souhaitant faire une coupure avec notre temps moderne, allez y les yeux fermés. Et laissez vous porter par ce voyage hors du temps.”

Check availability →Read our full review

8.Private Tour to Silves Castle Old Town stop at Chapel of Bones

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2 reviews · from $75

Travel by private air-conditioned vehicle from Albufeira to Silves and Alcantarilha. You’ll see Silves Castle and Cathedral, get free time in the old town, and visit the striking 16th-century Capela dos Ossos. Guide Luis Morais is named as the local guide, and the five-hour tour suits families and small groups.

“Stunning castle with epic views. The chapel of bones was intriguing. The guide was very knowledgeable and down to earth, we couldn't fault Luis one bit. Thank you so much for a superb experience. We were a family of 6 including an 18 year old, 16 year old, 7 year old and 3 year old.”

Check availability →Read our full review