Things to do in Castro Marim, Algarve

Areas of interest in and around Castro Marim

• Salt Marsh Nature reserve of Castro Marim and Vila Real de Santo António - it covers an area of over 2,000 hectares of salt pans, salt marsh and creeks. There are trails to follow and have a chance to see the wildlife including some 150 species of birds (storks, avocets, flamingos, sand pipers amongst them); see how salt is produced in the evaporation pans as it has been for hundreds of years.
  
  There is a visitors centre at Sapal de Venta Moinhos - Castro Marim
  Tel: 281 510 680
   
  

• Visit the dams (Barragems) of Odeleite and Beliche: The scenery is well worth it!

• Lace is still made in the traditional way by some of the ladies in Castro Marim

Churches in the Castro Marim area

• Igreja da Nossa Senhora dos Martires
  
    

• Misericórdia (Mercy) Church: The original Igreja da Misericórdia lies inside the castle walls and contains 17th century tombs and some remains of the 14th century Church of São Iago (St. James) which was destroyed by the 1755 earthquake.
  
  

• Hermitage of São Sebastião: Also called the  Igreja da Misericórdia - quite plain from the outside but inside has a collection of 18th century statues and the main altar with wood panels from the 17th century.

• Hermitage of São António: Built during the reign of D. João IV inside a small but strategically placed fort overlooking the Rio Guadiana.

• Igreja do Divino EspíritoSanto in  Azinhal

• Igreja do Imaculado Coração de Maria in Altura

Galleries and Museums in the Castro Marim area

• Núcleo Museológico do Castelo de Castro Marim (inside the castle): The museum has exhibits from archeological excavations that have revealed evidence of human occupation in Castro Marim through various ages including, Bronze, Iron and Roman times.
  
  Opening hours:Monday to Sunday  10h to 13h and 15:30h to 18h

Historical remains in the Castro Marim area

• Castelo de Castro Marim
  
   
  
  The remains of the castle in Castro Marim, (which dates from 10th to 12th century), stand on one hill overlooking the town and the Fort of São Sebastião on the opposite hill. From the castle you can get a great view of the river Guadiana,the Spanish town of Ayamonte, the salt pans and the sea in the distance. The square castle with its 4 round towers, stands on an open yard inside the ramparts and is possibly Moorish in origin; the castle was the original  headquarters of the Order of Christ (which replaced the Knights Templar) with Henry (the Navigator) as governor of the Order and living in the castle.This military order played an important role in the early voyages marking the beginning of the 'Discoveries'.
  
  Castelo de Castro Marim is open between 9.00am and 7.00pm from April to October and between 9.00am and 5.00pm November to March and entrance is free.

• Fort of São Sebastião constructed during the reign of D. João IV during the Wars of Restoration between Portugal and Spain.
  
    

Leisure activities in the Castro Marim area

• Jeep Safaris through Castro Marim Nature Reserve and to Barragem do Beliche, contact: Flamingo tours, Tel: 919668 355

• Golf: 'Castro Marim', 'Benamor', 'Quinta da Cima' and 'Quinta da Ria' are the nearest courses

• Cycling: It's a great area for exploring by bike!

• Walking in the Eastern Algarve - enjoy meeting new friends and keeping fit at the same time with walks organised by Brian at Moonlight Services.