Almourol Castle - Vila Nova da Barquinha

A plunge into Templar times

We already know that Portugal surprises and delights everyone. Each parish, municipality or town is a different surprise.
I even have the impression that the smaller the town, the more charming it is, and of course it was no different in Vila Nova da Barquinha, next to the Almourol Castle. A place that won me over with its beautiful sunset over the River Tagus.
Well, surely every child has imagined themselves in a time of castles and battles. What girl hasn't dreamed of being a princess, and what boy hasn't thought of being a king? This imagery stays with us all our lives, and some magical places are able to revive this feeling.

Vila Nova da Barquinha is one of these places, along with the imposing Almourol Castle, with breathtaking scenery. But come on, let's talk more about this castle at sunset.

Sculpture Park

We then began our journey through the Sculpture Park, on the banks of the River Tagus, protected by the shade of the willow trees.
While the children play among the sculptures, most of which are interactive, we relax in the sun on the extensive lawn. And if the Sculpture Park enchants you, wait until the next attraction, Quinta da Cardiga.

Quinta da Cardiga

Although it is a private property and has been closed for over fifty years, it is well worth a visit.
Its walls are covered in greenery and there's a building that at least piques the curiosity: a medieval tower right in the middle of the mansion. This tower was once part of a Templar castle and is practically
intact.

Almourol Castle

But if it's a Templar castle we want to see, then let's go to Almourol Castle. One of the most scenic castles in Portugal, in the middle of the River Tagus. It's a Templar military building, similar to Tomar Castle. But that's not just a coincidence. Both are part of the Tagus river line and were founded by Gualdin Pais, Grand Master of the Templars in Portugal. Just imagine how many stories these walls must hold?
To further enhance the magic of the castle, we go to the top, from where you can see the beautiful view of the Tagus River and its sandbanks.
To do this tour, we chose the time near sunset, to close the day on a high note! Some companies offer a picnic on a completely electric boat, with no noise other than the river and the sound of the birds. I had this experience with Tritejo.

Quinta do Ribeiro Tanquinhos

For accommodation, I recommend rural tourism. We stayed at Quinta do Ribeiro Tanquinhos. It's a beautiful traditional manor house with a farm full of animals that delight children. Guaranteed fun! At breakfast you'll be surprised by the fresh fruit, picked from the garden itself, and then you can book a horseback ride to enjoy the region.

Vila Nova da Barquinha is very accessible for those departing from Lisbon, but you can also take the opportunity to visit Óbidos, another village that deserves to be on your list.

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