Knights Templar Portugal: Tomar Day Trip

Tomar, a small city steeped in history, is one of Portugal’s most captivating day trip destinations. Located about 135 kilometers northeast of Lisbon, it’s a lesser visited treasure filled with Knights Templar history and stunning architecture. We’ll explore the history of the Knights Templar in Portugal, the grand Convento de Cristo, the nearby serene Almourol Castle, and the charming lower town of Tomar. Join us as we take an unforgettable journey into Portugal’s past on a Knights Templar Portugal day trip to Tomar.

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History of the Knights Templar Portugal in Tomar

The Knights Templar was a medieval Catholic military order, which played a pivotal role in shaping Portugal’s history. They were established in the 12th century and were instrumental in assisting King Afonso Henriques with the country’s Reconquista efforts against the Moors.

In 1160, the Knights Templar established their headquarters in Tomar, building the Convento de Cristo and the Castle of Tomar as a strategic base. The site, which is now often referred to simply as the Convento de Cristo, became a center of Templar power and symbolized their dual role as warriors and monks. Overlooking the Nabão River, the castle was both a defensive stronghold and a place of spiritual significance.

Perched on a small island in the middle of the Tagus River about 30 minutes south of Tomar, Almourol Castle is a symbol of the Knights Templar legacy and power. Originally built before 1129, the Knights Templar reconstructed it in 1171. The castle’s strategic location made it an integral part of the Tagus River’s defense line, guarding strategic trade routes.

The Knights Templar order was made extinct by 1312, on orders from Pope Clement V. Portugal’s King Dinis ensured that the order survived by transforming the Knights Templar into the Order of Christ. This rebranded order later became a driving force behind Portugal’s Age of Discoveries. They funded expeditions and inspired explorers like Prince Henry the Navigator, who was a Grand Master of the Order.

Getting from Lisbon to Tomar and to Almoural Castle

Top Tours from Lisbon to Tomar and Almourol

If you prefer to not rent a car, the best alternative is to take a private or small-group tour. As described above, the Almourol Castle in particular is logistically challenging to reach by public transport. The tours we recommend are:

Knights Templar Portugal Tomar 1 Day Itinerary

Morning: Explore the Convento de Cristo

Begin your exploration at the crown jewel of Tomar, the Convento de Cristo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Originally built as the headquarters of the Knights Templar in the 12th century, this sprawling complex combines Romanesque, Gothic, Manueline, and Renaissance architectural styles. There is so much history at this site. A tour of the Convento is the best approach for most visitors to make the most of this experience. Alternatively, take a tour from Lisbon to both Tomar and Almourol.

Pro tip: If you aren’t taking a tour to see Tomar, we’d suggest visiting the Convento de Cristo as soon as it opens, to ensure no or few crowds.

• There is so much to see when exploring the Convent and Castle in Tomar. A few highlights include:
  • The Manueline window, an iconic masterpiece of Portuguese art.
  • The Charola (Rotunda), the circular Templar church modeled after the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.
  • The serene cloisters and expansive gardens, which are perfect for a peaceful stroll.

Pro Tip: There are quite a few stairs as well as uneven stones when exploring the castle. It is not ideal for those with mobility issues.

The Convento is set within the Castelo de Tomar (Castle of the Knights Templar), which offers breathtaking views of Tomar and the surrounding countryside. Enjoy a walk along its ancient walls, imagining the fortress during the height of the Templar era.

• Entry tickets are 15 Euros in 2025. There are discounts for seniors, children, Portuguese residents, and more. See the website for the latest details.
• How much time do you need at the Convento de Cristo and Castelo do Tomar? We’d recommend 1-2 hours to ensure plenty of time to explore and learn about the Knights Templar history. There is a cafeteria on site.

Midday: Explore Tomar’s Lower Town

After your morning in the Convento de Cristo and Castelo, make your way to the lower town. This is a picturesque area with cobblestone streets and charming historical gems. Our suggestions;

• Visit Portugal’s oldest surviving synagogue, built in the 15th century. It now houses a small museum dedicated to Jewish history in Tomar.
• Stop by the quirky Matchbox Museum (Museu dos Fósforos – Aquiles da Mota Lima), home to a fascinating collection of over 43,000 matchboxes from around the world. As an added bonus, entry is free.

Enjoy a leisurely lunch while in Tomar. Choose from one of the town’s delightful restaurants, trying local specialties such as leitão à Bairrada (suckling pig) or bacalhau com natas (codfish in cream sauce). Though we have not had a chance to try their food ourselves, the Taverna Antiqua comes highly recommended. It is a medieval-themed restaurant near the main square of Tomar.

Afternoon: Visit Almourol Castle and the Aqueduct

Aqueduct of Pegões

On your way to Almourol, stop at the Aqueduct of Pegões. This was an engineering marvel when built in the 16th century. Made to supply water to the Convento de Cristo, its arches stretch across the countryside. It’s worth taking a short walk along this impressive structure. You can also visit right next to the Convento de Cristo in Tomar.

Almourol Castle

After lunch, take a short drive (typically under 30 minutes) to the Almourol Castle, one of Portugal’s most iconic medieval landmarks. Set on a small island in the middle of the Tagus River, this castle is a magical sight and another legacy of the Knights Templar. Though the Convento de Cristo is incredible, the peace, simplicity, and isolation of this castle made it stand out.

Getting to Almourol Castle by Boat

You’ll need to take a boat from the nearby village of Tancos to reach the castle. The boat ride is short but adds to the adventure. Some tips for getting to the castle:

• If you are visiting independently, be sure to contact the boat operator in advance. Put in a request online; they are very quick to respond with scheduling options. They provided GPS coordinates to the boat dock (these led me to Bar do Castelo, just around the corner and up the hill from the dock).
• There is plenty of free parking at the boat dock.
• There are no restrooms at the dock or on the island. The closest restrooms are at the Bar do Castelo, just up the hill from the parking. This is a great spot to get a coffee too.
• Payments for the boat are in cash when the boat arrives. See the boat operator site linked above for prices, as these vary based on the option that you select (just a ride to the castle or a longer boat ride).
• The direct ride to the island takes about 10 minutes.

Exploring Almourol Castle

Walk around the castle grounds and climb the towers for panoramic views of the river and surrounding landscape. When I visited in the off season, I was the only one on the island (the boat dropped me off and came back 40 minutes later).

Pro tip: Don’t worry about being stranded though. During much of the year, it’s possible to walk off the island crossing some rocks (water levels vary by time of year). Signs do tell you not to do this.

Follow the pathway that leads from the dock up to the castle. Watching your footing. Explore the castle keep, and find the door into the main castle tower. Inside the tower, you’ll find recently built stairs, as well as informative postings on the history of the castle and the Knights Templar. The views from the top are incredible!

Pro tip: The path to and within the castle is uneven, has stairs, and may not be suitable for those with mobility issues.

Once you are done exploring the tower, consider whether you’d like to explore the castle walls. As the sign in the photo below suggests, this is dangerous and must be done at your own risk. There is certainly a risk of falling given the lack of handrails and guardrails.

If you have extra time after exploring the castle, find a spot with a view to relax and enjoy a drink or snack that you brought along. Head back down the path toward the boat dock at the agreed upon time for your ride back to shore.

Take some time to stop in at the Bar do Castelo for a drink or an ice cream with a view of the castle. There is also a trail running along the river if you’d like to add on a walk or hike before heading back to Lisbon.

What is the Best Time to Visit the Knights Templar Castles?

Spring and autumn are ideal for mild weather and fewer crowds. Summer is also lovely but can be hotter. Winter has a tendency to have more rain than in other seasons, though the photos here are from a December visit.

Knights Templar Portugal Tomar Day Trip Wrap-Up

A day trip to Tomar offers an enchanting mix of history, architecture, and natural beauty. Enjoy the grandeur of the Convento de Cristo and the serene charm of Almourol Castle while learning about the legacy of the Knights Templar.

Be sure to wear comfortable shoes for walking and climbing, especially at the Convento and Almourol Castle. Don’t forget your camera for stunning photos of the aqueduct and castle.

Where to Stay in Tomar

If you decide to extend your time in the area, or to continue on to Coimbra the next day, we’d recommend staying at the centrally located 5-star Hotel República Boutique Hotel.

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