Castro Marim goes back in time to Medieval Days – Portugal Resident
For five days every August, the usually quiet town of Castro Marim undergoes an extraordinary transformation.
Its streets fill with kings and queens, knights, monks, merchants and jesters as one of Portugal’s largest historical re-enactment festivals returns, transporting thousands of visitors back to medieval times.
The Castro Marim Medieval Days (Dias Medievais) take place from August 26 to 30, with the town’s historic centre and castle once again becoming the stage for one of the Algarve’s most popular cultural events.
Visitors can expect bustling medieval markets, craftsmen demonstrating centuries-old trades, street theatre, musicians, falconry displays, fire performers and dozens of entertainment groups from Portugal and abroad.
A living medieval town
Rather than simply watching performances, visitors are encouraged to immerse themselves in the experience, wandering through streets brought to life with period costumes, decorations and historical characters.
The town’s imposing castle becomes the heart of the festival, hosting artisan workshops, exhibitions and one of the event’s biggest attractions: daily jousting tournaments on horseback, organised by Portugal’s GNR police.
For those looking for a truly memorable evening, medieval banquets held by torchlight recreate the flavours and atmosphere of the period with traditional-inspired dishes accompanied by live entertainment.
A limited number of guests can enjoy the experience of being ‘King for a Day’ at the Royal Table, an exclusive dining experience for just ten people each night.
New features for 2026
This year’s edition introduces a redesigned layout inside the castle and throughout the festival grounds, with organisers aiming to improve the visitor experience and make it easier to explore the different areas.
The official artwork for the 2026 edition has also been created by local illustrator Elias Gato, giving a fresh look to the characters that have become synonymous with the festival.
Entertainment around every corner
Over 30 national and international performance groups will bring the town to life with medieval music, sword fighting, acrobatics, juggling, Arab dance, snake charming, street theatre and fire shows.
The Fort of São Sebastião will once again host an Arab encampment recreating a historic caravan trading salt and spices, alongside demonstrations depicting civilian and military life during Portugal’s Restoration War in the 17th century.
Families are also well catered for, with storytelling, traditional games, workshops, carousels and children’s entertainment running throughout the five-day festival.
Tickets are now on sale through BOL. A ticket granting access to the medieval market costs €5, while the “complete ticket” (which also grants access to the castle) is priced at €8 for adults and children aged 12 and over and €5 for children aged 11 and under. Banquets can be booked for €50 per person, while the ‘King for a Day’ experience costs €60.
