Medieval Fairs in Portugal 2025: Summer Guide
Plan your trip with the definitive guide to medieval fairs in Portugal 2025—dates, highlights, tips, and links to official pages so you can book and go prepared.
Summer in Portugal offers more than sun and sea. From north to south, medieval fairs in Portugal 2025 transform historic towns into living stages, with smoky taverns, horseback tournaments, traditional crafts, and night fire shows that draw thousands every year.
If you missed Sintra earlier in the season, don’t worry—July and August are packed with unmissable events across the country. Get ready for a true time‑travel experience.
July 2025 Highlights
These July medieval fairs bring markets, reenactments, and family‑friendly shows. Check dates and official sources before traveling.
| Location | Dates (2025) | Must‑See |
|---|---|---|
| Óbidos | Jul 17–27 | One of the largest medieval fairs in Portugal with tournaments and period costumes |
| Leiria | Jul 17–20 | Medieval market, live performances, craft workshops |
| Paços de Ferreira | Jul 17–20 | Historical reenactments with strong community involvement |
| Salir (Algarve) | Jul 18–20 | “Salir do Tempo” brings vibrant music, dance, and market ambience |
| Loures | Jul 18–20 | Family‑friendly activities, street theater, historical parades |
| Constantim (Vila Real) | Jul 19–20 | Local fair with popular entertainment and medieval cuisine |
| Torres Novas | Jul 20 | Archery and crossbow tournament—don’t miss the weapons demos |
| Vilarinho do Bairro | Jul 25–27 | Handicrafts, ancient music, traditional games |
| Anadia (Bairrada) | Jul 25–27 | Great pairing with local wine tourism in Bairrada |
| Ponte da Barca | Jul 25–27 | Magical riverside setting along the Lima River |
August 2025: The Big Events
August features the country’s largest medieval spectacles, with extensive programming, parades, music, and nightly shows.
| Location | Dates (2025) | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Santa Maria da Feira | Jul 30 – Aug 10 | Portugal’s largest medieval fair, 600+ hours of programming, epic parades |
| Silves (Algarve) | Aug 9–17 | Night shows, Arab market, reenactments honoring Islamic heritage |
Practical Tips for an Epic Experience
- Dress the part: many fairs offer costume rentals—getting into character elevates the experience.
- Arrive early: beat the lines and catch golden‑hour light for photos.
- Taste the treats: roasted boar, mead, and sweets are part of the fun.
- Bring cash: some vendors don’t accept cards.
- Book ahead: lodging near Óbidos, Feira, and Silves sells out fast.
Plan Your Route and Where to Stay
Combine fairs with nearby castles, beaches, and wine regions. For inspiration, see our guides below and consider staying in Sintra or Lisbon for easy access to multiple events.
- Discover Portugal Gems
- Events in Portugal
- Lisbon travel ideas
- Sintra travel guide
- Family travel in Portugal
Official Sources and More Inspiration
Always check official pages for final dates, tickets, and program updates:
Save the Dates
Whether you’re planning a weekend or a full road trip across Portugal, adding a medieval fair guarantees color, music, and spectacle. Dress up, dive into history, and live Portugal like never before.
Travelling as a couple, with friends, or bringing the kids? Staying in a local neighbourhood in Sintra lets you save on dining, walk to sights, and wake up by palaces and lush hills—without the hassle of long transfers.
Our Charm Apartments in Sintra offer self check‑in, stylish design, and easy access to beaches and castles—an authentic base that feels like home, not a hotel.
Not sure about your dates yet? Grab our limited €100 promotional voucher now and redeem it on a future Portugal stay—lock in savings today and pick the right time later.
