Top 15 Things to Do in Alcácer do Sal
Alcácer do Sal is one of the oldest cities in Europe as it was founded before 1000 BC by Phoenicians. Its history shows that it supplied salt, salted fish, horses for export, and food for the ships that traded tin with Cornwall. Later with the Visigoth invasion, it regained importance and then was invaded by Arabs. During the Arab occupation, they built one of the strongest fortresses in the Iberian peninsula.
Then it was conquered in 1158 by D. Afonso Henriques, then reconquered by the Moors, and then reconquered during D. Afonso Henriques II’s reign. During this time, it became the Order of Santiago and finally reached city status in 1997. As you can see, this little city has quite a storied past and is an incredibly interesting place to visit.
Alcáçer do Sal, located on the right bank of the Sado River, boasts an ideal location in the heart of the plains of the Alentejo. With its vegetable gardens and scenic views of the surrounding countryside, the town offers plenty of room for relaxation and exploration. The Atlantic coast is just a short drive away, making it a good starting point for those looking to explore the region’s natural beauty and coastal attractions. Whether you’re wandering through its charming streets or enjoying the peaceful landscape, Alcáçer do Sal provides a perfect balance of history and tranquility.
This blog post is all about what to do in Alcacer do Sal, where to stay in Alcacer do Sal, where to eat, and fun paid activities to do.
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How to Get to Alcacer do Sal from Lisbon
Getting to Alcáçer do Sal from Lisbon is relatively straightforward, and there are several transportation options depending on your preferences:
1. By Car (Best Option)
The most convenient way to reach Alcáçer do Sal from Lisbon is by car, especially if you’re looking for flexibility and comfort. The journey time is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, covering a distance of around 130 km. Take the A2 highway south from Lisbon, and follow signs for Alcáçer do Sal. The drive offers scenic views of the Alentejo plains and the River Sado, making it a pleasant route. Once you arrive, there is free parking available in various parts of the town, including near the old Alcácer Castle.
2. By Train
For those who prefer public transportation, you can take a train from Lisbon’s Gare do Oriente or Rossio train station to Alcáçer do Sal. The train journey typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the service you choose. Trains to Alcáçer do Sal are relatively frequent and offer a comfortable and scenic ride through the Alentejo region. Once you arrive at the Sal train station, the town center is just a short walk away, and you can easily explore the narrow streets and enjoy the local food.
3. By Bus
You can also travel by bus from Lisbon to Alcáçer do Sal. The buses depart from Sete Rios Bus Station and take approximately 2 hours to reach Alcáçer do Sal. The journey offers comfort, and the bus station is well-connected to public transport in Lisbon. Once you arrive in Alcáçer do Sal, it’s easy to reach the city center and main attractions by foot.
Regardless of which option you choose, Alcáçer do Sal is easily accessible from Lisbon, making it a perfect destination for a day trip or weekend getaway.
What to do in ALCÁCER do Sal
Igreja de Santa Maria do Castelo – this Romanesque-Gothic church is from the end of the 12th century. It’s a small, but very interesting, ancient church worth a short visit.
Cripta Arqueológica de Alcácer do Sal – Twenty-seven centuries of history are evident in this archaeological crypt. This area was excavated in 1993 and unearthed a truly magnificent finding of traces of people who lived there from the beginning. During the excavation, the archaeologists found remnants of life from the Iron Age from the 7th century BC and structures from the Roman period and Islamic occupation. It offers a true journey through time.
my favorite thing to do in Alcacer do sal
Riverside promenade, walk over bridge to park – this is an enjoyable short walk through the center of town. We parked our car at the park near the Alcacer do Sal sign and then walked over the pedestrian bridge to get to the main center of town. I highly recommend a leisure walk along the river to enjoy the town’s energy.
fun things to see in alcacer do sal
Igreja da Misericórdia – This ancient church was founded in 1530, and then created in 1547 with Manueline, Mannerist, and Baroque-influenced design. In the 19th century, the church was renovated and half of the 17th century tiles were removed from inside the structure. Then, in 1895, the Setubal painter, Francisco Flamengo painted a beautiful image on the ceiling of the 3 virtues: faith, hope, and charity. It’s definitely worth a few minutes to stop here and marvel at the architecture and design.
Museu do Arroz – This rice museum demonstrates the importance of this grain to the economy, culture, gastronomic, and scientific community in Portugal. The museum, in an old rice husking facility, was built to display the importance of rice cultivation to the community in Alcácer do Sal and Comporta.
Largo Luís de Camões in Alcáçer do Sal is a charming square surrounded by historic buildings, offering a peaceful spot to relax and enjoy the town’s atmosphere.
alcacer do sal castle
Castelo de Alcácer do Sal – This Muslim-constructed castle dates back to the 6th century BC and was conquered by the Portuguese crown in 1217. It changed hands several times and is currently a hotel where you can also witness the ruins by visiting the crypt.
Cais Palafítico da Carrasqueira – This is a restored wooden pier on stilts, mostly used by fishermen and those wanting to take lovely sunset photos in this unique spot.
Casas de Santa Susana – walk around this idyllic neighborhood with white washed houses and royal blue trim. Your photos will look especially awesome with the incomparable Portuguese blue skies as your backdrop.
Igreja de Santiago – beautiful church right in the middle of the town with typical Portuguese tiles inside. We were awe-struck by the storks that made their nests on the rooftop. Take a few minutes to stop here and enjoy the design.
interesting things to see in alcacer do sal
Museu Pedro Nunes – as this museum was founded in 1894, it is one of the oldest in Portugal. It has a storied history and was completely renovated and reopened in 2019. Here you can discover some of the most fantastic archaeological pieces in the country. These pieces tell the story of Alcacer do Sal and transport you to other times and other worlds.
Santuário do Senhor dos Mártires – this is one of the oldest Christian temples in Portugal. As this church is ancient, it started in the Iron Age, then became a chapel of pilgrimage known for the occurrence of miracles and then expanded in the 14th and 16th centuries. It’s a true jewel of the history of Alcácer do Sal.
Barragem do Pego do Altar – this is a dam and river beach located near the Sado Estuary. This is a popular place for those who enjoy seeing the stars.
short excursions from alcacer do sal
Tróia Peninsula – This area is reachable by ferry from Setúbal and is surrounded by pristine beaches and the protected Sado Estuary. Part of the peninsula has an upscale hotel, casino and restaurants, while the gem of the peninsula are the natural areas with a plethora of birds and other sea-dwelling animals. This is a perfect day trip from Setúbal.
Sado Estuary – This estuary is not located in Alcacer do Sal proper, but is very close, especially if you are traveling by vehicle. Here you can find countless species of birds and several dozen dolphins amid marshes, sandbanks, rice paddies, and a vast area of woods and reed plantations. This conservation area is also home to several threatened species, such as the black bat and otter. We highly recommend a day visit here or a boat tour.
Comporta beaches – WOW! These fantastic beaches with azure-colored water and powdery tan sand are a must-visit if you are in the area. There is so much to do in Comporta that I’m going to do a separate blog post about it. This area is well-known in Portugal as the rich man’s playground, but it’s also a great place for a family vacation.
Where to stay in Alcácer do Sal
- Pousado Castelo de Alcacer – stay inside the ancient castle! Talk about unique!!
- Marines – highly rated + super affordable spot right in the center
- Valentina Place – right in the center for an affordable price
- Al’ Casas do Sal – extra comfy apartment in the middle of town
- Hotel da Barrosinha – a little outside of town, but breakfast and pool are included.
Where to eat in Alcácer do Sal
There aren’t any 100% vegan or vegetarian restaurants here and we didn’t eat when we visited as the vegan-friendly places were closed for the holidays. I recommend checking out the Happy Cow app to see where to eat. Or you could pack a picnic!
Fun paid activities
- Day trip from Lisbon to the Alentejo coast with a stop in Alcacer do Sal – Click HERE!
- Sado Estuary dolphin watching boat trip – Click HERE
- Super fun day trip to Arrabida coast – Click HERE
- Arrabida and Sesimbra Day Tour with Wine Tasting – Click HERE
HUGE Shells at Comporta beaches
when to go to alcacer do sal
Honestly, any time of year is a great time here. The weather stays pretty consistently nice and warm. It can get a little hot in the summer, but the beaches are nearby to help you cool off.
Final Thoughts on Alcacer do Sal
Alcáçer do Sal is an Alentejo town with a rich history, offering visitors a unique blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty. The old Alcácer castle, dating back to the 8th century during the Moorish occupation, is a key landmark, where you can explore panoramic views of the River Sado and the surrounding green valley. The town is well-known for its salt production, a tradition dating back to Roman times when it was known as Urbs Imperatoria Salacia. Visitors can also enjoy a relaxing day along the Comporta beach or take a stroll through the streets of the old city, lined with charming whitewashed buildings and cozy cafes. For a taste of local flavor, be sure to try the region’s famous olive oil, pine nuts, and other local food specialties at the nearby restaurants.
Whether visiting for the first time or returning for a peaceful getaway, Alcáçer do Sal offers a range of experiences for all types of travelers. The pousada Castelo de Alcácer, located in a former medieval castle, provides an ideal base for exploring the Sado Estuary Nature Reserve, known for its immense estuary and a chance to spot the resident pod of dolphins. With free parking, and plenty of space for family vacations, Alcáçer do Sal is a great starting point for exploring the low-lying countryside and the picturesque patchwork of rice fields. Whether enjoying the white sandy beaches of Praia da Comporta or venturing into the pine forests that surround the town, Alcáçer do Sal offers relaxing experiences with a deep connection to prehistoric times and modern charm.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend items that we truly love!
OUR MUST-HAVE ITEMS:
- Merrell women’s light hiking shoes – these are amazing! They are lightweight, but are extra grippy and helpful for all the hills in Portugal! I also have this pair that I always get compliments on: Merrell Rainbow shoes. Fernando loves his Asics trail runners which are also grippy and perfect for walking in Portugal.
- Thermoflask water bottle – like a Hydroflask, but more affordable! We don’t go anywhere without these water bottles full of purified water.
- North Face Aphrodite 2.0 capris – I seriously wear these pants every.single.day! I couldn’t live without these ultra-comfy, lightweight pants that dry so quickly. They are 100% worth the money!
- Osprey Day Pack – this is an awesome lightweight backpack that we can easily put the belongings we need at hand for traveling around the city and on public transportation.
- If you want to feel like a local, then get this backpack. It’s all the rage in Europe!
OUR FAVORITE EUROPEAN SERVICES:
- DISCOVER CARS – If you want to rent a car while you’re in Portugal, our favorite car rental aggregator is Discover Cars. We frequently rent cars and they always have the best prices and great quality vehicles.
- iTalki – if you want to learn another language before traveling to Europe or while you’re here, we love iTalki. We highly recommend their language services.
This blog post was all about the top 15 things to do in Alcácer do Sal, where to stay in Alcacer do Sal, where to eat, and fun paid activities to do. Have you been here? What did you think?
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