Castro Marim is the first Portuguese town after the Spanish border crossing. It has a 13th-century castle, a significant salt marsh nature reserve, and a small town centre that has not been substantially altered by tourism.
The castle
The Castelo de Castro Marim is a Knights Templar fortress from the 13th century. It sits on a hill above the town and is free to enter. The views over the salt marshes and the Guadiana estuary are the reason to climb.
The salt marsh nature reserve
The Reserva Natural do Sapal de Castro Marim runs east and north of the town. It is one of the most important wetland bird habitats in Portugal. Flamingos from April to October. Waders year-round. A circuit walk from the town takes about 90 minutes.
Motorhome parking
There is free overnight parking near the main road below the castle. The surface is rough aggregate. A better option is Alentejo Park, 3km north — licensed, full hookup, dump station, and the same short drive to the town.
The market
A small weekly market runs on Saturdays in the town square. Vegetables, fruit, local cheese, and occasionally honey. Not large, but genuine.
Alentejo Park is 5 minutes (3km) from here.
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