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Palmela Wine Festival

The town of Palmela, 10km north of Setubal, comes alive every September. The grapes are harvested and there is only one way to clear some room in the cellars - drink all last year's wine! If you fancy a glass or two, join in!

Palmela also boasts an impressive Arab castle built in the early 11th century. It later became the stronghold for the Knights of the Order of Santiago in 1443. This religious order was disbanded in 1834 and the castle fell into ruins. Nowadays, after extensive restorations it has been made into a pousada - a hotel - and a night or two here would certainly go some way to restoring the spirits. Palmela is also an excellent base from which to discover the Costa Azul and the magnificent Arrábida Natural Park.