Almada is a city and municipality in Portugal.
Where is Almada located?
It is located on the south bank of the Tagus River, which is commonly referred to as “the other side of the river.”
Almada, an old territory with its own character, has in its people the inspiration and activity for a distinct and rich culture. It is a territory with over 870 years of history and a distinct sense of belonging.
In Almada, an area of multiculturalism, variety, creativity, solidarity, and tolerance, surrounded by river and sea in a lush natural and geological magnificence, has the most remarkable perspective overlooking Lisbon, leaving anybody who explores forth with its cultural, artistic, religious, military, industrial, and rural aspects.
In addition to its strong association with the Tagus River, which is reflected throughout the river’s whole shore, Almada captivates us with its connection to the sea, on the Atlantic coast, with its more than 13 kilometres of uninterrupted white sand beaches, attractive all year round, many of which are located in a natural setting of great beauty and are excellent for practising wave sports.
Its flavours are likewise seductive, with a limitless variety of gourmet offers ranging from traditional cuisine to international and creative cuisine, passing through “carvoadas” of fine fish, delectable stews, and a wealth of regional sweets.
The Castle of Almada, or Castelo de Almada in Portuguese, is a castle from the Middle Ages. It is in the town of Almada.
Despite its small size, Almada has a substantial population. Seixal, Sesimbra, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Tagus River form its southern, eastern, and western borders, respectively. At Cacilhas, its main port, ferry boats take visitors and locals to Lisbon every day. The 25 de Abril Bridge, which crosses the Tagus, is used by trains, trucks, and cars every day. Almada is a transportation hub and a suburb that is growing quickly. It has a lot of sandy beaches and beautiful views of the coast.
HISTORY
Almada has been inhabited since the end of the Neolithic period, about 5000 years ago. Archaeological excavations suggest that non-sedentary nomadic tribes occupied the area sporadically. With the advent of Islamic civilization, Muslims constructed a fort at Almada to defend and monitor the Tagus River’s mouth. This marked the greatest advancement in the area’s gradual development of settlement. Almada was on the other side of the river from Lisbon. It was a trading hub for many people who lived along the Tagus, such as the Phoenicians, the Romans, and the Moors.
In 1147, with the assistance of English Crusaders, Afonso I’s Christian forces conquered Almada.
Along with these Christians, there were many free Moors and Jews who were protected by Afonso I in the charter of 1170 (which applied to all the former Moorish strongholds of Lisbon, Almada, Palmela, and Alcácer).
Almada received a foral from King Sancho I in 1190, but it came at a cost: Miramolim Jacub-Abu-Jassuf, son of the Moorish leader who had laid siege to Santarém in 1171, was enraged by the Christian victories and assembled a large army. He boldly attacked in the north, capturing Alcácer do Sal and Silves while forcing the residents of Almada, Palmela, and other towns along the Tagus to take refuge. It would be some time after Sancho’s death before this region was returned to Portuguese control.
When this event occurred, the Order of Santiago, a donatorio of Almada after October 28, 1186, played an important role in the territory (particularly between the Tagus and Sado Rivers). In this way, it helped people move back to the land it had taken, which was good for the local economies.
How to get to Almada?
There are a few ways to get to Almada from Lisbon. You can go either by bus, train, or boat, or, in some cases, a combination of different means of transportation.
Getting to Almada by bus
The bus transport service to Almada is run by Transportes Sul do Tejo (TST).
The buses to Almada from Lisbon usually depart from the following stations:
Areeiro – Bus 160 Cidade Universitária – Bus 176 Praça de Espanha Lisboa-Bus 152
These stop at S. João Baptista Square, in the centre of Almada, where you can use the Sul do Tejo Metro to get around the municipality.
Getting to Almada by train
You can also get there by train through the Fertagus rail network. You can catch this train at any of the following train stations in Lisbon; Roma/Areeiro, Entrecampos, Sete Rios, or Campolide stations towards Pragal.
From Pragal, you can get several buses that will take you into the town. This train gives you the unique opportunity of travelling over the Tagus River on the iconic 25 de Abril bridge. The view from up there is priceless and one to treasure.
The trip can take between 30 minutes and 40 minutes, or over an hour if you are going to Setubal.
Getting to Almada by boat
If you fancy a quick boat ride to the other side of the river, you can catch a boat to Almada from Cais do Sodré. The boat shuttle service between Cacilhas and Cais do Sodre is available every day between 5 am and 1:20 am.
A one-way trip from Cais do Sodre is €1.30, while a return trip costs €2.60. You can buy and charge the Viva Viagem reusable card at the vending machine in the station or from the attendant at the station.
The trip to Cacilhas usually takes about 20 minutes. Then, from Cacilhas to other neighbourhoods in Almada, it can take between 20 and 40 minutes to reach your destination.
Getting to Almada by car
Alternatively, you can always go by car or taxi. From Lisbon, the drive to Almada takes about 20 minutes via the A2 motorway.
10 Best Things To Do In Almada (Portugal)
- Cristo Rei statue
- Casillas
- Dom Fernando II e Gloria
- Caparica Coast
- Boca do Vento Elevator
- Casa da Cerca
- Conveto dos Capuchos
- Almada Forum
- Naval Museum
- Parque Da Paz
