Castro Marim is a Portuguese border village with about 2,000 people. It is in the Faro district, as well as the Algarve region and sub-region.
On the right bank of the Guadiana River, the village of Castro Marim contains several remains showing early human habitation.
There were inhabitants from Phoenicia, Carthage, Greece, Rome, the Visigoths, and Arabia. They gained it from the Moors in 1242, and it received a charter in 1277. Castro Marim was a favourite battleground in the Algarve for centuries because of its proximity to the river, the sea, the plains, and the mountains. It was next to Ayamonte as well.
The castle was constructed by D. Afonso III and is flanked by a vast expanse of ancient salt pans.
The history of salt mining in Castro Marim dates back so far that it is nearly difficult to pinpoint its beginning.
Along with fishing and farming, the utilisation of this resource is vital to the economy of this region and is an integral element of the culture and way of life of the locals.
Visiting the historic salt pans is an excellent chance to learn about the ancient expertise that has been utilised to extract salt from the earth for centuries, in perfect harmony with nature’s will. The diligent salt miner, who utilises his skills to preserve art and ancient instruments, presents us with two high-quality objects with deep roots in Castromarinese culture.
Since ancient times, the inhabitants of Castro Marim have coexisted with various Mediterranean peoples. Over time, they have exchanged commodities and customs, acquired new ways of being and doing things, and accumulated knowledge. This expertise was transmitted to us by craftsmen, who are living treasures who preserve and transmit the intangible legacy of Castro Marim and preserve the memory of a people and culture.
At the front door of their home, guests may still learn who creates the lovely bobbin lace tablecloths. You may still observe the guys who build baskets out of straw, cane, reeds, and palm leaves with their expert hands and come to know their faces.
All of these heritages have something to do with the municipality of Castro Marim’s natural terrain, which has many hidden beauties that astound every visitor.
Tourism is one of the activities that contribute to the income of the municipality because it has both a coastline and a variety of beaches.
In addition, they harvest salt from salt pans located near the river Guadiana. A company that specialises in artisanal saliculture is developing a new product in the heart of the salt pans, making it possible for people to take salt baths there.
As part of the festivities known as the Medieval Days of Castro Marim, the town of Castro Marim hosts an annual mediaeval fair at the end of August. This festival brings together many artists from all over the world, including mediaeval dancers, troupes, archers, swordsmen, and musicians. In addition, it attracts a wide range of other merchants and artisans, including weavers, blacksmiths, herbalists, etc.
Here’s a list of the beaches in Castro Marim:
- Praia Verde (Castro Marim)
- Cabeço Beach – Retur
- Alagoa beach
Things to see and do:
- Library
- House of Odeleite
- Music House
- House of Salt
- Azinhal Multipurpose Center
- Castro Marim Market
- Moinho das Pernadas
- Museum Nucleus
- Castro Marim Castle
- Church of Mercy in Castro Marim
- Church of Santo António
- Forte de São Sebastião
