CityRibatejo521 km to Santiago de Compostela

Santarém

The historic capital of the Ribatejo region, set on a high bluff above the Tagus River. Known as the 'Gothic Capital' of Portugal for its wealth of medieval churches and the well-preserved Castle of Santarem.

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About Santarém

Santarem is a historically significant city perched on a dramatic bluff above the Rio Tagus and the capital of the Ribatejo region. Known as the 'Gothic Capital' of Portugal, the city has a remarkable collection of medieval churches, convents, and the Castle of Santarem.

The city has a full range of services including hotels, hostels, restaurants, supermarkets, ATMs, pharmacies, and a hospital. The historic centre is compact and walkable, with the Cabacas Tower, the Church of Santa Clara, and panoramic viewpoints over the Tagus valley all worth visiting.

Santarem is also the point where the Camino Portugues and the Camino de Fatima routes split. Pilgrims heading to Santiago continue north towards Golega and Tomar, while those bound for Fatima head east. The steep climb into the city from the south is demanding after a long day, but the views from the top are rewarding.

Where to stay

Beds in Santarém, night by night

Every kind of bed in one place: online booking, direct-contact albergues, walk-ins and donativos. Live prices for your night.

October 15 to October 28Each night shows how many places you can book online and the lowest price. Select a night to see the detail.From

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Thursday, October 15Albergue dorms and private rooms both count. Walk-in and donativo albergues never sell out online: arrive early in the day instead.

Prices come live from our booking partners and change with demand. Walk-in and donativo albergues are not counted here: they are in the full list at the bottom of the page.

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Explore Santarém

The Camino through town, with prices where the beds are. Amber is the route; each pin is a place to stay.

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Things to do

Things to do in Santarém

6 things

Camino MomentWalk Through the Porta de SantiagoThe route from Santarem to Golega passes through the Porta de Santiago, one of the medieval gates of Santarem. Walking through a gate named after your destination, with hundreds of kilometres still to go, is a small but meaningful Camino moment. The descent from Santarem into the Tagus valley after this gate is gentle and the landscape opens up.

RelaxationSee the View from Portas do SolThe old castle gardens at Portas do Sol sit on the edge of the bluff overlooking the Tagus valley. The views across the river and the endless Ribatejo plain are spectacular, particularly in the late afternoon when the light turns golden. There are benches, shade trees, and the remains of the Moorish fortifications. After climbing the hill into Santarem, you deserve this view.

HistoryVisit the Gothic ChurchesSantarem has more Gothic churches than any other city in Portugal. The Igreja de Graca (14th century) has a magnificent rose window and the tomb of Pedro Alvares Cabral, the Portuguese navigator who discovered Brazil. The Igreja de Marvila has an interior covered in 17th-century azulejos (painted tiles) that are among the finest in the country. The Seminario and the Igreja de Sao Joao de Alporao (now an archaeological museum) are also worth visiting. A slow walk through the…

SightWalk Through the Old TownThe medieval centre of Santarem is compact and hilly, with narrow streets, tiled buildings, and squares that open up unexpectedly. The Praca Sa da Bandeira is the main gathering point, lined with cafes and shops. The Torre das Cabacas (Gourd Tower), a medieval clock tower, is a distinctive landmark. Walk from the Portas do Sol through the old town to the central square, and you will pass centuries of Portuguese history in under a kilometre.

Camino MomentAppreciate the Camino / Fatima CrossroadsSantarem is where the Camino Portugues and the Camino de Fatima share their path before diverging. Pilgrims heading to the famous Marian shrine at Fatima branch off here, while Santiago-bound walkers continue north. If you see blue arrows alongside the yellow ones, the blue ones point towards Fatima. You are on the yellow arrow path, heading north to Porto and beyond.

FoodEat Bijagos and Drink Ribatejo WineSantarem sits in the heart of the Ribatejo, and the food reflects the region's agricultural wealth. Try the sopa da pedra (stone soup, a hearty bean and meat broth that originated in nearby Almeirim), the grilled meats, and the local pastries. The Ribatejo wines are excellent and cheap. The restaurants around the Praca Sa da Bandeira and the old town serve traditional Portuguese food at fair prices.

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Places to stay in Santarém

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