Every summer, the town of Santa Maria da Feira, half an hour south of Porto, stages the Viagem Medieval em Terra de Santa Maria, the largest medieval reenactment in Portugal and one of the largest in Europe. The 2026 edition marked its 30th anniversary and expected around 650,000 visits.
Dates for 2027 are still to be confirmed. The festival runs for twelve days between late July and early August; in 2026 it ran from 28 July to 9 August. We will update this page when the programme is published.
What to expect
Each edition recreates a period of Portuguese history around the castle of Santa Maria da Feira. The historic centre becomes a medieval town, with markets, taverns, tournaments, street theatre and night shows involving thousands of participants. Admission is paid during the afternoon and evening periods.
How to get there from Lisbon
Santa Maria da Feira is about 290 km north of Lisbon, close to Porto. The best way to combine it is on the way north: our Lisbon to Porto private tour collects you at your Lisbon hotel, includes stops of your choice, and can end with an evening at the festival before your Porto hotel. The price is per vehicle: 334€ for up to 3 guests in an estate car, 641€ for up to 7 in a van.
Suggested stops on the way
- Batalha or Alcobaça, the great monasteries of central Portugal.
- Coimbra, the university city.
- Aveiro, the city of canals, 40 minutes from the festival.
Good to know
- Evenings are the liveliest time; book your Porto accommodation early.
- Admission is controlled during the paid periods; check the official ticket information.
- The historic centre is steep in places. Comfortable shoes.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Viagem Medieval in 2027?
The 2027 dates have not been published yet. It runs for twelve days between late July and early August; in 2026 it ran from 28 July to 9 August.
Where is Santa Maria da Feira?
About 30 minutes south of Porto and about 290 km from Lisbon.
Can we visit it on the way from Lisbon to Porto?
Yes. Our one-way private tour to Porto can include the festival as the last stop.
Plan your trip to Viagem Medieval, Santa Maria da Feira
Tell us your date and group. We reply by email within 24 hours with a route and a confirmed price. No payment is needed to enquire.
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Sources and official information: Viagem Medieval · Viagem Medieval 2026 opens (Observador). Dates and programmes can change; always check the official sources before you travel.
