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Enjoy the unique Knights Templar Festival in Tomar Portugal
Portugal has many medieval festivals throughout the year, but one stands out. It’s the Knights Templar Festival in Tomar! It’s held annually, and the 2026 edition is from July 9th until July 12th.
The first edition of the Festa Templária was in 2013, but the re-enactments and street decor take you back centuries. Enjoy dance, food, processions and a lot more!
Every year, I try to attend several festivals so that I can inform you about these traditional events. The Tomar Knights Templar Festival is definitely one of my favourites, and I plan to revisit the Templar town again this July.
When is the Templar Festival in Tomar?
The Knights Templar Festival in Tomar runs from July 9th until July 12th, 2026. You can check the event timetable before you go. Several events occur throughout the day and into the night. The torch procession will most likely take place on Saturday.
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What to see and do at the Festa Templária?
Several events will take place during the Knights Templar Festival, and it’s best to keep an eye on the official website. Guided tours are starting at the main square, Praça da República, where you’ll see the statue of Gualdim Pais. He was the fourth Grand Master in Portugal of the Order of Knights Templar and founded Tomar Castle.
Tomar Castle is another must-see, and there will be an escape room in one of the towers. Unfortunately, it was already fully booked when I went, but thankfully, you can visit the Convent of Christ next door. This is a must-visit if you want to learn more about the Knights Templar’s history!
🎟️ Order your Convent of Christ ticket online to skip the queue!
Remember to cross the Nabão River and visit Parque do Mouchão. The park is filled with medieval market stalls and Templar souvenirs. There was a small animal park with fun activities for kids. There were also regular dance performances that went well into the night. And the workshops and tents full of medieval tools are a fun addition to the festival!
There are plenty of food stalls at Parque do Mouchão, and you can opt for a real medieval meal! We opted for mead and dinner at Taverna Antiqua, as the day was far from over!
Later at night, a night procession started at the Convent of Christ and made its way down to Praça da República. The Cortejo Noturno was spectacular to witness and worth staying the evening for!
Hotels in Tomar
With so many activities and the night procession, staying in Tomar overnight is best! Unless you’ve rented a car, it might be too late to take public transport back to Lisbon or Porto. I have stayed several times in Tomar, and below are some of my favourite hotels.
📍Best budget stay: Thomar Story Guest House offers air-conditioned rooms, free parking, and a private bathroom with a shower. It is within walking distance of the city centre, and breakfast is included.
📍Best central location: If you book your stay at Hotel República, you might be able to see the night procession from your window! The hotel is located on Praça da República, and you can’t get more central than this!
📍A little luxury: Hotel Vila Galé Collection Tomar is beautifully located on the edge of the Nabão River, and the rooms and beds are super comfortable. There is an outdoor swimming pool (fun for the kids) and an indoor pool with a spa. Breakfast is served in a beautiful restaurant, and you can reach all the festivities on foot.
How to get to Tomar
Tomar is easily accessible by car from Lisbon and Porto. Follow the A1 motorway from Lisbon towards Porto, which takes 1.5 hours. The drive from Porto is slightly longer, and you will arrive in 2 hours. We usually rent a car with DiscoverCars from Lisbon Airport, but there are also plenty of car rental locations in Porto.
You can also reach Tomar from Lisbon by train. The train departs from Santa Apolónia Station and takes a little over 2 hours to travel. You can buy tickets at the station or book them online on the Comboios de Portugal website. Taking a Rede Expressos bus from Porto to Tomar is easier. The journey takes around 3,5 hours. There is a train from Porto, but it takes much longer.
Including the Old Town and Knights Templar
15 things to do in Tomar
Tomar is one of my favourite cities in Portugal and there is a lot to see and do. Find out more about the Knights Templar and the many sights in town.
Not sure where to go in Portugal?
Take the free Portugal travel quiz and find the destination that best matches your travel style. You’ll get your result plus practical tips to help you start planning your trip.
FAQ
When is the Tomar Knights Templar Festival in 2026?
The 2026 edition of the Knights Templar Festival in Tomar is from July 9th until July 12th.
Is the Tomar Knights Templar Festival worth it?
If you like medieval markets, Knights Templar history, dance, and good food, then absolutely yes. There are many free activities, and you can book spots for certain organised events at the Tourist Information Centre.
Do I need Knights Templar Festival tickets?
There are many free events that don’t require a ticket. There is also a specific program with organised tours and events. Most are free, and some might have a small fee, but they need pre-registration. Visit the Tomar Tourist Information Centre or the official website for more information.
Conclusion
The Templar Festival in Tomar is certainly one of my favourite summer events in Portugal. I love the city any time of the year, but in July, you step back in time to enjoy re-enactments, seminars, markets and much more. Discover more about the Order of the Templars in the Convent of Christ and enjoy the views from Tomar Castle. And definitely stay a night to see the fire procession!
Other events in Portugal:
- Cultural Portugal festivals and events you don’t want to miss
- Carnaval Portugal with stunning outfits, parades, and dates
- Carnaval in Torres Vedras
- Celebrate the Carnation Revolution in Portugal on April 25th
- Celebrate Festas dos Santos Populares in Portugal in June
- Visiting the Óbidos Medieval Festival in Portugal in July
- Enjoy the unique Knights Templar Festival in Tomar in July
- Christmas in Lisbon
- Photography Experiences in Lisbon during Christmas
- Best Christmas markets in Lisbon
- Wonderland Lisboa: the largest Christmas market in Lisbon
- Where to find the most beautiful Lisbon Christmas lights
- Christmas in Óbidos
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