Guide to Route 4710: from Oriente to the castle, a journey between Lisbon, Pinhal Novo and Palmela
Route 4710 connects Gare do Oriente with the town of Palmela and opens the way to a combination of shopping, science, heritage, wine and historic landscapes.
The journey begins in Parque das Nações, one of Lisbon's most modern and busiest areas, marked by the architecture of Expo’98, the riverside promenade along the Tagus and attractions such as the Oceanarium, the Knowledge Pavilion and the Vasco da Gama Centre. It is a start to the journey with a strong focus on leisure, gastronomy and entertainment.
After leaving the capital, the route crosses the urban area of Pinhal Novo, where the atmosphere shifts to a more local scale, connected to the railway, markets and Caramela traditions. The stops near José Maria dos Santos Square make it possible to combine shopping for fresh products with a walk through the town centre and a visit to the Museum – The Station.
In the final section, already in Palmela, the route approaches the historic centre, S. João Cinema-Theatre, the Mother House of the Wine Route and Palmela Castle. It is the ideal stretch for anyone who wants to turn a bus journey into an itinerary of history, culture, gastronomy and wine tourism.
Notice: the distances shown are approximate and estimated from the coordinates provided for the route and the locations of the points of interest, and may vary depending on the walking route. The reported frequency is 42 departures in the Lisbon–Palmela direction on weekdays, 17 on Saturdays and 17 on Sundays and public holidays; in the Palmela–Lisbon direction, there are 36 departures on weekdays, 17 on Saturdays and 17 on Sundays and public holidays. The fare and operator were not provided in the route data.
| Location | Category | Nearest stop/section | Approximate distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vasco da Gama Centre | Shopping, gastronomy and entertainment | Gare do Oriente 22-C | About 500 metres |
| Lisbon Oceanarium | Tourist attraction and environmental education | Gare do Oriente 22-C | About 700 metres |
| Lisbon Cable Car | Leisure and panoramic ride | Gare do Oriente 22-C | About 700 to 900 metres |
| Knowledge Pavilion | Interactive science museum | Gare do Oriente 22-C | About 700 metres |
| Pinhal Novo Municipal Market | Market and local commerce | José Maria dos Santos Square, P2 Garden | About 200 to 400 metres |
| Museum – The Station | Museum and railway heritage | José Maria dos Santos Square, P2 Garden | About 300 to 500 metres |
| Mother House of the Wine Route | Wine tourism and regional products | Palmela Terminal P3 | About 200 metres |
| S. João Cinema-Theatre | Culture and performances | Palmela Terminal P3 | About 200 to 300 metres |
| Palmela Castle | Historic heritage and viewpoint | Palmela Terminal P3 | About 700 to 900 metres |
Vasco da Gama Centre
Right at the start of the journey, Gare do Oriente places passengers just a few minutes' walk from the Vasco da Gama Centre. The shopping centre brings together shops, restaurants, leisure areas and cinemas, making it a practical option for anyone who wants to do some shopping, have lunch or simply begin the outing in a comfortable environment.
The advantage is its integration with the station itself and with Parque das Nações. After walking around the shopping centre, it is worth continuing to the outdoor areas to observe the area's architecture and walk along the Tagus.
- 📍 Location: Parque das Nações, next to Gare do Oriente, in Lisbon.
- 🚏 Nearest stop/section of the route and approximate distance: Gare do Oriente 22-C, about 500 metres away.
- 🏷️ Category: Shopping, gastronomy and entertainment.
- ⭐ Distinguishing feature: direct access from the station and a wide range of shops, restaurants, leisure activities and cinema.
Lisbon Oceanarium
The Oceanarium is one of the best-known attractions in Parque das Nações and a sure choice for families, first-time visitors and anyone who enjoys marine life. The space presents different ocean habitats and a large central aquarium, creating an immersive visit that combines environmental education, architecture and contemplation.
The walk from Gare do Oriente crosses one of the most pleasant areas of Parque das Nações, with open spaces, urban art and views of the water. It is a stop that can take up much of the day and works well even when the weather does not favour outdoor activities.
- 📍 Location: D. Carlos I Esplanade, Parque das Nações, Lisbon.
- 🚏 Nearest stop/section of the route and approximate distance: Gare do Oriente 22-C, about 700 metres away.
- 🏷️ Category: Tourist attraction, aquarium and environmental education.
- ⭐ Distinguishing feature: a visitor experience focused on large ocean environments and observing marine species.
Lisbon Cable Car
To see Parque das Nações from another angle, the Lisbon Cable Car offers a suspended ride over the riverside. The route connects the area near the Oceanarium with the area of the former Vasco da Gama Tower, now home to the Myriad hotel, with panoramic views of the Tagus, the Vasco da Gama Bridge and the neighbourhood's main buildings.
It is an especially interesting option for anyone looking for a short activity before continuing the journey or for completing an itinerary including the Oceanarium and the Knowledge Pavilion. The enclosed cabins and the possibility of observing the landscape from above make the ride different from a conventional walk.
- 📍 Location: stations at Passeio de Neptuno and Passeio das Tágides, Parque das Nações.
- 🚏 Nearest stop/section of the route and approximate distance: Gare do Oriente 22-C, about 700 to 900 metres away.
- 🏷️ Category: Leisure, panoramic ride and tourist attraction.
- ⭐ Distinguishing feature: an elevated route with broad views of the Tagus estuary and the architecture of Parque das Nações.
Knowledge Pavilion
The Knowledge Pavilion is an interactive museum dedicated to science and technology. Instead of a visit based solely on display cases, the space focuses on experiments, challenges and installations that invite visitors to participate, making it suitable for curious children, young people and adults.
Its proximity to the Oceanarium and the Cable Car makes it possible to create a circuit of attractions in Parque das Nações. For those travelling with children, it is one of the best ways to turn the stop at Gare do Oriente into a full day of learning and fun.
- 📍 Location: Largo José Mariano Gago, Parque das Nações, Lisbon.
- 🚏 Nearest stop/section of the route and approximate distance: Gare do Oriente 22-C, about 700 metres away.
- 🏷️ Category: Interactive science and technology museum.
- ⭐ Distinguishing feature: hands-on experiences and visitors' direct participation in the exhibitions.
Pinhal Novo Municipal Market
In Pinhal Novo, Route 4710 approaches one of the town's main centres of commerce and services. The Municipal Market serves as a place to buy fresh products and access local businesses, while also incorporating public facilities such as municipal services, the Citizen's Shop and support services for the population.
The visit combines well with a morning stroll through the centre. The market is near Independence Square and the historic area connected to the railway, allowing visitors to observe a more everyday side of Pinhal Novo, away from the region's better-known tourist circuit.
- 📍 Location: Independence Square, Pinhal Novo.
- 🚏 Nearest stop/section of the route and approximate distance: José Maria dos Santos Square, P2 Garden, about 200 to 400 metres away.
- 🏷️ Category: Market, local commerce and services.
- ⭐ Distinguishing feature: brings together fresh-produce commerce, public services, and cultural and recreational functions in the same complex.
Museum – The Station
Housed in the former passenger building of Pinhal Novo railway station, the Museum – The Station tells the story of the town through the railways, migrations and the memories of railway workers. The building preserves architectural features and tile panels that help explain the area's urban and social development.
It is a destination that makes particular sense for those arriving by bus because it reveals how mobility helped shape Pinhal Novo. The visit can be combined with a walk through José Maria dos Santos Square, the central garden and other landmarks of the town's Caramela identity.
- 📍 Location: former passenger building of Pinhal Novo railway station.
- 🚏 Nearest stop/section of the route and approximate distance: José Maria dos Santos Square, P2 Garden, about 300 to 500 metres away.
- 🏷️ Category: Museum, railway heritage and local history.
- ⭐ Distinguishing feature: presents the town's development through objects, documents, tiles and accounts connected to the railway.
Mother House of the Wine Route
In Palmela, the Mother House of the Wine Route is one of the best gateways to the flavours of the Setúbal Peninsula. The space occupies a former winery and operates as a shop for certified wines, a wine-tourism information point and a venue for promoting regional products.
In addition to wines and Setúbal Moscatel, visitors will find references to local gastronomy, with products such as cheeses, sweets, preserves and other regional items. Its location in the heart of the town makes it possible to continue the walk through São João Baptista Square and the historic centre.
- 📍 Location: São João Baptista Square, Palmela.
- 🚏 Nearest stop/section of the route and approximate distance: Palmela Terminal P3, about 200 metres away.
- 🏷️ Category: Wine tourism, wine shop and regional products.
- ⭐ Distinguishing feature: brings together tastings, wine sales, local products and information for visits to wineries in the region.
S. João Cinema-Theatre
The S. João Cinema-Theatre holds a central place in Palmela's cultural life. The building houses a performance hall with capacity for hundreds of people, an auditorium, a bar and areas that also host exhibitions, training sessions and artistic activities.
Even when no performance is scheduled, the surroundings are worth a stop: the theatre is located in a traditional area of the town, near the bandstand and the streets of the historic centre. It is a place that shows how Palmela combines architectural heritage with contemporary cultural programming.
- 📍 Location: Rua Gago Coutinho e Sacadura Cabral, Palmela.
- 🚏 Nearest stop/section of the route and approximate distance: Palmela Terminal P3, about 200 to 300 metres away.
- 🏷️ Category: Theatre, cinema, exhibitions and culture.
- ⭐ Distinguishing feature: a restored historic building converted into a multipurpose cultural venue.
Palmela Castle
Palmela Castle is the main highlight on arrival in the town. Set in an elevated position, the monument offers broad views over the Tagus and Sado estuaries and preserves traces of different periods of regional history, from Islamic occupation to the presence of the Military Order of Santiago.
Access from Palmela Terminal requires an uphill walk, but the effort is rewarded by the ensemble formed by the walls, the Church of Santiago, the museum spaces and the viewpoints. It is a walk to take without rushing, especially in the late afternoon, when the landscape takes on more striking hues.
- 📍 Location: Avenida D. Nuno Álvares Pereira, Palmela.
- 🚏 Nearest stop/section of the route and approximate distance: Palmela Terminal P3, about 700 to 900 metres away, including an uphill section.
- 🏷️ Category: Historic heritage, museum and viewpoint.
- ⭐ Distinguishing feature: a strategic position with views of the Tagus and Sado estuaries and a strong connection to the history of the Order of Santiago.
To make the most of Route 4710, the best strategy is to divide the outing into sections. In Oriente, set aside time for a circuit of shopping, gastronomy and Expo’98 attractions. In Pinhal Novo, get off to explore the market, the square and the railway heritage. In Palmela, walk from the terminal towards the historic centre, the Mother House, the Cinema-Theatre and the castle. In this way, a route connecting Lisbon and Palmela becomes a complete itinerary of leisure, culture and regional identity.