OESTE

Any remnants of the fishing village Nazaré once have been swept away by the spoils of tourism. Although there are brightly coloured narrow sardine fishing boats landed on the beaches. Their high curved prows nod to a Phoenician ancestry. Fisherman wives wear seven colourful layers of skirts and wooden clogs with a black headscarf. It is thought that they represent the seven days of the week, the seven colours in the rainbow, the seven waves in a set and many other biblical, mythical and magical attributions which involve the number seven.

Nazaré is now about having fun. The town has become famous for some of the largest waves in the world, rising up to 30 metres due to a five-kilometre deep undersea canyon off the coast. Families also flock here during the summer. There is no shortage of restaurants, bars and places to stay. [ More About ► ]

Praia da Nazaré
Along the seafront of Nazaré, alongside sunbathing holidaymakers and playing children fishermen still dry fish in the sun, mend boats and fix nets. A profusion of craft shops lines the seafront, Avenida Marginal, ranging from cheap tat to artisan. You can also find great fish restaurants, look out for the Caldeirada à Nazarena, a local fish stew.

Sitio de Nazaré

North of Nazaré the landscape rises to a rocky promontory that overlooks beaches that are more exposed to the elements than in the centre of town. From this vantage point, people gather to watch professional surfers ride humongous waves the area is famous for. Praia do Norte, Praia da Légua and Vale Furado are all here and rightfully patrolled by lifeguards although other beaches swimming is prohibited - lookout for the signs. Here too is the Norpark waterpark that offers visitors a wide variety of entertainment including slides, a giant Jacuzzi, semi-Olympic pool, aerobics pool and even a children's pool. On the headland sits the 16th-Century Forte de São Miguel Arcanjo that now houses an oceanic museum and surfboard exhibition. Inland there's a forested park where wild deer roam.

The charming town of Alcobaça is steeped in history, culture, and natural beauty. Just 100km north of Lisbon, it is most famous for the Monastery of Alcobaça, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the country’s greatest Gothic landmarks. Founded in 1153 by King Afonso I, this monumental monastery is home to the beautifully sculpted tombs of King Pedro I and Inês de Castro—Portugal’s tragic lovers.

Alcobaça offers more than just architecture. Visitors can explore quaint streets lined with traditional shops and cafés serving local pastries such as Pão de Ló. The town’s riverside setting along the Alcoa and Baça rivers adds to its picturesque charm, making it a peaceful destination for a cultural escape.

The nearby Wine Museum (Museu do Vinho) showcases the region’s viticulture, and day trips to Nazaré and Batalha are easily accessible. The surrounding countryside features hiking trails, orchards, and vineyards, offering a blend of nature and history. [ More About ► ]

Eight kilometres (5mi) south of Nazaré is the beautiful resort of São Martinho do Porto. It has a shell-shaped bay with soft golden sands. The calm conditions of the sea is a stark contrast to the wilder waters in Nazaré. The enclosed nature of the bay results in warmer sea temperatures too. The conditions are ideal for swimming, boating and snorkelling. São Martinho do Porto has undergone quite a lot of development recently but as yet not spoiled by mass tourism. The town is popular with Portuguese families but has yet to be discovered by the international crowd.

On ether side of the bay is two twin headlands. On the southern promontory is the remains of the 12th-Century Capela de Santa Ana chapel from where there are amazing views over the bay. The town has plenty of amenities and places to eat. There's a handy train service to Caldas da Rainha and Leiria. Find a hotel deal in São Martinho do Porto ►

Caldas da Rainha is a charming city renowned for its therapeutic thermal waters, vibrant cultural scene, and booming artistic heritage. Founded in the late 15th century by Queen Leonor, the city’s name translates to “Queen’s Hot Springs,” reflecting its origins as a spa town.

The city’s foundation is deeply intertwined with the establishment of the Thermal Hospital, the oldest purpose-built institution in the world, with five centuries of history. 

Beyond its spa legacy, Caldas da Rainha has developed into a hub for ceramic artistry. Caldas da Rainha has numerous workshops and factories, including the renowned Bordallo Pinheiro Factory, celebrated for its whimsical and distinctive ceramic designs. 

The city’s cultural landscape is enriched by several museums, such as the José Malhoa Museum, showcasing Portuguese naturalist art, and the Ceramics Museum, dedicated to the region’s pottery traditions. 

A daily highlight is the open-air Praça da Fruta market, where local vendors offer fresh produce, maintaining a tradition that has endured since the 15th century. [ More About ► ]

Caldas da Rainha is a charming city renowned for its therapeutic thermal waters, vibrant cultural scene, and booming artistic heritage. Founded in the late 15th century by Queen Leonor, the city’s name translates to “Queen’s Hot Springs,” reflecting its origins as a spa town. 

The city’s foundation is deeply intertwined with the establishment of the Thermal Hospital, the oldest purpose-built institution in the world, with five centuries of history. 

Beyond its spa legacy, Caldas da Rainha has developed into a hub for ceramic artistry. Caldas da Rainha has numerous workshops and factories, including the renowned Bordallo Pinheiro Factory, celebrated for its whimsical and distinctive ceramic designs. 

The city’s cultural landscape is enriched by several museums, such as the José Malhoa Museum, showcasing Portuguese naturalist art, and the Ceramics Museum, dedicated to the region’s pottery traditions. 

A daily highlight is the open-air Praça da Fruta market, where local vendors offer fresh produce, maintaining a tradition that has endured since the 15th century. [ More About ► ]

The picturesque town of Bombarral embodies the charm and richness of the Lisbon Wine Region. Located just an hour north of Lisbon and close to the Silver Coast, Bombarral is surrounded by vineyards, orchards, and gentle rolling hills, offering visitors a peaceful and authentic escape steeped in cultural and historical roots.

Renowned for its long-standing agricultural heritage, Bombarral has played a key role in Portugal’s wine and fruit production for centuries. The surrounding countryside is dotted with family-owned wine estates, many offering tastings and tours that reveal the region’s passion for viniculture. Traditional whitewashed farmhouses, fertile fields, and neatly tended vines make the landscape feel timeless.

The town offers a quiet but welcoming atmosphere, with narrow streets, local shops, and cosy cafes serving up regional specialities and warm hospitality. One of Bombarral’s main attractions is the Buddha Eden Garden, Europe’s most extensive oriental garden, located on the grounds of the Bacalhôa wine estate. With its towering sculptures, serene lakes, and peaceful trails, this extraordinary space is a must-see fusion of art, nature, and spirituality.

Bombarral also holds a place in Portuguese military history, it sits along the historic Lines of Torres Vedras, built during the Napoleonic Wars to defend Lisbon. Several heritage sites and walking trails give insight into this fascinating era. Find a hotel deal in Bombarral ►

Buddha Eden Garden

Buddha Eden Garden, also referred to as the Bacalhôa Buddha Eden, is a remarkable 35-hectare oriental garden in Bombarral. Established in 2001 by Portuguese businessman and art collector Comendador José Berardo, the garden was created in response to the destruction of the Buddhas of Bamyan in Afghanistan, aiming to promote peace and cultural preservation.  

As the largest oriental garden in Europe, Buddha Eden features an impressive array of sculptures and installations. Visitors can explore marble and granite Buddhas, pagodas, and an extensive collection of 600 hand-painted terracotta soldiers, reminiscent of China’s ancient Terracotta Army. The garden also includes a serene Japanese-style lake adorned with Koi fish and sculpted dragons emerging from the water.  

In addition to its Asian-inspired elements, the garden houses an African Sculpture Garden with over 200 pieces from various African countries, offering a diverse cultural experience. Contemporary artworks by renowned international artists are strategically placed throughout the landscape, blending art with nature. 

Situated within the Quinta dos Loridos wine estate, Buddha Eden is approximately an hour’s drive from Lisbon and a short distance from the medieval town of Óbidos. This tranquil retreat provides visitors with a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in a harmonious blend of art, culture, and natural beauty.

Low Season, Daily: 09h00 - 18h00 | High Season, Daily: 09h00 - 19h00
Garden Exhibition: €6.00 (under 12 free), Train Tour: €6.00 (under 3 free)
Bacalhôa Buddha Eden, Quinta dos Loridos, 2540-420 Bombarral, Portugal
39° 16' 33.8" N | 09° 08' 17.0" W
+351 262 605 240
visitas@loridos.com |  Website

The Berlenga Islands, an enchanting archipelago off the coast of central Portugal, offer one of the most unique and captivating natural escapes in the country. Located about 10 to 15 kilometres west of Peniche, the islands are part of the Berlengas Nature Reserve (Reserva Natural das Berlengas), recognised for their dramatic landscapes, rich marine biodiversity, and historical intrigue. The main island, Berlenga Grande, is the only one accessible to the public and is a popular day-trip destination for nature lovers, birdwatchers, divers, and adventurers.

The landscape is rugged and breathtaking — think windswept cliffs, crystal-clear turquoise waters, hidden sea caves, and wild, unspoiled terrain. Berlenga Grande is a haven for migratory seabirds, including puffins and gulls, and has been designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve for its environmental significance. The marine environment is equally impressive, home to a diverse array of fish and invertebrates, making the islands a popular spot for diving and snorkelling.

One of the most iconic landmarks on the island is the Fort of São João Baptista, a 17th-century sea fortress perched dramatically on the rocks and accessible by a narrow causeway. Its history, tied to pirate invasions and maritime defence, adds a layer of mystery to the island’s natural allure.

Access to the Berlengas is seasonal and controlled to preserve the ecosystem, with boat trips running from Peniche between spring and early autumn. While accommodations on the island are minimal, visitors can camp or stay in the old fort’s guest quarters.

Peniche was once an island but is now joined to the mainland by a narrow strip of land. Peniche Fort was once an infamous prison during the Salazar years but now houses the Museu Nacional Resistência e Liberdade museum. The walled old town surrounds a sixteenth-century fort and has a working feeling about it. From the marina, you can take a ferry to the Ilha Berlenga island ten kilometres offshore. The island is an important nature reserve and has the famous Fortress São João Baptista perched on its own islet. An enjoyable regional market is held on the last Thursday of each month. Peniche is still transitioning from being a fishing community into a tourist destination. A large number of seafood restaurants have opened up by the harbourfront and new developments have sprung up. Surrounding Peniche there are several beaches within easy reach.
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Baleal

Four kilometres (3mi) north of Peniche is the scenic island village of Baleal which is connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway. Beautiful golden beaches and ideal conditions for or all levels of surfing surround the area. As well as surf schools and board rental shops, several bars and restaurants dot the area.

Situated just 45 minutes north of Lisbon, Lourinhã is a captivating coastal town in Central Portugal that seamlessly blends ancient history, scenic beaches, and vibrant culture. Sometimes referred to as Portugal’s “Dinosaur Capital,” Lourinhã boasts a rich paleontological heritage, with numerous Jurassic-era fossils unearthed in the region. This legacy is celebrated at the Dino Parque  Website, an expansive open-air museum featuring life-sized dinosaur models and interactive exhibits. It is a must-visit for families and enthusiasts alike.  

Beyond its prehistoric allure, Lourinhã offers a tapestry of experiences. The town’s 12 kilometres of coastline are adorned with pristine beaches, such as the popular Praia da Areia Branca, known for its golden sands and excellent surfing conditions. Inland, the fertile valleys are dotted with vineyards and orchards, reflecting the area’s agricultural richness.  

The Church of Santa Maria do Castelo, perched on a hill where a Moorish fort once stood, offers panoramic views and a glimpse into the town’s medieval past. Local cuisine is a delightful exploration of flavours, with fresh seafood dishes like grilled sardines and seafood rice being local specialities. Find a hotel deal in Lourinhã ►

Snuggled amidst the rolling hills and vineyards of the Lisbon Wine Region, Cadaval is a tranquil town that offers a blend of natural beauty, history, and authentic Portuguese charm. Located approximately 70 kilometres north of Lisbon, Cadaval is an ideal retreat for those seeking to explore the heart of Central Portugal.

The town is renowned for its proximity to the Serra de Montejunto, a protected landscape area often referred to as the “Varanda da Estremadura” (Balcony of Estremadura) due to its panoramic views from an altitude of 666 meters. This natural haven is a paradise for outdoor types, offering hiking, speleology, and hang-gliding opportunities. Notable sites include the 13th-century Chapel of Nossa Senhora das Neves and the ruins of the Royal Ice Factory, a unique 18th-century structure once used to supply ice to Lisbon’s nobility.  

Cadaval’s fertile lands make it a prominent player in Portugal’s wine industry. Visitors can indulge in wine tastings at local estates such as Quinta do Gradil and Quinta do Olival da Murta, where traditional winemaking techniques are preserved amidst picturesque settings. 

Cadaval town exudes a serene ambiance, with its whitewashed houses, historic churches, and welcoming locals. Cadaval’s cultural calendar is dotted with festivals celebrating its agricultural heritage, providing visitors an immersive experience of local traditions. Find a hotel deal in Cadaval ►

Fifty kilometres north of Lisbon, Torres Vedras is a town steeped in history, natural beauty, and vibrant culture. Known for its strategic importance during the Peninsular War and its rich agricultural heritage, Torres Vedras offers a captivating blend of past and present that draws in visitors seeking authentic Portuguese experiences.

One of the most notable chapters in the town’s history is its role in the Lines of Torres Vedras – a series of 19th-century military fortifications ordered by the Duke of Wellington to defend Lisbon from Napoleon’s invading forces. Many of these forts are still visible today and can be explored via walking trails that provide scenic views across the countryside and coastline.

The historic town centre is characterised by charming cobbled streets, traditional whitewashed houses, and landmarks such as the Castle of Torres Vedras, which dates back to Moorish times. The Santa Maria do Castelo Church, located within the castle grounds, is a serene spot to appreciate the town’s medieval atmosphere.

Beyond history, Torres Vedras is renowned for its vineyards and wine production, forming part of the Lisbon Wine Region. The surrounding rural landscape is dotted with Quintas (estates) where visitors can enjoy wine tastings and savour local gastronomy – from hearty stews to fresh seafood.

The town is also celebrated for its colourful Carnival, one of the most famous in Portugal. Thousands of people come each year for days of music, costumes, and revelry. Find a hotel deal in Torres Vedras ►

Sobral de Monte Agraço is a tranquil municipality that offers a rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty. Located approximately 50 kilometres northwest of Lisbon amidst the rolling hills and verdant vineyards of Central Portugal. Sobral de Monte Agraço comprises three parishes: Sapataria, Santo Quintino, and Sobral de Monte Agraço itself. 

Sobral de Monte Agraço played a significant role during the Peninsular War as part of the Lines of Torres Vedras, a series of fortifications constructed to defend Lisbon against Napoleonic invasions. The Fort of Alqueidão, situated atop the Monte Agraço mountain range, served as a command post for these defensive lines and offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. 

The town’s landscape is characterised by agricultural smallholdings, with vegetable gardens and vineyards harmoniously blending into the scenery. This agricultural heritage is reflected in the local cuisine, which features traditional Portuguese dishes crafted from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. 

Sobral de Monte Agraço also boasts architectural treasures such as the Church of São Quintino, a 16th-century monument renowned for its intricate Manueline portal and historical significance. Find a hotel deal in Sobral de Monte Agraço ►

Tucked into the gentle hills of the Lisbon Wine Region, just 35 kilometres north of Lisbon, Arruda dos Vinhos is a charming town where the pace slows and the flavours deepen. Surrounded by vineyards, olive groves, and rolling countryside, this hidden gem in Central Portugal offers an affluent blend of natural beauty, winemaking tradition, and historical depth.

As its name suggests, Arruda dos Vinhos has a long-standing connection to wine. The region is known for producing high-quality DOC wines, and visitors can explore several family-run wine estates, some of which date back centuries. Wine tasting here is not just an experience—it’s an immersion into a way of life where every glass tells the story of the land.

The town itself is steeped in history. As part of the Lines of Torres Vedras, it played a key role during the Peninsular War. Several well-preserved military sites can still be visited today, offering insight into one of the most pivotal periods in Portuguese history.

Strolling through the historic centre, visitors will find a peaceful atmosphere, quaint whitewashed houses, traditional bakeries, and local markets. Cultural events, including wine festivals, gastronomy fairs, and folk celebrations, fill the calendar, reflecting the town’s deep community roots. Hikers will find plenty to explore in the surrounding landscape, including walking trails, scenic viewpoints, and opportunities for rural tourism. Find a hotel deal in Arruda dos Vinhos ►

A mere 40 kilometres north of the capital, Alenquer is one of Central Portugal’s most charming and historic towns. Known as the “Presépio de Portugal” (Portugal’s Nativity Scene), Alenquer lives up to its nickname with its picturesque hillside houses, winding cobbled streets, and a strong sense of tradition that echoes through every corner.

Alenquer’s history dates back to Roman times and was later shaped by Moorish rule and the Portuguese monarchy. Its strategic hilltop location once made it a key defensive site, and its legacy remains visible in the ruins of the medieval castle, ancient churches, and elegant manors that dot the town. The town was also the birthplace of Damião de Góis, a notable humanist and contemporary of Erasmus, whose presence is still honoured today.

Surrounded by vineyards, olive groves, and orchards, Alenquer is a proud part of Portugal’s wine-producing heritage. Visitors can tour family-run estates and modern wineries, sampling DOC-level wines in a landscape that invites slow travel and appreciation of the land. The Alenquer Wine Route is a must for wine lovers eager to taste the region’s whites, reds, and sparkling varieties.

Alenquer also boasts a lively cultural calendar, with highlights including Easter processions, the Christmas nativity light display, and traditional music festivals. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore walking and cycling routes along the river Alenquer, or venture into the Serra de Montejunto, a nearby nature reserve offering panoramic views and rich biodiversity. Find a hotel deal in Alenquer ►