What to See

Moinhos

The mark of the landscape of the west region

Although many have been ruined, in recent years an effort has been made to recover them and is currently possible to visit them, in a route that passes through Peniche, Cadaval (Montejunto Mountain Range), Lourinhã, Torres Vedras, Sobral de Monte Agraço , Arruda dos Vinhos and Alenquer.

There are currently 26 windmills and six reclaimed watermills and some of them are even able to grind the cereal as it was customary hundreds of years ago. Others are handicraft shops, museums, rural tourism lodges or electric power production sites. But all of them keep alive the memory of a tradition that marked not only the landscape, but all the culture of the region.

Torres Vedras

European WineCity

Torres Vedras, the European wine town, also became known for the fortified defenses that the Duke of Wellington erected against Napoleon’s troops during the French invasions (later known as Torres Lines). A lively urban center with local commerce is 15 minutes away.

Santa Cruz Beach

Beaches of rare natural beauty, formed by extensive golden sands

Santa Cruz beach is known for the beaches of great quality. The blue flag predominates in the extensive sand.

The climate may not always be the best, but the beauty of the cliffs and the wild nature are characteristics that make it so special.

Much surfing and concerts (ocean spirit) take place in the summer months.

Ericeira

Word Surf Reserve

Ericeira is a tourist village located 35 km northwest of downtown Lisbon, 18 km from Sintra and 8 km from Mafra.
São Lourenço Beach and Ribeira de Ilhas are the best-known beaches in the village of Ericeira.

Mafra

Monumental Palace and Monastery in Baroque

In 1717, D. João V ordered to construct the Real Convent of Mafra in fulfillment of a promise. If the queen, Dona Maria of Austria, gave her a son … the National Palace of Mafra is the most important baroque monument in Portugal

Budan Eden Bombarral – Lourinhã

Greater Eastern Garden of Europe

The largest oriental garden in Europe, is in Quinta dos Loridos

About 35 hectares, the garden was created in protest of the destruction of the Bamyan Giant Buddhas, in what was one of the greatest acts of cultural barbarism, erasing masterpieces from the later period of the Art of Gandhara.

Peniche

The Capital of Wave

The potential of the Peniche coast is undoubtedly unique, due to its natural conditions, climate and geographical proximity is regularly referred to as an excellent surf spot.

The municipality of Peniche is an area of great natural beauty and an enviable landscape, with a vast historical, cultural and religious heritage.

From the magnificent beaches all along the coast, ideas for water sports, to the imposing cultural heritage, where fortifications and religious monuments stand out, Peniche presents a diversity of tourist resources that includes a rich and varied gastronomy dominated fish and seafood dishes and a diversified crafts where the famous Renda de Bilros de Peniche stand out.

Berlengas Island

Biosphere Reserve

The Berlengas archipelago in Peniche is considered a World Biosphere Reserve by Unesco.

It is also classified as a special protection zone for wild birds and as a biogenetic reserve by the Council of Europe.

Baleal Beach

Areal Bathed By Calm Waters

Praia do Baleal is an extensive beach surrounded by calm waters, which offer good conditions for practicing and learning windsurfing.

To make the stay more pleasant to all who spend the summer here, there are also several tennis courts, swimming pools, disco and a horse riding center.

Óbidos

The Medieval Village of Fairy Tales

Praia d ‘el Rei, Foz do Arelho and Lagoa de Óbidos

A little more than 80 km from Lisbon is a true medieval village, all walled, is one of the most picturesque.

The Obidos Castle, built in the 13th century, is considered one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal and today it functions as a guesthouse.

The history of the old Oppidum, as Óbidos was called, a fortified village, goes back to a period before Christ and there passed Romans, Moors and Visigoths. Inside the walls you have to cross the “Door of the Village”, dating from the seventeenth century.

Generally, there are musicians playing creating an atmosphere of trip to the past.

Before leaving, be sure to try the ginginha, a typical drink made from the cherry, a type of cherry, served in a glass of chocolate.

Nearby you can visit Praia del Rei, Foz do Arelho and Lagoa de Óbidos. Here is the perfect place where canoeing (a nautical sport) can be practiced in Kayak.

Foz do Arelho

One of the largest lagoons in Europe

It is known as a summer vacation destination, as it has beaches not only facing the Atlantic Ocean, but also on the edge of the Óbidos Lagoon.

The landscape is breathtaking, thanks to the water mirror of what is considered one of the largest lagoons in Europe, which will flow into the sea. The first stop is the viewpoints, where you can contemplate the ocean and Berlengas. Wooden walkways allow you to walk the cliffs for 800 meters and contemplate the incredible view.

São Martinho do Porto

A calm bay on the Silver Coast

The village of S. Martinho do Porto is the most famous seaside resort of the Municipality of Alcobaça. Its bay, unique in the country it has a shape of a perfect shell and gives it a unique properties for bathing and water sports. This coast  area of Portugal belongs to the well-known “Costa de Prata”, between S.Pedro de Moel and Cabo Carvoeiro.

Nazaré

A typical fishing village known by McNamara phenomenon for surfers

It is a typical fishing village with a spectacular beach, the famous colorful huts along the beach make this fishing village a tourist destination, mainly due to its traditional features.

We can see fishermen dressed in plaid shirts and black trousers and the women in seven skirts mending fish nets and dry fish on the beach near their colorful boats.

Nazaré is almost a gastronomic paradise of fish and shellfish lovers.

Alcobaça Monastery

Gothic Art Masterpiece Cistercience

The Monastery of Alcobaça, also known as the Royal Abbey of S.Maria de Alcobaça, was the result of a donation from King D. Afonso Henriques to the order of Cistertia fulfilling the promise of victory against the Mouros in the battle of Santarém.

Monastery of Batalha

Jewelry Architectural

Classified by Unesco as a World Heritage

It is a fabulous work of art of historical and architectural importance, privileged in the landscape point of view, was commissioned by D. John I in 1388 to celebrate the Portuguese victory over the Castilians in the Battle of Aljubarrota in 1385.

Lisboa

The City of Pessoa and Fado

Get to know the contrasting city, the modern, the ancient, the vast Manueline, Roman, Baroque architecture, know its history and the culture of the Portuguese people.

Visit the Belém Tower, Jerónimos Monastery, S. Jorge Castle, Alfama, Chiado and Bairro Alto, Cais do Sodré, Parque das Nações, dare the Tagus river in a cacilheiro, try the famous pastry of Nata or Pasteis of Bethlehem, the options are more than many.

Cascais – Estoril

Land Of Kings And Fishermen

Cascais-Estoril is known for its wealth of attractions, not only in terms of national heritage, but also in the beauty and interest of its natural heritage. From the historic buildings dating from the 15th century to our forts, forts, churches and chapels, we can also find several parks.

Other places of interest include Boca do Inferno, a rocky formation that can be found on the coast, and the marinas of Cascais and Oeiras which are more than just a place where yachts and boats are anchored. We can not forget the biggest casino in Europe; the Casino of Estoril.

The nearest beaches of the capital – Cascais; Estoril

The beaches on the edge of the region are a succession of beautiful little beaches, surrounded by cliffs, mansions, palaces and restaurants.

Guincho

7 Wonders of Portugal in the category of Beach of Sport Use

Guincho is a very windy beach and has good conditions for surfing, kitesurfing and windsurfing.

The beach was recognized as one of the 7 Wonders of Portugal in the category of Sports Use Beach, in September 2012.

Boca do Inferno

Most famous spot of Cascais

The Boca do Inferno is a place of an interesting cliff formation close to Cascais, which has been given an overly dramatic name of Hell’s Mouth.

The ceaseless pounding of the Atlantic Ocean on the cliffs chiselled out a small cave, which subsequently collapsed forming a small bay and natural arch.

Cabo da Roca

The most Western Point in Europe

“where the Earth ends and the sea begins”.

It is the most wester point of the European continent, situated in the extreme end of the Serra de Sintra, “the point where the earth ends and the sea begins,” as describe in Luis de Camões (in Os Lusíadas, Canto III) wrote. Cabo da Roca is also denominated “Focinho de Pedra” by the people connected to the things of the sea, and more poetically by “Promontory of the Moon”

Sintra

Mysticism and Romanticism

Sintra is, by excellence, the most mystical and romantic destination in Portugal. It is considered World Heritage of Unesco since 1992, because of the cultural landscape.Its sudden and mysterious fogs; the farms, palaces and mansions that dot the green of the mountains; novels, poems and other way of art have been inspired by this place and helped to make this village a unique destination, magical and absolutely enthralling.

Places to visit: Quinta da Regaleira, Monserrate Park, National Palace of Pena, National Palace of Sintra, Mouros Castle, Cascata dos Pisões, Mirador da Vigia, Cruz Alta and the beautiful beaches Adraga, São Julião, Magoito, Azenhas do Mar, Maças,Praia Grande Praia Pequena,Ursa, and Vigia.