6 Beautiful Towns & Villages in the Center of Portugal You Must…
Valerie Hansen
This post is in partnership with the Center of Portugal Tourism Board. We were hosted on a press tour in exchange fo honest reviews. All opinions are my my own.
We are back with more tips for visiting the Center of Portugal. This article will feature the charming towns and villages you need to add to your bucket list!
Caldas da Rainha
Caldas da Rainha was the first stop on our press tour this past June. We were excited to visit and this beautiful city did not disappoint! This central region town is known for its naughty pottery, local markets, art museums and gardens.
Known as a "thermal spa town" Caldas da Rainha is located one hour north of Lisbon. Legend has it that in 1484 Queen D. Leonor, (wife of King D. Joao II) passed by the current spot of Caldas da Rainha, and saw a group of people bathing in hot stinky waters of sulphur.
She found out they were bathing there because of the healing water that cured many diseases. So she bathed there too and was cured of her disease. The queen decided to build a bathing house at this location: Thermal Hospital of Our Lady of Populo. This is the oldest thermal hospital in the world. The town's name literally translates as : "SPAS OF THE QUEEN."
Things to do in Caldas da Rainha
Visit the Fruit and Vegertable Market
Relax & enjoy the beautiful river scenery
Walking Tour of Bordallo Pinheiro Route
Visit Bordallo Pinheiro Artistic Ceramics Factory
The Traditional Fruit and Vegetable Market takes place every day in the city center. Bring a bag to fill up: here you will find fresh, delicious products sourced locally. We loved the fresh fruit we sampled, so juicy and yummy!
This region is famous for its quality selcition of fruits, especially the pear " pera rocha.. A very interesting fact: the Fruit Market is operating in the former spot where it started in the end of the 15th century. This market is the only daily "open air" market in the country of Portugal.
Walking Tour: Bordall Pinheiro Route is a must do while visiting Caldas da Rainha! Our tour guide IVO of Silver Coast Traveling- took us on this walking tour. He is an information powerhouse about the history of the area. The first stop was this beautiful park not far from the market in the city center. We loved the life sized ceramic giraffe!
On this walking tour you will discover the amazing art of Bordallo Pinheiro. He was the most inventive ceramist in Portugal of all time! Pinheiro's timeless art is said to be the mirror and very essence of the Portuguese soul. He was deeply inspired by nature, which is reflected in his colorful housewares and decor pieces. These works are key to the Portuguese identity.
Pinheiro Artistic Ceramics Factory
Caldas da Rainha is famous for its beautiful ceramics crafted at the Bordallo Pinheiro Artistic Ceramics Factory. The factory was founded in 1884 orginally under the name of "Fabrica de Faiancas das Caldas Rainha."
For the past 100 years this factory has featured a gallery of utilitarian and decorative ceramic pieces. These creative works have become a globabl artistic reference. The pieces can be purchased online and in stores in the U.S., and from select retailiers around the world.
We were treated to a fun tour of the factory by our guide IVO. The cabbage pottery is the signature line and the most famous of Pinheiro pottery. It was fun to see evidence of this on our walking tour. Cabbage ceramic design seemed to pop up in the most unusual places! Take note of the cabbage leaf on the front of the building below...
Alcobaca
Alcobaca is a small town 120 km north of Lisbon. It lies at in the valley at the intersection of the rivers Alcoa and Baca. The town is popular because ot the world renowned ALCOBACA MONASTERY, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Center of Porgugal is a region packed with amazing fortifications, religious monuments and historic towns; nowhere is this more visible than in the town of Alcobaca.
Things to do in Alcobaca
River walk
Eat at Orijens restuarnte
Tour the monastery
Shop the boutiques
Upon arrival, we were immediately smitten by the beauty and charm of Alcobaca.! Touring the Alcobaca Monastery was an experience of a lifetime!
If you need accommodations while in Alcobaca, check out the new MONTABELO MOSTEIRO de ALCOBACA HISTORIC HOTEL. You will enjoy a very unique experience. I highly recommend booking a stay here. Be sure to reserve a room several months in advance. As you can imagine, this hotel is very popular!
Directly across the street from the monastery is a row of quaint shops and restaurants. We enjoyed leisure time, shopping and sampling the unique tastes of Portugal.
The coffee shops don't serve iced coffee as we are used to in the United States. However, this pre-packaged iced coffee is available in the grocery stores. It was very refreshing and very tasty!
Fatima
Fatima is home to one of the most inspiring Catholic Sancturaies in the world. People of the Catholic faith, travel from all over the globe to tour the SANCTUARY OF FATIMA.
Fatima is a city that embraces everyone, regardless of your relegion or beliefs. Here you will find a haven of quietness to rest and reflect on your faith. Fatima has become one of the key centers for the Cult of the Virgin Mary in Portugal; and is recognized by the Catholic Church.
We took a guided walking tour of the sancutuary with our guide IVO. It was an amazing experience to visit Fatima Sancutary and learn the history of the Catholic faith.
Along with the tour of the Sanctuary, our visit took us to the HOUSES of the SHEPHERD WITNESSES in the village of ALJUSTREL. If you are interested in the history of the apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima- DO make a visit to this village!! We enjoyed our tour here as well. Sister Lucia's house was very interesting to see.
Tomar
The Templar Castle and Convent of Christ
Want to feel like a pilgrim exploring an ancient castle and convent in Portugal? You can't leave without visiting the TEMPLAR CASTLE and the CONVENT OF CHRIST in Tomar.
To reach the Castle and Convent of Christ, you may follow the historic-natural trail of the MATA NACIONAL DOS SETE MONTES. Follow on the street called Pe da Costa de Baixo. At the end of the street, you will see an amazing statue of PRINCE HENRY the NAVIGATOR in front of the tourist office.
Henry the Navigator played a pivotal role in the "Age of Discovery", a time of European exploration and maritime expansion.
Things to do in Tomar
Tour the Templar Castle and Convent de Cristo
Visit the Aqueduto dos Pegoes
Do a walking tour of the town center
View a Jewish Synagogue
Take photos at the river, on side streets
Eat lunch at Bela -Vista
We had an amazing walking tour in Tomar by our fabuouls guide Joao Fiandeero of Caminhos da Historia Toura. He showed us the town center and the focal point of the square : Camara Municipal de Tomar. After touring the square, our guide took us by to see a well preserved medieval Jewish Synagogue.
Aqueduto dos Pegoes
The aquaduct was built in 1593 by Filipe I, and can you believe it's six km long?! It was constructed to supply the Convent de Cristo with water. Later on it was used to reinforce the supply of water to the city of Tomar.
It was finished in 1613 a crowning project for Fileope Terzi. He was the main architect of the kingdom and was responsible for several important works a this time in history.
When you set eyes upon the expanive aquaduct your jaw will drop in awe, mine did! What an engineering marvel! The Aqueduto dos Pegoes is easy to find, it's a short drive out of the city.
THIS stop was one of the top highlights of our tour of the Center of Portugal. I just can't get over how amazing this structure is!
Bela-Vista Restaurant
Located across the river from the town center, you will enjoy incredible views with some of the best food in the central region. We really enjoyed our meal here. For tips on what to order, check out our food tour guide of the Center of Portugal.
Jewish Synagogue
Obidos
Obidos is a tiny town contained mostly within the walls of a historic castle. This is one of Portugal's most beautiful destinations, a booklover's dream! Here is located which was once a medieval fortress sourrounded by a 12th century wall.
You can even walk the perimiter of the village, and be on top of the world in Obidos! This town is a world reknowned tourist destination. Obidos was definitely one of our favorites on the Center of Portugal Press Tour.
Obidos has a warm astmosphere and friendly residents. Obidos invites you to wander and explore the happy medieval ambience of winding streets and old whitewashed houses. Later in the day, you can enjoy stunning golden sunsets.
Things to do in Obidos:
Explore the village
Visit the castle: Castelo de Obidos
See the Porta da Vila
Do the Mariquinhas Experience: Cherry Liquer tasting
Walk the perimiter of the village atop the castle wall
Enjoy watersports at the nearby lagoon
Sample local food and drinks
Visit shops of the makers and creators
Attend seasonal festivals
If you want to spend a few days visiting Obidos, many acitivies are available to keep busy. Exciting festivals are hosted throughout the year: The Chocolate Festival in spring, the Medieval Fair in summer, the Literary Festival in fall, and the Christmas Village in winter.
The Ginga Mariquinhas Experience is one you can't miss! Ginja de Obidos, is the store selling the most popular cherry liquer in Portugal. The shop has a very inviting atmosphere, cute decor and the liquer is DELICIOUS!
The manager Andre told us the history of the Ginja Cherry Liquer. If you visit the store, do the tasting experience; it's so much fun! If time allows, make plans to visit the production facility down the road from Obidos. We didn't have time, but a great reason to go back!
In addition, th invention of the chocolate liquer cup was the inspiration for the first Chocolate Festival in Obidos in 2002, and still happens every year.
The Shops of the Makers and Creator of Obidos are a must see as well! We had two interesting visits at the shops of: Oficina Do Barro ( Artista Plastica) and Eusebio ( Instrument Maker). We enjoyed learning about their craft and observing the beautiful items they create!
Officina Do Barro is an art studio and shop featuring the work of Luiza Duarte Bento. We were amazed by her gorgeous ceramic woven baskets. When exploring the village, DO make a stop here!
Luis Eusebio is a local instrument maker of ukuleles and violins. We had a fun experience visiting his shop and being serinated by beautiful music. It was interesting to learn how the instruments are made and hear the story of the brand.
Bombarral: Quinta do Sanguinhal Wine Estate
Quinta do Sanguinhal is a wine estate locaed in the small town of Bombarral. This vast winery is located only 40 min from the big city of Lisbon.
The past few years the family owned company invested heavily in tourism and the service industries; to take advantage of the high potential of its exclusive buildings.
The winery and vineyards were founded in 1926 by Abel Pereira da Fonseca. Today the Pereira da Fonseca family and devoted team, welcome thousands of wine tourists each year. If you are a connoisseur of fine wine, you will LOVE a tour at this winery!
One of the first distilleries built in the Center of Portugal, is housed at the Sanguinhal Wine Estate. When visiting you will see the beautiful column copper alembic stills.
Also unique to the Iberian peninsula at this estate are: a granite cellar with wood and granite screw presses, some dating back to 1871.
Things to do at Quinta do Sanguinhal
Tour the vineyards
Do a wine tasting
Do a photoshoot ( fun photo opps everywhere)
Visit the distillery, ageing cellar & old pressing room
Lunch and dinner (can be included with tour depending on size of group- 20 miniumum)
All visits must be booked in advance
We were very impressed with the tour of Sanguinhal Wine Estate and so enjoyed tasting all the quality wines. This is a very interesting tour you won't soon forget. All the staff were warm and welcoming and provided an excellent experience!
The wine tasting was great, we tasted 6 kinds of wine...
Sottal Lisboa Branco
Cerejeiras Coheita Seleccionada
Peninsula de Lisboa Rose ( My favorite!)
Peninsual de Lisboa Tinto
Quinta de S.Fransisco- D.O.C. Obidos
Quinta de S; Fransisco- Licoroso Seco 20 yrs
This concludes our tour of charming towns in the Center of Portugal. Next, we will be sharing the beautiful beaches of this region!
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*This post is in collaboration with the Center of Portugal Tourism Board. All accommodations
were hosted in exchange for honest reviews. All opionions are my own.
This past June, I and my daughter had the opportunity to partner with The Center of Portugal Tourism Board. We feel blessed we were able to visit one of the most beautiful countries in Europe; on a press tour.
So far we've featured articles about the mouth-watering cuisine and the monasteries, of this breathtaking region of Portugal. This lil slice of heaven is also home to several unique hotels.
We were fortunate to stay for 3 nights, in 3 types of accommodations in the Center of Portugal. All these lodging options are a 60-90 min drive from Lisbon.
We are excited to share the details and unique feautres of each of these properties.
Sana Silver Coast Hotel
Sana Silver Coast Hotel is located in the historic city of Caldas da Rainha: " The Queen's Hot Springs." It's a convenient 10 min drive to the beaches of the Atlantic Ocean.
This majestic hotel gives a new soul to an old 19th century building. The former Grande Hotel Lisbonense was completely renovated with a simple and stylish design. The building offers an elegant neoclassic vibe, so perfect for your stay in Caldas da Rainha.
We enjoyed a warm and comfortable atmosphere, hospitality at its finest! Whether you are a business or a leisure traveler, you will love your stay!
Our favorite features
Outdoor Terrace; relaxing with a gorgeous flowers everywhere ( perfect photo spot!)
Delicious Lisbonese cuisine in the lobby restaurant
A luxurious and classy room with stylish accents
Close proximity to a shopping mall ( it's litterally next door!)
Super comfy beds
Modern design
Amenities & Services
80 rooms and 7 suites
Connecting rooms
3 meeting rooms for up to 100 guests
Welcoming outdoor terrace cafe
Elegant Lisbonense restaurant and bar
Room service 24 hrs
Complimentary wifi
Intelligent assistant : access all services via your mobile phone
Babysitting service available by appt only
Indoor/outdoor parking
Montebelo Mosteiro de Alcobaca Historic Hotel
Montebelo Mosteiro Historical Hotel is the newest 5-star hotel of Montebelo Hotels and Resorts Group. This hotel is where history, culture, art and modernity come together. Offering a distinguished flair, you will enjoy a different type of stay.
The structure features the work of the signature of Pritzker award-winning Portuguese architect: Souto de Moura. The hotel is placed in the unique setting of Rachadouro Cloister of UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE Alcobaca Monastery. The monastery is one of the seven wonders of Portugal and National Monument.
The town of Alcobaca is famous because of the monastery. I fell in love with this lovely village-town! It's charming in every way, and has wonderful boutiques for shopping and fabulous restaurants.
The historic hotel is located in the back part of the monastery. It's such an amazing experience to stay here! We loved waking up in the morning and swinging the shutters open to the beautiful courtyard view.
The room was very lovely, with simple but yet stylish design. We especially loved the spacious bathroom with an oversized shower. Having ample space to get ready, made us happy!
The description of "unique" doesn't even scratch the surface with this his hotel! I never fathomed I would be staying in a remodeled monastery- so cool! The excitement you feel when checking in, is over the top!
Our Favorite Features
Restaurant offering an "out-of -this-world" breakfust buffet with a large varitey of items
Breathtaking courtyard view
Beautiufl modern room with a spacious bathroom
Preservation of the original design details of the monastery
Comfy robe and complimentary slippers embossed with hotel logo
Warm and friendly service
Close proximity to town center of Alcobaca
Amenities & Services
91 rooms and suites
Complimentary wifi
Luggage service
Room service and laundry
Meeting Rooms
Indoor swimming pool
Spa: with treatments and Turkish bath
Fitness center
Parking
Restaurant and Bar (reservations for lunch & dinner advised)
Luz Charming Houses
Welcome to Luz Houses in the city of FATIMA , home to the famous Sanctuary! The stay here is very distinctive and unique. The Luz Charming Houses are actually part of a small village inspired by the past. The architecture is mainly inspired by the ancient villages of this region during the 19th and 20th centuries.
The owners Pedro and Ana, had a passion to create a unique and special space for guests. Here you will find simplicity, tranquility in a small paradise. Those looking to escape the stresses of everyday life, will enjoy the moments with nature. Luz Charming Houses are located a few minutes outside of town, the perfect spot to capture some seclusion.
Fifteen houses/units are available in a few different sizes. Also on the property is the Mother House. This is where you'll find reception, a small grocery store ( with local products), living and dining room, a terrace and honesty bar.
Mother House Living Room
We loved our lil house in the woods. It had a kitchenette, dining/living area and bedroom with a bath.
At the Luz Houses, connect with nature in the beautifully designed outdoor space. You can relax on the comfy couches, swim in the above ground pool or visit the stable of furry friends: sheep and goats! If you want time alone to meditate or pray, a small chapel is available.
The dining room serves wonderful meals sourced from local ingredients. The menu experience we reviewed is called " BE MY GUEST", a blind menu wehre the chef designs every moment and you don't choose the dishes. An "a la carte" menu is available for your choosing, if you prefer that option.
Our favorite meal was breakfast! Whatever you do, don't miss it! It was our favorite breakfast of the entire tour!
Our favorite features
Homey design of the rooms/houses; feels like a "home away from home"
Style and decor of the houses
Outdoor living room; spacious and comforting
DELICIOUS breakfast, it was the best we had in Portugal
The pool
4 legged friends at the stable
Opportunities to connect with nature
Focus on sustainability
Amenities & Services
Bikes available for rental ( bicycle routes are nearby)
Complimentary wifi
Smart T.V.
Kitchenettes in select rooms
Moments for two: flower bouqets, romantic dinners in the room or an aromatic bath (by request)
Spaces for special events
Laundry services (depends on availability)
Light meal/room service
Heated Pool
Pool bar
Massages and various therapies
Traditional games such as checkers, chess , marbles availabe at Mother House
Shower chair and non slip mats for guests with limited mobility ( by request)
Late checkout ( rates may or may not apply- depending on time of departure)
We LOVED our stay in these properties and are grateful for the unique experience at each one! I would advise making your reservations several months in advance. Definitely put these hotels on your list for your trip to Portugal.
We would like to thank the CENTER OF PORTUGAL TOURISM BOARD for hosting us on the press tour and adding these amazing stays to our itinerary. The website and instagram for the tourism board are great resources for planning your trip to the this region of Portugal.
Have you vistied the Center of Portugal? If not, add it to your bucketlist asap!
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We were hosted on a press tour by Center of Portugal. Tickets to the monasteries were comped in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are our own.
I and my daughter, recently visited the Center Of Portugal on a hosted press tour. Visiting the incredible monasteries of the UNESCO TRIANGLE was the highlight of our trip . I can't say enough about the grandeur and stunning details of these edifices.
HISTORY OF PORTUGAL MONASTARIES
In ancient times, Portugal used to be a haven for Roman Catholic Monesteries. In the 1800's the country experienced a very brutal civil war. At the end of the war, Portugal terminated the state sanction for its monasteries. This caused the lands and possessions of these properties to be nationalized.
Thus the reason why there are many abandoned monasteries in Portugal. However, most of them are well preserved as museums and tourist destinations. In addition, several have been remodeled as incredble hotels! We had the unique experience of staying at a Monastery Hotel . We 'll share where you can experience this too, in an upcoming article.
The 3 monasteries we visted are UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES and are called the Unesco Triangle. If you love monasteries put the monesteris in Portugal at the top of your "must-see" list!
HOW TO GET TO UNESCO TRIANGLE MONASTERIES
The three monasteries of the Unesco Triange are centrally located in Portugal. You can easily drive to each one. It's best to rent a car at the Lisbon airport. The drive is 122 km; and will take 1 hour and 3o min on highway A8.
Driving in Portugal is very easy and there isn't much traffic in the central region. All 3 of the monasteries are a short distance from each other.
ENTRANCE TICKETS TO PORTUGAL MONASTERIES
Unesco World Heritage Monasteries of the Center of Porgual cost 6 euro each to visit. However, the churches are free. You can buy a passport for all 3 monasteries that costs 15 euro. If you buy the passport it's fun to collect the stamp from each one as you enter!
Currently you can only purchase tickets onsite at the monasteries. Online sales for the tickets are currently unavailable. If your travel to Portugal isn't imminent; I suggest checking the website before you leave.
Alcobaca Monastery
Alcobaca is famous for the largest monastery in Portugal. It's a beautiful town and village, at the instersection of the Alcoa and Baca rivers. The river is gorgeous and you will feel a peaceful vibe upon arrival. At the back of the monastery, a historic hotel was added a year ago.
The new Montebelo Mosteiro de Alcobaca hotel, retains much of the original design detail and architecture . It was an AMAZING EXPERIENCE to stay here. I highly recommend it!
The magnificent monastery is one of the most impressive examples of Cistercian architecture in Europe. Even though Alcobaca Monastery is 900 years old, it has preserved its set of medieval buildings. The church is the largest Gothic church built in the middle ages in Portugal.
It was a bucket list experience to enter this magnificent structure! The facade has designs that look like icing on a cake. It was impressive how many rooms, hallways and arches are in the monastery. The kitchen was my favorite part of the tour. Learning about how the food was served, stored and preserved was very interesting. The courtyard was a stunning sight to see as well!
The story of Pedro and Ines, the most tragic love story in Portugal still inspires visits to the Monastery of Alcobaca. This story is the Porguese equivalent of " Romeo and Juliette." Ines was a Spanish born girl, who fell in love with the heir to the throne. The pair married in secret, but fearing her Spanish influence the king had her murdered. We saw their ornate tombs at the monastery.
Monastery of Santa Maria da Vitoria
Next we drove 14 miles to Batalha Monastery (Monastery of Santa Maria Da Vitoria). The views from the street are just breathtaking! Across the from the monastery is a coffee shop. What a SPECTACULAR view for our morning brew. We were in awe of the grand structure in front of us!
This monastery's great architectural value and historical signifance led to the building being classified as a World Heritage Site in 1983. The project for construction lasted almost two centuries. The Monastery of Batalha was built roughly from 1388 onwards and the last work was completed in 1566.
Interesting fact: several prominent figures from Portuguese history are buried at the monsastery. Icluded are King Joao and his wife Phillipa, along with their famous son Henry the Navigator.
This Batalha Monastery is one of the most fascinateing Gothic monuments in the Iberian Peninsula. In August of 1385 the Battle of Aljubarrota took place, that would help prove decisive for the consolodation of the Portuguese nation.
In Portugal is a tradition of honoring many unknown soldiers; this has been in place since April 10, 1921. We had the honor of seeing the soldiers standing guard in silence in one of the monastery rooms. It was a very moving experience to see this!
Convent of Christ
The Convent of Christ ( Convento de Cristo) was my favorite of the 3 World Heritage Sites. The site is located in Tomar and is one of the most extraordinary monuments in Portugal. This church and castle is one of the most popular destinations in the Center of Portugal.
The city is dominated by the vast complex of Convent of Christ, standing at the top of the hill. It's a spectacular view to witness from afar! The convent is surrounded by the walls of the Castle of Tomar. The church and castle were built over a span of 5 centuries.
Main cloister of Convento De Cristo
Inside you will find one of the most brilliant examples of a church with a centralized plan built by the temple. It was later decorated with sculptures and paintings.
The convent's 12th century Charola is so breathtaking! . The paintings are so intricate and detailed. We were in awe of the beautiful artwork.
Charola
The Manueline Window is magnificent and is considered one of the most complex windows in the world. This window is hailed as a masterpiece of late Gothic Manueline architecture. It displays various motifs of scripture and references relating to Portugal's overseas expansion at the time: twisting ropes, knots, globes and crosses. Our tour guide told us the window has been under renovation for the past year.
Manueline Window
I hope you enjoyed the tour of the UNESCO triangle of Monasteries in Portugal. These 3 are the most popular with tourists. There are lots more churches and monasteries to explore!
Beautiful tile detail at Convento de Cristo
If you need ideas for planning your trip check out the CENTER OF PORTUGAL website. Here you will find excellent information to visit the monasteries and beyond. In addition follow Center of Portugal Insatgram page for daily inspiraton and tips for vistiing this lil slice of heaven!
THANK YOU TO the Tourism Board:CENTER OF PORTUGAL FOR HOSTING US!
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Posted Mar 4, 2024
Is a trip to the Center of Portugal in your plans? This expert guide wil help you explore 6 chariming towns & villages that will take your breath away
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