10 things to do in Central Western Portugal (Oeste)
Central Portugal is a beautiful region that offers a wealth of history, culture, and natural beauty. We love it there. In this post, I will focus on the Western part of Central Portugal, a region called Oeste.
Oeste is a region in western Portugal that is known for its stunning coastline, historic towns, and natural beauty. It is an easy day trip from Lisbon (an hour to two hours away). But it is also a destination in itself.
Here are 10 things to do in Oeste:
1. Visit the stunning beaches: Oeste is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Portugal, including Santa Cruz, Peniche, and Praia do Baleal (our favourite). Spend a day lounging on the beach, swimming in the ocean, or trying your hand at surfing. Of course, if you like surfing you should definitely head to Nazaré also. Home to the biggest waves in the world (in winter), it is surfers' paradise and has lovely beaches. The city is worth a quick detour too.
2. Explore the historic town of Óbidos: This charming town is surrounded by medieval walls and is home to a wealth of historic buildings and narrow streets. Take a stroll through the town and enjoy the atmosphere. Kids will love to climb the city walls. I would recommend going early in the morning or later in the evening as it can get quite crowded there.
Obidos
3. Visit the Berlengas Islands: These stunning islands are a nature reserve and are home to a wealth of flora and fauna, including rare bird species. Take a boat tour to the islands and explore the caves and rock formations. This was the first place my now-husband took me outside of his home region. So it is a special place for us. He used to scuba dive there with a scientific team collecting sponges. A word of warning: the boat ride can be quite rough as currents merge nearby.
4. Peniche: the small city is worth a detour. Visit the Fort of São João Baptista. This historic fort dates back to the 16th century and is located in the town of Peniche. Take a tour of the fort and learn about its rich history. The view from the fortress are stunning. The local central market is also lovely, authentic and worth a detour. Of course, the beaches nearby are also great.
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5. Visit the medieval town of Alcobaça: This historic town is home to the stunning Alcobaça Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to the 12th century.
6. Dino Parque, Lourinhã: a unique theme park dedicated to dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures. One of the main attractions at Dino Parque is the dinosaur trail, which is a 2.5 km walk that takes you through a forest and past various dinosaur models. Along the way, there are informative displays that provide information about the different species of dinosaurs and their habitats. Fun and educational. Our kids have been there twice and love it, of course.
7. Ericeira: a mere 50km from Lisbon, the old fishermen's village is now a picturesque surfers' paradise. It is known by locals for its excellent seafood restaurants, beaches (Praia do Sul, Praia dos Pescadores, and Praia da Ribeira d'Ilha) and beautiful traditional architecture. If you are there in the summer, you have to have a plate of fresh sardines at sunset! Bliss!
Ericeira
8. Tomar: Visit the Convento de Cristo in Tomar: This UNESCO World Heritage Site was once the headquarters of the Knights Templar in Portugal. The convent is a stunning example of Gothic and Renaissance architecture. Kids will love to run around the place and pretend they are knights or princesses. Read more about what to see in Tomar, over here.
Convento de Cristo
9. Almourol: a medieval castle that sits on a small rocky island in the middle of the river. The Castle of Almourol dates back to the 12th century and was built by the Knights Templar as a fortress to defend the region from Moorish invaders. It can be reached by a short boat ride from the nearby town of Tancos or you can simply see it from afar, sitting on the river banks. Find out more about combining Tomar and Almourol here.
10. Fancy a surfing session? There are lots of surf schools along the coast of central Portugal. Our kids loved the sessions with Uprise Surf School located near Lourinhã.
Finally, if you are looking for somewhere to eat, we loved the beach bar Xakra in Peniche. Fresh food, right on the beach with the locals. Perfect family-friendly spot.
