6 Best Sights in Torres Vedras, Estremadura and the Ribatejo

Built in the 12th century, this hilltop medieval castle has been reinforced and reconstructed several times throughout the centuries, with the last repairs done in the 1980s. The cement recovered from the cisterns and various coins on display in the municipal museum in town attest to the presence of the Roman occupation here. The castle exhibits both Gothic and Manueline styles in its exterior walls, and a medieval cemetery once existed where the church of Santa Maria stands. While exploring the towers, don't miss out on the incredible views of the city and surrounding valley and hills.

Lourinhã, a small town about halfway between Torres Vedras and Peniche, claims the title "Land of the Dinosaurs" because of the rich paleontological finds made in the area's sea cliffs. Since 2018, Lourinhã has been home to the Dino Park, Portugal's largest outdoor museum and a fun attraction for families with kids. Along with 180 life-size models of different species—including several discovered locally and named after the town—there are impressive fossil displays and labs where you can take a closer look at tools and techniques used by paleontologists. Buy tickets online for a discount.

On a hill just north of the city, Forte de São Vicente was the first of 152 redoubts built on the Duke of Wellington's orders to form three defensive lines between the Atlantic Ocean and the Tagus, to protect Lisbon from possible invasion by French troops. Since 2017, it has housed a small visitor center for these Lines of Torres Vedras, with fascinating displays such as a model of the system used to communicate between forts.

In the 16th-century Convento de Graça, the Municipal Museum has exhibits about the city's historical fortifications, as well as interesting archaeological finds from the castle grounds and all over the region. Audio guides to the city and to the Lines of Torres Vedras are available.

About 24 km (18 miles) northwest of Torres Vedras, is a broad, light sweep of sand backed by a small settlement with plenty of places to eat and drink. But if you want to get away from it all, there are cliff-top trails that are lovely for hiking. The waves here are suitable both for beginner and advanced surfers. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (no fee); showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: sunset; surfing; swimming; walking.

Hedged in by rocky cliffs topped with the greenest of vegetation, this is one of the region's prettiest beaches. The strand is fairly narrow at high tide, but it rarely gets very crowded because it is served only by a simple café. Access to the beach is via a wooden walkway. The beach is signposted off the N247 north of Santa Cruz, where the beaches are broader but busier. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (no fee). Best for: solitude; sunset; surfing; walking.