Estremadura and the Ribatejo
We’ve compiled the best of the best in Estremadura and the Ribatejo - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
Sort by:
4 Recommendations
{{numTotalPoiResults}} {{ (numTotalPoiResults===1)?'Recommendation':'Recommendations' }}
0 Recommendations
Loading...
-
1. Berlengas
The harbor at Peniche is the jumping-off point for excursions to the Berlengas Archipelago: six islets that are a nesting place for many migratory birds and a favorite spot for anglers and divers. Berlenga Grande, the largest of the group, is the site of a pretty lighthouse and the Forte de São João Baptista, a 17th-century fortress built to defend the area from pirates. There are trails around the island, including through caves. You can visit the islands by boat but, under a system introduced in 2022 to limit visitor numbers to 550 per day, you first need a €3 permit. Register on the website berlengaspass.icnf.pt to buy a permit (several hours in advance, as it takes some time to be delivered). Boats also fill up quickly in high season, so before buying the permit, first check availability with ferry company Viamar ( viamar-berlenga.com), which runs the 185-seat Cabo Avelar Pessoa once or twice a day from mid-May through September, or with one of the other companies that organize private trips year-round. Some companies are allowed to register you for the permit themselves. It's a notoriously choppy crossing, so you may want to take something for motion sickness. The main island has a visitor center, a restaurant and bar, and a small guesthouse; it is also possible to camp or even stay in the fortress if you book ahead.
Ribeira Velha 2, Peniche, Leiria, PortugalSight Details
Rate Includes: From €20 round-trip, No ferry mid-Sept.–mid-May -
2. Igreja de São Leonardo
One of the area's most interesting churches is the Church of Saint Leonard in Atouguia da Baleia, a 10-minute drive inland. Dating back to the 12th century, it features Romanesque, Gothic, and Manueline architectural elements, and a ceiling depicting scenes from the Old Testament.
Largo de São Leonardo, Atouguia da Baleia, Leiria, 2525–029, Portugal262 759 127Sight Details
Rate Includes: Closed weekends -
3. Museu das Rendas de Bilros
One of Peniche's traditional products is renda de bilros (bobbin lace)—not a surprise in a port city where making and repairing nets has long been an essential skill. This small but well-organized museum displays every imaginable item relating to the craft—from antique tools to elaborately decorated cushions and draperies—with texts and other explanatory materials in English. The skill is very much alive, with some 100 local craftspeople involved in teaching enthusiasts young and old. Every July, the town hosts an international showcase attended by representatives from 30 countries.
Rua Nossa Senhora da Conceição 1, Peniche, Leiria, 2520-294, Portugal262 249 538Sight Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon., Free -
4. Praia do Baleal
This beach on a natural island that's now an artificially created peninsula has long been a surfer hangout thanks to its great waves—it's home to a well-reputed surf school. But Baleal Beach is also popular with families who lounge about under rented umbrellas. Note that there are rocks in the water in some parts of the beach. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (no fee); showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: partiers; sunset; surfing; swimming; windsurfing.
Av. da Praia, Baleal, Leiria, 2520–001, Portugal -
Recommended Fodor’s Video
-
{{ (numCurrentPage-1)*numPageLimit+index+1 }}.
{{ item.neighborhood }} | {{ item.first_keyword }}{{ item.review }}
{{ item.address }}{{ item.phone[0] }}{{ item.details.title }} Details
{{ item.details.content.toString() }}View Tours and Activities -
Recommended Fodor’s Video
No sights Results
Please try a broader search, or expore these popular suggestions:
There are no results for {{ strDestName }} Sights in the searched map area with the above filters. Please try a different area on the map, or broaden your search with these popular suggestions:
