Fodor's Expert Review Festival Nacional de Gastronomia

In late October or early November, Santarém each year hosts the National Festival of Gastronomy, the longest-running in Portugal. It's held in the Casa do Campino, next to the bullfighting ring, where numerous restaurants from all over the country come to showcase the top best culinary delights of their area and establishment. The festival includes competitions in various categories of cuisine—often with the opportunity for you to try the winners' wares—and you are guaranteed to eat well here. There is also plenty of handicrafts, folk music, and dancing.