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Leiria is a charming city located in the heart of Portugal, known for its beautiful medieval castle and stunning beaches. As someone who loves exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations, Leiria has quickly become one of my favorite destinations in Portugal. In this post, I’ll be sharing the top attractions in Leiria that are definitely worth a visit. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or nature, Leiria has something for everyone. So, let’s dive in and discover the best things to see and do in this hidden gem of Portugal.
Table of Contents
Leiria Castle
Leiria Castle is a medieval castle in the city and one of the most popular attractions in Leiria, Portugal. The fortress was built in the 12th century and served as a vital defensive stronghold until the 19th century. It has been partially restored and today is open to the public for exploring its long history, from the 12th century when it was a strategic defensive point to its 19th-century military use. Leiria Castle has been host to many battles in its history and is now a popular tourist attraction.
Visitors can explore the castle’s fortifications and enjoy the beautiful views from the castle walls.
SCHEDULE (CASTLE/MECHANICAL ACCESS)
– April to September
Every day: 9:30 am to 6:30 pm (Last entry time: 5:30 pm)
On show days: opening one hour before and closing one hour after
– October to March
Every day: 9:30 am to 5:30 pm (Last entry time: 4:30 pm)
On show days: opening one hour before and closing one hour after
CASTLE TICKETS
– Adult – €2.10
– Up to 10 years – Free
Museu de Leiria
The Museum of Leiria is a remarkable example of how history can be brought to life. Located in the Convent of St. Agostinho, built in 1577, it houses a collection that spans centuries and includes works of art, archeology, numismatics, municipal artistic displays, and archaeological reserves.
Museu de Leiria will delight anyone looking to discover more about this unique part of Portugal!
General price list
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normal (adult)ticket: €5.00 (includes entry to the Museum of Leiria, Moinho do Papel, and audio-video guide)
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over 8 years old and under 15 years old | Youth Card | Student Card: €2.50
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over 65 | Senior Card: €2.50
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Guided tours, pedagogical workshops, and itineraries
-Free cancellation available price.
Leiria Cathedral
Leiria Cathedral is one of the most popular attractions in Leiria, Portugal, and stands as a testament to the country’s long and storied history. It is one of the most spectacular cathedral in Portugal with its gothic-style architecture and grandeur.
-Free of charge.
São Pedro Church
São Pedro in Leiria, Portugal, is a beautiful example of the country’s unique architectural style. Built-in the 16th century, this Catholic church underwent extensive renovations in the 19th century to restore its beauty and structural integrity.
Today, São Pedro stands proudly as an enduring symbol of faith and history for locals and visitors.
-Free of charge.
Leiria old town
Leiria Old Town is a great place to explore the local culture. With its cobbled streets, winding alleys, and charming plazas, the old town of Leiria offers a unique glimpse into Portuguese life from centuries past.
Rodrigues Lobo Square
Rodrigues Lobo Square, or Praça Rodrigues Lobo in Portuguese, is located in the heart of downtown Leiria; the square is a great place to relax and take in the sights of this beautiful Portuguese city. Visitors can enjoy strolling through its cobblestone pathways, admiring the historic architecture, and soaking in the vibrant colors of the buildings. On weekends, there is often a lively farmer’s market taking place here.
Luís de Camões Garden
Luís de Camões Garden Leiria is a beautiful and tranquil garden in the heart of Leiria city. It’s a great place to stroll, relax, and take in the sights. A variety of trees, shrubs, and flowers make up this charming garden. The garden includes a pond, fountains, and pathways.
-Free of charge
Santana Market
Santana Market in Leiria, Portugal, is a cultural center in the heart of the city. Every Saturday morning, locals and tourists flock to this centuries-old market to buy fresh produce, cheese, fish, meat, and other local delicacies.
You can find just about anything at Santana Market, from handmade crafts crafted by local artisans to traditional dishes cooked on the spot.
Municipal Market
The Municipal Market is one of many Leiria Attractions for first-timers and experienced visitors alike to sample a variety of Portuguese specialties. From fresh seafood to cured sausages and cheeses, the market is sure to have something for everyone. You’ll find a range of stalls offering everything from fruits and vegetables to freshly baked goods and ready-made dishes. The market is also known for its colorful flowers, vibrant spices, and unique local souvenirs.
Museu da Imagem em Movimento (museum of the moving image)
It is the first museum of its kind in Portugal, bringing together both film and digital media. It was founded in 2004 and is now a permanent cultural fixture in the city of Leiria. The place features an impressive collection of film and video art from all across the world, with a particular focus on Portuguese cinema. There are also regularly-updated exhibitions featuring new works from emerging filmmakers.
-Guided tours
-Free cancellation available price.
Lis River
The Lis River is a stunning natural wonder; it flows through the very center of the city of Leiria, bordered by green areas and the Polis route, which is popular for leisure and sports. It’s about 113 kilometers long and is fed by small creeks, springs, and runoff from the surrounding hills.
The Lis River is a primary source of irrigation for the region and boasts some of the most varied wildlife in all of Portugal.
Outside the city (Leiria district)
Fátima
Fátima is a small city in Portugal, located about 110 km north of Lisbon. It is most famous for its Fátima Shrine, a place of pilgrimage and devotion to the Virgin Mary. It has become famous due to the Marian apparitions reported by three shepherd children at the Cova da Iria in 1917.
Fátima sanctuary has since been visited by millions of people worldwide, seeking solace and comfort through prayer and meditation. The Shrine contains several chapels dedicated to different aspects of the Christian faith and a museum with artifacts related to this eventful period in history.
Visitors can also explore other attractions, such as an interactive park, gardens, and monuments honoring those who have passed away at this unique location.
Pinhal de Leiria
Pinhal de Leiria park, located in the Leiria district, is an 11,500-hectare pine forest that has been around since the 13th century. King Alfonso III planted it to help hold back coastal sand from invading nearby fields. Since then, it has become an essential part of Portuguese history. Providing wood for cracks used in maritime discoveries and resources for glass factories that have produced some of the most exquisite pieces of artistry known worldwide.
Praia de São Pedro de Moel
Praia de São Pedro de Moel in the Leiria district is a beach that stretches from the cliffs at the town end as far as neighboring Praia das Valeiras when the tide is out. The beach offers good surfing due to its exposure to Atlantic swells, but it can also be quite breezy. There are plenty of facilities near the beach, making this an ideal spot for a day trip or weekend getaway.
Monastery of Batalha
Batalha Monastery is a truly breathtaking site in Portugal. It was built as part of a vow between King João I, and the Virgin Mary, who he believed had aided him in battle. The monastery is a Gothic and Manueline architectural masterpiece built between 1386 and 1517.
It houses the founder’s tomb, with a spectacular cloister and chapel of the Holy Sacraments.
-Guided tours
-Free cancellation and available price.
Bacalhôa Buddha Eden
Bacalhôa Buddha Eden is an iconic walk-through attraction in Portugal’s Algarve region. It features 4000 statues of the Buddha surrounded by lush gardens and walkways. The walk is enchanting, with beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.
Great for a private day trip of outdoor Activities
Rota do Vale do Lapedo
This 4.5-km trip loop trail near Santa Eufémia is an easy route with an average duration of about 1 h 17 min. It’s ideal for backpacking, hiking, or just taking a leisurely walk.
The path is open year-round and provides stunning scenery regardless of when you visit. So if you’re searching for peace while exploring nature, this trip should be added to your list!
Serras de Aire e Candeeiros Natural Park
Located near the Alvados Depression, this park is home to an array of diverse flora species from different parts of Europe and North Africa. From shrublands to humid oak and pine forests, olive groves, and limestone walls to human-introduced eucalyptus forests, pastures, and riparian forests
Berlenga Grande
Berlenga Grande is a stunning archipelago located off the coast of Portugal in the Atlantic Ocean. It comprises 8 small islands and several islets, the largest being Berlenga Grande.
The area is renowned for its beautiful scenery and diverse wildlife, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers.
Porto de Mos
Porto de Mos is a small fishing village in Portugal and is the perfect opportunity to take a day private tour to explore the banks of the Douro River, which offers a veracity of boat tours.
The place is known for its picturesque views, stunning sunsets, and proximity to some of the best beaches in Portugal. The site is also famous for its unspoiled nature and uniqueness.
Caves of Mira de Aire
The Caves of Mira de Aire, located in the Leiria district of Portugal, are one of Portugal’s most stunning natural landmarks. The caves were discovered in 1910 and are now a popular tourist attraction offering small group tour.
The area features an abundance of stalactites, stalagmites, and underground lakes. Visitors to the caves can explore one of the two main galleries and participate in guided tours. The cave boasts an impressive array of flora and fauna, including the rare blind olm. The temperature and humidity of the cave remain constant throughout the year and provide the perfect environment for various species.
Nazare
Nazare is a picturesque fishing town located in Leiria District, Portugal. It is known for its stunning beach Praia de Nazaré, awarded the prestigious Blue Flag certification by the Foundation for Environmental Education. The Leiria District offers visitors an exciting array of activities and attractions, such as fishing, swimming, surfing, sailing, or just relaxing on the beach.
Visitors can also go to the famous worldwide sightseeing of the big waves of Nazaré. It is known for its impressive beach breaks and massive waves reaching up to 30 meters in height.
Óbidos
Óbidos is an incredibly charming village in the district of Leiria, Portugal. Situated atop a hill overlooking the Ocean, it is surrounded by a picturesque medieval wall built in the 13th century. Its well-preserved murals and architecture make it a popular tourist destination. Inside the wall, visitors can explore cobblestone streets and colorful houses that date back to the 15th century.
The small town is home to several historic churches and a castle built in 1282.
Óbidos small group tour is an excellent way for visitors to explore sights like the Igreja Matriz and Praça Velha. The tour also includes tasting the local specialty, ginjinha de Óbidos, a liqueur made from sour cherries.