Top 10 Things to do in Mafra, Central Portugal

The Royal Convent of Mafra, later named the National Palace of Mafra, is an imposing work from the reign of D. João V and the most important symbol of Baroque architecture in Portugal. Located in the heart of the village of Mafra - in the square named after the king who ordered it to be built, it is the only National Monument that includes a Royal Palace, a Basilica and a Convent. There are more than 40,000 m2 and 1200 divisions that include spaces and instruments unique in the world. This is the case of the Library, which holds all the knowledge of a collection with more than 36 thousand volumes; the bell set consisting of two chimes with a total of 98 bells; and of the six historic bodies that returned to echo through the Basilica in 2010. In addition to these unique characteristics, the Palácio-Convento de Mafra has accumulated several distinctions over the years. Classified as a National Monument in 1910, and is, since 2019, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It is the Baroque garden par excellence and a must stop for anyone visiting Mafra. Jardim do Cerco is an illuminated work, maintained in detail and detail for the population and visitors. Water mirrors, wide paths, leafy trees and a century-old daughter-in-law still in operation are some of the attractions of this garden inspired by Versailles. This place is the perfect transition between the walled vastness of Tapada Real and the monumentality of the National Palace of Mafra, which stands on one of its flanks. The forest and gardens extend over eight hectares, with offers of nooks, shadows, waterfalls or even a peculiar garden: Horta dos Frades, where the plants used in medicinal products (pharmacy) are in sight when they were built. , ordered by D. João V. In Jardim do Cerco there is a space called Horto das Aromáticas , which features around 39 species of plants used for medicinal and seasoning purposes. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2019

With direct access to the center of Ericeira, it is limited to the south by the pier of the fishing port and to the north by a natural rocky spur, which separates it from São Sebastião Beach. Overlooking Praia do Algodio is the beautiful and typical houses of the northern part of the village of Ericeira. It has a modern beach support with changing rooms, toilets and a bar with a terrace facing the sea, where it will also be easy to find surfboards and surfers. Guarded beach with lifeguard and SOS Praia system. Parking is limited and the Parque Urbano de São Sebastião is recommended.

500 meters to the north is the most popular wave of the Reserve, on the beach that is considered the “visiting room” of Portuguese surf. Located in a valley where a stream flows, its geographical configuration is that of a natural amphitheater, ideal for holding events. It is not by chance that the first national and international championships held in Portugal took place here. Ribeira d'Ilhas is a long pointbreak right (the waves follow the shoreline) that receives all kinds of waves and works at all tides, being the most consistent wave in the region. With W / NO undulations Ribeira d'Ilhas can provide rights of up to 200 meters in length. It is a very valuable and competitive wave, as it allows the most different levels of approach by surfers.

Green areas for stay and leisure, constituting a space for informal use where active and passive recreation become possible in the large garden spaces, in the installed equipment and even more nostalgically with the older architectural elements.

Waterside promenade with lot of restaurants around. Surfspot and for all lovers of the sun.