City: Central Portugal
Top Things to do in Central Portugal
Top Hotels in Central Portugal
Countries
What to do and see in Central Portugal, Portugal: The Best Free Things to do
1. Praia da ursa
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 521 reviews
Reviewed By 789stephend - Vancouver, Canada
I found Cabo da Roca to be beautiful and the ocean crashing against the cliffs. There are some hiking trails to explore, well worth the trip out here.
2. Alfama
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 20,774 reviews
Wonderful sights delight walkers at every turn in this culturally rich and charming part of Lisbon, which through its architecture reminds visitors of its Visigothic roots, Arabic influence and fishing port heritage.
Reviewed By H5964BQjeang - Kent, United Kingdom
We were so impressed Alfama that we went back! The castle is lovely and has wonderful views of the city and flea market on Saturday is great fun, tram E28 is a good way to travel there and a visit to a bar or cafe is a must; with friendly people and inexpensive attractions it's well worth a visit.
3. Basilica de Nossa Senhora do Rosario de Fatima
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,063 reviews
This national shrine is the site where three young peasant shepherds spied a "lady brighter than the sun," which was, many believe, the first of six apparitions of the Virgin Mary in this region of Portugal.
Reviewed By 504marynam - Detroit, United States
It takes a full day trip from Lisbon to visit Fatima, Balthahal monastery, Bleeding host church at Santarem and Fatima. We were a group of 15 and we hired a 15 seater mini bus with a driver from the Mundo do Flamingo travel agency. Their charges are very, very reasonable - just 500 euros for 15 of us to visit these 3 sites. The driver was very friendly and engaging. Fatima was awesome. We saw the Lucia, Jacinto and Francisco's humble homes - very touching, we also got to personally meet Sr. Lucia's 99 year old niece. The Via Sacra - way of the cross garden is very calm and beautiful. The highlight of the trip was the candle light procession at 9.30 pm. Don't miss this event. Very beautiful to see Our Lady revered by some many from all over the world. When we reached back to our Lisbon hotel, it was almost 1.00 am! This place is worth visiting.
4. Guincho Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,046 reviews
Lying at the foot of the Sintra hills and facing the Atlantic, this superb beach is not only ideal for wind surfing but also board surfing due to the large breakers.
Reviewed By eurydice2017 - London, United Kingdom
Guincho beach is truly beautiful and unspoiled, pretty much deserted out of season and a must for die hard windsurfers. The water is super cold and tricky, lots of powerful currents and big waves at times. During the season there are life guards in some of the beaches but out of season no, so if you feel adventurous and go for a swim proceed with great care. Or just sit and look and the sea, it is SO amazingly beautiful. Unforgettable sunsets guaranteed too! Big sand dunes and great walks nearby, namely one which starts roughly opposite Fortaleza do Guincho (big yellow building, old fortress) with wood paths to walk on and beautiful meandering paths providing stunning views. Not to miss!
5. Igreja e Mosteiro da Santa Cruz
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 673 reviews
Reviewed By Margo7850p
The Church of Santa Cruz is located in the center of Coimbra, the historic center, in a very charming place. A very nice church. It was erected in the first half of the XII century. Lots to see, lots of history. The heart of the Romanesque church is an unusual altar without a statue, and two amazing tombs of Portugal's first rulers: Alphonsus I the Conqueror and Sancho I. The blue azulejos tiles are a characteristic feature of the church. The interior of the temple is decorated with a huge organ with fantastic Japanese works of art. A monastery is a real gem. A must visit if you are in Coimbra. Next to it is a square with a number of cafes.
6. Centro Historico de Cascais
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,711 reviews
Reviewed By LucWolfarth - Spanish Fort, United States
Cascais has for thousands of years be the place were first Romans settle perhaps running away from Lisbon. It was granted the state is a village centuries ago and it kept like that. Don’t miss the opportunity of walking on its narrow streets feeling the breeze of the sea at the Bay and it’s fantastic views. It’s definitely a romantic cozy place to be.
7. Cabo da Roca
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,019 reviews
Reviewed By jgoodnow
Cabo da Roca is the westernmost point in Europe and is well worth the trip from wherever you are on the Iberian peninsula. Windy, craggy, magnificent views of of the crashing surf; we could have spent hours here. Sadly, we were on an otherwise fabulous bus tour and only had 40 minutes. Bring lunch and take your time!
8. Obidos Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,863 reviews
Reviewed By markbH9929KY
This was our second visit to the amazing and beautiful village of Obidos. Should be the top of everyone’s list of places to visit if touring or holidaying in this area. You can walk right around the village on the castle walls, enjoying the fab views from lots of different vantage points, then enjoy the gorgeous narrow streets of this old Moorish village. Truly stunning.
9. Baleal Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 805 reviews
Reviewed By Ricardomster
Came with the family and we had a great day. The beach is quite big with plenty of space for everyone to be well over 2m apart due to covid19. Parking wasn't an issue, we arrived around 11 and there was lots of space, at least during weekdays on vacation. Lots of surfers here as it's a hotspot for surfing. Water is a bit cold, not that bad really, but once you get in you're good. Highly recommended, will come again!
10. Marechal Carmona Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 614 reviews
Reviewed By Ana4G - Portugal, null
Only going back to 1940, this park has an amazing green area that give all visitants a great opportunity for privacy even when the park is full. The park welcomes all sort of activities, there is a children’s playground, dogs are allowed, there is a lake by the entrance, a café, plenty seating areas, open areas for traditional games, a greenhouse and even a library. - The park also has a lot of habitants: tortoises, ducks, chickens, pigeons, peacocks. We actually saw a very traumatic event which was a little duckcling being killed by a toirtoise while his mother was fighting to try to save him without any luck. We were so devastated as it was quite violent, it was a really bad moment but I guess we have to realize it’s life. The only good part it that a park keeper came running with a stick to the rescue, even though he was also not able to do anything by then it was still nice to see they have someone looking over the park. - This is a very well landscaped area with a lot of shades for those hot days. The park’s entrance is free and the opening hours vary with the season: November to March: 8h30 - 17h45 April to October: 8h30 - 19h45
