Alcobaca

Alcobaça is a Portuguese city and municipality in the intermunicipal community Oeste and the region Oeste e Vale do Tejo, in the historical province of Estremadura, and in the Leiria District. The city grew along the valleys of the rivers Alcoa and Baça, from which it derives its name. Wikipedia.
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Top attractions in Alcobaca

Monastery of Alcobaça
1. Monastery of Alcobaça
4.6
(16825)
Monastery
Sights & Landmarks
Cistercian monastery, with 12th-century origins, with its own church, cloisters & a tiled kitchen.
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Impressive from the outside, sober on the inside. However some details reveal the size of the population inhabiting it at the height of its existence. The number of rooms, the large kitchen with the huge chimney and more. All beautifully maintained. The graves of Pedro and Ines is a beautiful piece of carving; and their graves are romantically positioned so that they will see each other first when they rise again :) We were almost alone (‘t was the low season), but it can clearly become very crowded during high season. When you’re done visiting you can get some food or refreshments on the place nearby.
Well restored huge monastery. Very well maintained, easy to follow map. Read up on the history beforehand "the Romeo and juliet" of Portugal.
Well worth the visit. Much of the monastery if free and open to the public. The structure is grand and well worth a look itself, but what really stands out are the engravings on the tombs of King Pedro and Dona Inês de Castro. The stone carvings are incredibly intricate and we'll preserved.
Great place that's worth a visit. We've seen a lot of cathedral's, monasteries, etc. This one is worth the 15 euro admission. It's easy to skip some areas so pay attention to the marked route and signs. Very clean bathrooms also. I would go here then stop at Pratu's Tapas restaurant across the street. #mosteirodealcobaca
Worth the visit; nice places for lunch or dinner after. In my original review I said, based on memory, that in most respects it is not as impressive as Batalha, but having just visited them both, back to back, I take that back. They both have different charms, and I can't say that either is "better".
Beautiful place I recommend seeing it. It's worth the price, located in a very small and quiet town. The inside was huge very pretty and had some amazing architecture. There were so many thorough descriptions and details about the place, I learned so much about the Portuguese and their history. There were statues, rooms and magnificent objects from when the monastery was working. It was easy to find yourself with alot of directions and instructions to see all the rooms. The view I preferred the most was inside the monastery, in the middle, where the garden was. This place deserves the detour.
Its church, completed in the 13th century, was the first fully Gothic building in Portugal and remains one of the largest. The monastery is also famous for the tombs of King Pedro I and Inês de Castro, whose tragic love story has become legendary in Portuguese history.
Unfortunately it’s fully CLOSED. No information could be found why or for how long until an extensive search online. I fully support the people’s right to strike to get fair pay, I simply wish there was clearer information so visitors coming from other counties and continents could have known in advance and plan other arrangements.
Praia de São Martinho do Porto
2. Praia de São Martinho do Porto
4.6
(19701)
Public beach
Sights & Landmarks
Wide white-sand beach, backed by dunes in a secluded bay, popular with families & sailors.
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Review of São Martinho do Porto São Martinho do Porto is a charming coastal town with a stunning shell-shaped bay. This unique bay provides calm waters, making it perfect for swimming and relaxing. There is also a tunnel that connects the bay to the open sea, adding to the town's scenic beauty. A highlight of São Martinho do Porto is its lighthouse, from which the views are simply breathtaking. Nearby, there are a couple of beaches that remain relatively uncrowded even in the summer, making them ideal for those looking for a peaceful escape. Throughout the year, especially on Sundays, locals and visitors gather by the sea to enjoy an ice cream at Gelatomania or to catch the last rays of sunshine. The relaxed and friendly atmosphere makes this destination truly special.
I visited Praia de São Martinho do Porto at the end of April and was truly charmed by its peaceful atmosphere and stunning natural beauty. The bay is calm and perfect for relaxing walks along the shore. Even though the water was still a bit chilly, the fresh sea air and surrounding scenery made the experience unforgettable. A lovely place to unwind and enjoy the gentle rhythm of coastal life.
I recently spent a sunny afternoon in São Martinho do Porto and was deeply impressed by the unique charm of this seaside town. Nestled along a stunning horseshoe‑shaped bay, the beach is sheltered by a natural headland that keeps the water calm and shallow, making it perfect for swimming and family. Walking the soft golden sand with gentle waves lapping always felt soothing, and the overall atmosphere reminded me of a peaceful, small‑scale resort that locals clearly value highly. The town is historically rooted in fishing and shipbuilding, having served as the maritime port of the nearby Alcobaça monastery in the Middle Ages. It became a popular summer retreat for nobility by the late 19th century, earning affectionate nicknames for its elegant and serene ambiance. Today, the beachfront promenade lined with cafés, seafood restaurants and terrace seating creates a friendly local vibe, perfect for leisurely meals with fresh fish or ice‑cold drinks at fair prices. One of my favorite parts was strolling along the promenade and exploring the wooden walkways that link the town to the dunes and beaches beyond, including the nearby Salir do Porto area. These boardwalk trails offer scenic views and peaceful nature, ideal for morning or sunset walks. Although the beach gets busy during Portuguese summer holidays, the town remains gracious and spacious enough that even peak crowds felt manageable. The best part is that São Martinho do Porto feels authentic and affordable: entry to the beach is free, local restaurants offer good value, and the calmer water makes it safe and enjoyable for all ages. For anyone seeking a calm beach day paired with authentic local culture and gentle coastal scenery, this destination is truly a standout on Portugal’s Silver Coast.
São Martinho do Porto: A Coastal Gem Where History Meets Paradise. This beach stands as one of Portugal's most enchanting coastal destinations, where centuries of maritime history blend seamlessly with modern beach resort amenities. This remarkable town has embodied the resilience of a community that adapts without losing its soul, transforming from the birthplace of caravels that once carried Portuguese explorers to distant lands into one of the country's most protected and beloved seaside retreats. The gradual silting of its historic bay, built with timber from Leiria's pine forests, proved to be a blessing in disguise, creating the perfectly sheltered lagoon that families cherish today. The northern section of the beach proudly holds Blue Flag recognition, a testament to its exceptional water quality through regular microbiological testing of both water and sand. This pristine stretch offers everything a beach lover could desire: numerous concessioned cabins providing shade and refreshments, expansive open areas perfect for umbrellas and sunbathing, and dedicated jumping zones where children can safely play. The water features delightful inflatable slides for kids, while pedal boats are available for rental, creating endless entertainment options for families. Professional lifeguards ensure safety, while clean toilet facilities and refreshing showers add to the comfort. Beyond the beach, a scenic boardwalk trail invites leisurely strolls along the bay's perimeter, leading to one of the area's most spectacular features: a tunnel carved through the hill at the northern tip that opens to a breathtaking area overlooking the vast Atlantic Ocean. This walkable town maintains an authentically Portuguese atmosphere despite welcoming international tourists, with traditional fishing boats like the "barco do candil" still plying these calm waters alongside modern pleasure craft. Accessibility couldn't be easier, with regular bus services from Rodoviária do Oeste and Rede Expressos connecting the town to major cities, while the compact size makes exploration on foot a pleasure. The evenings here are particularly magical, making an overnight stay essential to witness the stunning sunsets that paint the sheltered bay in golden hues. The conveniently located caravan and camping park right next to the beach offers the perfect opportunity to fall asleep to the gentle sound of waves and wake up to this coastal paradise, where past and present flow together like the very tides that shaped its extraordinary destiny.
São Martinho do Porto beach was a pleasant surprise. Calm waters with barely any waves, ideal for a relaxing day. It felt authentic and not overly touristy. The sand was clean, and the sunset through the natural cove opening was really nice. Farol restaurant was very good with pleasant service and tasty food.
Beautiful Beach, we just came on a windy day with cooler temperatures. Cabana rental enforcement may come and ask €10 for a day rental. Be ready with cash if they do.
A magical place. Felt like a Caribbean island on the beach area!!
A stunning beach and surrounding area. Make sure you check out the far left side along the dunes!!!
Praia do Salgado
3. Praia do Salgado
4.6
(1104)
Beach
Outdoor Activities
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Beautiful beach! Come here and don’t go to Nazaré. The beach is wide, long and wild. You can have your own privacy. You can also take long walks. Amazing!
This place isn’t just a beach — it’s Mother Nature’s opera, with waves that sing in bold capital letters. We visited in May and were pleasantly surprised: getting there is a piece of cake, and parking? Free, easy, and close enough to hear the sea before you even open the car door. It’s the kind of place where your dog becomes a poet – ours trotted along like he owned the coastline, tail high, ears flapping in the breeze. Yes, it’s dog friendly, and yes, your dog will thank you in licks. Swimming? Not really – unless you’re part dolphin. The waves here are wild and proud. But for walking, reflecting, or pretending you’re in a dramatic perfume commercial – it’s perfection. Wide, open, cinematic. Bonus points: clean restrooms open until 7pm (a rare treasure on beach days). No showers – but who needs them when you’re salty, happy, and maybe just a little windswept? We’ll be back – same dog, same wind, more snacks.
This is a superb beach. Two things to note. One, unlike Praia Nazare where there is a cool breeze, here there was none so extremely hot when we went yesterday. Two, no lifeguards on duty. Again, be aware there are large waves here and a strong undercurrent.
Great beach to be naked like it should be. A nice warm october day, the water is even warm but rough but im the only one here going into the water ( not far). Parking is good. For naturist side turn right side on the beach
A stunning beach with very few people there and the ideal place to Paraglide and Paramotor!
Plenty of space on this beach which is only a little off the beaten track. Great to watch the huge waves crashing onto the beach, even on a still day. Beware wandering too far or you may encounter the nudes!
What a stunning place, it's very quiet as the car park can only take about 40 cars so everyone could have 50sq meters of sand. There is a restaurant but I have no idea what it's like.
My daughter and I visited this great little beach that Is much quieter than the main beach next to Nazare. Parking can get challenging if you leave your arrival to later in the day. There Is a restaurant next to the beach where you can get meals, drinks or ice cream.
Parque dos Monges
4. Parque dos Monges
4.4
(1405)
Serviced accommodation
Nature & Parks
Seasonal destination featuring an adventure park, small zoo, rental campsites & nature activities.
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It is exactly what to expect, a place to relax from the city life and an alternative to normal bedrooms. One feels transported to Amazonia. Just the sunset over the lake surface animating the inner tent fabric while one lays in the soft bed is enough to make it worthwhile!
Our stay was amazing! The location is wonderful, very peaceful, at least when we visited (end of November). The staff is very welcoming and helpful. Our bungalow was well equipped and the deck over the lake was the best spot. We asked for vegan options for breakfast and we were surprised to see that the staff really provided an excelent breakfast, with more options than many hotels (vegan milk and yoghurt, vegan cheese and vegan ham, fruit, jam, bread,... everything was delicious!).
super nicely decorated tents with a bunch of structure! there are a bunch of activities inside the park, like animals and little games and trails, but also outside the city which is super close by. truly a forest experience inside the city
One of the best places I know to come and just rest. You can enjoy some time off in a cottage or a tent, while in the middle of a park with a mini zoo and some other activities like traditional games in wood, wall climbing, slide, ... Recommended it to come and recharge batteries! 😁😁
Quite amazing experience. The rent was comfortable and the restroom was inside the tent. Everything is 5 star. The breakfast is absolutely top class. The entertainment for kids are cool specially zip line. The fruit trees and garden is heavenly. The tents are around the lake. The fishes and ducks are attraction too. The lake has piranhas too. There is a large gorilla which has been known to devour tourists who are not kind or speak with American accent.
We stayed at the fisherman's shed. Besides being small (althought this would not be a deal breaker), we could feel every spring of the matress. Also, it is really fancy to have blinds made of bamboo sticks, but they don't give any privacy, and you may wake up as soon as the sun rises. The windows should have blackouts. The park itself was nice, but there should be more maintenance, and also should take more care of the animals (for instance, there were a couple of dead fish and several others with signs of disease - clearly they don't provide the necessary conditions for them). Breakfast, served at the shed in a basket, was very complete, and everything was fresh. The room had microwave, coffee machine and refrigerator. Too expensive for the conditions given.
Amazing place with incredible views, entertainment and super helpful friendly staff! 5 stars to the boys Diogo, Diogo and Tiago who did an amazing job on the outdoor activities!!! Also the staff at the meet and greet were excellent!
Amazing place to come with kids or with no kids, up to you! Very relaxing and great sight seeing! Activities monitors are also great with lots of good vibe!
Alcobaça
5. Alcobaça
Sights & Landmarks
Sacred & Religious Sites
Alcobaça is a Portuguese city and municipality in the intermunicipal community Oeste and the region Oeste e Vale do Tejo, in the historical province of Estremadura, and in the Leiria District. The city grew along the valleys of the rivers Alcoa and Baça, from which it derives its name. Wikipedia.
Restaurante O Farol
6. Restaurante O Farol
3.9
(1432)
Restaurant
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Excellent restaurant with a view. Food quality is great, our dishes were prepared deliciously. Only part that could have been a little better would be the presentation. All over - 9 out of 10! The gambas with garlic are 10/10 - the sauce is the best we ever had!
Food is good but the service and location are the stars of the show. We live not far from here and come often when the weather is nice. The restaurant has a wonderful view of the water. The service is friendly and attentive and English is spoken if you need it. The food is good, not spectacular. We took friends visiting from out of the country and they enjoyed it as well.
Great experience, great food, excellent service! We were craving for a hearty, honest Portuguese dinner, and we were more than happy with our evening at the O Farol. We ordered the tamboril stew for two, a delicious sangria, and we topped that with one of the most delicious bolo de bolacha (top 3, cross my heart ☺️)! Definitely a come-bqck-er 🥰🤗
Everything was fantastic. Especially crab and shrimps with garlic. View is amazing, staff is very friendly.
O Farol in São Martinho do Porto exceeded expectations. Given its prime beachfront location, I expected typical tourist fare, but the food was genuinely good. Fresh, well-prepared, and flavorful. The sunset view from the restaurant was absolutely stunning, framed perfectly by the bay. Overall, great value for quality and atmosphere.
Great food, beautiful view. Seafood is very fresh. Very traditional Portuguese menu. View couldn’t be better.
We love this understated place - often quiet ( think people too lazy to walk few extra yards along the front!). Great views of the beach, sunset. Had lunch & dinner here several times over the 28 days I recently spent in Sao Martinho. Hosted various friends & family and took them all to O Farel Lovely staff, consistently good quality food and not expensive for the quality.
The food is good and also location over the beach with sea view. I had sapateira recheada which was great and after picanha. Picanha wasn't tender, quite stiff. Desert was great. The staff is nice but service was slow. It's a good place but not great.
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Other notable attractions

Museu do Vinho de Alcobaça
Museum
Specialty Museums
Praia de Paredes da Vitória
Public beach
Outdoor Activities
Capela de Santa Ana (séc. XII)
Chapel
Sights & Landmarks
Castelo de Alcobaça
Castle
Sights & Landmarks
Quinta dos Capuchos
Winery
Food & Drink
Museu Raúl da Bernarda
Museum
Specialty Museums
Passadiços da Baía de São Martinho do Porto
Hiking area
Outdoor Activities
Praia da Gralha
Beach
Outdoor Activities
Secluded sand-beach cove surrounded by bluffs, offering sunning, swimming & kitesurfing.
Museu Monográfico do Bárrio
Museum
Specialty Museums
Biblioteca Municipal de Alcobaça
Library
Best-of categories in Alcobaca

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Weather in Alcobaca

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