Leiria

There is, in the heart of Portugal, a city with open arms to welcome you. Young, urban, cultural, cosmopolitan, Leiria brings together the best of two worlds: the quality of life of a city outside the gravitational influence of large metropolitan areas, but which at the same time manages to offer contemporaneity and modernity.

With a vibrant cultural offer, this municipality has established itself in recent years as an emblematic territory as a holiday destination.

Leiria has a great diversity of attractions: rivers, beaches, pine forests, lagoons, salt pans, rock shelters, religious architecture, civil architecture, the monumentality of medieval buildings, museums, spas, popular traditions in their purest manifestations, crafts and lots, lots of and lots of rich cuisine.

The rich natural, cultural and religious heritage of this region makes it one of the most desirable for the most curious travelers. And the icing on the cake? Tasty regional cuisine! Savor the Morcela de Arroz, Sopa de Vidraeiro, Arroz de Marisco, Feijoada de Choco, Roasted Kid or Stew, Lamb Stew, Friginada, Suckling Pig from Boa Vista, Migas Serranas and Chícharos. Arroz de Sarrabulho and Torresmos are considered kings in Pedrógão Grande. End your adventure with a Brisa do Lis, a Cavacas do Reguengo de Fetal, a Pudding from Batalha or a Biscuit from Louriçal, among many other sweet temptations.

Pedrógão beach is the only beach and beach resort in the municipality of Leiria. An ‘island’ between the green sea of Leiria’s pine forest and the Atlantic Ocean, it offers visitors an extensive beach, the benefits of iodine, Xávega Art and peace and tranquility.

Also highlighted, the thermal village of Monte Real is worth a visit.

(1) Your visit can be obtained through the “ROTA DAS TERMAS D'EL REI” pedestrian circuit.

This walking tour is circular, starts at Parque Olímpio Duarte Alves, Monte Real, in terms of effort it is easy, takes around 2 hours and is a distance of 6.3 km. Along the tour you can visit, in terms of heritage, the following places:

> Palace Hotel Monte Real

> Thermal Baths Chapel

> Monte Real Hot Springs

> River Lis

> Royal Palaces

> Chapel of Saint John the Baptist

> Monte Real/Pelourinho City Council

> Fountain of Queen Santa Isabel

> Monte Real Church

(1) the text and photo were taken from the Leiria CM website, which is grateful for the collaboration.

In the city, the starting point for a visit is the Praça Rodrigues Lobo area, on a route that runs along Rua Barão de Viamonte (known as Rua Direita) and its intersections, in one of the city's oldest commercial areas.

On the banks of the River Lis, we offer the Polis route, a permanent challenge to physical exercise.

Modern, urban, cosmopolitan, but also rural, Leiria is in the Center of Portugal and promises to remain in the hearts of those who visit it.