Uncover Santarém's Rich Heritage and Stunning Landscapes

Wide river plains, whitewashed towns, and a long horizon set the tone in Santarém District, a central slice of Portugal shaped by the Tagus. The river feeds rich floodplains called lezírias. Here you see fields of rice, tomatoes, and corn, and long lines of cork oaks and olive trees. Horses and bulls are part of daily life. In November, the village of Golegã fills with riders and breeders for the National Horse Fair, a lively event that celebrates the Lusitano horse with style, sound, and dust under bright lights.

The district capital, Santarém, rises above the river on a sandstone ridge. Its old streets lead to Gothic churches and calm squares. Many call it the capital of Portuguese Gothic, and a walk reveals why. The Portas do Sol gardens open to a sweeping view of the Tagus valley, especially beautiful at sunset. Each June, the National Agricultural Fair brings farmers, food stalls, and music to town, linking modern innovation with rural tradition.

To the northeast, Tomar feels different. The Convent of Christ crowns the city, a vast complex tied to the Knights Templar and the Order of Christ. It is one of Portugal’s most important monuments and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Every four years, Tomar stages the Festa dos Tabuleiros, a colorful parade of flowered trays and local pride. Nearby, the calm Tagus surrounds the island stronghold of Almourol Castle, a storybook sight reached by small boat from the banks near Vila Nova da Barquinha.

Faith shapes the landscape around Fátima, in the municipality of Ourém. The Sanctuary draws pilgrims year-round, with the biggest gatherings in May and October. The mood is respectful and quiet, even with many visitors. A short drive away, the hills of the Aire and Candeeiros range bring karst caves, springs, and a famous dinosaur tracksite at Ourém–Torres Novas, proof of very ancient times set in the open air near Torres Novas. The Paul do Boquilobo Reserve, between Golegã and Torres Novas, is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and a good place for birdwatching, especially for herons in spring.

Riverside towns add variety. Abrantes faces the Tagus from a castle-topped hill. Almeirim is known for Sopa da Pedra, a hearty soup tied to local legend. Coruche calls itself a cork capital and sits amid endless montado woodland. Wine routes cross the district under the Tejo DOC. You can taste fresh whites and soft reds in small, friendly estates. Traditional cooking is robust and simple: grilled river fish, stews with beans, goat and lamb from the hills, sweets with egg yolk and almonds. Trains on the main north–south line and highways A1 and A23 make travel easy, but the best rhythm here is slow. Follow river roads, stop at viewpoints, and let the big skies and open fields guide the day. Crafted by AI with care. Click to learn about our approach