Leiria
Where Nexus is based
A calm city, with its castle watching over the old town and the Lis river running through it. Easy to explore on foot in a morning or an afternoon.
- Leiria Castle and the view from its gallery
- Praça Rodrigues Lobo and the old town streets
- The Paper Mill (Moinho do Papel) by the Lis river
- The riverside walk along the Lis
Add Fátima or the Mira de Aire caves for a full day without long drives.
Nazaré
About 30 min from Leiria
A fishing town with a wide beach below and the Sítio on the clifftop, linked by a funicular. In winter, Praia do Norte gets some of the biggest waves in the world.
- The Nazaré funicular up to the Sítio
- Suberco viewpoint, over the town and the beach
- São Miguel Arcanjo Fort and Praia do Norte
- Traditional boats and fish drying on the sand
The big waves show up mostly between October and March. Check the forecast before you go.
Talasnal
1h15 to 1h30 from Leiria
A schist village on the slopes of the Lousã mountains, with restored houses, steep lanes and nature all around. It is part of the Schist Villages network.
- Schist lanes and restored houses
- Talasnicos, little chestnut and honey cakes
- Walking trails in the Lousã mountains
- Neighbouring villages such as Candal and Cerdeira
The village lanes are steep and stony, so wear comfortable shoes. Late afternoon light on the schist houses is the best of the day.
Fátima
About 25 min from Leiria
One of the world's largest Marian shrines, born from the 1917 apparitions. Even if you are not on a pilgrimage, the grounds are striking for their size and calm.
- Chapel of the Apparitions
- Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary
- Basilica of the Holy Trinity
- Batalha Monastery on the way, a World Heritage Site
The big pilgrimages fall on 12 and 13 May and October. For a quieter visit, pick another date.
Grutas de Mira de Aire
About 30 min from Leiria
Discovered in 1947 and voted one of Portugal's 7 Natural Wonders, these caves go down about 110 metres into the hills. The visit follows around 600 metres of lit galleries.
- Galleries and chambers of limestone formations
- The final stretch by the water
- The Serras de Aire e Candeeiros Natural Park around it
- Porto de Mós Castle, close by
There are 683 steps down (you come back up by lift) and it stays around 17 ºC. Bring a light jacket.
Óbidos
About 45 min from Leiria
A medieval town of whitewashed houses inside its walls, given by King Dinis to Queen Isabel. Best explored on foot, at an easy pace, from the town gate to the castle.
- The town gate and its tiles
- Rua Direita and the flower-lined lanes
- The walkway along the walls
- Ginjinha cherry liqueur in a chocolate cup
Several stretches of the walls have no railing. With children, stick to the town streets.
Alcobaça
About 30 min from Leiria
The Cistercian monastery, founded in the 12th century and a World Heritage Site, dominates the town square. Inside are the tombs of King Pedro I and Inês de Castro.
- The monastery church and the tombs of Pedro and Inês
- The Cloister of King Dinis
- The monumental kitchen
- Convent sweets in the cafés on the square
It is about 15 minutes from Nazaré, so the two fit easily into one day.
Tomar
About 45 min from Leiria
A town tied to the Knights Templar, with the Convent of Christ on the hill, a World Heritage Site. The round church, the Manueline window and the cloisters tell centuries of history in one building.
- The Templar round church (Charola)
- The Manueline window of the Chapter House
- The Cloister of King João III, the one in the photo
- The old town and the Nabão river
Add Fátima, about 30 minutes away, for a heritage day.