Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Cantanhede, Portugal

Nestled in Beira Litoral between the cities of Aveiro and Coimbra, the town of Cantanhede boasts a long tradition of quarrying high-quality limestone. A museum dedicated to this stone can be found in the town center, housed within one of several elegant 16th-century palaces.

In the 17th century, the 1st Marquis of Marialva left an enduring mark on Cantanhede by commissioning the construction of the town hall and the church that currently serves as his final resting place. He belonged to the Menenses family, whose mausoleum is located in a chapel within the parish church of Cantanhede. The broader municipality encompasses an extensive area that includes a charming fishing village known as Tocha.

Let us delve into the top attractions in Cantanhede:

1. Museu da Pedra

This museum, set in a restored 18th-century palace featuring an impressive loggia, provides comprehensive information about Cantanhede’s quarrying heritage. The name ‘Cantanhede’ itself derives from the Celtic term “Cant,” meaning “great stone.” The museum features fascinating paleontological fossils excavated in local quarries and statues found at Roman sites. Additionally, a collection of exquisite Renaissance statues previously displayed in churches and convents can also be seen, along with various tools utilized for extracting and shaping limestone throughout different historical periods.

2. Praia da Tocha

Tocha is a quaint fishing village that began to embrace tourism towards the late 1900s while maintaining its traditional charm. It has consistently received Blue Flags for 25 consecutive years. The village features a network of streets alongside the dunes, lined with charming weatherboard houses. The design of these residences often utilized the ground floor for equipment storage while the upper levels accommodated families. The houses facing the dunes are particularly picturesque as they are built on stilts, integrated into the sandy terrain. The Blue Flag beach offers everything one would expect from a Portuguese Atlantic beach, characterized by vigorous surf and expansive, inviting white sand.

3. Igreja Matriz de Cantanhede

The parish church of Cantanhede serves as a key historical landmark and is recognized as a “Property of Public Interest.” While its origins trace back to medieval times, it has undergone numerous reconstructions, particularly during the 16th and 18th centuries. The exterior appears quite austere with a modest decorative flourish at the portal, flanked by classic columns that support a pediment. However, the 16th-century chapel on the right side of the nave, which is dedicated to the Blessed Sacrament and crafted by the Renaissance sculptor Jean de Rouen, deserves particular attention. Its rich interior features a coffered ceiling, tombs, and a tabernacle situated amidst effigies of the evangelists and the Virgin Mary Magdalene.

4. Paços do Concelho de Cantanhede

The town hall located in Praças Marquês de Marialva is not merely an average municipal facility. Originally a Renaissance palace for the Meneses family, it offers visitors an insightful glimpse into the town’s architectural history, with viewing hours available from 08:45 to 18:00 on weekdays. Although the exterior may appear understated, the interior courtyard is particularly noteworthy. Here, one can find an arcade adorned with groin vaults and sculpted keystones, the latter of which features an inscription dating back to 1533. The upper floor of the courtyard presents a loggia supported by grand Ionic columns.

5. Igreja da Misericórdia de Cantanhede

Founded in 1675 by Antão Luís de Meneses, the 1st Marquis of Marialva, is an establishment borne from a vow made during the battle of Montes Claros against the Spaniards a decade earlier. Construction commenced in the year of the Marquis’ passing, and upon its interior completion, his remains were interred in a tomb located within the choir, marked by a marble stone dated 1713. The church’s main structure was finalized in 1733, a fact commemorated by an inscription on the facade.

6. Terreiro do Paço de Ançã

The heart of Ançã, situated within the same municipality, presents an enchanting array of cobblestone streets that are dotted with churches and elegant mansions. The centerpiece of this picturesque village is a square adorned with gaslights, wrought iron benches, and meticulously pruned plane trees. On the northern edge of this square rests the impressive Palácio do Marquês de Cascais Ançã, a 17th-century edifice featuring a triple arch and a coat of arms. Visitors can venture to witness Ançã’s pillory, established in the 1700s and restored a century later.

7. Moinho da Nascente de Ançã

Also located in Ançã is a natural spring that produces water at a remarkable rate of 20,000 liters per minute. This water is channeled through historic conduits, constructed by the Moors over a millennium ago, who also erected the mill powered by this swift-flowing water. The earliest mention of this structure dates back to 937, and it is now under the management of the parish of Ançã. The current mechanism replicates the original functioning of the mill and continues to grind maize.

8. Cruzeiro da Póvoa da Lomba

The village of Póvoa da Lomba features a stunning Renaissance cross sheltered under a modest pavilion. The exact construction date of this monument remains uncertain; however, comparisons with similar structures suggest it likely dates back to the late 1500s or early 1600s. This crucifix retains visible traces of the figure of Jesus and is protected by a structure that dates close to its origin, topped with a dome set upon four pillars.

9. Casa Municipal da Cultura de Cantanhede

Adjacent to the Museu da Pedra is Cantanhede’s cultural center, which provides a beautiful venue for temporary exhibitions of sculpture, painting, liturgical art, graphic design, and photography. Visitors can obtain a brochure from the tourist office for information about ongoing exhibitions that may pique their interest. Additionally, the cultural center itself is a visual treat, highlighting the exquisite 16th-century architecture that features elegant coffered ceilings and a striking blue and white tile panel in the lobby.

10. Praia Fluvial dos Olhos da Fervença

For those who find the ocean uninviting, numerous outdoor swimming pools can be found throughout the municipality, including options in Cantanhede and Ançã. However, Fervença uniquely offers the opportunity to swim in a natural spring. The verdant hollow surrounding the pool is tiered for relaxation or sunbathing, accessible via wooden stairways that weave through pine trees, leading to the bar, terrace, changing facilities, and woodland pathways. The water remains a refreshing turquoise shade, providing a pleasant respite even during the hottest summer days.

11. Clube de Golfe de Cantanhede

Cantanhede is home to a golf course of significance, as it marked the opening of Portugal’s first publicly-owned golf facility in 2009. This initiative aimed to make the sport accessible to individuals of all ages and income levels. Located in the Complexo Desportivo de Cantanhede to the northwest of the town, the club features a 9-hole pitch and putt course, a driving range, and a practice green. The inviting nature of the pitch and putt format ensures that beginners and casual players feel comfortable and supported. The course adheres to IPPA (International Pitch and Putt Association) standards, with all greens covered in natural turf. There is also a clubhouse equipped with a bar and a balcony that overlooks the training area.

12. Surfing

Praia da Tocha serves as an emerging surf destination that remains largely undiscovered by the tourist crowd. This location boasts both right and left beach breaks, with swells forming hollow waves that can reach heights of up to two meters. These conditions are suitable for beginners who are eager to learn the art of surfing. Ticket2Surf, located in the village, offers a surf camp with various packages: participants may join for a week, engaging in lessons twice daily and complementing their experience with yoga sessions. Alternatively, casual visitors can opt for single lessons available for half or full days. Furthermore, a “surf guiding” service can transport individuals to other surf beaches in the area, alongside stand-up paddleboard tours.

13. Coimbra

Considered one of the most picturesque cities in Portugal, Coimbra served as the country’s capital during the 12th and 13th centuries. It is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, rich with medieval narratives, including the tragic love story of Inês de Castro and King Peter I. Additionally, Coimbra is renowned for its unique genre of fado music, originating from its esteemed university. Established in 1290, the university constitutes a major highlight of any sightseeing itinerary, featuring remarkable architecture aligned around a square situated at the elevated part of the city. Among its treasures is the Biblioteca Joanina, an unparalleled library housing a colony of bats that assist in pest control by preying upon wood-boring insects during the night.

14. Wine Tours

The abundance of vineyards surrounding Cantanhede underscores the region’s integral relationship with wine. This area, known as the Bairrada DOC, benefits from a climate moderated by the Atlantic Ocean. While coastal soils are predominantly sandy, further inland, including Cantanhede, the soil is rich in clay, creating an ideal environment for the Portuguese Baga grape. This grape variety yields highly tannic, acidic red wines that age beautifully, making it an excellent companion to Bairrada’s hearty cuisine. Nearby wineries, including the Cantanhede cooperative winery (Adega Cooperativa), the Quinta de Baixo winery, and Symposio Wine & Friends, offer deeper insights into local viticulture.

15. Cuisine

For discerning travelers eager to sample local specialties, a few culinary delights are essential to taste. Among the most esteemed dishes is leitão assado à Bairrada, known as Bairrada-style roast suckling pig. This dish enjoys national acclaim, recognized as one of Portugal’s Seven Gastronomic Wonders. The preparation involves seasoning the piglet with salt and pepper before skewering and roasting it in a wood oven for two hours at low heat. Alongside this, visitors can enjoy regional favorites such as fish stew (caldeirada de peixe), sardines roasted on terracotta tiles (sardinha na telha), or baked bass accompanied by roasted potatoes.