Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Alcobaça, Portugal

This town in Portugal’s Centro Region is quite understated, except for one remarkable monument: The captivating Monastery of Alcobaça. In 2007, this World Heritage Gothic complex was recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal. The monument serves as the final resting place for the 14th-century King Pedro I and his ill-fated lover, Inês de Castro, whose narratives are filled with tragedy.

Moreover, the technical achievements within the monastery are astonishing. Following this, visitors can remain on the monastery trail, stopping at two additional nearby sites. There are numerous museums and attractions to explore in town, while the breathtaking Atlantic coastline is merely a 15-minute drive away.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Alcobaça:

1. Alcobaça Monastery

This is the first Gothic structure in Portugal, and this royal monastery boasts extraordinary craftsmanship from a succession of artistic movements.

The church nave, dating from the 12th century, exemplifies the earliest Gothic design with a height of 20 meters and a width of 17 meters, imparting an ethereal lightness.

The artistry throughout is stunning, whether in the Manueline portal leading to the sacristy or within the Gothic and Renaissance Cloister of Silence.

Additionally, compelling tales await discovery, such as the forbidden romance between Pedro I and his mistress Inês de Castro, who was tragically murdered by Pedro’s father, Afonso IV. The craftsmanship seen on their 14th-century tombs, commissioned by Pedro himself, is unparalleled.

2. Museu do Vinho de Alcobaça

Situated in an old winery, this museum showcases the contributions of José Raposo de Magalhães, a 19th-century winemaker who transformed Alcobaça’s viticulture.

In the 1870s, he rejuvenated this winery by integrating the latest technology and implementing scientific advancements in grape cultivation and fermentation.

The museum preserves his legacy, featuring over 8,500 items, including portable presses, barrels, historical labels, bottles, farming tools, and copper stills gathered from across Portugal.

Throughout your visit, you will be enlightened by a tour through the cellars and the distillery, culminating in a tasting session.

3. Castelo de Alcobaça

On the summit of a high hill at the edge of the town lie the remnants of Alcobaça’s castle.

This site has remained largely unchanged since its decommissioning and quarrying during the reign of Queen Maria II in the 1830s.

The structure dates back to the Moorish period and was later bequeathed to the Cistercian order after the Reconquista in the 12th century, during which the monks cultivated vines on the sloped terrain, thereby establishing the foundation of the local wine industry.

Despite the castle’s abandonment for nearly two centuries, significant portions of the walls and keep remain to be explored.

Moreover, the uninterrupted view of the town and monastery below, along with the Serra dos Candeeiros on the horizon to the east, is breathtaking.

4. Mosteiro de Santa Maria de Cós

The next stop after the Monastery of Alcobaça is located in the village of Cós, within the same municipality.

Founded in the 12th century, it initially served as a place for widows seeking a monastic life before evolving into a regional community for Cistercian nuns, which was redesigned in the 1600s.

While the exterior may appear austere, the proportions within the nave and chancel are striking.

The choir accommodates 106 seats, adorned with coffered ceilings, azulejos from the 1600s and 1700s, and an altar embellished with intricate gilded woodwork.

5. Praia dos Salgados

With the Silver Coast within reach, you may enjoy a sunny afternoon at the beach.

A substantial portion of the coastline in this region boasts unspoiled natural beauty and tumultuous Atlantic surf.

Praia do Salgado exemplifies these characteristics.

During the summer, visitors can relax on the pristine white sand while observing the impressive waves.

However, these waters are often unsuitable for swimming, being only safe for wading.

This, nonetheless, does not diminish the picturesque scenery, featuring vast stretches of flawless sand and the tall, uncultivated hills adorned with heather, juniper, and pine shrubs.

6. Baia de São Martinho do Porto

Also located within the Alcobaça municipality and a short distance from Praia do Salgado lies another picturesque beach, which stands in stark contrast.

Baia de São Martinho do Porto is the remnant of a vast coastal lagoon that once extended several kilometers inland.

Now, this expansive bay resembles a clam shell, almost completely encircled by cliffs, except for a narrow channel between two promontories.

During the Portuguese Age of Discovery in the 15th and 16th centuries, these sheltered waters provided a safe anchorage for caravels.

Notably, children can safely play in the waters here, unlike many nearby beaches.

7. Ruínas da Capela de Santana

The cliffs guarding the entrance to the bay at São Martinho do Porto are mesmerizing and warrant closer investigation.

You can achieve this through a trail leading to the southern edge.

Even though the breathtaking scenery might appear challenging, the path is relatively easy and accessible to nearly anyone.

The stunning views at the end reward your exploration, offering sights of the ocean, the entire bay, and the resort of São Martinho.

Additionally, the remnants of a chapel built in 1712 are also present, having gradually deteriorated over the past five decades.

8. Nazaré Lighthouse

This lighthouse is perched atop a narrow promontory and is integrated within a 16th-century maritime fort.

The structure’s architecture is interesting, although it is overshadowed by the dramatic view of the waves crashing against the jagged rocks below.

This phenomenon is attributed to an underwater canyon located just offshore, which generates enormous rolling waves.

When conditions are optimal, particularly between October and March, the surf can reach astonishing heights, prompting adventurous individuals to ride the waves and set records.

9. Nazaré Funicular

The landscape in Nazaré is further enhanced by the promontory that towers behind the waterfront communities.

At the pinnacle, one can find a quaint village, O Sítio, complete with a sanctuary; however, prior to the establishment of this funicular in the 1890s, the journey to the sanctuary was quite arduous.

Wealthier pilgrims were historically transported up the incline on carpets! The initial steam engines have long been retired and replaced with an electric system in the 1960s, which was further updated in the 2000s.

The trains operate at short intervals, making the steep 42% incline effortlessly navigable.

10. Santuário de Nossa Senhora da Nazaré

O Sítio is a charming little community offering magnificent views over the entire stretch of Praia do Salgado and the bay at São Martinho behind.

The sanctuary has an intriguing backstory: The sheriff of Porto de Mós was saved from falling off a cliff during a hunting expedition by invoking the Virgin Mary, and this chapel was constructed in memory of that miraculous event.

The sanctuary church, dating back to the 1300s, has been renovated continuously up through the 19th century.

The chancel features an ornate gilded altar and a coffered ceiling, while the blue and white tile panels in the transept depict biblical narratives, such as Jonah and the Whale, painted by the Dutch artist Willem van der Kloet in 1708.

11. Batalha Monastery

An additional UNESCO World Heritage monastery is located just 15 minutes from Alcobaça, allowing you to continue this thematic exploration.

Batalha (Battle) was initiated in 1386 to commemorate the Portuguese triumph over Spain at the Battle of Aljubarrota the previous year.

The construction spanned more than a century, resulting in one of Europe’s most exquisite Gothic structures.

The intricate stonework in the nave, featuring towering vaults, King John I Cloister, Unfinished Chapel, and Founders’ Chapel is truly mesmerizing.

The latter houses the delicately carved tombs of King John I and his queen Philippa of Lancaster, along with those of their four sons, one of whom was Henry the Navigator, instrumental in securing Madeira, the Azores, and regions of West Africa for Portugal during the 15th century.

12. Parque Natural das Serras de Aire e Candeeiros

The smooth chalk hills within this mountain range offer a picturesque backdrop for hikers, cyclists, and horseback riders.

Furthermore, beneath the surface lies an intricate network of underground rivers that have created expansive cave systems.

Four of these caves—Mira d’Aire, Moeda, Santo António, and Alvados—are open to the public for exploration.

Another noteworthy natural phenomenon is located on the eastern slopes of Serra de Aire, where dinosaur footprints dating back 175 million years were discovered in a quarry.

These footprints, left by sauropods, are nearly a meter in length and are among the best-preserved in the world.

13. Parque dos Monges

This family-friendly park, located just outside Alcobaça, features a loosely themed medieval concept.

Entry requires a nominal fee, after which attractions and activities may incur additional costs.

Children can engage in canoeing on the park’s lake, try their hand at archery or climbing, enjoy a ride on the Tyrolean, or visit enclosures housing wallabies, turtles, monkeys, and alpacas.

The park also includes a reconstructed medieval village and a shop offering traditional delicacies, alongside historical reenactments featuring knights on horseback.

Moreover, the park boasts vast, welcoming lawns shaded by trees, making it an ideal location for a leisurely family picnic.

14. Norpark

When red flags are raised on the beaches, an alternative venue is this waterpark located on higher ground adjacent to Nazaré.

Though it is relatively modest in size, it has ample attractions to keep children entertained, particularly those aged nine and under.

A shallow pool is available for toddlers and younger children, complete with a playground and climbing obstacles.

Additionally, there are four slides for older children and a 25-meter pool for swimming or simply cooling off.

Animal handlers also visit the park with snakes and birds of prey, along with an engaging program of activities held on the grassy areas to ensure everyone remains entertained.

15. Food and Drink

When selecting a souvenir in Alcobaça, a bottle of ginja is a must.

This deep ruby cherry liqueur is crafted from a locally cultivated sour cherry, following a recipe passed down by Cistercian monks.

Additionally, the monastic communities of Alcobaça have shared a wealth of confectionery recipes, predominantly based on egg yolks.

Pão de ló is a delightful fluffy sponge cake, whereas pudim de ovos is a variation of flan drizzled with sweet syrup.

A classic traditional dish that dates back centuries is frango na púcara, which consists of chicken prepared in a clay pot with carrots, ham, chouriço, butter, mustard, brandy, and herbs.