Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Montijo, Portugal

On the left bank of the Tagus River, the town of Montijo is mere minutes away from Lisbon, yet possesses an ambiance that makes the capital seem significantly distant. Few visitors explore Montijo; it presents a tranquil, village-like atmosphere with local bars where a bico costs merely 50 cents.

The town features a delightful old church in its center, and as the former industries have diminished, they have been supplanted by museums that illustrate the traditional livelihoods dependent on the surrounding land and water. Lisbon remains just a short distance across the river, accessible via the remarkable Vasco da Gama bridge or a scenic ferry service that offers an unforgettable sightseeing experience.

Let us delve into the best things to do in Montijo:

1. Ferry

The ferry is an essential experience in Montijo, as it offers a splendid journey across the Tagus River.

The crossing time to Terreiro do Paço is approximately 30 minutes aboard a fast catamaran, with 22 departures available each day, either on the hour or half-hour.

You will find yourself envying those who undertake this crossing daily, with stunning views of the Alfama and Baia quarters appearing in the distance.

Ample photo opportunities abound, whether directed towards the impressive Vasco da Gama and 25 de Abril Bridges or the iconic statue of Christ the King on the left bank at Lamada.

2. Ponte Vasco da Gama

The Vasco da Gama Bridge epitomizes a megaproject, standing as Europe’s longest if its viaducts are included.

Its total length spans 12.3 kilometers, with construction commencing in 1995 and culminating in its opening during Lisbon’s Expo ’98, at a cost exceeding $1 billion.

Upon its completion, it dramatically transformed Lisbon, serving not only as a notable landmark over the Tagus River but also facilitating road traffic to and from the northern and southern regions of Portugal, alleviating congestion in the city.

While traversing the bridge, visibility extends only to the immediate horizon, rendering the cityscape of Lisbon particularly breathtaking, notably when approaching from the north.

3. Igreja Matriz de Montijo

This prominent monument located on Praça da República dates back to the early 1400s.

In the early 16th century, it underwent remodeling in the Manueline style, with intricate stonework evident in the main chapel’s vault, where the keystones exhibit intricate floral motifs.

Subsequent modifications occurred in the 1600s and 1700s, marked by the addition of a second tower and the interior’s coverage with atapete (carpet-style) tiles, complemented by substantial tile panels depicting the life of Mary, the Holy Spirit’s involvement, and Eucharistic prefigurations.

4. Museu Municipal

A compelling reason to visit Montijo’s municipal museum is Casa Mora, the exquisite building that houses the collection.

This stunning palace, completed in 1875 for local dignitaries Domingos Tavares and Margarida Inácia dos Anjos, features a long balcony supported by elegant corbels, and a roof adorned with a lantern made from colored glass.

The interior boasts a lavish Beaux-Arts design, complete with frescoes and gilded stucco details.

The galleries showcase archival photographs of the town, tools from traditional local crafts, and an intriguing exhibition dedicated to tiles.

5. Moinho de Maré

This historical segment of Montijo’s waterfront industry was restored and opened to the public in 2005. Adjacent to the old Cais das Faluas lies a tidal mill that was first documented in 1646; however, the cross of the Order of Santiago displayed on the doorway hints that it predates that period.

Up until the 1900s, cereals were ground in this building by utilizing the tidal movement of the Tagus River.

The site consists of two rooms; one exhibits the grinding stones while the other houses the water storage that powered the machinery.

6. Praia Fluvial Samouco

Unexpectedly, a beach lies right on the estuary just moments from Montijo.

This location is certainly worth visiting, even if solely to admire the panoramic views of Lisbon across the water and the Vasco da Gama Bridge extending into the horizon.

The beach offers an impressive array of amenities, including parasols, sun loungers, wooden walkways traversing the sand, a playground, swimming pool, and table tennis tables.

While wading into the Tagus River is an option, the beach is ideally suited for sunbathing while gazing towards Lisbon.

7. Museu Agrícola da Atalaia

A short drive will take you to the countryside of the Setúbal district.

At Quinta Nova da Atalaia, featuring an orchard, lies a farming estate established in 1875 that now hosts a museum dedicated to Montijo’s agricultural heritage.

The exhibition showcases historical knowledge and equipment related to olive oil and wine production, featuring two oil presses, four fermentation tanks, and a distillery for brandy production, comprising a boiler, furnace, and copper still.

The estate also allows visitors to stroll through the orange and lemon orchard while observing the traditional irrigation system.

8. Museu do Pescador

Given its riverside location, fishing is integral to Montijo’s identity.

In 2014, a new museum opened within the former Conde Ferreira school building, distinguished by its vibrant blue paint.

Administered by the regional fishing union (SCUPA), the museum features approximately 80 exhibits categorized into distinct sections covering fishing tools, including nets, rigging, and navigation devices, along with illustrating the domestic and spiritual lives of fishermen through domestic items and tile panels depicting the Virgin.

The collection includes a full-sized fishing boat, various model vessels, and a wealth of archival illustrations and photographs.

9. Cinema-Teatro Joaquim d’Almeida

This cinema and performing arts venue exudes undeniable charm.

Constructed in 1957 during the Salazar regime, it exhibits the austere lines characteristic of that era, adorned with sculptures from notable artists like Martins Correia and José Farinha.

One can always find a plethora of activities at this venue, ranging from art-house cinema (with original English-language films) to dance performances, theater, comedy shows, live fado music, jazz, and classical concerts.

10. Forum Montijo

If you are seeking retail therapy or wish to occupy time on a rainy day, this relatively new shopping mall in Montijo offers a plethora of options.

Featuring brands such as H&M, Zara, Foot Locker, and Lacoste, it alleviates the need to venture into Lisbon for a shopping spree.

Moreover, for those staying in Montijo, there is a branch of the Continente hypermarket available.

The mall provides complimentary Wi-Fi, playgrounds for children, and a wide selection of dining options, along with a cinema that shows a majority of films in English with Portuguese subtitles.

11. Parque das Nações

In preparation for Expo ’98, the entire northeastern section of Lisbon underwent revitalization, which included the construction of a mall, viewing tower, marina, and contemporary residential buildings.

This program represented the largest urban redevelopment initiative in Europe.

Traffic permitting, it takes approximately 15 minutes to reach this area.

A visit at night is particularly rewarding, as the neighborhood takes on a metropolitan ambiance when the office towers are illuminated.

Visitors can ascend the Vasco da Gama Tower for unobstructed views of the river and bridge, take a cable car ride, stroll through the water gardens, or choose from an extensive selection of restaurants and bars.

12. Lisbon Oceanarium

The highlight of Expo ’98 and the Parque das Nações, this world-class aquarium is a must-visit, particularly for families with children.

Housing over 16,000 animals in exquisitely illuminated tanks, the centerpiece features a monumental aquarium, seven meters deep, replicating an ocean environment populated by rays, sharks, and massive sunfish, alongside a variety of bottom-dwelling creatures.

The remaining habitats recreate natural environments from around the globe, from the tropical reefs of the Indian Ocean to an Antarctic zone housing penguins.

13. Pavilhão do Conhecimento

Your itinerary could benefit from a visit to this interactive science museum located adjacent to the Oceanarium, especially if you’re with children.

The museum offers expansive exhibitions on diverse scientific domains and permanent modules that encourage children to engage with mathematics, physics, the human body, and technology through interactive activities.

Children have the opportunity to construct electric circuits, navigate high-wires on bicycles, build houses, create paper airplanes, study the spread of bacteria, assume the role of astronauts, and much more.

A knowledgeable staff is on hand to assist children in fully engaging with the exhibits.

14. Praça do Comércio

Upon arriving at the Terreiro do Paço ferry terminal, you will find yourself in Lisbon’s elegant riverside district, originally developed in the 1500s when King Manuel I erected a palace here. This structure was lost in the catastrophic earthquake of 1755 and subsequently replaced by the impressive square, framed by the Rua Augusta Triumphal Arch and offering views of the Tagus River.

This location serves as an ideal commencement point for a tour of the city, providing close proximity to renowned attractions such as the Alfama Quarter, São Jorge Castle, and numerous museums.

A novel culinary highlight is the Time Out Market, featuring a variety of street food vendors and pop-up restaurants showcasing the finest in Portuguese and global cuisine.

15. Lisbon

From this point, Portugal’s capital is fully accessible.

Utilizing the Metro system allows easy navigation to all sights around the city.

A quintessential experience for every visitor is to travel west to the Belém district, home to two of Portugal’s revered wonders.

The Torre de Belém, a 16th-century fortress, showcases impressive craftsmanship, as does the Jerónimos Monastery, which sports exquisite Manueline and Renaissance stonework.

Following this, the options for exploration are extensive, from riding the historic funiculars and trams in Alfama to experiencing traditional fado music in Bairro Alto, or immersing oneself in Portugal’s tile craft at the National Tile Museum.