Pedro DominguesLeiria has made significant progress in terms of tourism. As a Portuguese native from a village on the outskirts of the city, I’ve witnessed the tremendous growth and development that has occurred in Leiria over the years, specially at the level of presentation of its main attractions to the public. I must admit that I was pleasantly surprised during my recent visit, and I’m eager to share with you everything I had the opportunity to explore.
Leiria has much more to offer than just its castle. It boasts pleasant green parks along the Lis River and a wealth of urban art to discover. You cannot miss visiting its various museums, main squares, narrow streets, and climbing up to the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Encarnação. There are so many things to do in Leiria for at least a full day in the city!
Within the municipality of Leiria, you’ll also find Pedrogão Beach, offering a refreshing escape for a summer swim, as well as the serene Ervedeira Lagoon. Additionally, don’t miss the chance to indulge in the rejuvenating experience of the exceptional thermal spa in Monte Real. Unfortunately, I am unable to mention Leiria Pine Forest as one of the city’s most notable tourist spots anymore, due to the devastating fire of 2017.
To assist you in preparing an itinerary, this article provides complete tips on things to do in Leiria, what to see and visit in 2 or 3 days!
Where is Leiria located, in Portugal?
Leiria is located on Central Portugal, between Lisbon and Porto, being easily accessible by car and public transportation. It serves as a district capital of Portugal that includes other tourist locations of the country such as Alcobaça, Batalha, Bombarral, Caldas da Rainha, Nazaré, Óbidos, Peniche and Porto de Mós. Not far from Leiria, but on the district of Santarém, you will also find the Sanctuary of Fátima.
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How to get to Leiria?
If you want to visit Leiria but haven’t bought tickets to Portugal yet, I recommend that you use Skyscanner or Google Flights to do a search before buying them, comparing prices and flight conditions. You have many connections with Porto or Lisbon from abroad.
Already in Portugal, it is very easy to get to Leiria by public transport, whether from Lisbon or Porto, or from other major cities in the country. Use the express buses from Rede Expressos.
In the region of Leiria there are many places to visit apart from the central town, so consider renting a car with Discover Cars and going for an itinerary to visit Batalha, Alcobaça, Nazaré and many other places I mention as interesting in this website. 😉
Take out Travel Insurance to visit Portugal
To be protected against several types of travel hazards, I also recommend that you take out travel insurance for your stay in Portugal, and I recommend to do it with World Nomads.
When to visit Leiria?
You can visit Leiria at any time of the year without major restrictions. Of course, during the summer, you’ll find a milder climate for swimming in the sea at Pedrogão Beach.
Regarding annual events, consider the following options:
- The Leiria Fair takes place throughout the month of May.
- A Porta Festival, taking place in June.
- Medieval Leiria takes place in July, featuring various activities that “transport” us back to medieval times. Each year has a different theme associated with Leiria’s medieval past. For example, in 2021, the theme was the Courts of Leiria in 1254.
- The Sardine Festival at Pedrogão Beach (in July).
- ExtraMuralhas, a gothic festival held in August.
- Leiria on Wheels in September: an exhibition of historical and classic vehicles and motorcycles, with a component of motor sports.
- Leiria Fun Run, filled with color, entertainment, and energy.
- The Museum Festival.
- The Leiria Pastry Festival (Taste Leiria), held at the Market of Sant’Ana. Don’t miss the famous and delicious Brisas do Lis.
- Leiria at Christmas.
As you can see, there are numerous festivities in which you can participate throughout the year. You can find more information about all these events directly on the Visit Leiria website. For each event, you’ll find descriptions, useful links, and even videos and photos from previous editions. 😉 I recommend that you always visit this website to confirm dates and event activities.
Gastronomy and Restaurants in Leiria
When it comes to gastronomy, Leiria offers excellent seafood along its coast. For example, how about savoring a delicious seafood rice at Pedrogão Beach or at Vieira Beach if you decide to make a quick detour to Marinha Grande municipality? In fact, the Seafood Rice from Vieira Beach is one of the seven winning wonders of Portuguese gastronomy.
As for meat, being from the region, one of my favorite dishes is undoubtedly the lamb stew, served with boiled potatoes, peas, and carrots. It’s not for everyone, as this meat has a very intense flavor. You can also find excellent roasted suckling pig in the Boa Vista parish.
When it comes to pastries, you must try the delicious Brisas do Lis.
There are plenty of restaurant options to enjoy a meal in Leiria, and below I’ll provide you with what I believe to be the best alternatives. 😉 However, don’t forget to conduct your own research and inquire about other possibilities at your accommodation during your trip.
- Luna Restaurant, located in the outskirts of the city.
- Matilde Noca Restaurant, located in the outskirts of the city.
- Casinha Velha Restaurant, located in the outskirts of the city.
- Ao Largo Restaurant, situated in the center of Leiria.
- Morgatões Restaurant, in Boa Vista.
- Tasquinha Restaurant, in Boa Vista.
- Quebra Mar Restaurant, near Pedrogão Beach.
- Casa da Nora Restaurant, in Cortes (surroundings of Leiria).
Accommodation tips to visit Leiria
| Accommodation | Score | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Monte Real – Hotel, Termas & Spa | 8.9 | Monte Real |
| Pedrogão Guesthouse | 9.1 | Pedrogão Beach |
| Magnolia B&B | 9.1 | Marrazes (Leiria) |
| Hotel Casa da Nora | 8.8 | Cortes (Leiria) |
| Hotel São Luís | 8.5 | Leiria City Center |
| Hotel D. Dinis | 8.5 | Leiria City Center |
| Tryp Leiria | 8.8 | Outskirts of Leiria |
| Porta 20 Boutique Guesthouse | 9.5 | Leiria City Center |
| Sant’Ana Guesthouse | 9.1 | Leiria City Center |
Things to do in Leiria | Portugal
To visit all the places I will mention below, I recommend an itinerary of at least 2 or 3 days. One day will be dedicated to exploring the city of Leiria, and the other two will allow you to enjoy Pedrogão Beach, visit Monte Real, the extraordinary Sanctuary of Milagres, and take some walks and trails in the region. Don’t forget that Leiria has many amazing places in the surroundings, such as Batalha, Alcobaça, Óbidos, Fátima, and even Nazaré.
Map | Things to do in Leiria
Visit the city center of Leiria
To introduce you to all the things to do in Leiria, and what to visit, I’ll start with the city and its historic center. In my opinion, the itinerary in this city should start and end near the Municipal Stadium, where you usually have plenty of free parking space for your car. The visit should be done entirely on foot from there!
1. Castle of Leiria
Near the parking area close to the stadium, you’ll find an elevator that can take you up to the castle without having to climb the hill on foot. The elevator is free to use, just like the parking, and operates during the castle’s visiting hours. You can find updated information about these hours and the entrance fees to the castle on Leiria Municipal Council’s website.
When it comes to the main tourist attractions within the castle grounds and its history, I start by mentioning that the castle was built as a military fortress in the 12th century during the reign of King Afonso Henriques. It witnessed several battles with the Moors during that time, and later on it served as a residence for various Portuguese kings, including King Dinis, King Afonso III, King Afonso IV, King Pedro I, and King Fernando.
Highlighted places include:
- Albacara Door: the main entrance gate of the castle.
- Keep’s House: currently the castle’s reception area and ticket office.
- The Castle’s Cisterns: used for water storage.
- Betrayal Door: believed to be the secret entry point used by the Muslims during one of the castle’s sieges.
- The Keep’s main Tower.
- The Church of Santa Maria da Pena: the first church founded in Leiria, dating back to the 1140s.
- The Royal Palace: notable for its balcony offering one of the best viewpoints of the city of Leiria.
- Buçaqueira Tower, also known as the Tower of the Bells.
We are fortunate to witness a well-preserved castle today, thanks to restoration efforts carried out in the 20th century by the architect Ernesto Korrodi.
Ernesto Korrodi, whom you will hear about extensively in this article, was a Swiss architect who moved to Leiria in the early 20th century. He ultimately passed away in 1944, leaving behind a significant architectural legacy scattered throughout the city.
2. Museum of Moving Image (MIMO), São Pedro Church, and Bell Tower
As you descend towards the city center, you will first pass through the Square of São Pedro. There are three must-see attractions there:
- São Pedro Church: This Romanesque-style church was built in the second half of the 12th century. It has served various purposes over time, including functioning as a city theater and even a granary.
- Bell Tower: Built in the 18th century in Baroque style. Its ground floor was once used as a prison. This tower is considered part of the heritage of Leiria Cathedral and is strategically located so that its bells could be heard throughout the city, even in distant areas.
- MIMO – Museum of Moving Image: This museum showcases exhibitions dedicated to photography and cinema, featuring antique equipment used for these purposes. Here, you can discover how these arts have evolved over time.
3. Leiria Cathedral
You can stop by the Ernesto Korrodi viewpoint before descending to Leiria Cathedral, but it’s purely optional as it doesn’t offer a view superior to those you found at the castle.
Leiria Cathedral features simple architecture, in my opinion. It was constructed in the mid-16th century, and its most notable feature is the detached bell tower, as mentioned in the previous section.
4. Rua Barão Viamonte
Next, I recommend that you go and discover the road “Rua Barão Viamonte“, traversing its entire length from the Cathedral Square to the square of Cândido Reis. It’s a considerably long road with numerous intersections with other alleys in the city, some of which quite picturesque.
I particularly highlight the intersection with Rua da Tipografia, where you will find references to Eça de Queirós (famous portuguese writer), who lived there during his stay in Leiria between 1870 and 1871. Nearby, you will come across a fully mirrored building, in which you will see the reflection of the castle and the famous black cat of Leiria. 😉
Prepare yourself as well to encounter some urban art along this street.
5. Cândido Reis Square
At Cândido Reis Square, you will find the Municipal Library of Leiria. This is one of the main squares of the city, with a considerable size and several outdoor cafés, in a quieter area of the historic center.
6. Rodrigues Lobo Square
Rodrigues Lobo Square is much more impressive than the previous one, being the true heart of Leiria and the main leisure and socializing space. In the past, several important monuments of the city were located here, such as the Prison, the Town Hall, the Pillory of Leiria, and the Palace of Tabeliães. Francisco Rodrigues Lobo, a renowned poet from Leiria in the 16th century, gives his name to this square, and you will find a statue there in his honor.
7. Church of Mercy in Leiria
In the vicinity of Rodrigues Lobo Square, you will find the area of the former Jewish quarter of Leiria. First and foremost, the Church of Mercy (16th century) stands out, which once housed a Synagogue. Inside, you have an Intercultural Dialogue Center to visit, where you can learn more about this historical context.
8. Arch House at Rua Afonso de Albuquerque
The Arch at Rua Afonso de Albuquerque was reconstructed in 1912, according to a design by Ernesto Korrodi, mentioned earlier in this article. Undoubtedly, it is one of the most unique buildings in the city of Leiria, and it reminds us of the possible gates to the Jewish quarter. Adjacent to this arch, there was an old hospital of the Holy House of Mercy until 1800.
9. Painters House
The Painters House, in turn, is located near the former Baths Square of the Jewish quarter in Leiria. Today it houses an interpretive center of the Jewish community that you may want to visit.
10. 5th of October Square and Luís de Camões Garden
Next, head towards the Lis River, specifically to the Garden of Luís de Camões and 5th of October Square. There, you will find various statues, fountains, lakes, and attractive buildings.
The old building of the Bank of Portugal stands out, as another great work of Ernesto Korrodi from 1923. Today it is known as the Arts Bank, serving as an art gallery in Leiria.
Don’t forget to admire the beautiful Statue of the Pilgrim Shepherd, and take some photos next to the Luminous Fountain and “Leiria” letters. Although you’re near the Lis River, don’t worry about exploring its banks just yet. Later in this itinerary, you will have the opportunity to walk along its Via Polis.
11. Market of Sant’Ana and Holy Spirit Church
The Market of Sant’Ana is another of the most unique spaces to visit in the city of Leiria. It was also designed by Ernesto Korrodi, dating back to the 1920s/1930s. It was initially built as a municipal market but today is primarily used for exhibitions and events.
The Holy Spirit Church, in the vicinity, dates back to the 18th century, resulting from the reconstruction of an old medieval chapel.
12. Fountain of the 3 Spouts
Not far away, you will find the Fountain of the 3 Spouts (fonte das 3 bicas, in Portuguese). It is undoubtedly the most monumental fountain to visit in Leiria, also known as the Big Fountain. Dating back to the 17th century, it features a statue of Saint Anthony in the center and two animal drinking troughs.
13. Leiria Museum and Convent of Saint Agostinho
The Museum of Leiria, located in the Convent of Saint Agostinho, is the ideal place to discover more of the history of the municipality. The museum’s exhibitions are organized chronologically, starting from the early occupation of the region and then covering the Roman occupation, construction of the castle, establishment of Leiria Pine Forest, and other significant events. You will also find a valuable collection of sculptures and paintings there.
As a curious fact, the Convent of Saint Agostinho dates back to the 1570s. When I visited it, the Museum of Leiria had a temporary exhibition dedicated to the history of plastics in Portugal.
14. Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Encarnação
The Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Encarnação is spectacular and offers an impressive view of the city of Leiria. However, be prepared for the ascent, as there is a staircase with over 160 steps leading up to the church. Nossa Senhora da Encarnação is the Patron Saint of the city of Leiria, and her sanctuary was built in the late 16th century.
15. Paper Mill
The Paper Mill is located on the way back to the banks of Lis River. It may go unnoticed by most visitors to Leiria, but it holds great importance in the city’s history, dating back to the early 15th century when it was used for grain milling. It was also a site for olive oil and paper production with the arrival of typography in Leiria.
16. Via Polis of Leiria
The final highlight of the city of Leiria is Via Polis, a pedestrian pathway along River Lis. You can explore it on foot or even by bicycle, whichever you prefer. It will lead you back to the starting point of this city itinerary.
- Passing through Caniços Park is a must, as it features beautiful waterfalls along Lis River.
- Don’t miss the opportunity to stroll through the Garden of Saint Agostinho, located by the riverside.
- Pay attention to the urban art along the Via Polis.
- Cross the Pedestrian Bridge of King D. Dinis.
- Explore the Municipal Park of Tenente Coronel Jaime Filipe da Fonseca and the Plane Park.
- Marvel at the enormous plane trees along certain sections of the route and admire the many bridges spanning the river.
Optionally, you can make a detour to visit the Church of São Francisco near the end of the route. The Via Polis continues after reaching the area of the Municipal Stadium, but I don’t consider that section as interesting.
Caniços Park
Gardens of Saint Agostinho
Urban Art on a walk along Via Polis of Leiria
Pedestrian Bridge of King D. Dinis
Plane Park and other Bridges of River Lis
The Plane Trees of Via Polis in Leiria
Visit the Sanctuary of Senhor Jesus dos Milagres
In the outskirts of Leiria, one of the most essential places to visit is the Sanctuary of Senhor Jesus dos Milagres. It is, in my opinion, the most beautiful church in Leiria, built in the 18th century with funds obtained in homage to miracles attributed to Jesus Christ. Once again, Ernesto Korrodi played a role in the exterior finishes and construction of the towers.
The Festivities of Senhor Jesus dos Milagres always take place on the second weekend of September, featuring a beautiful procession.
Visit Pedrogão Beach
At Pedrogão Beach, I give special emphasis to Arte Xávega, a type of traditional fishing still practiced by local fishermen. I remember going to Pedrogão Beach as a kid and seeing the boats returning from the sea, pulling fishing nets filled with fish with the help of tractors. The fish would then be sold to people on the beach, and sometimes my family would buy boxes of it, usually mackerel, at much more affordable prices than those found in markets. 😀
If you spend an afternoon at Pedrogão Beach, you may also witness the departure and arrival of these fishing boats, but be prepared for the crowd that will gather upon their return.
Visit Ervedeira Lagoon
Ervedeira Lagoon is not far from Pedrogão Beach. It is a freshwater lagoon, approximately 600 meters long, with a sandy beach area to lay your towel, picnic tables, a support bar, and wooden walkways for a pleasant stroll.
Until a few years ago, Ervedeira Lagoon was surrounded by Leiria Pine Forest, but the fire of 2017 destroyed it completely. :/ Today, you will see a landscape that, unfortunately, lacks the forest, but it still remains quite beautiful.
Visit Monte Real and its thermal baths
In Monte Real, you can stay at the fabulous Thermal Hotel, especially if you want to take advantage of the spa facilities. It is located right in the center of the town, where you will also find the Mother Church. I would also like to highlight the thermal park, with a beautiful lake, and the Olimpio Duarte Alves Park.
In Monte Real, you will also find the ruins of the former Royal Palace, which was once inhabited by Queen Saint Isabel herself, the wife of King D. Dinis. Nearby you may come across the Pillory of Monte Real and the Church of São João Baptista.
1. Ruins of the Royal Palace of Monte Real
2. Church of São João Baptista
3. Mother Church of Monte Real
4. Park Olímpio Duarte Alves
5. Thermal Park of Monte Real
Visit Maceira and its Waterfall
Another one of the most interesting parishes in the municipality of Leiria is undoubtedly Maceira. I loved visiting its main Church of Nossa Senhora da Luz, with a portal filled with beautiful details. Next to the church, you will find a staircase that leads you to Maceira Waterfall, unfortunately dry during my most recent visit. In the winter months, when it rains frequently, it has a lot of water and becomes a must-visit tourist spot when exploring Leiria during that time of the year.
Walk the Pedestrian Route PR1 – Lapedo Valley
The Lapedo Valley Route is an easy, approximately 5km long circular trail. It starts and ends near the Lapedo Valley Picnic Park, taking you through spectacular rock formations, viewpoints, and even a tourist swing. It’s a very enjoyable trail that I highly recommend you undertake!
Make sure not to miss the opportunity to visit the Interpretation Center of the “Abrigo do Lagar Velho”, where you can learn more about the site where a 29,000-year-old child’s burial was discovered in 1998. This discovery was of great importance as it is the only known human burial from this period in the entire Iberian Peninsula.
Visit the Viewpoint of Senhora do Monte
The Viewpoint of Senhora do Monte is located in the southern part of Leiria municipality, in Cortes. Undoubtedly, it is one of the finest viewpoints in the entire region, from where you can see the landscape all the way to the sea and even all the way to the Mountains of Serra de Aire and Candeeiros.
Visit the Source of River Lis
From the previous viewpoint, you can also see the village of Fontes, where the River Lis originates. If you enjoy hiking, you can take the complete trail PR4, which is approximately 9km long, but I don’t consider it as mandatory. What I recommend is for you to walk only the section of the trail from the church of Fontes to the source of River Lis. During the hotter months, you may not find much water, but during the winter months, it springs directly from the ground near the source marker. It is an extremely beautiful place when it is full of water!
Other Tourist Attractions to visit in Leiria
There are other tourist spots to visit in Leiria, but they are only optional. Here are some tips for you, followed by some photos. If you have more time in Leiria, how about exploring? 😉
- The Troncão Picnic Park, located on the border with the municipality of Pombal.
- The Pisão Picnic Park, in Bajouca.
- The Amor Picnic Park.
- The Barosa Picnic Park.
- The Boa Vista Picnic Park.
- Villa Portela and Republic Square, near the city of Leiria.
- The Visconde da Barreira Garden.
- Cortes Main Church and João Soares House-Museum.
1. Troncão Picnic Park
2. Pisão Picnic Park
3. Barosa Picnic Park
4. Boa Vista Picnic Park
5. Visconde da Barreira Garden
6. Mother Church of Cortes
Things to do in Leiria Surroundings
There are so many spectacular places in Leiria surroundings, for sure! Check out the following list, so you don’t forget any special location:
- The Monasteries of Alcobaça and Batalha, both part of the UNESCO heritage in Portugal. Delight yourself with the conventual sweets of Alcobaça, and if you have time, go also to Alfeizerão to taste its fabulous sponge cake.
- Visit São Martinho do Porto with a perfect shell-shaped beach with calm waters. Don’t forget to go up to its awesome viewpoints on the cliffs, standing out the one on the south side, next to chapel of Santa Ana.
- Go south to visit the medieval town of Óbidos, with one of the best castles in Portugal, if not the very best.
- Decide to visit the Peninsula of Peniche. Why don’t you go for a boat ride to also visit Berlenga Island, a beautiful paradise a few miles from the coast?
- Explore the region around Porto de Mós that is part of the natural park of Serras de Aire e Candeeiros. It has unique limestone caves to discover there, such as Mira de Aire Caves and Santo António Caves.
- Visit the Sanctuary of Fátima and maybe even the Medieval Town of Ourém or the Convent of Christ in Tomar.
- Go north to visit the templar castle of Pombal and its city center.
These are just a few tips, there are so many more things to do in Leiria surrounding area! Have a nice trip and check the other itineraries and guides below related with visiting Portugal! 😉
Other Itineraries and Travel Guides in Portugal
- N2 Portugal Road Trip Itinerary
- Madeira Itinerary and Travel Guide
- São Miguel Itinerary and Travel Guide (Azores)
- Terceira Itinerary and Travel Guide (Azores)
- Pico Itinerary in Azores
- Faial Itinerary in Azores
- Minho | Northern Portugal Itinerary
- Porto Itinerary and Travel Guide
- Things to do In Braga (Minho)
- Things to do in Guimarães (Minho)
- Things to do in Viana do Castelo (Minho)
- Peneda Gerês National Park Itinerary
- Douro Valley Itinerary
- Trás-os-Montes Itinerary
- Things to do in Bragança
- Montesinho Natural Park Itinerary
- Douro International Natural Park Itinerary
- Things to do in Aveiro
- Things to do in Coimbra
- Things to do in Fatima
- Things to do in Nazaré
- Things to do in Peniche
- Things to do in Évora (Alentejo)
- Things to do in Beja (Alentejo)
- Algarve Road Trip Itinerary
- Things to do in Lagos (Algarve)
- Things to do in Portimão (Algarve)
- Things to do in Faro (Algarve)
- Things to do in Tavira (Algarve)
Please leave your comments in the section below, or just share with me your own experience, okay? 😉 Was this post of things to do in Leiria useful to you?
