Penedo Da Gaivota

Leiria District (Distrito de Leiria in Portuguese) is situated in the center of Portugal. It is composed of 6 cities (Alcobaca, Caldas da Rainha, Leiria, Marinha Grande, Peniche, Pombal) and 10 towns (Alvaiazere, Ansiao, Batalha, Bombarral, Castanheira de Pera, Figueiro dos Vinhos, Nazare, Obidos, Pedrogao Grande, Porto de Mos).

If experiencing a destination is not complete until you try the food, you will not be disappointed by Leiria. Try great seafood dishes at Rosa dos Ventos, Portuguese traditional menus at O Cabeco, Costa Brava, Dom Jose and Mirandum Marisqueira. Don’t miss the spicy Indian food at Delhi Darbar, a delicious soup at Pro Fresco, the Italian cuisine at Sabores and Blue Jardim or amazing desserts at Permarcati.

Finding a place to stay in Leiria is easier than you think. The hotels will welcome you with great service and trained personnel. At the end of the day, you know that people are the ones making the difference. If you can’t part from luxurious living conditions not even on holiday, these may be the best option for you. The top-rated are Hotel Casa do Quteiro, Hotel Mestre Afonso Domingues, Palace Hotel Monte Real, Hotel Villa Batalha, Cardal Hotel, SANA Silver Coast Hotel and Casa das Senhoras Rainhas. If you are looking for a more traditional, cozy and personalized stay, choose one of over 100 quality units: B&B Quinta Verde, Quinta Das Rosas, Hostel Argonauta, Casas dos Infantes. You may also want to consider Rio do Prado, Quinta da Olivia, Challet Fonte Nova.

These units provide a unique experience in travelling. When it comes to visiting and exploring, there are a lot of fun things you can do. Castelo de Leiria, Castelo de Pombal and Castelo de Obidos are majestic works of architecture that will take you for a short trip in the past and see where royalty used to live. Experience nature at its best and see God’s most wonderful creations at Nazare Beach, Foz do Arelho Beach, Berlengas Archipelago, Salgado Beach, Sao Pedro de Moel Beach and Pedrogao Beach. The fine sand, the mesmerizing blue water and the calm breeze will certainly make your day.

The Aljubarrota battle interpretation centre is the place where the guide will give you all the significant facts this important historical moment. Jose Malhoa Museum has many sculptures and paintings that are over 100 years. Municipal Museum of Obidos hosts religious statues and artifacts. Museu do Vidro has an exhibit of beautiful glass pieces. Museu do Ciclismo will offer interesting facts about the Portuguese history of competitive cycling. Visit Museu Raul Da Bernada for its traditional clothes and dinnerware.

Obidos Village is a small, quirky tourist resort, with 13th century old walls, narrow streets and white painted and blue tile decorated houses. The streets have something special about them, exotic air, and you can admire the shows of street performers. Whatever your hobbies are, photography, painting, writing, the next beautiful places will keep you inspired and give you a peaceful feeling: Cabo Carvoeiro, Fortaleza de Peniche, Farol and Santana Chapel ruins.

The simplicity of the landscape, the serenity of the unspoilt nature and the remarkable silence that will curl up in your mind and soul will boost your energy and make you truly realize how beautiful the world is. If all these don’t seem fun enough for you, you can always try surfing. That will raise your blood pressure and keep your heart rate high. Are you travelling with your children? Take them to one of Leiria’s amusement parks: Mariparque, Vila Natal, Panoramico or Norpark. This will guarantee a truly great day for your family.

Discover Portugal, discover Leiria and make a top of your favourite places, tell your friends about them in such manner that they will want to come with you next time you visit.