Getaway
The beauty of Heritage, nature, fields, river and the characteristic hospitality of Montemor-o-Velho will provide an authentic dream getaway, with family or friends. In Montemor-o-Velho you'll enjoy slow-living, with a twist of intensity, adventure, energy and adrenaline. Here, History is lived, and Progress is felt.
Suggestion for a 2-Day Getaway:
1st day
Start your first day in Montemor-o-Velho with a journey through the History of Portugal and Montemor-o-Velho! Our majestic and magnificent Castle, national monument, will blow your mind, with episodes of love and heartbreak, like Inês de Castro, of bravery and overcoming. The little ones can pretend to be Kings/Queens or play a fun treasure hunt, just contact the educational service of the tourist office. Enjoy the beautiful Taipal Marsh and Mondego fields views. As you descend into the village, explore the literary route.
Once refreshed, we suggest a visit to the Field Museum (Museu do Campo) – Eng. Luiz Correia de Oliveira, at Carapinheira, where you'll find a collection of objects that represent the experiences and artisanal crafts of the Baixo Mondego countryside, or to the Museum of Sacred Art, at Meãs do Campo, to appreciate collections of sacred art, statuary, and vestments from the 16th to the 18th centuries. If you prefer an outdoor adventure, explore Europaradise – Zoological Park and, on a relaxing walk through a beautiful Mediterranean forest, observe dozens of animals from around the world. The Mondego fields, between Meãs do Campo and Pereira, demands a mandatory stop. From these extensive fields emerges the Carolino rice of Baixo Mondego, which delights everyone who tastes it in various dishes. In Pereira, stroll through the historic center of this beautiful village and taste the traditional Queijadas de Pereira.
2nd day
Montemor-o-Velho is a municipality of refined senses. Therefore, nothing better than starting the day in the beautiful Esteiro da Ereira savoring the Pinhas de Montemor, a traditional sweet that can only be found in the village of Montemor. Along the way, discover the barge (barcaça), a replica of the boat used by farmers to cross the Mondego river with their animals and equipment. Did you know that the Romans called the Mondego Munda for its transparency, clarity, and purity? In Ereira, a village whose ties to agricultural fields and the river give it a fundamental role in the local gastronomy, be amazed by the fields, learn how the Carolino rice of Baixo Mondego is produced, and savor it in a various number of dishes that warm our souls. It was in this "island" that Afonso Duarte, a prominent and recognized poet and pedagogue of the 19th century, was born. Before lunch, head to the Union of Parishes of Verride, Abrunheira and Vila Nova da Barca, on the other side of the river, and appreciate the surprising, creative and irreverent urban art route.
In Reveles, from the top of the viewpoint, breathe tranquility while watching the sea, the river and the Mondego fields. After tasting all our delicious dishes, full of history and stories, and because one temptation never comes alone, marvel with an afternoon dedicated to the delicate Pastel de Tentúgal. Let yourself be tempted and take part in the pastry-making workshop where you can experience the art of handling the dough, meticulously and carefully laid out on the floor until you can read a love letter through it. In the end, enjoy this perfect combination of eggs, sugar and deliciously crispy pastry. And because we want you to take an indelible treasure from this territory in your luggage, the last suggestion of this getaway goes to Arazede, to taste the always appetizing and delicious strawberries from Gândara.
Event Suggestions:
Castelo Sente | Regular castle cultural program > February/November
Rice and Lamprey Festival (Festival do Arroz e da Lampreia)| Flavors from the Field and the River | March
Night Guided Visits to Montemor-o-Velho Castle | April/October
Trips in Our Land – Tourist Train | May/September
(last weekend of the month)
CITEMOR – Montemor-o-Velho Theater Festival | July/August
Feira do Ano (Municipal festivities) | September
Castelo Mágico | December
Where to Eat:
Venture into the flavors of the field and the river.
During lamprey season, between January and April, lamprey rice is one of the most desired dishes of the national gastronomic season.
We also recommend fried eels, fried shad and other river fish, barnyard birds, with a highlight on roasted or giblet duck (cabidela) and sardines on the tile, accompanied by the indispensable cornbread.
Menu:
Traditional Montemor-o-Velho Recipe Dish (except Lamprey Rice) + Drinks + Coffee
25€ per person
Find out more at www.cm-montemorvelho.pt
Quinta de Santo António do Cardal – Country House | Abrunheira
Rooms adapted for children/families. Pet-friendly.
casadecampo@quintasacardal.pt
Hotel Abade João – Hotel ** | Montemor-o-Velho
Rooms adapted for children/families. Does not accept animals (only guide dogs).
hotelabadejoao@itcomercio.com
Casa da Tininha – Local Accommodation Unit | Casal Novo do Rio
Rooms adapted for children/families. Does not accept animals.
casadatininha.pt@gmail.com
Quinta das Tamengas – Local Accommodation Unit | Tentúgal
Rooms adapted for children/families. Pet-friendly.
quintatamengas@hotmail.com
Quinta do Mourão – Rural Tourism Unit | Tentúgal
Rooms adapted for children/families. Does not accept animals.
geral@narcisus.pt
Price per person in single room without breakfast | 37€
Price per person in single room with breakfast | 40€
Double room without breakfast | 48€
Double room with breakfast | 55€
Local accommodation in a house for one to four people per day | 120€
What to visit:
Montemor-o-Velho Castle
Literary Route of the Village of Montemor-o-Velho
Field Museum (Museu do Campo) Eng. Luiz Correia de Oliveira | Rua Nova do Alhastro, Carapinheira
Museum of Sacred Art | Pátio-Bar Building | Rua Padre Eurico, Meãs do Campo
Europaradise Zoo Park | Rua do Miradouro
Closed on Mondays.
Tentúgal Confectioners Association | Dr. Armando Gonçalves Street
Tentúgal
How to get here:
By car:
If coming from Lisbon or Leiria, the best route is via A8/A17, exit at exit 8 (A14/direction Coimbra/Montemor-o-Velho/A1), then follow exit 4 (Coimbra/Montemor/Maiorca).
If coming from Porto or Aveiro, the fastest route is via A1 to Coimbra, exit 13 (A14/Figueira da Foz/Montemor). On A14, exit at exit 5 (N111/Montemor).
By train:
Suburban train network from Coimbra to Figueira da Foz – check schedules here.
By bus:
Check schedules here.
More information at www.cm-montemorvelho.pt