The Beiras
In the wetlands south of the city, this small museum charts the centuries-old history of salt production in the area. Old photos and models illustrate production techniques, while outside a network of boardwalks traverse the geometrically divided saltpans. Look out for wetland birds and a pair of giant pink flamingos.
Realistically, you'll need your own wheels to get to the museum, which is about 9km outside Figueira.
22.5 MILES
Coimbra's Unesco-listed university, one of the world's oldest, was originally founded in Lisbon in 1290. It was subsequently relocated several times…
22.48 MILES
The university's baroque library is Coimbra's headline sight. Named after King João V, who sponsored its construction between 1717 and 1728, it features a…
18.04 MILES
Set in the lush countryside southwest of Coimbra, this is Portugal’s largest and most impressive Roman site. Ancient Conímbriga was an important city in…
Museu Nacional de Machado de Castro
22.57 MILES
This great museum is a highlight of central Portugal. Housed in a 12th-century bishop's palace, it stands over the city's ancient Roman forum, remains of…
22.47 MILES
Coimbra's 12th-century cathedral is one of Portugal's finest examples of Romanesque architecture. The main portal and facade are particularly striking,…
22.68 MILES
Coimbra's science museum is wonderful, with everything from kid-friendly interactive machines to early scientific instruments, fossils and skeletons. The…
9.04 MILES
Perched atop a rugged hilltop, this medieval castle dominates the surrounding landscape. Originally dating to the 10th century, it was the scene of much…
Centro de Diálogo Intercultural de Leiria
25.36 MILES
The gorgeously restored 18th century Igreja da Misericórdia was built in late-Mannerist style on the plot of land where an even older cathedral dating to…
1. Museu Municipal Dr Santos Rocha
3.15 MILES
This modern museum, beside the Parque das Abadias, houses a wonderfully eclectic collection of local archaeological finds, Roman coins, medieval statues,…
3.35 MILES
Figueira da Foz's main beach is one of Portugal's largest, a vast expanse of yellow sand. It gets packed to the gills in summer, but has all the services,…
6.19 MILES
For those with wheels, this wooded headland carpeted in pines, eucalypts and acacias is a fine place for panoramas, picnics and cool walks. To get there…
4. Castelo do Montemor-o-Velho
9.04 MILES
Perched atop a rugged hilltop, this medieval castle dominates the surrounding landscape. Originally dating to the 10th century, it was the scene of much…
18.04 MILES
Set in the lush countryside southwest of Coimbra, this is Portugal’s largest and most impressive Roman site. Ancient Conímbriga was an important city in…
6. Convento de Santa Clara-a-Nova
21.83 MILES
On the west side of the river, this imposing convent was built in the 17th century to replace the original Convento de Santa Clara-a-Velha, which often…
7. Jardins da Quinta das Lágrimas
21.94 MILES
According to legend, this lovely pocket of parkland is where Dona Inês de Castro (aka Portugal's Juliet to the Infante Pedro's Romeo) was murdered on the…
21.97 MILES
The brainchild of local collector Bissaya Barreto, this is a cute theme park where kids clamber over, into and around micro versions of Portugal’s most…