West

Best of West Portugal

West's Essential Highlights

Explore Portugal’s West region, from the medieval walled town of Óbidos and its well-preserved castle to the UNESCO-listed Cistercian Monastery of Alcobaça. The coastline features Nazaré’s dramatic cliffs, the world-renowned big-wave surfing spot at Praia do Norte, and the historical maritime fortifications of Peniche. Cultural landmarks include the Museum of Ceramics in Caldas da Rainha and unique religious sites like the hexagonal Sanctuary of Senhor Jesus da Pedra and the tile-lined St. Mary’s Church.

West's Essential Highlights — Map

Alexa Pinto / CC BY-SA 3.0

A

Castle of Óbidos

The Castle of Óbidos is a well-preserved medieval castle located in the civil parish of Santa Maria, São Pedro e Sobral da Lagoa, in the…

Karstenkascais / CC BY-SA 3.0

B

Monastery of Alcobaça

The Alcobaça Monastery or Alcobasa Monastery is a Catholic monastic complex located in the town of Alcobaça, in central Portugal, 120 km…

Sygic Travel User / CC-BY-SA

C

Nazaré Beach

A wide, sandy bay framed by high cliffs and the Sítio promontory, historically known for its traditional fishing culture and colorful wooden boats.

dynamosquito / CC BY-SA 2.0

D

Peniche Fortress

The Peniche Fortress is located in the municipality of Peniche in Leiria District, Portugal.

Andrey Bugaev / CC-BY-SA

E

Farol da Nazaré

Situated atop the Fort of São Miguel Arcanjo, this lighthouse overlooks the Nazaré Canyon and serves as a primary viewpoint for observing the world's largest surfable waves.

Sergei Gussev / CC BY 2.0

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Praia do Norte

Praia do Norte is a beach located in Nazaré, portuguese Oeste region, which due to its giant white breaking waves is famed for its surfing…

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Forte de São Miguel Arcanjo

A 16th-century fortification built to defend the coast from pirate attacks. It now houses an interpretive center focused on the giant waves of the Nazaré Canyon and local surfing history.

dynamosquito / CC BY-SA 2.0

H

Santuário do Senhor Jesus da Pedra

An 18th-century Baroque sanctuary located outside the walls of Óbidos, distinguished by its unusual hexagonal floor plan and unfinished architectural elements.

Raginsky Helena / CC-BY-SA

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Museum of Ceramics

An interesting exhibition on the traditional Portuguese crafted ceramics and their history. Stop by if you are in the area.

Katalin Behina / CC-BY-SA

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St. Peter's Church

A medieval church rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake, featuring a gilded wood altarpiece and the tomb of the 17th-century painter Josefa de Óbidos.

Alegna13 / CC BY-SA 3.0

K

St. Mary's Church

The main parish church of Óbidos, notable for its 17th-century blue and white azulejo tiles and as the 1444 wedding site of King Afonso V.

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