The 10 Best Things To See And Do In Figueira Da Foz Portugal

Figueira da Foz is a seaside town located halfway between Lisbon and Porto with an expansive beach and many interesting landmarks. Although it’s a semi-sleepy destination during the colder months, it comes alive in the summer with sunbathers, seafood connoisseurs, and party-seekers who know about the local festivals. From the charming town center to the Serra da Boa Viagem’s panoramic hills and the local heritage, there is plenty to see and do to keep visitors happily busy.

Go to the beach

This is perhaps the most obvious activity (the town is known as the country’s “Queen of Beaches” after all) but one that should be mentioned nonetheless. The local beaches are massive, some of the largest in the country, in fact, that will keep sea-seekers walking a little longer than they may be used to before reaching the water’s edge. Figueira Beach is the main stretch but it’s broken into separate sections known as Praia do Molhe and Claridade Beach, and turns into Buarcos Beach just north of the center. There are more amazing beaches just a short drive away including Praia da Tocha, approximately 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) north.

Take in a view

Picnic in the mountains

If heading up the Serra da Boa Viagem, plan a lunch and spend a few hours eating at one of the picnic stations surrounded by eucalyptus and pine trees.

Enjoy a show at the casino

One highlight in downtown Figueira da Foz is the casino, one of the oldest and largest in Portugal. Even non-gamblers may enjoy visiting for a glimpse of the fresco artwork and sophisticated settings. The casino also schedules regular shows alongside exquisite dinners that are promoted on their website.

Walk, run or cycle

The town recently finished adding on to the long, approximately 4-kilometer (2.5 miles) boardwalk from the clock tower to the end of Buarcos and the final result is perfect for leisurely strolls, running and cycling (in addition to rollerskating or other forms of exercise). Plus, there is an extensive network of wooden boardwalks that meander over the sand and, in part, along with the dunes. Along the way are little cafés (some are seasonal), perfect for enjoying a coffee, cocktail, or lunch/snack while gazing out at the Atlantic Ocean.

Plan a day trip to Coimbra

A short stay in Figueira is the perfect opportunity to visit Coimbra (or vice-versa). A train trip directly from one to the other takes approximately one hour and costs €2.75 ($3.31) each way. Driving is another option that only takes about 40 minutes to travel 50 kilometers (31 miles). Coimbra is one of the oldest cities in Portugal and home to stunning landmarks such as the oldest university in the country, the beautiful Baroque Joanina Library, and many ancient ruins.

Try surfing

The long waves are perfect for surfing, a fact that has not gone unnoticed by the local surfing community, especially around Buarcos. If getting into the water is out of the question, sit on the rocks along the beach and watch the pros.

Visit the fort

Much of the Portuguese coast was once susceptible to attacks from the ocean, therefore, the towns built protective fortifications. The Santa Catarina fort is a favorite historic landmark of the locals that was built in the 16th century. Today, a little park has been designed around it and this spot is idyllic for taking photos.

1. Spend a day in the adventure park

Park

Small groups are welcome to schedule a day of climbing and ropes courses (in addition to paintball) at Figueira’s Adventure Park, Luso Aventura. Three levels of varying difficulty are offered, and a minimum of 6 people are required to book a day at the park. Visit the website and send an email to get more information about the costs and times.

2. Visit a museum

Museum

Although Figueira da Foz is a destination for being outdoors, some afternoons call for culture under a roof and there are a few fantastic museums around town. For art and history, visit the Museu Municipal Santos Rocha, and head over to the Nucleo Museologico do Sal (Museum Center of Salt) to learn about salt production and enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings.

Museu Municipal Santos Rocha, R. Calouste Gulbenkian 70, Figueira da Foz, Portugal +351 233 402 840

Nucleo Museologico do Sal, Armazéns de Lavos, Lavos, Figueira da Foz, Portugal +351 233 402 840

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.