Beaches, nature, good food and the relaxed pace of life by the sea. Discover Figueira da Foz and Central Portugal with suggestions from Figueira Beach Homes.
01
Discover Figueira
Choose a theme and explore the suggestions in our Guide Book.
Stroll through Bairro Novo, one of the city's liveliest areas, home to the Casino, restaurants, cafés and bars. While you are there, visit one of the city's most original shops: Plano B.
Eng.º Silva Municipal Market
A great place to experience local life, discover regional produce and watch the city go about its day.
Santa Catarina Fort
One of the waterfront's landmarks and a wonderful place to end the day, have a drink and watch the sunset.
Clock Tower and Claridade Beach
Take the classic photograph by the Clock Tower, walk along the boardwalks across the vast sands of Claridade Beach and explore this part of the city.
Figueira da Foz Marina
Take a coffee break by the marina and enjoy the view of the Mondego River.
Street art
As you walk around the city, look out for street art, including works by artists such as Bordalo II, Add Fuel and Smile.
02
Buarcos
Discover Buarcos
Buarcos is an old fishing village full of character. Take your time wandering through its narrow streets, discovering small houses, walls, cafés and traditional restaurants. It is also one of the best places to try fresh fish and grilled sardines.
A walk along the waterfront
One of Figueira da Foz's most pleasant walks follows the waterfront from the city centre to Buarcos. You can enjoy it on foot or by bicycle.
03
Viewpoints & Nature
Serra da Boa Viagem
A place you should not miss. The hills offer trails, walking and picnic areas, and several spots with fantastic views of the coast.
Bandeira Viewpoint
One of our favourite viewpoints. From here you can see Murtinheira, Quiaios Beach and the coast, with views stretching far across the region on clear days.
Cabo Mondego
A unique place where the hills meet the Atlantic. Beyond its scenery, this area is of great geological interest and is one of the best places to photograph the coast.
Quiaios and Murtinheira boardwalks
A beautiful walk between the beach, dunes, hills and ocean. Ideal in the morning or late afternoon.
Quiaios lagoons
For those who enjoy nature and tranquillity. A particularly interesting area for walks, birdwatching and discovering local wildlife.
Quiaios Waterfall
A little surprise hidden in nature, especially worth visiting outside the driest times of the year.
Figueira da Foz salt pans
Visit the traditional Mondego salt pans and the Salt Museum. A landscape quite different from the coast, especially interesting for nature lovers and birdwatchers.
04
Beaches & Activities
Claridade Beach
Figueira da Foz's best-known beach, famous for its vast stretch of sand.
Buarcos Beach
An excellent choice for families and anyone who likes to stay close to cafés, restaurants and the waterfront. At low tide, the rocky areas offer a chance to spot small marine creatures.
Tamargueira Beach
Well known among surfers for the long wave that forms in certain conditions.
Quiaios Beach
Quieter and surrounded by nature, with Serra da Boa Viagem as its backdrop. Perfect for anyone looking for space, peace and the beach.
Murtinheira
A small, very special beach between the hills and the sea.
Cabedelo
One of the region's main surfing spots, with several schools for anyone who would like to give it a try.
Surfing
Figueira da Foz is an excellent surfing destination. Cabedelo is one of the most popular spots, with schools welcoming everyone from beginners to experienced surfers.
Cycling
Explore the waterfront by bicycle and enjoy the cycle paths beside the sea. FIGAS electric bikes are a practical way to get to know the city.
Walking
There are excellent places to walk: Serra da Boa Viagem, Cabo Mondego, the Quiaios boardwalks, the Figueira–Buarcos waterfront and the salt pans.
Arte Xávega traditional fishing
If you have the opportunity, watch traditional Arte Xávega fishing, particularly on the beaches of Costa de Lavos and Leirosa. This fishing tradition is part of the region's identity.
Other activities
Padel
Mini-golf
Basketball
Football
Skateboarding
Golf at the driving range
Things to do with children
Explore the rocks at Buarcos Beach at low tide
Walk along the seaside boardwalks
Cycle along the waterfront
Mini-golf
Have a picnic in Serra da Boa Viagem
Explore the Quiaios lagoons
Visit the salt pans and go birdwatching
On a less sunny day
Not every day needs to be a beach day. You could visit:
Arts and Performance Centre — CAE
Santos Rocha Municipal Museum
Maritime Museum
Salt Museum
Figueira Casino
Municipal Market
Or simply explore Buarcos, enjoy a leisurely meal and discover the city's cafés and shops.
05
Where to Eat
Buarcos
Tyrone €
Taska a Dentro €€
Jóia €€€
Mar à Vista €
Muralhas €€
Pé na Areia €€
Figueira da Foz
Olaias €€€
Caçarola €€
Sagres €€
Volta e Meia €€
Casa Havanesa €€
Picadeiro €€
Zagallo €€€
Quiaios Beach
Mar €€
Sand €€€
Náutico €€
N2 €€
Bart €€
06
Bars & Nightlife
Quiaios Beach
Englo Bar
N2 — a good choice for ending the day by the sea
Figueira da Foz
Casa Havanesa
Cinco Nove
Zeitgeist
NB
07
Culture & heritage
Culture & heritage
Arts and Performance Centre — CAE
Figueira Casino
Santos Rocha Municipal Museum
Maritime Museum
Engenheiro Silva Castle
Santa Maria de Seiça Monastery
08
Day trips and ideas around the region
One, two or three days
Morning
Start in Buarcos and explore the village streets on foot. Continue along the waterfront towards the centre of Figueira da Foz and Claridade Beach.
One, two or three days
Lunch
Choose a fish restaurant in Buarcos or in the city centre.
One, two or three days
Afternoon
Head up to Serra da Boa Viagem and discover Cabo Mondego and its viewpoints. Continue along the scenic road to Quiaios Beach.
One, two or three days
Evening
Finish with a drink by the sea and watch the sunset.
One, two or three days
If you have two or three days
Set aside another day to visit the salt pans, the Salt Museum and the Morraceira area. If you enjoy nature, explore the Quiaios lagoons and the trails of Serra da Boa Viagem too.
And take your time. That is the best way to discover Figueira da Foz: spending a few days at the rhythm of the sea.
Central Portugal
Coimbra
Known for its university, Coimbra combines history, culture and an atmosphere all its own.
University of Coimbra
Joanina Library
Old Cathedral
Machado de Castro National Museum
Santa Clara-a-Velha Monastery
Quinta das Lágrimas
Portugal dos Pequenitos
Central Portugal
Aveiro and Costa Nova
Aveiro is perfect for a relaxed stroll. Walk along the canals, discover the Art Nouveau buildings and try the traditional ovos moles sweets before you leave. Combine your visit with Costa Nova.
A moliceiro boat ride
Aveiro canals
Historic centre
Art Nouveau trail
Ovos moles sweets
Costa Nova
Barra Beach
Central Portugal
Nazaré
One of Portugal's best-known coastal towns, with strong ties to fishing and the sea.
Nazaré Beach
Sítio da Nazaré
Suberco Viewpoint
São Miguel Arcanjo Fort
Norte Beach
Historic centre
Central Portugal
Peniche, Baleal and Berlengas
For anyone who enjoys the sea, surfing and fresh fish, Peniche is an excellent choice.
Peniche historic centre
Peniche Fortress
Cabo Carvoeiro
Baleal
Beaches and surfing spots
Grilled fish and seafood
If you visit Peniche during the season when boat services are running and sea conditions allow, you can explore the Berlengas archipelago — a particularly interesting experience for anyone who enjoys nature, walking, the sea and snorkelling.
Central Portugal
Óbidos
One of Portugal's most beautiful and best-preserved medieval towns.
Porta da Vila town gate
Rua Direita
Óbidos Castle
Town walls
Churches and small squares in the historic centre
Central Portugal
Fátima
For those with an interest in religion, culture or history, Fátima is one of the region's most significant places to visit.
Sanctuary of Fátima
Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary
Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity
Chapel of the Apparitions
The shepherd children's homes in Aljustrel
Valinhos
Central Portugal
Tomar
An excellent suggestion for anyone interested in history and the Knights Templar and Order of Christ.
Tomar Castle
Convent of Christ
Charola rotunda
Historic centre
Sete Montes National Forest
Old Synagogue
More suggestions
Batalha
Visit the impressive Batalha Monastery. You can easily combine this visit with Fátima.
More suggestions
Alcobaça
Alcobaça Monastery is one of Portugal's great historic monuments and is linked to the famous story of King Pedro and Inês de Castro.
More suggestions
Leiria
A pleasant city to spend a few hours in, with an easy-to-explore historic centre and Leiria Castle overlooking the landscape.
More suggestions
Buçaco
For those who prefer nature and scenery, Buçaco National Forest is an excellent alternative, with woodland, trails and gardens.
More suggestions
Luso
Combine Buçaco with a stop in Luso, known for its thermal waters and peaceful atmosphere.
Ideas for day trips
Coimbra
A full day dedicated to the city.
Ideas for day trips
Aveiro + Costa Nova
Canals, moliceiro boats, ovos moles sweets and striped houses by the sea.
Ideas for day trips
Nazaré + Alcobaça
Sea and tradition in the morning, heritage and history in the afternoon.
Ideas for day trips
Peniche + Óbidos
The Atlantic coast, fresh fish and surfing, ending the day in a medieval town.
Ideas for day trips
Fátima + Batalha
Two of Central Portugal's most iconic places in a single trip.
Ideas for day trips
Tomar
A day devoted to the Knights Templar, the Convent of Christ and the historic centre.
02
Cultural Calendar
Discover what is happening in Figueira da Foz during your stay.