Top Things to do in Santarem District
Top 10 Things to do in Santarem District, Central Portugal
Discover the best top things to do in Santarem District, Portugal including Basilica de Nossa Senhora do Rosario de Fatima, Aqueduto dos Pegoes, Castelo de Tomar, Basilica de Nossa Senhora de Fatima, Igreja da Graca, Casa De Francisco & Jacinta Marto, Jardim das Portas do Sol, Salinas de Rio Maior, Lago Azul, Castelo de Ourem.
Restaurants in Santarem District
1. Basilica de Nossa Senhora do Rosario de Fatima
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,063 reviews
This national shrine is the site where three young peasant shepherds spied a "lady brighter than the sun," which was, many believe, the first of six apparitions of the Virgin Mary in this region of Portugal.
Reviewed By 504marynam - Detroit, United States
It takes a full day trip from Lisbon to visit Fatima, Balthahal monastery, Bleeding host church at Santarem and Fatima. We were a group of 15 and we hired a 15 seater mini bus with a driver from the Mundo do Flamingo travel agency. Their charges are very, very reasonable - just 500 euros for 15 of us to visit these 3 sites. The driver was very friendly and engaging. Fatima was awesome. We saw the Lucia, Jacinto and Francisco's humble homes - very touching, we also got to personally meet Sr. Lucia's 99 year old niece. The Via Sacra - way of the cross garden is very calm and beautiful. The highlight of the trip was the candle light procession at 9.30 pm. Don't miss this event. Very beautiful to see Our Lady revered by some many from all over the world. When we reached back to our Lisbon hotel, it was almost 1.00 am! This place is worth visiting.
2. Aqueduto dos Pegoes
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 428 reviews
Reviewed By twocreativetravelers - Moorsele, Belgium
We loved how 'uncontrolled' this site was, many tourist spots have all kinds of restrictions but this site offered the visitor total freedom. The Aquaduct is absolutely huge, rising about 100ft at its highest point. We walked on top to about the halfway point when we returned to the starting spot. Beware that on busy days there may only be 1 way traffic up there and there isn't a ton of room to social distance effectively. We're not engineers but clearly the construction we saw here is an amazing feat for the time frame in which it was built. The views are spectacular both from the top across the surroundings as well as from the bottom as you take in the entirety of the aquaduct.
3. Castelo de Tomar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,130 reviews
Reviewed By O180DVjacks - Melbourne, United States
From the first moment you arrive in Tomar, Hold on to your hat, you are in for an experience of a lifetime. The Town of Tomar is a myriad of sweet smelling small passages, streets and squares, cafe's, shops, and small restaurants and eateries to cater to every taste. The food is authentic and delicious....be prepared to gain a few pounds in weight. The Old Town of Tomar is steeped in history, and the best way to see this is a guided tour in a Tuk Tuk., its like a magical mystery tour and the drivers/tour guides are fluent in English, French and German. The Templar Castle and the Convent of Christ is the Icing on a very big cake. Go and be amazed. I will leave it at that.
4. Basilica de Nossa Senhora de Fatima
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 175 reviews
Reviewed By Temper43 - Panama City, Panama
I was so surprised and impressed with my visit to Fatima, the church in itself is impressive and huge, but the whole surroundings gives a lot of peace and respect for the beliefs of thousands of pilgrims.
5. Igreja da Graca
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 123 reviews
6. Casa De Francisco & Jacinta Marto
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 553 reviews
Reviewed By alittletoolate - Doncaster, United Kingdom
irrespective of your beliefs this is a well maintained simple house that is quite humbling and if you don't mind walking from fatima there is an excellent footpath(via sacra valinhos-aljustrel)that is an absolute pleasure to walk along and do follow every footpath as i am sure what you will see will impress you as much as it impressed me.
7. Jardim das Portas do Sol
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 337 reviews
Reviewed By thomas_lisbon - Vienna, Austria
Nice place to hang out and a most visit place for everyone historically interested and the spot offers a great view on the entire landscape and the valley.
8. Salinas de Rio Maior
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 139 reviews
As Salinas de Rio Maior tem muitos séculos de existência comprovada. Com efeito já em 1177, Pero d'Aragão e Sancha Soares, venderam a quinta parte das Salinas de Rio Maior à Ordem dos Templários. Local onde a história e a tradição esperam por si. Visitas Guiadas, experiências, workshops de sal, degustação dos melhores produtos regionais nos restaurantes. Programas completos de 1 , 2, e 4 horas ao seu dispor. AVENTURE-SE e fale connosco. Esperamos por si nas Salinas de Rio Maior.
Reviewed By the0d0rusb
I visit quite often the Salinas. Inteesting to see the water and solt basins and the way they produce the solt. It border one side traditional wooden barm-type buidings. They are used as bars and shops, Shops are selling bric-a-brac, different solts, local pottery etc. Some of the bars have an outside area from where one can overlook the Salinas. Although being a tourist attraction,, prices for food and drinks are very reasonable. At peaktimes parking can be a problem, but so far I always found somewhere to park.
9. Lago Azul
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 138 reviews
One of the main tourist destinations in the region where beauty and hospitality are offered by the Lago Azu. There is am Anchorage and gasoline for boats.
Reviewed By Gabriellamendes92 - Brighton, United Kingdom
Lago Azul (Blue Lake) is a hidden beautiful location, perfect for all sorts of tourists, it is a place you go to relax and enjoy the views. Ideal for water sports, pic nics and activities. I was so impressed when driving down the lake, the roads are easy to drive and when you arrive you can stop in the top to take photos, most beautiful views. Is not far from there there is the town of TOMAR where you can find lots of restaurant options and it is another great place to explore.
10. Castelo de Ourem
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 272 reviews
Reviewed By Bleupasse
Our hotel owner suggested we spend the late afternoon there after arriving from Tomar. What a view all the way to Fatima, and what a well preserved gem of a XIIth century castle! You cannot go in but walking around is atmospheric and free. The medieval village underneath is beautiful too. I was surprised to see how deserted the place was, given its beauty and charm.
