Torres Vedras, a magnificent Portuguese town just 50 km north of Lisbon, is a must-see destination for lovers of nature, history, sport and gastronomy. Come with me to this charming town and enjoy a unique experience in the heart of authentic Portugal.
Why visit Torres Vedras?
Torres Vedras is a charming town brimming with historical and natural treasures. Here are just a few reasons to visit Torres Vedras:
- History and heritage: Explore archaeological sites, Roman ruins, Moorish castles, medieval churches, 16th-century fortresses and 17th- and 18th-century mansions.
- Nature and the great outdoors: With 20 km of coastline, the beaches of Torres Vedras, particularly Santa Cruz, are ideal for swimming, fishing and water sports. Vineyards add charm to the landscape, making this region one of Portugal’s leading wine producers.
- Gastronomy: Be sure to try the famous Pastel de Feijão de Torres Vedras and Uvada, a unique pastry made from grape must.
Torres Vedras Carnival: a festival not to be missed
The Torres Vedras Carnival is one of the most traditional and authentic in Portugal. Every year, thousands of visitors gather to celebrate this colourful festival, with lively parades, extravagant floats and creative costumes.
- Parades and floats: Admire the humorous and satirical floats that parade through the city.
- Costumes and fancy dress: Take part in the festivities in costumes that are often comical and inventive.
- Festive atmosphere: Enjoy the music, the dancing and the very special atmosphere of Carnival.
To keep up to date with what’s going on in Torres Vedras, visit the town hall’s official website.
Must-see places in Torres Vedras
Here is a non-exhaustive list of all the places you can discover if you visit Torres Vedras in Portugal:
- Rossio Square: A historic place with a beautiful fountain, ideal for a stroll and to discover local art.
- Avenida da Liberdade: Perfect for shopping and sightseeing.
- Belém Tower: An emblematic site offering magnificent views of the coastline.
- Santa Justa Lift: Link the Bairro Alto and Baixa districts while enjoying breathtaking views from the rooftop café.
- Saint George’s Castle: Explore this medieval castle overlooking Lisbon and the Tagus River.
- Marquis de Pombal Square: Relive Lisbon’s historic milestones.
- Lisbon Oceanarium: Discover one of the largest aquariums in the world.
- Place du Commerce: A great place to relax and observe local life.
- Campo Grande: Learn more about the history of Alvalade.
Transport in Torres Vedras
How to get to Torres Vedras from Lisbon
Here are the different options for getting to Torres Vedras from Lisbon:
- Train: Take a regional train from Lisbon Santa Apolónia station or Lisbon Rossio station. Journeys are frequent and take around 45 minutes.
- Bus: Rede Expressos offers regular departures from Lisbon’s Sete Rios bus station. The bus journey takes around an hour. Timetables and tickets can be viewed and purchased online.
- Car: If you prefer to drive, take the A8 motorway from Lisbon heading north. The distance is around 50 km and the journey takes around 40 minutes without traffic.
Public transport in Torres Vedras
Once in Torres Vedras, getting around the city is easy thanks to a number of public transport options:
- Bus : The city has a network of local buses that cover the main districts and attractions of Torres Vedras. Tickets can be bought on board the buses or at kiosks located near the main stops.
- Line 1: Serving the city centre and outlying districts.
- Line 2: Running between the beaches of Santa Cruz and the residential areas.
- Taxis and VTCs: Taxis are readily available throughout the city. You can also use VTC services such as Uber for more flexible travel.
- Bike hire: For cycling enthusiasts, you can hire bikes to explore the city and its surroundings. There are a number of hire points, particularly near the main attractions and beaches.
Restaurants in Torres Vedras
Napoleão Taberna Restaurant
- Address: R. Paiva de Andrada, 9A, 2560-357 Torres Vedras
- Average price: €15
- Description: A friendly place in a century-old building with vegetarian options and a warm atmosphere.
Restaurant Páteo do Faustino
- Address: R. Maria Pereira – Largo do Choupal, 2560-616 Torres Vedras
- Average price: €20
- Description: This renowned restaurant offers typical Portuguese cuisine in a versatile setting with several distinct areas.
Restaurant O Barracão
- Address: R. António Pereira Cabaço, 5, 2560-232 Torres Vedras
- Average price: €15
- Description: Specialises in charcoal-grilled dishes, ideal for large groups.
Restaurant Taberna 22
- Address : Rua Almirante Gago Coutinho, 5, 2560-302 Torres Vedras
- Average price : €18
- Description : A cosy setting in which to enjoy traditional dishes and tapas, accompanied by a selection of Portuguese wines.
Roots Restaurant
- Address: Parque Verde da Várzea, Torres Vedras, Portugal
- Average price: €25
- Description: Traditional Portuguese cuisine presented in a creative way, with a wood-fired oven for unique flavours.
Accommodation in Torres Vedras
Stay Hotel Torres Vedras
- Address: Praça 25 de Abril, 17, 2560-286 Torres Vedras
- Description: Modern hotel located in the centre of the city, offering comfort and modern amenities.
Hotel Golf Mar
- Address: Praia de Porto Novo, 2560-100 Maceira, Torres Vedras
- Description: Beachfront hotel with ocean views, sports facilities and spa.
Dolce CampoReal Lisboa
- Address: Rua do Campo, 2565-770, Torres Vedras
- Description: Luxury hotel set in vineyards, offering a golf course and a high quality spa.
Hotel Império
- Address: R. Serpa Pinto 41, 2560-363 Torres Vedras
- Description: Boutique hotel in the historic centre, combining old-world charm with modern comforts.
Weather in Torres Vedras
The weather in Torres Vedras is typically Mediterranean, with marked seasonal variations offering unique experiences throughout the year.
- Spring (March to May): Spring in Torres Vedras is mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 22°C. This is an excellent time to visit, as the landscapes are in full bloom and the vineyards are lush. The sunny days and moderate temperatures are ideal for hiking and sightseeing.
- Summer (June to August): Summer is hot and dry, with temperatures reaching 30°C or more. The beaches of Santa Cruz become popular places to cool off, relax and enjoy water sports. Evenings are pleasantly cool, perfect for al fresco dining and evening walks.
- Autumn (September to November): Autumn offers pleasant temperatures, generally between 17°C and 25°C. It’s an ideal time to explore the vineyards and take part in the grape harvest. Tourists can also take advantage of the reduction in crowds after the peak summer season. The first rains generally begin in November, refreshing the landscape.
- Winter (December to February): Winters in Torres Vedras are mild and wet, with temperatures ranging between 8°C and 15°C. Rainfall is more frequent, but sunny days are not uncommon. This is a quiet time of year for visiting historic sites and taking advantage of special accommodation offers.
