There is so much to see in this region! It’ s a rich area with many ancient buildings, some of which are on the list of UNESCO World Heritage. Here some examples:
Alcobaça
Alcobaça is a 12-minute drive from Quinta Ninho d'águia. The town is known for its Mosteiro (UNESCO World Heritage), the largest monastery in Portugal. The establishment in 1153 is closely related to the establishment of the state. The most famous lovers of Portugal, King Pedro and Inês de Castro are buried here.
Caldas da Rainha
Caldas da Rainha, meaning 'hot springs of the Queen', is a 25-minute drive away. The medicinal baths that once bathed the Queen are still there. The park that belongs to the thermal baths is very worthwhile to visit; during the summertime there is a lot to see & do. Besides that, there is a nice café with a terrace (close to a children’s playground), where you can have a drink, but also have a great lunch!
Caldas da Rainha is the capital of Portuguese pottery and also known for its pottery. This town, a prosperous farm town, lies in the center of a region rich in clay, where people have been making earthenware vessels since neolithic times.
Óbidos
According to the Capitol Travel Guide, Óbidos was a wedding gift from King Dinis to Isabella van Aragon. It is a medieval town, completely walled, where there is always a lot to do. In July and early August there are the medieval festivals. It is a pleasure for children, but also for the parents; everyone can dress up as a true knight, princess or joker, making you feel like you were in the Middle Ages.
It’s absolutely a must-see!!!
Tomar
In the historic city of Tomar is a beautiful and mysterious monastery, the "Convento de Cristo" (UNESCO World Heritage). The Convento de Cristo was built by the Knights Templar, a monastic order that originated in the twelfth century, after the First Crusade. This is not only a great experience for adults; children can not get enough of the beautiful paintings on the walls and ceiling. In addition, it is a lovely authentic town where you can walk through, it has plenty of restaurants and nice shops.
Batalha
In 2006 Portugal chose the seven wonders of the country. One of these seven became, quite rightly, the monastery of Batalha (UNESCO World Heritage). Where the monastery of Alcobaça tells the romantic story of Portuguese history, in Batalha it revolves around the military history of Portugal. The Mosteiro da Batalha is built in the late Gothic style and has many Manueline elements. This means that although the monastery has only one neutral color from the outside, the many decorative elements make it an impressive building.
Fatima
Fatima is an international pilgrimage site. The place is called the altar of the world. Here Maria appeared in 1917 on the 13th of the months May to October to three shepherd children: Lucia, who later became Carmelite, Francisco and Jacinta. On May 13, 2017, Francisco and Jacinta were declared holy by Pope Francis.