Mafra

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The county of Mafra has been occupied since at least the Neolithic and Palaeolithic, of which memories were kept and of which invasions, achievements and reconquests are also part. The construction of Mafra's convent is one of the most striking events of the municipality, since it worked as a main residence for D. João V and D. Carlota Joaquina. It was completed in 1744. Mafra has different types of attractions: architectural heritage, archaeological sites, beaches and green spaces. These attractions are the genesis of the local economy, which joins tourism, trade, agriculture and some industries. The regional gastronomy, festivals and fairs are present across the county, as well as artisanal crafts, mainly pottery, basketry, tinsmiths and cooperage.

What to do in Mafra

Convento de Mafra / Palácio Nacional de Mafra

Mafra

Convent built by Dom João, in 1711, having as main architect Frederico Ludovice. It is the most luxurious national convent, proof of the richest reign in the country's history. It is of Johannine Baroque style and is inspired by the Spanish model of S. Lourenço of Escorial. It has three distinct elements, the Royal Palace, the convent and the Basilica. …

Tapada Nacional de Mafra

Mafra

Built in 1747, the Tapada Nacional de Mafra was created with the aim of providing adequate involvement to the Mafra Palace, to constitute a recreational space for the King and his court and also to supply firewood and other products to the Convent. With an area of 1187 hectares, Tapada has a rich fauna and flora and offers a series …

Aldeia Típica José Franco

Mafra

Thanks to the meticulous work of José Franco, it is possible to visit one of the most authentic "villages" in the world. Its particularity is that it is small, full of details, such as the reproduction of an elementary school or the grocery store where Aunty Helena serves a glass of wine.

Praia do Matadouro

Mafra

Small beach attached to São Sebastião, with many rock formations that stretch into the sea.

Praia de São Julião

Mafra

Extensive beach under a high cliff, south of Ericeira, on the border with the municipality of Sintra. It is one of the best beaches in the area, with excellent conditions, including good restaurants offering typical dishes.

Centro de Recuperação do Lobo Ibérico

Mafra

Inaugurated in 1987 by Grupo Lobo, this Center aims to provide a suitable environment for wolves that cannot live in freedom and, simultaneously, to promote dissemination and awareness actions that inform the public about the true nature of this animal.

Praia do Norte / Praia do Algodio

Mafra

Beach in the center of Ericeira, consisting of sand and rocks. Visited mainly by tourists and young people. There are small typical restaurants with good food and lots of street entertainment.

Biblioteca do Palácio Nacional de Mafra

Mafra

The Library occupies the most noble and vast of all the rooms in the National Palace of Mafra. It is one of the most important European libraries, with a collection of about 36,000 volumes, from the 15th to the 19th …

Forte do Zambujal

Mafra

Also known as Forte das Casas Velhas, it is part of the second of the Torres Lines, overlooking the Lisandro River and its tributary, the Vidigueira stream.

Jardim do Cerco de Mafra

Mafra

The only covered area open to the public allows, in its 1187 hectares of forest, contact with countless animal species. The Cerco garden surrounds the building, covering an area of 8 hectares, and works as a transition element between the …

Praia da Ribeira d'Ilhas

Mafra

Rocky beach, with small sand beach and excellent conditions for surfing. It is sheltered under a cliff, from the top of which you can enjoy a fantastic panoramic view. Known as one of the best beaches for surfing, it regularly …

Praia de São Lourenço

Mafra

Beach located between cliffs, very beautiful and with thick sand. Here is the São Lourenço Fortress, dating from the 16th century, currently the guard's holiday home. It has a small stage for shows, a first-aid station and a restaurant with …

Praia da Foz do Lizandro

Mafra

Pleasant landscape composed of two zones: one of river and the other maritime. Much sought after area, with a lot of shopping and nightlife. It has a walkway that connects the car park and the beach.

Praia da Ericeira/ Praia dos Pescadores

Mafra

Beach located in the center of Ericeira, surrounded by high cliffs of rocky coast with a small harbor for fishermen. It is a beach with clean waters and known for its richness in mineral salts. In the surroundings, there is …

Museu Popular Beatriz Costa

Mafra

Beatriz Costa was born on December 14, 1907, in Charneca do Milharado, in Casal Barreiro, in the municipality of Mafra. In recognition of her love for her land, this museum brings together personal objects, doll collections, letters, travel memories, and …

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Where to eat in Mafra

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Where to sleep in Mafra

Quinta dos Machados
Quinta dos Machados

Manor built in the late 16th century and restored in the late 20TH century, currently working as a unit of rural tourism, for a family on a day trip for the wo…

Vila Galé Ericeira
Vila Galé Ericeira

4 star

Hotel situated right on the seafront, overlooking the beach of Ericeira, in the far West of Portugal. Has 202 rooms well equipped and very comfortable. Has res…

Casa das Aguarelas
Casa das Aguarelas

Tourist accommodation in Ericeira, with the sea as a company, the House of Watercolors is a new space with 13 rooms with various typologies as double, twin, tr…

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Near Mafra

Odivelas

Odivelas

Only elevated to the municipality status in 1998, Odivelas is one of the newer councils in Portugal. Situated on the right bank of the Tagus river, i…

Arruda dos Vinhos

Arruda dos Vinhos

Situated northwest of Lisbon, to which district it belongs, the municipality of Arruda dos Vinhos is situated in a region of transition between the E…

Sobral de Monte Agraço

Sobral de Monte Agraço

Sobral de Monte Agraço is located in the District of Lisbon and is part of the Western region. Is limited by the municipalities of Mafra, Arruda dos …

Cadaval

Cadaval

In thefar north of Lisbon, also part of the West Sub-Region, is the municipality of Cadaval. One of the most striking aspects of this municipality is…