Marinha Grande

Situated on the coast of the central region of Portugal, in Leiria district, the municipality of Marinha Grande has a landscape marked by the trilogy pine forest, stream and ocean. Two-thirds of its territory is covered by Rei pine forest, also known as the pinhal de Leiria or Mata de Leiria. D. Dinis ordered its plantation and it is now considered the largest pinus pinaster massif of the country. The pine forest has grown, was explored and organized for over 700 years, being the main source of natural resources. It triggered the arising of most of the settlements that exist today in its vicinity. The abundance of raw materials and fuel contributed to the emergence of industries linked to the sawmill, to the extraction and transformation of resin products, and to the glass production. The installation of the Real Fábrica de Vidro da Marinha Grande (Royal Glass Factory of Marinha Grande), in 1974, was the great development force of the municipality. Marinha Grande is currently considered the city of the Glass. Apart from the Pinhal de Leiria, there are also other rich natural landscapes extending to the coastal area, with long sandy beaches, much sought after in the bathing season. Gastronomy and regional sweets are available for tasting in the various restaurants. The licor de leite (milk liquor), bolo de pinhão (pinion cookies) and enfiadas de pinhão are some of the local delicacies.

What to do in Marinha Grande

Travel Guide

Up to date tourist information about the city's top attractions

Summer: 17 water parks in Portugal

Spend a different weekend or add some adrenaline to your summer vacation with these water parks. There is fun for the w…

Where to eat in Marinha Grande

Where to sleep in Marinha Grande

Hotel Mar e Sol & Spa
Hotel Mar e Sol & Spa

3 star

Space located at the seaside, in a quiet area, which has undergone a makeover recently. Features 63 modern and well-equipped rooms, restaurant and bar, among o…

Hotel Estrela do Mar
Hotel Estrela do Mar

2 star

Simple, welcoming Hotel situated on the seafront, with 24 rooms available, all equipped with TV, direct telephone and air conditioning. Family atmosphere and m…

Cristal Vieira Praia & Spa
Cristal Vieira Praia & Spa

4 star

Located in first-line of beach, right in front of the famous Praia da Vieira, this hotel offers 97 well-equipped rooms with views of the ocean. It also has var…

Near Marinha Grande

Pedrógão Grande

Pedrógão Grande


Located in the extreme northwest of the Leiria district, Pedrógão Grande is part of the Pinhal Norte area, considered the largest forest area in Euro…

Batalha

Batalha


The municipality of Batalha belongs to the district of Leiria and is composed of four parishes. The maximum exponent of this municipality is the impo…

Ansião

Ansião


Ansião is a small village in the district of Leiria, with a historical, architectural and cultural heritage that is worth knowing. Very marked by the…

Alvaiázere

Alvaiázere


Located in the center of the country, Alvaiázere is part of the district of Leiria. The fertile soils, the well-irrigated valleys and floodplains and…