Tomar Tours From Lisbon

The first must-visit spot is the Monastery of the Order of Christ, founded in the 12th century by the Knights Templar. But the treasures of Tomar don’t end there, and the list of Portuguese architectural pearls is much wider. Rua Serpa Pinto, with the best shops, is the historic district of the city, leading directly to Praca da Republica with the Church of Sant Joan Batista. One more attraction is the Synagogue on Rua Dr. Joaquim Jacinto, converted into a museum named after the great scientist Abraham Zakutu.

The weather in Tomar is moderate and stable, so you can plan your ideal trip anytime. The most comfortable time for a visit is from April to November, which may still be too crowded as the city is full of tourists with kids during this period. In addition to the weather conditions, the opening hours of the main attractions should also be taken into consideration. But even in winter, Tomar is excellent as its main attractions remain unchanged throughout the year.

Sure, Tomar is a good destination for a walking tour. All the city's main attractions are within walking distance of the city center. But at the same time, there is an available transport infrastructure. If you come here for a few days, you can use the train station quickly to reach any other destination in Portugal. If you come here within the ready-made tour, you don't have to worry about the small details as the itinerary is already created, taking into account the best experience for you.

Tomar is home to one of Portugal's most mysterious castles and is famous for its Renaissance wall paintings. According to some legends, the Holy Grail is also kept here, but of course, there is no official evidence of that. This majestic monastery was originally a simple fortification, but in the mid-12th century, it became a Catholic monastery with a long history. An interesting part is that the moors here are walkable, so that you can create an impression of this unusual place.

The list of Tomar attractions is not limited only by the most famous, and there are a lot of others, but out of the beaten tourist paths. Among them is the Match Museum, located within its walls and having the most extensive European collection. The collection of matches was started by Aquiles de Mota Lima in 1953 when he made a trip to London for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. Nowadays, the collection includes 43 thousand matchboxes from 122 countries. One more non-touristy spot is St. Francisco monastery, which is open year-round. 

While in Tomar, try the local cuisine's specialities. Acorda soup, prepared on bread with a variety of add-ons, is a daily dish for local residents. Each restaurant cooks this soup according to a special recipe, but the classic version is always served with bread, garlic, and olive oil. Migas, prepared from bread, are also quite widespread in Tomar. In different variants, it may include vegetables, garlic, and seafood. Quite common and popular versions of spinach and alfalfa are served with grilled meat.

The best idea to see Tomar if it's your first visit here, and you want to take advantage of every significant spot is a ready-made trip. In this case, you'll get the most balanced itinerary possible. In most cases, at least one full day is enough for the first acquaintance with Tomar. But if you want a deep dive into the city's culture, consider staying for two or three days. This way, you'll have enough time to enjoy the city's hidden gems.

Hiking is popular here and throughout Portugal, including nature walks by the Seven Hills National Forest. Cycling is another popular activity, with many trails providing stunning views. For a more adventurous experience, try fishing and camping, but only during warm times of the year. Additionally, there are opportunities for kayaking by the Nabai River, the same as canoeing.

Tomar is one of Portugal's cultural centers, a central place for several festivals and events throughout the year. The most famous is Festa dos Tabuleiros in July. It is a colorful and traditional festival celebrated every four years in July. It can be a great idea to come here with your kids to witness the parades and cultural performances.

Yes, Tomar is a great destination and an excellent base from which to explore the sights around. It's conveniently located to make easy access to nearby towns and attractions. If you come here for a few days, you may create a perfect trip with a visit to the medieval village of Óbidos, the spiritual Fatima, and the Batalha Monastery.