Welcome to Figueira da Foz, one of the most important summer towns in Portugal.
What to expect? What are the best beaches? How to spend the day in the city?
Let’s get started!
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Beaches & Coastline: Figueira da Foz has 15 kilometers (9 miles) of beautiful sandy coastline and 13 beautiful beaches, including Praia da Figueira da Foz, one of the largest urban beaches in Europe (2km long).
- Location: Figueira da Foz is located at the mouth of the Mondego River on Portugal’s west coast, just 40 km from Coimbra, and easily accessible by car or train.
- Activities & Attractions: Beyond its beaches, Figueira da Foz offers exploring historic sites like the Santa Catarina Fortress and Montemor-o-Velho Castle to enjoying the Figueira Casino, its palaces musea and amazing viewpoints
Location
Figueira da Foz is situated at the mouth of the Mondego River, where the river meets the Atlantic Ocean and is 40 km (25 miles) from Coimbra. It is located on the west coast of Portugal.
It’s very easy to get to Figueira da Foz from Coimbra by HIGHWAY A14 (43 minutes) or TRAIN (39 minutes).
KEEP IN MIND: The train station is 1.5 km southeast of the city center, so expect some walking.
FUN FACT: Figueira da Foz has the same latitude as Philadelphia, Baku, and Beijing.
The city is 180 km (112 miles) north of Lisbon (3 hours by car) and 120 km (75 miles) south of Porto (2 hours by car), so Figueira da Foz is often referred to as the ‘city in the middle’ of Portugal.
You can book your train ticket here!
You can also rent a car with Discover Cars. Their platform is straightforward and user-friendly, offering a wide range of vehicles at competitive prices.
DO YOU KNOW: Figueira da Foz receives around 500,000 tourists per year, mainly for its beaches, casinos, and events?
Figueira da Foz Beaches
Figueira da Foz is famous for its sandy beaches and is a charming seaside resort. The city is called ‘Rainha das Praias’, which means ‘QUEEN OF PORTUGUESE BEACHES’, and some of them are even part of the BEST IN THE WORLD!
We’re not joking; check our detailed overview below of the 13 beaches!
1) Praia da Figueira da Foz
- Highlight: Praia da Figueira is Europe’s widest urban beach.
- Details: 2km of golden sand, wooden promenade and perfect for sunbathing and walking; family friendly with amenities nearby.
2) Praia do Cabedelo
- Highlight: Surfer’s paradise.
- Details: Fast and hollow waves; popular among surfers for its 1 mile long right hand break. Even Australian and Californian surfers travel around the world to surf it!
3) Praia da Claridade
- Highlight: Queen of Beaches.
- Details: Long sandy beach with calm waves; perfect for families and relaxing beach days.
Look at some accommodations close to the beaches!
4) Praia de Buarcos
- Highlight: Europe’s longest right point break.
- Details: Surfer’s paradise. This long (up to several 100 meters) high-quality right point break is more of a carving wave, but there are some tubular sections. At least 3 point breaks can connect with the right swell and form a long wave.
5) Praia da Gala
- Highlight: Quiet and natural.
- Details: Peaceful, away from crowds; beautiful scenery; safe for swimming.
6) Praia da Murtinheira
- Highlight: Secluded retreat.
- Details: Private and tranquil; rugged landscape.
7) Praia do Cabo Mondego
- Highlight: Scenic views.
- Details: Near Cabo Mondego cape; for nature lovers and geology enthusiasts. Follow Praia da Tamargueira at low tide north and then the name changes to Praia do Cabo do Mondego.
8) Praia da Leirosa
- Highlight: Quiet and empty.
- Details: Soft sand and calm waves; perfect for families to have a relaxing beach day.
9) Praia da Costa de Lavos
- Highlight: Adventure and relaxation.
- Details: Clean and spacious sand; great for walking and dunes.
10) Praia da Orbitur
- Highlight: Practical and family friendly.
- Details: Next to a campsite; gentle waves, amenities nearby.
11) Praia da Cova – Cova Gala
- Highlight: Chill out.
- Details: Intimate, less crowded; nearby fishing village with local seafood.
12) Praia do Vale do Emide
- Highlight: Quiet and natural.
- Details: Less visited, perfect for naked sunbathing; beautiful scenery for nature walks.
13) Praia de Quiaios
- Highlight: Secluded.
- Details: Surrounded by dunes and pine forests, great for hiking and off the beaten path.
Experiences
Besides the WORLD-CLASS BEACHES, Figueira da Foz has many attractions inside the city worth visiting. It’s the perfect place to spend a summer day.
Figueira da Foz stands out for its attractions, including a castle and a historic chapel offering scenic views.
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Figueira da Foz Fortifications
First of all, why is the city’s lay-out like this? Why does it have a fortress?
Figueira da Foz’s layout is due to its historic need for DEFENSE and its STRATEGIC position by the sea.
One of the main features that shaped Figueira da Foz is the Santa Catarina Fortress, which was the city’s defense.
Figueira da Foz was an important point for TRADE AND MILITARY purposes. In the past, controlling coastal cities like Figueira da Foz was key to protecting the inland regions from NAVAL ATTACKS and securing maritime routes.
So the fortress was built to guard the entrance of the Mondego River and the coast.
You can take a GUIDED TOUR of the Santa Catarina Fortress. You get to walk along the fortress WALLS and explore a small chapel built in 1598, which houses an 18th-century statue of Santa Catarina.
Book now!
INSIDER TIP: The fortress has views of the Atlantic Ocean and the area.
Bairro Novo
When you’re in Figueira da Foz, visit the Bairro Novo neighborhood. This is how the city reacted to its growing popularity as a summer destination in the 19th century.
Bairro Novo became (and still is) the social center of Figueira da Foz, with fancy buildings, clubs, and pubs.
Highlights:
- Inspiration: Houses are inspired by French seaside resorts.
- Styles: Mix of Art Nouveau and Art Deco.
- Era: Houses from 20th century.
- Proximity to Sea: Fancy neighborhood faces the ocean with views.
Serra da Boa Viagem Viewpoint
Want to stretch your legs? Hike to the Serra da Boa Viagem Viewpoint!
The viewpoint is located in the Serra da Boa Viagem mountain range near Figueira da Foz, one of the region’s most beautiful areas.
The viewpoint is on top of a hill in the Serra da Boa Viagem Natural Park with views of the Atlantic Ocean, Mondego River, and Figueira da Foz city.
Our recommendation is to hike to the viewpoint through an amazing trail that goes through some of the beaches above, the Serra da Boa Viagem Natural Park (an amazing green park)!
Miradouros da Serra da Boa Viagem Trail
- Distance: 20.9 km (13 miles) round trip.
- Elevation Gain: 551m (1,807ft).
- Difficulty: Medium.
- Time: 5 to 6 hours depending on pace and stops.
- Trail type: Loop (starts in Figueira da Foz).
- Highlights: Ocean views, forest, Figueira da Foz coastline. Along the way you can visit viewpoints and enjoy the natural landscapes, pine and eucalyptus forests.
- AllTrails link!
Palácio Sotto Maior and Casa do Paço
As you walk through the old town of Figueira da Foz you’ll see villas and palaces that tell the city’s story as a FAVORITE RETREAT FOR THE WEALTHY FEW.
As the city was an important CROSSING POINT between the ocean and the Mondego River, Figueira da Foz became a rich city with a strong economy based on shipbuilding and cod-drying industry.
1) Palácio Sotto Maior
- Style: A wealthy Portuguese businessman built the stunning neo-Renaissance palace to show off his wealth and status.
- History: Gardens, crystal and bronze chandeliers, clocks, candlesticks, statues, porcelain, and canvases by famous artists like Dórdio Gomes, Joaquim Lopes, and António Ramalho. Besides being a museum, this cultural spot also hosts exhibitions, concerts, “Poetry in the Palace”, fashion shows, talks, meetings, and conferences.
2) Casa do Paço:
- Origins: Built in the 17th century by the Bishop of Coimbra as his summer house, Casa do Paço is a “U” shape and has two facades: the entrance facing Largo Prof. António Vítor Guerra and another one at an angle with a tower facing the river.
- Interior: The highlight of Casa do Paço is the amazing collection of Dutch tiles from the 18th century. 6,700 (!) tiles were salvaged from a shipwreck near the area and are believed to be from the Dutch city of Delft. The tiles cover the walls of several rooms with different scenes and patterns.
Casino Figueira
Figueira da Foz is more than just beach days and palaces.
One of the biggest casinos in the Iberian Peninsula is located in the city: Casino Figueira.
It was opened at the end of the 19th century with the name Theatro-Circo Saraiva de Carvalho.
Now, it has daily shows, game rooms, bars, and traditional Portuguese restaurants.
At night, it’s one of the best entertainment spots in Figueira da Foz, with its many bars, clubs, and terraces.
If you prefer a quiet night, you should try a walk along the beach.
Santos Rocha Museum
The Santos Rocha Municipal Museum is a must see in Figueira da Foz.
The museum has many collections: archaeology, African and Oriental ethnography, numismatics, art, ceramics, and antique furniture.
The museum takes you on a journey through the local history and cultural heritage with exhibits that cover local and global influences.
Paid Admission:
- Adults: €2.00
- Seniors (65 and older): €1.00
- Family Ticket (minimum 3 visitors): €4.00
- Organized Group Visit (15 to 30 visitors): €15.00 per group
Winter Hours
September 16 to June 30:
- Tuesday to Friday: 09:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Last entry: 4:30 PM
- Saturday: 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Last entry: 6:30 PM
- Closed: Mondays, Sundays and holidays
Summer Hours
July 1 to September 15
- Tuesday to Friday: 09:30 AM – 6:00 PM
- Last entry: 5:30 PM
- Saturday, Sundays and holidays: 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Last entry: 6:30 PM
- Closed: Mondays
INSIDER TIP: There is a free admission to temporary exhibitions.
Food and Drink
Figueira da Foz is famous for its original food and drinks!
- Famous Ice Cream:
- Many flavors to choose from.
- Must try sundaes: Copa Primavera and Copa Silvestres.
- Local Cuisine:
- Seafood Specialties: Grilled sardines, octopus rice, caldeirada (fish stew).
- Traditional Portuguese dishes with recipes from our grandmothers.
- Markets:
- Regular markets with fresh produce, seafood and local products.
- Monthly Antiques and Collector’s Fair: Along the harbor with unique finds in a lovely setting.
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Getting Around Figueira da Foz
The best way to get around Figueira da Foz is on foot. Almost all the top attractions are close to each other (see below for our detailed map).
- Town Center to Praia da Figueira da Foz (Main Beach):
- 1 km (0.6 miles)
- Town Center to Palácio Sotto Maior:
- 1.2 km (0.75 miles)
- Town Center to Santa Catarina Fortress:
- 1.5 km (0.9 miles)
- Town Center to Santos Rocha Municipal Museum:
- 700 m (0.43 miles)
- Palácio Sotto Maior to Casino Figueira:
- 1 km (0.6 miles)
- Casino Figueira to Santa Catarina Fortress:
- 1.3 km (0.8 miles)
- Santos Rocha Municipal Museum to Palácio Sotto Maior:
- 900 m (0.56 miles)
Where to Stay in Figueira da Foz
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When to Visit Figueira da Foz
We recommend to visit in summer.
WHY?
For 2 reasons:
- Beach lovers: Warm weather (20°C to 30°C / 68°F to 86°F) is perfect for enjoying Figueira da Foz’s beaches (Praia da Figueira da Foz and Praia do Cabedelo).
- Water activities: The Atlantic Ocean is warm enough to swim, surf, and other water sports. Great for adventure seekers.
FUN FACT: With over 2,800 hours of sunshine per year and 25°C (77°F) in summer, Figueira da Foz is perfect for beach lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Other Activities Nearby
- Salt Pans and Nature Reserve:
- Experience: Guided tour of the salt pans to learn about Figueira da Foz’s salt production.
- Highlights: Birdwatching and natural scenery.
- Must-Visit: A nature lover’s attraction showcasing the region’s ecological heritage.
- Coimbra:
- Historical Significance: One of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Europe, Coimbra is a city rich in history and culture.
- Distance: 43 minutes by highway A14 or 39 minutes by train from Figueira da Foz.
- Highlights: Monuments, historical landmarks and the beautiful Mondego River, the former capital of Portugal.
- Montemor-o-Velho Castle:
- Historical Site: This 12th century castle, 6 km from Figueira da Foz, was a key point of the Christian defense during the Reconquista.
- Highlights: 360° view of the surrounding countryside from the castle’s hilltop and cafeteria-restaurant inside.
- Lighthouse of Cape Mondego:
- Geological Interest: Learn about the formation of the Atlantic Ocean.
- Natural Beauty: Stunning views of the coast.
Conclusion
Figueira da Foz is where history and nature meet.
Whatever you do—beach, history, or food—there’s always something to find.
Tell us about your experience!
