Oeiras Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do, places to visit, and where to stay in Oeiras, Portugal with our comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Oeiras

Located in Greater Lisbon, in Estremadura, in Tagus Valley, in Portugal, in Iberia, in Europe, Oeiras is a charming coastal town that boasts a rich cultural and historical heritage. You can explore museums, relax on picturesque beaches, hike in the stunning natural landscapes, and indulge in delicious local cuisine. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, history buff, or foodie, Oeiras has something for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Oeiras

Oeiras is a small town with a big personality, there are lots of places to visit during your stay. Here’s a list of the best places for sightseeing and exploring.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Palace of the Marquises of Pombal: A beautifully preserved 18th-century palace that was once the home of the Marquises of Pombal, the prime minister of Portugal. The palace houses a museum that displays artefacts and exhibits on the region’s history.
  • Oeiras Fort: A 17th-century fort that played a significant role in the defense of Lisbon. The fort is well-preserved and now serves as a cultural center for exhibitions and events.
  • Museum of the Portuguese Music: A museum that showcases the history and evolution of Portuguese music, including traditional Fado music.

Natural Attractions of Oeiras: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Paço de Arcos Beach: A stunning beach that offers a picturesque view of the sea. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy the sun, sand, and sea.
  • Santa Marta Lighthouse: A charming lighthouse perched on the cliffs, this spot offers picturesque views of the sea and the town’s colourful rooftops.
  • Oeiras Park: A vast green park with a lake, a playground, and a jogging trail that showcases the town’s natural landscapes.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Oeiras

Oeiras is an excellent destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering plenty of hiking and biking trails through its natural landscapes. Here’s a list of the best routes for hikers and bikers.

  • Parque dos Poetas: A park with multiple walking trails, perfect for those who enjoy a leisurely walk.
  • Estrada Marginal: A scenic highway that runs along the coast, offering stunning views and excellent road cycling opportunities.
  • Caminho Português de Santiago: A pilgrimage route that passes through Oeiras and leads to Santiago de Compostela in northern Spain. This route is quite popular among hikers and bikers alike.

Best Things to Do in Oeiras: Activities and Tours

In addition to sightseeing and outdoor adventures, Oeiras offers a range of exciting activities and tours. Here’s a list of the best things to do in Oeiras.

  • Surfing lessons: Head to the beach and learn to surf with the help of an experienced instructor.
  • Wine tasting tours: Explore the nearby vineyards and enjoy a taste of Portugal’s finest wine.
  • Visiting the local markets: Oeiras has multiple local markets that offer a range of fresh produce, handcrafted souvenirs, and local products.

Week-Long Itinerary for Oeiras

Here’s a week-long itinerary that covers all the must-visit places and activities in Oeiras.

Day 1: Explore the Palace of the Marquises of Pombal and the Museum of the Portuguese Music

Day 2: Relax at Paço de Arcos Beach and take a surfing lesson.

Day 3: Visit Oeiras Fort and enjoy an outdoor picnic in Parque dos Poetas

Day 4: Go on a wine tasting tour and enjoy the local cuisine at a nearby restaurant.

Day 5: Hike along the Caminho Português de Santiago and enjoy the natural landscapes.

Day 6: Take a scenic drive along Estrada Marginal and visit Santa Marta Lighthouse.

Day 7: Visit the local markets and buy souvenirs to take back home.

Food and Drink Scene of Oeiras

Oeiras’ food and drink scene has something for everyone - from traditional Portuguese cuisine to global flavours. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Bacalhau com Natas: A traditional Portuguese dish made with cod, cream, and potatoes.
  • Arroz de Marisco: A seafood rice dish that’s a local favourite.
  • Queijadas de Sintra: A delicious sweet pastry that’s popular throughout Portugal.

Local Beverages

  • Vinho Verde: A light and refreshing white wine that’s the perfect complement to any meal.
  • Ginja: A cherry liqueur that’s a popular local drink.
  • Café com Nata: A coffee served with cream, a local specialty that’s perfect for a midday break.

Where to Stay in Oeiras: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Oeiras offers a range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels, here’s a list of the best places to stay.

  • Sana Oeiras Hotel: A luxury hotel with a prime location that offers an excellent view of the sea.
  • Lisbon Beach Hostel: A budget-friendly hostel that’s just a few steps away from the beach.
  • Solar Palmeiras Guesthouse: A charming guesthouse located in a leafy residential area, perfect for those who want a peaceful stay.

What to Buy in Oeiras: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Looking for a unique souvenir to take back home? Oeiras has plenty of local products that make for excellent gifts. Here’s a list of the best souvenirs to buy in Oeiras.

  • Handcrafted pottery: Oeiras is famous for its traditional pottery, which makes for a unique souvenir.
  • Portuguese cork products: Cork products are a popular souvenir in Portugal, and Oeiras has a lot of handcrafted cork products to offer.
  • Cutlery: Oeiras is home to a lot of artisans who make beautiful cutlery and flatware, making it a great place to buy these items as a souvenir.

Local Culture and Customs of Oeiras

Oeiras is a relatively small town that’s rich in culture and history. The local customs and traditions reflect the town’s heritage, and it’s a great idea to learn about them during your stay. Here are some things to keep in mind:

  • Greeting: In Portugal, it’s essential to greet people by saying “Bom dia” (good morning), “Boa tarde” (good afternoon), or “Boa noite” (good evening) depending on the time of day.
  • Tipping: It’s customary to tip 5-10% at restaurants in Portugal, although it’s not necessary to tip for cab rides or other services.
  • Siesta: Portugal follows the siesta tradition, which means that most businesses are closed between 1-3 pm.

Best Time to Visit Oeiras

The best time to visit Oeiras is during the spring or autumn when the temperatures are mild and pleasant for outdoor activities. July and August can be hot, and the beaches can get crowded due to the summer holidays.

Do’s and Don’ts of Oeiras

Here are some quick do’s and don’ts to keep in mind during your stay in Oeiras.

Do:

  • Try the local cuisine: Oeiras has a rich food and drink scene, so make sure to indulge in the local cuisine.
  • Respect the local customs: Portugal has a rich cultural heritage, and it’s essential to respect local customs and traditions.
  • Explore the great outdoors: Oeiras has plenty of natural landscapes to explore, so make sure you spend some time outdoors.

Don’t:

  • Litter: It’s important to keep the beaches and natural landscapes of Oeiras clean and litter-free.
  • Be too loud: Noise pollution can disturb the peace of the town, so try to keep the volume down at night.
  • Forget sunscreen: Portugal can be hot, and the sun can be intense, so make sure to wear sunscreen to avoid sunburn.

Safety and Health

Safety in Oeiras

Oeiras is a relatively safe town, and tourists generally don’t face any security risks. However, it’s essential to keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded places and public transport, as petty theft can occur.

Health in Oeiras

As a tourist, you are eligible for free emergency medical treatment at public hospitals in Portugal. It’s always a good idea to carry travel insurance that covers emergency medical services, just to be on the safe side.

Getting to Oeiras: Transportation Options and Logistics

Oeiras is well-connected to the rest of Portugal, and getting there is relatively easy. Here are the best transportation options to get to Oeiras.

Airports Near Oeiras

  • Lisbon Portela Airport: The nearest international airport to Oeiras is Lisbon Portela Airport, which is approximately 20 km away.

Bus Stations Near Oeiras

  • Oeiras Station: A railway station that connects Oeiras to other parts of Portugal.

Other Options

  • Car rental: Oeiras is well-connected by roads, and car rental is an excellent option if you’re planning to explore the outskirts of the town.
  • Taxi: Taxis are widely available in Oeiras, and they are a convenient way to get around town.

How to Get Around in Oeiras

Public transport is reliable and efficient in Oeiras, making it easy to get around the town. Here are some ways to get around Oeiras.

  • Bus: The bus network in Oeiras connects the town to other parts of Portugal, and the buses run frequently.
  • Train: The train station in Oeiras connects the town to Lisbon and other towns around Portugal.
  • Taxi: Taxis are readily available in Oeiras and are a convenient option for travelling short distances.

Where to Go Next from Oeiras: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Oeiras is a great base from which to explore other parts of Portugal. Here are some nearby destinations and excursions that you can consider:

  • Lisbon: Lisbon is just a short train ride away from Oeiras and is an excellent destination for sightseeing and exploring.
  • Sintra: A town that is famous for its stunning palaces and natural landscapes.
  • Cascais: A beach town that’s famous for its picturesque sand beaches.

Conclusion

Oeiras is a hidden gem on the Portuguese coast that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and outdoor adventures. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation or a culturally rich experience, Oeiras has something to offer. From museums and historical sites to natural landscapes and delicious local cuisine, this town has it all. So the next time you’re in Portugal, make sure to visit Oeiras and explore all that it has to offer.

Coastal road in Oeiras. Coastal road in Oeiras.