Tomar Travel Guide (Ribatejo/Tagus Valley/Portugal/Iberia/Europe)

Introduction to Tomar

Tomar is a charming town in Portugal, located in the Ribatejo region, in the Tagus Valley, in Iberia, in Europe. This historic town is known for its stunning architecture, rich cultural heritage, and unbeatable natural scenery. With a perfect blend of history and nature, Tomar is a delight for tourists of all kinds.

List of Places to Visit in Tomar

If you’re planning to visit Tomar, here are some of the must-visit places:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Convento de Cristo - One of the most famous attractions in Tomar, the Convento de Cristo is a UNESCO World Heritage site. This 12th-century monastery is a stunning example of Manueline architecture and is filled with rich history and artwork.
Synagogue of Tomar - One of the oldest standing Jewish synagogues in Portugal, this historic site showcases the rich Jewish heritage of the region.
Museu dos Fósforos - This unique museum is dedicated to matchboxes and contains more than 43,000 matchboxes from all over the world.

Natural Attractions of Tomar: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Castelo de Bode - This vast artificial lake is a popular destination for water sports, boating, and fishing. It’s also a great spot for hiking and biking in the surrounding hills.
Mata Nacional dos Sete Montes - A beautiful forest park where you can go for a picnic, relax, or take a stroll amidst picturesque surroundings.
Cascata da Pedra da Ferida - A stunning waterfall located near Tomar, perfect for nature lovers who want to escape the town and explore the countryside.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Tomar

Tomar provides ample opportunities for hiking and biking due to its scenic surroundings. The following are some of the best routes for hikers and bikers:

Camino Portugues - A popular trail that starts in Lisbon and goes through Tomar, and ends in Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
Circular Route of the Castelo de Bode Dam - A moderate difficulty hike that follows the shores of the Castelo de Bode, passing through stunning viewpoints and beaches along the way.
The Greenways - A network of bicycle paths that run throughout Portugal, The Greenways offer several routes that pass through Tomar and its neighboring towns.

Best Things to Do in Tomar: Activities and Tours

Whether you’re interested in art, history, nature, or food, Tomar offers a wide range of activities and tours for tourists. Here are some of the most popular:

Segway Tour of Tomar - A fun way to explore the historic town while riding on a Segway.
Wine Tasting Tour - Tomar and the surrounding area is famous for its wine, and this tour takes you to some of the best local vineyards.
Pottery Workshop - Tomar is also famous for its pottery, and this workshop allows you to experience the age-old tradition of pottery-making firsthand.

Week-Long Itinerary for Tomar

If you’re planning to spend a week in Tomar, here is a suggested itinerary:

Day	Activities
Day 1	Explore the historic town center of Tomar, visiting the Convento de Cristo and the Synagogue of Tomar
Day 2	Hike the circular route of the Castelo de Bode Dam
Day 3	Visit the wine vineyards for a wine tasting tour.
Day 4	Visit the Museu dos Fósforos, the pottery workshop, and the Mata Nacional dos Sete Montes.
Day 5	Take a refreshing swim in the Castelo de Bode.
Day 6	Enjoy the stunning view of Cascata da Pedra da Ferida.
Day 7	Take a Segway tour of Tomar.

Food and Drink Scene of Tomar

Tomar offers a wide range of delicious food and drink options for tourists. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

Bola - A traditional meat pie made with flavorful pork, breadcrumbs, and various seasonings.
Frango à Guiomar - A classic Portuguese dish, roasted chicken with tomatoes and herbs.
Açorda - A delicious traditional soup made with bread, spices, and fish or meat.

Local Beverages

Ginjinha - A sweet cherry liquor that you can find in most local bars.
Wine - Tomar is blessed with abundant fertile soil and a favorable climate for wine production, making it a great place to try Portuguese wine. Try the local wine clubs to experience some of the best local wine the region has to offer.

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

Tomar has an array of accommodation options to choose from, depending on your budget and preferences. Some of the popular options are:

Hotel Dos Templários - A luxury hotel located in the center of Tomar with views of the Convento de Cristo
Tomar Rural Lodging - A cozy villa with free wifi and breakfast, located near the historic center.
Hostel 2300 Thomar - A budget-friendly hostel with a central location, perfect for solo travelers and backpackers.

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

Tomar is famous for its pottery, wine, and olive oil, and these items make for excellent souvenirs. Guild shops and gift shops are abundant around the city and carry traditional items and locally-produced goods.

Local Culture and Customs of Tomar

Tomar’s culture is rich and unique. The town is famous for its art, festivals, and colorful traditions. The locals are warm and friendly, and many speak English. It’s customary to greet people with a handshake.

Best Time to Visit Tomar

The best time to visit Tomar is during the spring (March - May) and autumn (September - November). The temperatures are comfortable, the crowds are thinner, and you can enjoy the natural beauty of Tomar during these seasons.

Do’s and Don’ts of Tomar

Do:

Respect the customs and traditions of Tomar’s chief religion - Catholicism.
Dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
Try the local cuisine and wines.

Don’t:

Litter in public places.
Speak loudly or disrupt the peace of locals during festivities.

Safety and Health

Safety in Tomar

Tomar is a safe destination for tourists, but it’s always advisable to be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.

Health in Tomar

Tomar has an excellent health care system, with many hospitals and clinics, both private and public. European tourists will need a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to access free medical treatment.

Getting to Tomar: Transportation Options and Logistics

Tomar is easy to get to, with many transportation options available to tourists.

Airports Near Tomar

The nearest international airport to Tomar is Lisbon Airport (LIS) and is just 130km away. You can rent a car, grab a taxi, or take a bus to get to Tomar from the airport.

Bus Stations Near Tomar

Tomar has its own bus terminal with connections to major cities like Lisbon, Porto, and Coimbra.

Other Options

Train and taxi services are also available for those who don’t want to drive while in Tomar.

How to Get Around in Tomar

Tomar can be easily explored either on foot or by bike. For those who aren’t into hiking or biking, there are taxis, buses, and rental cars available for transportation purposes.

Where to Go Next from Tomar: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Tomar is in a strategic location, close to several other exciting destinations. Some of the popular nearby excursions are:

Fatima - A world-famous Catholic pilgrimage site, just 30 km from Tomar.
Coimbra - A charming university town with picturesque streets and historic buildings, only an hour’s drive from Tomar.
Nazaré - A picturesque seaside resort, known for its giant waves and traditional fishing techniques, is an hour and a half’s drive from Tomar.

Conclusion

Tomar is a town full of history, charm, and beauty, offering something for everyone. With a vast array of activities to do and sights to see, it can be an exciting and unforgettable vacation destination. Take your time to explore the town and its surroundings to make the most of your trip to Tomar.

Tomar Image Gallery

Castle and Convent of the Knights Templar of Tomar (transferred in 1344 to the Knights of the Order of Christ)

Church of Saint Mary of Olival, burial place for the Knights Templar of Tomar