Estremadura: from Óbidos to Nazaré, a tour and its crafts

By Tiago Reis, co-founder of Ra-Ro · View profile

About a 4-minute read

Between the Atlantic and the great monasteries, Estremadura keeps some of the most intense places in Portugal. Walled towns, giant waves and Gothic stone that seems to pray. It is a land of wild sea and of faith.

Just a few kilometres from Lisbon, Estremadura brings together some of the country's landmarks. On this itinerary we go from the flower-lined streets of Óbidos to the giant waves of Nazaré, from the World Heritage monasteries to the Berlengas islands, and we end with pieces of craftwork from Estremadura, from blown glass to weaving.

What to see in Estremadura

Óbidos

A whole town within its walls, with flower-lined streets and houses whitewashed in blue and yellow. The story goes that it was a gift from kings to queens. Taste the ginjinha in a chocolate cup and you will understand its charm.

Nazaré

The beach of giant waves, which draws the best surfers in the world. High up in the Sítio, the viewpoint opens over the sea and over the women in seven skirts who still keep the tradition alive.

The monasteries of Alcobaça and Batalha

Two masterpieces of the Gothic, World Heritage sites. In Alcobaça rests the tragic love of Pedro and Inês; in Batalha, the lacework stone challenges the sky. Visiting them leaves you speechless.

Peniche and the Berlengas

The fishermen's peninsula stretches out to sea, and offshore rises the Berlengas archipelago, a nature reserve of clear water and wild islets.

To plan the trip, the official portal Visit Portugal gathers all the information about the region. And to discover the pieces linked to this territory, see our collection by region.

What to take home: craftwork of Estremadura

In Estremadura, glass is blown by hand, thread by thread of light, and wool becomes crochet and weaving full of detail. These are pieces of patience, made by those who are in no hurry.