Leiria is pleasantly situated at the meeting of two rivers, the Liz and the Lena and at the foot of a hill that is topped by a famous medieval castle. With the beaches of Nazare not far way, Leiria is an ideal all-round spot for the tourist. Proud of its customs and folklore, Leiria is the heart of a region that refuses to ditch its historical past.
ACCOMODATION:
Accommodation is limited in the town itself but there is a wider range of hotels out towards the coast at a good range of prices.
PLACES OF INTEREST:
Castle: In a superb site overlooking the whole town, the original fortified edifice was put up in 1135. The castle lost its significance a century later but was preserved and extended in the centuries after that. A tour takes around 30 minutes and offers wonderful views of the surrounding countryside.
Pinhal de Leiria: Spectacular pine forest planted by King Dinis in the 14th century. The abundant supply of trees has led to the growth of wood and paper industries in the area.
Fatima: Famous shrine and one of the world's great pilgrimage places. Thousands visit the shrine on the 13th of every month in honour of an apparition by the Virgin Mary to three young shepherds.
Mosteiro da Batalha: The Monastery of Batalha boasts a magnificently ornate church and cloisters and a tour takes around an hour.
LOCAL DELICACIES:
Bread soups are widespread in this region with many variations. Pork is also popular in anything from pig's tongues to a smoked-meatstyle of bacon.
TO THE STADIUM:
The Dr. Magalhães Pessoa stadium seats 30,000 after undergoing significant improvement work over the past two years. With three brand new stands, it will stage two group matches.
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