Figueira da Foz: Travel and tourism

For decades a lively seaside resort chosen namely by wealthy families from central and northern Portugal for their summer holidays, due to the extensive beaches of golden sand and the attraction of its big casino, Figueira da Foz has renewed a relatively timeworn image over the last years and conquered some of its former popularity. Several events have helped this to happen, such as the organization of international surf competitions.

Located at the mouth of the river Mondego and surrounded by verdant hills, the city boasts of several sites and monuments of interest, such as the Sotto Mayor Palace, surrounded by beautiful gardens in the French style, the Convent and Church of Saint Anthony, founded in the 16th century, the Mother Church of Saint Julian, the 17th-century Casa do Paço palace and the fortress of Saint Catherine (16th-century), among others.

It is always pleasant to walk along the extensive promenade by the sea and enjoy a drink at one of the esplanades, or to climb to the belvedere at the top of the Serra da Boa Viagem mountains and admire the alliance between land and sea.

Also worth visiting in the county is the picturesque fishing village of Buarcos.

At table, Figueira da Foz naturally offers excellent and varied fish and seafood, including local specialities such as grilled mussels on a spit, shellfish rice, caldeirada (a stew with different kinds of fish) and dishes with eels.