Tomar is a beautiful city | Portugal Premium Tours

Located in the heart of Portugal, Tomar is a beautiful city known for its historical richness, scenic beauty, and cultural depth. One of the country’s most iconic landmarks stands at its center. The Convent of Christ, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the former seat of the Knights Templar in Portugal.

Walking through Tomar feels like stepping back in time. The Templars carefully planned the city’s layout, and it still reflects their vision. As you explore, you’ll come across medieval streets, charming façades, and quiet squares full of character. The Convent of Christ, with its stunning Manueline window and intricate cloisters, is an architectural masterpiece that tells stories of power, faith, and art. However, it isn’t just about history. The city offers a rich variety of experiences. Visit local museums, stroll along the peaceful Nabão River, or participate in traditional festivals like the Festa dos Tabuleiros, held every four years.

In addition, Tomar is a delight for food lovers. The regional cuisine features hearty dishes, conventional sweets, and local wines that reflect the depth of Portuguese flavours. Don’t leave without tasting the famous Fatias de Tomar, a dessert with deep historical roots. If you have time, you can explore the surrounding region. Places like Almourol Castle and the Pegões Aqueduct add to the magic of this area, offering perfect day trips from the city.

Before visiting Tomar, check our suggestions on what to see, taste, and experience, and let yourself be inspired by one of Portugal’s most fascinating destinations.

Typical July:

28º C
82º F

Typical January:

5º C
41º F

What to see

Known as a Templar City, Tomar has a lot to offer to its visitors! You can enjoy extraordinary architectural works, prayer sites and places of unmistakable natural beauty.

Castelo de Bode

The Castelo de Bode lake is the largest freshwater body in Portugal, created after opening the Castelo de Bode dam in 1951.

Pegões aqueduct

Built with the purpose of water supply to the Convent of Christ in Tomar, and is about 6 km long.

Tomar's synagogue

Is located in the old Jewish quarter, in the historic city center. It is a national monument since 1921.

Church of St. João Batista

Highlighting the details of the Portal of Manueline inspiration.

Convent of Christ

Founded in 1162 by the Grand Master of the Templars. Here we can observe national architecture since the 12th Century until the 18th Century.

Tomar Knight Templars Castle

Built by Gualdim Pais in 1160.

Castle of Almourol

Built during the 'Reconquista' period. It's located on a small island in the Tagus River and it's one of the country's most beautiful military buildings.

What to do

Besides visiting its historical monuments there is plenty to do in Tomar.

Golegã Festival

Just 25km of Tomar, in November follows this festival dedicated to equestrian art and the Lusitano horse.

Festival of the Trays

Held in July, this is a traditional celebration of the City, with deep cultural and religious significance.

Water sports

In the dam/lake of Castelo de Bode, you can practice water sports such as jet skiing, canoeing, water skiing or boating.

Sightseeing

On foot, by mountain bike, on horseback... You'll find tracks already prepared to take the most of the urban and rurality of the city.

What to taste

Here you’ll find a rich and varied cuisine, result of the cultural habits and traditions of the region’s people.

Rabbit in pumpkin

This plate is provided mostly inside the pumpkin whose interior is cooked with the meat.

Rice's black pudding with greens

Typical sausage dish accompanied with potato in the oven and sprouts.

'Beija-me depressa'

In english 'kiss me quickly'. It's a sweet of conventual inspiration, based on yarn eggs and eggs candy.

'Fatias de Tomar'

The most typical sweet of Tomar, being made with only gems that are beaten thoroughly and then cooked in a water bath in a double pan specially designed for this purpose.

Places to visit near Tomar

When you decide to visit Tomar, also take into account its location, since relatively close to this city you’ll find other equally interesting to visit, as Coimbra or Fatima.

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Come feel Tomar

Before visiting Tomar, check our suggestions on what to see, taste, and experience, and let yourself be inspired by one of Portugal’s most fascinating destinations.