Attractions and Places To See around Torres Novas (Santa Maria) - Top 20
Attractions and places to see around Torres Novas (Santa Maria) offer a blend of historical significance and natural beauty. This region, historically encompassing the former Santa Maria parish, features a diverse landscape with rivers, natural parks, and significant historical landmarks. Visitors can explore ancient Roman ruins, medieval castles, and extensive natural areas like the Serras de Aire e Candeeiros Natural Park. The area provides opportunities for outdoor activities, including cycling, hiking, and exploring viewpoints.
Best attractions and places to see…
Last updated: August 25, 2026
Alcanena MTB Center – Alviela Spring
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Moitas Venda
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Serras de Aire e Candeeiros Natural Park
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Peão Fountain - Monsanto
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Ponte João Joaquim Isidro dos Reis
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The region is ideal for nature tourism and outdoor activities: Cabeço de Santa Marta: An imposing natural viewpoint offering panoramic views and a central point for trekking and mountain biking routes. Trails and Routes: The parish is crossed by several routes, such as the Santa Marta Route (PR11 ACN), popular with hikers and mountain bikers. Climbing: There is a dedicated climbing area at Cabeço de Santa Marta. Heritage: Local history can be explored in the exhibition "From Saint Peter to Saint Martha," which celebrated the parish's 100th anniversary at the Alcanena Municipal Museum.
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Moitas Venda is a Portuguese parish belonging to the municipality of Alcanena, in the district of Santarém. Situated between the Serra de Aire and the Serra dos Candeeiros mountain ranges, the town celebrated its centenary of elevation to parish status in 2025 (created on April 11, 1925).
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I highly recommend Olhos de Água, a river beach 🏖️ with top trails to enjoy pure nature that can be done on foot or by mountain bike, some of which are well signposted with bars next to the beach and there is a campsite for private individuals, it only has bungalows and a hotel, a true paradise 😜🤙🏽🚴🏽💨🚶🏽🏃🏽🏊🏽
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Information and information center for mountain bike trails in the region
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"The Alcanena MTB Center is made up of 5 circuits duly signposted and planned in order to create 4 different levels of difficulty. There are 200 kms of pure pleasure available to all who visit us, from the youngest or beginners in this modality, even the most experienced and daring. With regard to support structures, we are very well equipped, making available to practitioners an information panel, toilets, changing rooms and an area for repairing and washing bicycles." Source: CM Alcanena
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The Fonte do Peão, built in 1884, is one of the symbols of the parish of Monsanto. It is covered in tiles that depict rural life. The water in the Fonte do Peão comes from a spring and flows regularly throughout the year. According to information obtained from local residents, the water is good for human consumption and is used as a source of water for the many travellers who pass through there.
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Bridge accessible to cyclists and offering a magnificent view of the Tejo.
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Fátima is a city in central Portugal that houses the Sanctuary of Fátima, a place of Catholic pilgrimage. The Capelinha das Aparições marks the spot where the Virgin Mary allegedly appeared in 1917. Other sacred sites include the Basilica of Nossa Senhora do Rosário, with its golden angels, and the modern Church of the Holy Trinity. The Museum of Sacred Art and Ethnology displays religious artefacts.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical landmarks can I explore in Torres Novas (Santa Maria)?
Torres Novas is rich in history. You can visit the imposing Castle of Torres Novas, a medieval fortress of Arabic origin and a Portuguese National Monument, offering panoramic views. Also, explore the Roman Ruins of Vila Cardílio, which feature polychrome mosaics providing evidence of ancient Roman habitation in the region.
Are there any natural parks or significant natural features to visit?
Absolutely. The nearby Parque Natural das Serras de Aire e Candeeiros is a must-see, offering breathtaking landscapes, hiking trails, and fascinating limestone caves like the Mira de Aire Caves. The town itself is traversed by the Almonda River, and you can find the Gruta do Almonda, considered the largest natural cave in Portugal, and the Grutas das Lapas with their labyrinthine formations. Don't miss the Serras de Aire e Candeeiros Natural Park for its views and climbing opportunities.
What kind of outdoor activities are popular around Torres Novas (Santa Maria)?
The region is excellent for outdoor enthusiasts. You can enjoy cycling, mountain biking, and hiking. The Ponte João Joaquim Isidro dos Reis is accessible to cyclists and offers magnificent views of the Tejo River. For mountain biking, the Alcanena MTB Center – Alviela Spring provides 200 km of signposted trails for various skill levels.
Are there family-friendly attractions in Torres Novas (Santa Maria)?
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The Castle of Torres Novas with its garden can be an engaging historical visit. The Monumento Natural das Pegadas de Dinossáurio (Dinosaur Footprints Natural Monument) in Serra D'Aire is a fascinating educational experience for all ages. Additionally, the Peão Fountain - Monsanto is a charming spot with historical tiles depicting rural life, and its water is considered good for consumption.
Where can I find good viewpoints in the area?
For impressive views, head to the Cabeço de Santa Marta, an imposing natural viewpoint that also serves as a central point for trekking and mountain biking routes. The Castle of Torres Novas also offers panoramic views of the Ribatejo region from its turrets. The Ponte João Joaquim Isidro dos Reis provides magnificent views of the Tejo River.
What are some recommended hiking trails near Torres Novas (Santa Maria)?
You can find several easy hiking trails in the vicinity. Options include a 'Hiking loop from Minde' (6.8 km), a 'Grutas de Lapas loop from Torres Novas' (5 km), and a 'Lagoa Larga – Polje Mira-Minde loop from Minde' (7.6 km). For more details and other routes, you can explore the Easy hikes around Torres Novas (Santa Maria) guide.
Are there any cycling routes or MTB trails available?
Yes, the area is well-suited for cycling. The Alcanena MTB Center – Alviela Spring offers 5 signposted circuits with 200 km of trails for various skill levels. For general cycling, you can find routes like the 'Carlos Relvas House-Studio – Almourol Castle loop from Entroncamento' (45.3 km). More cycling options are available in the Cycling around Torres Novas (Santa Maria) guide and the MTB Trails around Torres Novas (Santa Maria) guide.
What cultural sites or museums are there in Torres Novas?
Torres Novas offers several cultural points of interest. You can visit the Carlos Reis Municipal Museum, dedicated to the renowned Portuguese painter born in Torres Novas. The Historic Center of Torres Novas itself is charming, with narrow cobblestone streets and traditional houses. Additionally, there are several churches like the Igreja da Misericórdia de Torres Novas and the elegant Manueline-style Church of Santa Maria do Castelo.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions in Torres Novas (Santa Maria)?
Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of historical significance and natural beauty. The panoramic views from the Castle of Torres Novas and the Ponte João Joaquim Isidro dos Reis are highly rated. The extensive trails for mountain biking at the Alcanena MTB Center – Alviela Spring and the natural landscapes of the Serras de Aire e Candeeiros Natural Park are also very popular.
Is there a nature reserve for birdwatching near Torres Novas?
Yes, the Pául do Boquilobo Nature Reserve is situated about seven kilometers from the city. This protected area is significant for ornithology, providing a nesting ground for various birds, including stork colonies. The landscape is characterized by willow trees and reeds, making it an ideal spot for birdwatching.
What is the significance of Moitas Venda?
Moitas Venda is a Portuguese parish located between the Serra de Aire and Serra dos Candeeiros mountain ranges. It's known for its natural beauty and outdoor activity opportunities. The area around Moitas Venda, particularly Cabeço de Santa Marta, is a central point for trekking and mountain biking routes like the Santa Marta Route (PR11 ACN), and also features a dedicated climbing area. You can learn more about this area at Moitas Venda.
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