O que fazer na Lourinhã, Portugal: praias, surf e dinossauros

Sim!

Inhabited since ancient times, Lourinhã is a small town on Portugal’s Silver Coast, about an hour north of Lisbon. The town is dotted by forts lording a hill and by fossils of prehistoric species, and this archaic beauty has made it rise to fame as more and more travellers discover its littoral grounds. Upon exploring Lourinhã, you will be surprised to discover the unique sites that dot this hidden gem.

Quiet Beaches below the Cliffs

Fringed by several powdery beaches, the town is a quiet respite from the hustle and bustle of the populous cities. Some of these beaches are almost practically deserted, while others are lively and welcoming. Praia da Areia Branca is the best known, with restaurants, bars and outdoor terraces along the sand and activities ranging from mini-golf to surf and bodyboard classes. Paimogo nestles beneath a 17th-century fort and its calm bay has long been popular with anglers, while Caniçal and Vale de Frades are quieter stretches loved by nature lovers. Along the same coastline you will also find small seaside hamlets such as Porto Dinheiro and Ribamar.

The Land of the Dinosaurs

Lourinhã is home to a very important collection of dinosaur fossils, which has earned it a reputation as the Portuguese capital of dinosaurs, and several dinosaur species discovered here were even named after the town and its surroundings. You can admire the finds in the local museum, spend a family day at Dino Parque Lourinhã, a park dedicated to the giants that once roamed this coastline, or walk the PR1 Dinosaur Route, a trail of almost ten kilometres that starts at the museum and ends at the Paimogo Fort, passing splendid views of the beaches of Areia Branca, Paimogo, Vale Frades and Caniçal along the way.

Surf, Heritage and Slow Days

The intrepid traveller will love the cliff-flanked surfing spots in and around the town, where surf camps and schools welcome all levels. Back in the centre, a leisurely stroll unveils intriguing edifices such as the Santo António Church and Convent and the Gothic Church of Santa Maria do Castelo, while a short trip inland leads to the restored windmills of Moita dos Ferreiros.

Lourinhã also makes a wonderful base for exploring the rest of the Silver Coast. The medieval village of Óbidos, the surf town of Peniche with the beaches of Baleal, and the famous waves of Nazaré are all within easy reach, yet the region remains far less crowded than the Algarve or the beaches around Lisbon.

Still wondering about all the things to do in Lourinhã? Between the beaches, the waves, the dinosaurs and the gentle pace of life, this corner of Portugal is easy to love.

A Lourinhã está à tua espera!