Perched high above the Ribatejo plains, Santarém is Portugal’s Gothic gem – quietly magnificent and steeped in history. From riverside gardens to ancient Roman roots, this city rewards the curious traveller with a tapestry of cultural finds, scenic landscapes, and unhurried charm. Whether you’re exploring its cobbled lanes or venturing into the countryside, there are plenty of things to do in Santarém and beyond. Here’s our guide to ten memorable stops, each one offering a deeper connection to place, past, and perspective.
10 Things to Do in Santarém
1. Santíssimo Milagre
Start your journey with the city’s most sacred legend. The Santíssimo Milagre chapel houses a 13th-century Eucharistic miracle that draws pilgrims from near and far. Whether you’re deeply spiritual or simply intrigued, there’s something moving about stepping into a space so steeped in reverence and lore.
2. Catedral de Santarém – Museu Diocesano
This is more than a cathedral – it’s a portal into Portugal’s religious artistry. At the Museu Diocesano, housed within the cathedral, centuries of sacred art unfold in quiet majesty. Frescoes, vestments, sculptures, every object tells a story, and every story brings you closer to the soul of the region.
3. Mercado Municipal
Wake up with the city at the Municipal Market, where locals shop for fresh produce, cheese, meat, and chatter. Come for the colour and fragrance of seasonal fruit, stay for the lively rhythm of daily life. This is where Santarém cooks its best meals and shares them with the world.
4. Igreja Nossa Senhora de Marvila
On the outside, a simple Gothic church. Step inside, and the explosion of azulejos (Portuguese tiles) will stop you in your tracks. Floor to ceiling, every surface is a canvas, each tile a masterpiece. It’s one of those places that whispers, “Stay a little longer.”
5. Jardins das Portas do Sol
A former castle turned into a garden with sweeping views? Yes, please. Portas do Sol is where locals come to breathe, picnic, and admire the view. From the edge of the terrace, the Tagus River snakes through the valley below. It’s peaceful, scenic, and exactly what you need after a morning of sightseeing.
6. Igreja de Santa Maria da Graça
Gothic elegance meets national history at this hauntingly beautiful church, best known as the final resting place of explorer Pedro Álvares Cabral, who “discovered” Brazil. Step inside to find soaring ceilings, stone tracery, and centuries of quiet.
7. Torre das Cabaças
Look up. That’s the Clock Tower – or Torre das Cabaças – crowned by a curious collection of stone “heads” (cabaças). Inside, you’ll find the Time Museum, where ancient timekeeping instruments await. A quirky stop, and a memorable one.
8. Complexo Aquático de Santarém
Travelling with kids or just want to dive into something refreshing? The Aquatic Complex offers indoor and outdoor pools, slides, and wellness areas. It’s a great way to beat the heat or burn off that extra pastel de nata.
9. Convento de São Francisco
With its vaulted ceiling and unfinished stonework, this Franciscan convent is one of the most understated yet impactful spaces in Santarém. The silence here is not empty, it’s full. Look out for the rose window and Gothic arches – they’re quietly unforgettable.
10. Igreja da Misericórdia
Right in the historic centre, this church is often missed by hurried travellers. Don’t be one of them. The Igreja da Misericórdia is a small but splendid stop, with baroque flourishes, a calm atmosphere, and a name that reminds you: kindness matters.
10 Things to Do in Nearby Santarém
1. The Lusitano Horse Capital Golegã (30 mins away)
A short drive north brings you to Golegã, the equestrian heart of Portugal and proud home of the Lusitano horse. The town comes alive in November during the National Horse Fair, but horse lovers can explore its year-round heritage through themed museums, traditional stables, and colonial-era architecture. This is Ribatejo at its most authentic – where the pace slows and the countryside opens up.
2. Serra de Aire e Candeeiros Natural Park – Caves & Hikes(35–40 mins away)
Craving fresh air and wide horizons? This protected natural park is a haven for hikers and nature seekers. Trails wind through dramatic limestone ridges, birdwatching is abundant, and the Grutas de Mira de Aire – the largest public cave in Portugal – adds a subterranean thrill to your visit. Perfect for a day outdoors, whether you’re chasing views or wandering underground.
3. Convent of Christ in Tomar – Templar Treasure (45 mins away)
Venture a little further for a half-day trip to Tomar’s Convent of Christ, a UNESCO World Heritage Site steeped in Templar history. Explore its church, medieval cloisters, and the famously ornate Chapter House window – an icon of Manueline architecture. It’s a place where Portugal’s past still whispers through stone. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and give yourself time to roam.
4. Casa Museu dos Patudos in Alpiarça – Art & History (25 mins away)
Once the home of José Relvas, a key figure in Portugal’s republic history, Casa Museu dos Patudos is now an elegant museum filled with art, antiques, and charm. Wander through refined rooms and into the lush garden, then round out your visit with a walk along the nearby river or a stop at a local winery. Culture and countryside meet beautifully here.
5. Salt Pans of Rio Maior – A Natural Oddity (30 mins away)
Yes, you can harvest salt inland – and Rio Maior proves it. These centuries-old salt pans still produce today, nestled beside rustic wooden huts selling local olive oil, honey, and handmade goods. It’s a scenic, surprising detour that reveals yet another side of Ribatejo. Don’t forget your camera – it’s one of the more unique things to do near Santarém.
6. Santuário de Fátima
An hour from Santarém, in the town of Fátima, a quiet reverence radiates through open squares and candlelit chapels. Whether you come seeking answers, peace, or simply awe, this iconic sanctuary welcomes all with open arms. One of the most visited pilgrimage sites in the world, Santuário de Fátima is a place of pause, reflection, and unity. Come for the Basilica’s towering spire; stay for the surprising sense of serenity that wraps around you.
7. Almourol Castle
A castle on an island, accessible only by boat? Yes, please. Floating dreamily in the Tagus River, Castelo de Almourol is the kind of place that lives in legends – and Instagram stories. Dating back to the 12th century, it’s a dramatic blend of stone, story, and sky. Climb the ramparts. Listen to the wind. Imagine knights in armour and whispered secrets of old.
8. Óbidos
Cobblestone streets. Bright bougainvillea. Whitewashed houses with candy-coloured trim. Welcome to Óbidos, a perfectly preserved medieval town that feels like a fairytale you can walk through. There’s a sense of theatre in its winding alleys and castle walls – every turn a little surprise. Come hungry and sip ginginha (sour cherry liqueur) from a chocolate cup. Come curious and lose yourself in Portugal’s literary village, where even the bookstore is set in an old church.
9. Mosteiro de Alcobaça
You don’t just visit Alcobaça – you feel it. This UNESCO-listed monastery is a masterclass in Gothic architecture and home to Portugal’s most enduring love story: Pedro and Inês, whose tombs rest here, side by side for eternity. Walk the vast cloisters in near silence, marvel at the scale of it all, and let the quiet grandeur transport you.
The town of Alcobaça itself is equally inviting. Stroll through tree-lined squares, savour sweet pão-de-ló (sponge cake), and feel the heartbeat of a place that prizes tradition without being stuck in time.
10. Mosteiro da Batalha
Born from a vow and built over centuries, Batalha Monastery is Portugal in stone form – bold, ornate, and full of soul. Its intricate carvings and impossibly high ceilings seem to defy gravity. You’ll find yourself staring up, wide-eyed. Wander the Founder’s Chapel. Trace your fingers across history. And don’t miss the Unfinished Chapels – a hauntingly beautiful reminder that even incomplete things can be magnificent.
From sanctuaries to castles, sleepy towns to storied monasteries, the area surrounding Santarém is a treasure map waiting for you to unfold it. Whether you’re driven by history, mystery, or just a good excuse to wander, there’s plenty to explore – and plenty of space to do it your way.
Enjoy your experience at Verdi Hotels
So go ahead. Choose your adventure. Let the road surprise you. And as always, if you’re staying with us at Verdi Santarém, our local hosts are ready to help you spin a story worth remembering.
