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Tomar, once the headquarters of the Knights Templar, is just an hour and a half from Lisbon.
And YES! Visit Tomar! It’s full of history, good pastries, cafes, and amazing views from the castle and the convent. It will be a great day trip or an overnight one.
Train from Oriente approx 2 hours: Camboios de Portugal.
Direct bus approx 1 hr 45 min Rede Expressos from Sete Rios in Lisbon.
How long should you stay in Tomar?Many people spend one day in Tomar and return to Lisbon for a late dinner.
I love Tomar. It’s a lovely small city, and if you are not in a rush, consider spending one night there before going to Nazare and other towns in the area.
Springtime and autumn are the prettiest times of the year, but I have been to Tomar in the winter and loved it.
Yes! It’s a walking city, and unlike Lisbon, it has no hills. You can go on lovely walks by the river and spend a few hours walking downtown.
Tomar is a very safe city.
Bring your sketching and photo hobby with you to Tomar.
You will love sketching and photographing in this town and the castle. There are so many lovely visual surprises. Travel with your hobbies!
Taverna Antiqua I ate here, and when I went in, I was afraid that I was walking into a tourist trap—not so! I ate a few unique and delicious local dishes and the service was excellent.
Café Paraíso might be the oldest café in town, established in 1911, and you can still feel and see its nostalgic charm.
The cafe was quiet when I first walked in, and it didn’t take long for locals to start trickling in for their afternoon coffee and pastry. It’s a classic spot, but don’t expect to find it online—Café Paraíso doesn’t have a website. If you’re looking to visit, you can find it at R. Serpa Pinto, 127
Chico Eias restaurant is just outside the city center. It is known for local cuisine and has become very popular! – Make a reservation before traveling to Tomar. Address: R. Conde de Tomar 92A, phone: +351 249 311 067
Rua Serpo Pinto has many cafes and pastry shops. Take your time walking down this street, and don’t forget to try the famous Tomar pastry: Beija-me depressa (Kiss me quickly).
Things to do in Tomar for the solo travelerStart your Tomar visit by visiting the Convent Order of Christ and the castle. It will give you a good idea of the city’s history and about the Knights of Templar.
St. John the Baptist Church
15th-century synagogue
Dom Manuel Bridge
Walk by the Nabão River at the Mouchão Park
Are you an aqueduct fan? I have met people who make aqueducts the main reason for traveling! I love people who travel with a purpose.
Visit the Aqueduct of Pegoes.
My favorite churchChurch Santa Maria do Olival is small and charming. It’s a few minutes from the historical center, and it’s easy to find a parking space. You will love this church!
Directions from Tomar to Almourol Castle
My favorite visit to Tomar was a short drive from downtown to the medieval Almourol Castle, built on a tiny island on the Tagus River.
I arrived just as the day was winding down. The evening light made everything look lovely. The sky was still a brilliant blue, and the castle’s reflection on the water was simply stunning.
Here’s a little tip from me to you: I got there a bit too late to cross the river and explore the castle up close.
So, when planning your roadtrip to Tomar, check out the crossing times. It takes a few minutes to cross the river. But even if you can’t make it over, don’t worry! Just being in this peaceful and beautiful spot is an experience in itself, and you will get some gorgeous photos!
Is it worth going on a day trip from Lisbon?
Yes, but leave Lisbon early! It can take 1 1/2 hours to get there from Lisbon. You will want enough time to see everything and have time for a leisurely lunch.
Are there any festivals?
Festival dos Tabuleiros, (or Festa do Divino) is the most famous festival in Tomar.
It happens every four years, and the last one was in 2023.
Women carry many trays with flowers and bread on their heads, and men dress up for the parades and processions on the decorated streets. There is lots of delicious food and things to see.
Can I take a bus or a train to Tomar?
Yes. But I suggest you rent a car to visit the fantastic Almourol castle.
What is a Templar?
A Templar is a Christian Knight. The pope supported the Templars, who belonged to a religious order. Templars became popular during the Crusades.
Who were the famous Templars in Portugal?
King Alfons I. He was the first king of Portugal and spent most of his time fighting the Moors.
Gualdim Pais was one of the most famous Portuguese crusaders and Knights Templar. He founded the castle of Tomar and is buried in my favorite church, Church Santa Maria do Olival.
Henry the Navigator was a Templar who lived in Tomar with his family and is known to have planned many of his trips from there.
Tomar became a thriving industrial city during the reign of D Maria I in the 18th century. It had textile, paper, soap, and glass factories and developed its agricultural activities.
Visit these lovely towns near Tomar:
Tancos, Fatima, Nazare, Leiria.
Marguerite Beaty, Blogger, Photographer & Artist
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