
Throughout the municipality of Vila Franca de Xira you’ll find beautiful footpaths and natural areas, always with the Tagus river for company, but also palaces, buildings with modern architecture and, of course, the symbols of bullfighting culture.
Although almost 40 kilometers from the capital, Vila Franca de Xira is still part of the Lisbon Metropolitan Area.
Known for its rich history and bullfighting traditions, the truth is that Vila Franca de Xira is much more than bullfights, and it is precisely these places that we want to introduce you to.
Take a look at our itinerary and discover this land where the party is wild, but the people are kind and welcoming.
Table Of Contents
Vila Franca de Xira/Alhandra Footpath
It ‘s about four kilometers, always parallel to the Tagus, between the Fábrica das Palavras and the Casa Museu Dr. Sousa Martins, in Alhandra.
A path to discover on foot or by bicycle, with beautiful views of the river, contemplation areas and outdoor gym equipment.
Word Factory
Where there was once a rice husking factory, there is now a building of modern architecture that houses the municipal library and a cultural center.
Right in front of the Tagus, it offers beautiful views of the river while you read a book or attend an event.
Museum of Neo-Realism
This is another building of contemporary architecture dedicated to culture in Vila Franca de Xira, highlighting the literary and artistic movement that marked the last century.
In addition to the permanent exhibition, it also hosts several temporary exhibitions and a documentation center specializing in the neo-realist current.
Municipal Museum
Housed in a beautiful 18th century building, this museum shows the history and life of Vila Franca de Xira through exhibitions and various activities.
It is the central point of a network that extends to various centers throughout the municipality.
Palha Blanco Bullring
More than a century old (it was inaugurated in 1901) , this bullring is one of the city’s landmarks, representing the region’s bullfighting culture, since the festa brava runs in the blood of this land.
It is only possible to visit the interior during the races.
EVOA – Visiting and Birdwatching Area
Located in the heart of the Tagus Estuary Nature Reserve, EVOA is one of the best places in the country for birdwatching , thanks to the more than 200 species that fly over the area.
In addition to the trails that surround several lakes on the outskirts of the river, it also has an interpretation center and a space dedicated to exhibitions.

Tagus Walkways
The Tagus Walkways don’t really have an official name, but most people call them that because of their proximity to the river, which flows right next to them.
They are part of an extensive network of pedestrian and cycling paths, 5,627 meters long, made up of four routes.
The first one takes you to the Urban Park, where you’ll find the “Póvoa and the River” museum, a cafeteria and a children’s playground.
The River Linear Park/Trilho do Tejo takes you to Praia dos Pescadores, in Forte da Casa, and the surrounding areas, such as the picnic area and the environmental interpretation center.
In addition to these two, there is also the Forte da Casa Trail and the Verdelha Trail.
Quinta Municipal da Piedade
Located in the heart of Póvoa de Santa Iria, this is an old 14th century noble estate with a beautiful 18th century manor house with a church and hermitage.
It is now home to a pleasant urban park with a children’s playground, leisure areas and an educational farm.
Quinta Municipal do Sobralinho
Dating back to the 17th century, this is a beautiful palace with valuable art collections.
Outside, there is an orchard and agricultural areas that are still in use today.

Railway Station
It is known for its interesting tile panels, installed in 1930 by Jorge Colaço, and is an example of historic railway architecture.
The station building, in traditional Portuguese style, is located near the Constantino Palha Municipal Garden and just a few meters from the River Tagus.

Subserra Municipal Farm
Located in São João dos Montes, this farm, founded in the 17th century, offers incredible views of the surrounding region, with the Tagus and the city’s houses in the background.
Here, there is a palace, a chapel and a historic garden.

Varino boat “Liberdade”
This is an incredible experience that allows you to explore various routes on the Tagus River aboard a traditional boat.
During the trip, you can see various water birds, such as ducks, herons, sandpipers and sometimes flamingos.
According to the Vila Franca de Xira Town Hall website, it is possible to visit the boat between March and October.
