The town of Oeiras is located on the coast, on the so-called Portuguese Riviera, about 16 kilometers from the city center of Lisbon.
With a population of around 170,000 (2011 figures), there’s so much to see and do here that you’ll have to come back a few more times.
Since there are so many places to explore, both in the town and in the surrounding areas, we’ve put together a dozen must-sees.
1 – The 12 beaches
Since Oeiras is near the coast, let’s start with the beaches. There are 12 of them: Praia da Torre, Praia da Laje, Praia de Santo Amaro de Oeiras, Praia das Fontainhas, Praia de Paço de Arcos, Praia Velha, Praia da Giribita, Praia de Caxias, Praia de São Bruno, Praia da Cruz Quebrada, Praia do Dafundo and Praia de Algés.
Some of these beaches (not all of which have lifeguards) are among the favorites of holidaymakers from Lisbon – and beyond – who choose them for their good size and where it’s more pleasant to spend time with family or friends.
Transportation by train, on the Cascais Line, also helps make Oeiras’ beaches a favorite in the summer.
2 – Oeiras Ocean Swimming Pool
It has a capacity of around 1,000 people and is located between Praia da Torre and the Oeiras Marina.
Prepared for young and old alike, the Oeiras ocean pool has two saltwater tanks: one for children, 40 cm deep; and another for adults, with an area of1500m2 and depths ranging from 1.2 to 2 meters.
In the low season, until the end of June and in September, the pool is open between 10am and 7pm, while at July and August, it is open from 9.30am to 8pm. You can check here the price list.
3 – Oeiras seafront promenade
Better known as the sea wall, the Passeio Marítimo de Oeiras is one of the most fantastic places to walk, skate, cycle or simply enjoy the sea view.
This walk starts at Paço d’Arcos Beach and ends at Torre Beach. In its 5.5 kilometers, it crosses sites such as the dock, the ocean pool and some of Oeiras’ beaches.
4 – Poets’ Park
Parque dos Poetas is one of our favorite parks in Greater Lisbon. It covers 22.5 hectares and you can find representations of 60 poets, 50 of whom are Portuguese and 10 from Portuguese-speaking countries or territories.
It is undoubtedly a unique park that brings poetry and sculptural art together in the same space. It is divided into three areas, where you will find sculptures alluding to 20 poets of the 20th century, as well as troubadour poets, poets linked to the Renaissance and, finally, to the Baroque and Romantic eras.
Once in the park, on the highest side, you can enjoy a spectacular view over the river and ocean, as well as getting “lost” in the Poetry Time, the Labyrinth, the Island of Love and the Cybernetic Fountains.
5 – Marquês de Pombal Gardens and Palace
Classified as a National Monument in 1953, this area in Oeiras relied on the mastery of architect Carlos Mardel, who was able to create a strategic solution that allowed this area to be put to a more recreational use.
With a cinematic courtyard, the doors on the first floor open onto a large garden where you can enjoy walks, a picnic area, games, music and dancing.
Handed over to the Oeiras City Council in 2003, the Marquês de Pombal Palace and its surrounding gardens have been visited by many curious people, as well as being the venue for various events.
Contemplating one of the best decorative ensembles of the Pombaline period, rich in stucco and tiles, the various pieces of statuary, the marble busts, as well as the various walls and staircases covered in tiles are some of the attractions you’ll find here.
6 – Gunpowder Factory
Of extreme importance to the economic and social life of the area, the Fábrica da Pólvora (Gunpowder Factory), located in Barcarena, is one of the places where residents from the various surrounding areas gather.
After centuries of operation, first as a blacksmith’s shop and then as a black powder manufacturing workshop, in 1995 the Municipality of Oeiras acquired the premises and transformed it into a complex open to all, ready to host all kinds of cultural, leisure and entertainment events.
At the Fábrica da Pólvora, in addition to the green spaces, the picnic area and the children’s playground, we suggest a longer visit to the Jardim da Caldeira dos Engenhos, the Jardim das Oliveiras, the Praça do Sol, the Edifício das Galgas and a visit to the Museu da Pólvora Negra, where you can attend ateliers, workshops and outdoor activities.
7 – Vasco da Gama Aquarium
Between Algés and Cruz Quebrada-Dafundo is one of the oldest knowledge centers in the country, dating back to 1898. Who doesn’t remember visiting as a child? Vasco da Gama Aquarium with his giant squid?
The Museum is known for the deep-sea specimens associated with King Carlos I, considered by many to be the father of modern Portuguese oceanography; and the Aquarium is characterized by its emphasis on the diversity of marine fauna that occurs in mainland Portugal and the Azores and Madeira archipelagos, with more than 200 species that invite all visitors to take a look at some of the most incredible marine species on our planet.
8 – Jamor Sports Complex
The Jamor National Sports Center is a multifunctional space that combines sports and leisure.
It is located in the valley of the Jamor River and has an extensive area – one of the largest in Portugal – which is sought after mainly for sports, but also for walks and other outdoor activities, thanks to the surrounding pine forest .
9 – Egypt Palace Cultural Center
The Palácio do Egito has been part of the Oeiras City Council’s assets since 1980 and is located in the town’s historic center, near the Mother Church.
It currently serves as a cultural center and offers a temporary exhibition hall, a bookshop and three restaurant spaces.
10 – Fort of São Julião da Barra
The São Julião da Barra Fort is one of the most important military buildings in the country. The most famous military men and engineers in the service of the kingdom, such as Leonardo Turriano and Captain Fratino, were involved in its construction.
Like other fortifications, São Julião da Barra also served as a military and political prison. Today it is the official residence of the Minister of Defense.
You have to book in advance to visit. Only then can you admire the terraces, the domed casemates and the cistern, where there are regular cultural events.
Esta é a Área Metropolitana de Lisboa que não sabias que existia