We live in a time when many of the main tourist destinations are publicized not only through the media, but also through social networks such as Instagram and TikTok. As such, there are places that quickly go viral. However, as incredible as it may seem, there are still others that remain authentic “hidden treasures”, such as the fantastic Templar city of Tomar.
Located about 1h30 by car from Lisbon (via the A1), a journey of approximately 140 kilometers, Tomar (district of Santarém) is a true cultural, architectural and landscape jewel. Widely known in Portugal for being the seat of the knight-monks, it seems that outside the city it still goes unnoticed. After all, it was recently voted Europe’s “best hidden treasure” for summer vacations.
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1st place in the European Hidden Treasures Index
The HomeToGo platform created the European Hidden Treasures Index based on various data and criteria, such as search trends, quality of views, local accommodation prices, gastronomy and climate. After a detailed analysis, a top 10 was drawn up.
According to the HomeToGo study, Tomar comes first with an overall total of 61.64 points. The city is perfect “for the curious traveler who craves cobblestones, colorful tiles and discovering Portugal’s rich past,” reads the platform’ s website.
The top 10
If you’re looking for other “hidden treasures” for your summer vacation, here’s a look at the top 10 of HomeToGo’s European Index:
- Tomar, Portugal
- Brisighella, Italy
- Nafplio, Greece
- Puy-l’Évêque, France
- Bremm, Germany
- Beynac-et-Cazenac, France
- Valdoviño, Spain
- Sibiu, Romania
- Labeaume, France
- Beaumaris, Wales, United Kingdom.
A brief historical context of Tomar
However, if you don’t have the opportunity to leave Portugal, you can always take advantage of your summer vacation to (re)discover the Templar city. There, genuine charm and the indelible mysticism of the knight-monks await you.
The origins of this town date back to the beginnings of the kingdom of Portugal, so we’re referring to the 12th century, when it was founded by Gualdim Pais, Master of the Knights Templar. In this context, some truly breathtaking monuments stand out.
The main points of interest
First of all, you’ll find the UNESCO World Heritage Site, namely the historic Convent of Christ and the Templar Castle, which combine Romanesque, Manueline and Renaissance architecture. This ensemble bears direct witness to the Templar influence in the region and, later, to the Order of Christ, which played an indispensable role in promoting the Portuguese Discoveries.
But as surprising as these monuments are, there are more reasons to visit Tomar, such as:
- Mata Nacional dos 7 Montes – the forest surrounding the Convent of Christ
- Historic center and synagogue (the oldest in Portugal and the Iberian Peninsula)
- Aqueduct of the Convent of Christ
- Museum of Matches
- Church of Santa Maria do Olival – where several Templar warriors rest for eternity, including Gualdim Pais, the Order’s first master in Portugal.
Festa dos Tabuleiros in Tomar
Every four years, you have even more reason to visit Tomar with the Festa dos Tabuleiros, an ancient celebration dating back to the Cult of the Holy Spirit (14th century).
Filled with trays laden with bread and flowers, the Ribatejo city will come alive even more in the next edition of the pilgrimage, which will take place from July 1 to 10, 2027.
Whether for its past glory and mysticism linked to the Knights Templar, or for the charm of its landscapes, Tomar is a “hidden treasure” for many Europeans and a source of pride for the Portuguese!
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